Wow!!! Oh my goodness! I’m in Uganda! Holy moly! Being in Africa has been such a blessed experience and I’ve loved every second of it! This last week we got the opportunity to run a SLAM service camp for youth here, and it was such an amazing time. The camp was solely ran by the East-African leaders and our Internship Team.
We had a lot more responsibility during this time than we had in Nashville and even El Salvador. I took on a new role this week being a Late Nite media manager underneath Merci, and boy that was a lot more work than I thought it was going to be. I spent the entire day one day planning, writing, directing, and editing a short film for Late Nites and it was a lot to consider.
This was my first time specifically working on the planning and administrative side of Late Nites and it taught me a lot. In order for the video to get done I had to work during service project times, sermons, and worship— something I’ve never had to do before. I was talking to Kiah (my sister and fellow Intern) and letting her know I was struggling with having to do this because it didn’t feel right. But she encouraged me to still try to engage, God isn’t placed in one area, but if you invite him into your moment he can meet you there. Although I had to take on a new and different role than I ever have during a SLAM week, and had to make some sacrifices, I can testify to how good and beautiful of a week it was!!!
I love connecting with people, and especially SLAM students, during times like this, and because of my new role I didn’t think I would’ve had the time or venue to do so, but I was wrong. On the last day of camp, since there were no Late Nites, I got the opportunity to go to a service project!! Yess! Finally!! I knew this was going to be one of the last times I could see and meet the kids, so I took this time very seriously, and the Lord met me during it.
I got to meet multiple students and serve alongside them. George, Meddy, Shira, Isaac, and Diana. Our service project was to go rebuild a Cho (a typical African outhouse bathroom) for a widow nearby (it was a 45min walk). I tried my best to meet and connect with the students and I connected best with a young lady named Diana. She had such a beautiful story and such a pure heart. Her goal during my time was to try to teach me how to be Ugandan, I already have the slow-paced walk, so I was starting in a good spot.
But during our time at the widows house, we needed some water, so me, Diana, and an East African intern—Rocky, went to a nearby well to fetch some water in jerrycans (20 liter jugs for carrying water). This was one of the ways she showed me how to be Ugandan. I also had my first African Mango, she picked it for me and taught me how to time a properly peel one. Lastly, I was taught how to eat sugar cane! Sugar cane is sooooo good! I definitely didn’t eat it right the first 10+ times, but I eventually got better. I got to learn about Diana’s life and even encourage her in some of her curiosities about the Bible, it was such a sweet and precious time and I’m thankful I had it.