10 Things I Learned in Uganda
I spent three weeks in Uganda, Africa with Sozo Children, in June. This was my second time going. A trip to Africa is life changing. Ask anyone who's been. Still, I didn't think that I'd be able to come up with 10 things that God has taught me. But when I started thinking about it, one thing after another came to me quickly. I had learned far more than I even thought (although a few things are a little less serious than others- see number 1).
1. Justin Beiber has no idea how many little Ugandans love his music.
You'd be surprised how those little girls know every lyric to "Sorry."
2. I have a lot of growing up to do.
Being in Uganda, without my parents, put a magnifying glass over my maturities and immaturities, most of which only I (hopefully) could see. I learned that it's okay to not have my future planned out, and to be content that I am at a crossroads. I know that I will have to sit and wait a little before I know which path to take. I was able to see more clearly how God is painstakingly shaping me into the woman he wants me to be.
3. "Try and fail, but never fail to try"
This is kind of self-explanatory, but I heard this quote so many times in Uganda. I often replay the voices of my dear friend's encouragement, after many attempts to convince them that I couldn't do this or that (but honestly, sports will never be my thing). Since coming back, those words from friends on the other side of the world have aided in my motivation: to be a leader in school, go running with my mom, hike 600+ steps to the top of a waterfall, start a blog, and other little moments.
4. It's not about me.
Pride. Sometimes I struggle with this. Whilst in a country where so many precious children adore you, and the people love the color of your skin and dimpled cheeks, well sometimes I'd get a little full of myself. And I had to stop and remember in the middle of all the joy and love being received, that the joy and love must also be given- kind of the whole point of the trip. Which leads me to the next thing I learned.
Can you find me in this picture? #whereissolie
5. I am not a hero.
When I first went to Uganda, I had no idea what I was getting myself into. The second time I went, I still kind of didn't know what I was getting myself into. But I do know that I never went thinking I was going to go rescue some poor, orphaned kids and change a whole country. I learned that I definitely don't want to be a hero. Actually, I could care less about saving a country. Because I can't. Many people go into missions with a heroic approach. But when I looked around at the poverty, and all that goes along with "third world", I refused to let myself get overwhelmed by it all, remembering that Jesus is the game-changer. The only thing I can do is serve, love, and let the light of Christ in me spread into the darkness. And if you go with the right mindset, that's all you want to do.
6. Keep my brain on.
I still remember being at the bank, getting new dollars to exchange when I got to Uganda. We conversed lightly with the banker, telling him where I was headed and he said, "Keep your eyes open." My parents very seriously talked about this often. Not only would I be in another country, but my parents were not available as my main set of eyes. And I definitely noticed when I hadn't turned my brain on. Whether big or little, they were moments I wished I could take back. I'm glad I experienced them when I did, because I'm better prepared for next time. These moments were a reminder to always be aware of my thoughts and actions, and whether or not I'm radiating Christ.
7. I kind of want a pet monkey.
Have you seen that "puppy-monkey-baby" Super Bowl commercial? I wouldn't suggest seeing it if you haven't, but that is MJ, the monkey who has made Sozo his home. A pet monkey would be fun to have!
8. More than a mission trip.
This may seem ridiculous. This may be just me (yet, I'm sure that I'm not the only one). Maybe it's a God given thing. But I feel like I have an obligation to the kids. It would just feel wrong if I were to go spend weeks in Uganda, grow so close to the children, and then just drop out of their lives forever. Of course they have the consistency of the staff, but people come in and out of their lives, practically on a weekly basis, and I don't want to be that person. Not everyone is called to be the person to go back. But going to Uganda is more than just a mission trip. It's going home. It's seeing my brothers and sisters in Christ and investing in their lives, as a true friend. It's helping sweet auntie's do chores, just like in America (well, with a Ugandan twist). It's joking around with uncles, immersing myself in the culture, shutting out distractions and listening to God.
9. Christ is more important than anything.
There are a lot of kids my age at the houses, and I LOVE talking with them. One thing I realized is that without phones, social media, drama, boyfriends/girlfriends, these kids are so content. Not that I personally have any of that stuff, but I realize even more now that none of it matters. Almost everyone I talked to about school encouraged me to be a light in my own school, either by sharing how they share Christ or directly encouraging me to be a light- because phones, social media, drama, boyfriends/girlfriends, all that is so unimportant. There is so much more to life than these silly things, and God really reinforced that in my heart.
10. My heart is in Uganda.
I'm sure this is so cliche. I knew before this trip that my heart is in Uganda, but I knew leaving this trip that my heart is in Uganda. It kind of goes back to how going to Uganda is more than just a mission trip; it's home. My heart is in Uganda. No, it's not always comfortable, and there is a lot to adapt to in a drastically different culture. But I am just so deeply in love with the people; they bring so much joy to my heart. And the beauty of the country- there is a reason it is "The Pearl of Africa." It's one of those loves you can't explain unless you've experienced it for yourself.
I know I use this picture a lot. But I think that my face in this picture really portrays a true, deep joy. This face embodies how I feel about Uganda.
Thanks for reading,
Solie White
