THE RETURN OF THE MUZUNGU

Six days.

Six days I've been in Uganda.

Six amazing days.

It was just last Tuesday, almost to the hour that I found myself standing in the Munich airport waiting to hug my close friends, waiting to say goodbye to the wonderful team I worked and loved alongside in Slovenia. What an amazing two weeks, what a breathtaking country, and what remarkable people I got to know and love while there. To jump from one experience like English Camp in Slovenia to the work I'm about to start in Uganda has been a little weird, and at times difficult. The transition was so quick that the needed time to fully process, consider how I feel, my thoughts, and my response was almost nonexistent. You will hear more about my experience in Slovenia later, but for now I will leave you with this; I miss Slovenia, saying goodbye was hard, but I knew our goodbyes were not forever. The first couple of days felt a bit strange, waking up in the morning not seeing my team, my girls, and all the Slovenes I became such good friends with and have come to care for deeply every day. To my Slovene friends and family, my girls; I love you all and miss you all!  Thank you for opening your hearts, your lives and letting me become a part of it, I'm excited to continue to build our friendships even as I'm not in Slovenia physically. Until next time! :)

Pst, look below; these are the wonderful and crazy folks I just spend a week with in Slovenia, I love you all!!!

(Photo credit: Lauren Reavely)

A lot of people asked me while prepping for these trips if I had a preference, ultimately asking if I had to choose between Slovenia and Uganda which would be my favorite.  Most times I would remain silent for a second because that is a legitimate question, although when I look at them I wouldn’t even be able to compare the two, simply due to the fact each are completely amazing a unique in their own way.  My response was usually something like I don’t have a favorite, the nature of the two trips are completely different that I couldn’t choose.  I was equally excited to love on people in Slovenia and love on people in Uganda, each in a unique way making being fully present and living intentionally where I am a natural thing no matter where I find myself.

Now, back to the trip at hand.  While it’s Thursday here and I’ve begun working on my first film project at Loving Hearts Babies Home in Ggaba, this post will only update you from Thursday afternoon until Sunday night.  

After thirty one hours, four countries, two layovers, and 5343 miles traveled I finally landed in Uganda last Thursday afternoon. As I stepped off the plane I was immediately greeted by a familiar air, a familiar scent.  Memories began to flood back in as if a dam had just broken.  It was as if I hadn't been gone at all.  Making my way through the airport, through customs, gathering my luggage, I was ready.  Ready to step out on my own.  Ready to begin this month long adventure.  I finally reached the doors.  Taking my first steps on Ugandan soil, I looked up searching each face before me, it didn’t take long to see my name written on a plaque.  In that moment I couldn’t help smiling. For one thing, I’ve always wanted to be greeted at an airport this way (preferably I would have loved it even more if the person greeting me was in a suit but this was perfect).  Secondly,  this moment meant the months of planning and working towards this trip happening had finally come to fruition.  I’m really in Uganda.  I can't want to start working, doing something I'm passionate about in this country I love.

Behind the plaque I saw one of the men I’ve been planning this whole trip with, corresponding via email and have been excited to meet for months.  Ladies and gents, meet Francis.

I quickly learned we were going to get along just fine.  After a minute or so of greeting he turns to me saying, “Melanie, are you sure?  Is that you? I was worried you were going to be an old woman who wouldn’t be fun.”  I couldn’t help laughing as I was a little worried too of who I would be traveling with this next month; worried if it was going to be someone who wouldn't be up for having some laughs and fun along the way.  As we spent more time talking, getting to know each other I discovered Francis was going to be my main point person for the next month, road trip buddy, creative co-director, and victim of any joke I decide to play as well as the other way around.  But when he says joke it's more of a prank, where I just mean he's going to be a victim of my humor.  I fear he will get me good by the end of the month. I think he’s pretty determined to play some epic trick on me.  

It was a refreshing feeling after the previous day of traveling to sit there as he drove from Entebbe to Kampala getting to know and build a community with someone.  After a couple quick and important stops along the way for money and food we finally reached my final destination, which I was looking forward to.  This final destination, Pastor Peter’s home.  For those of you who don’t know this man, he is the founder of Africa Renewal Ministries and a pastor, specifically of Ggaba Community Church.  While in the capital, which is a decent amount I will be staying at the guesthouse next to his family's home, which is perfectly sized for just me.  I was a little nervous meeting this family, hoping we hit it off being that I would be staying there quite a bit.  

As Francis pulled in and we made our way up the stairs my eyes were shocked to see my dear friend Anita.  This woman is pretty amazing folks, she was my guide last time I was here.  We’ve stayed connected on Facebook over the years.  I knew I would get to see her at some point during this trip, but I didn’t realize I would get to reconnect with her and also see her baby for the first time on my first day in Uganda.  This made my first day ever so sweet!

To stay at a family’s home during most of trip while not what I expected has proven to be wonderful.  I came into this trip knowing I would be taken care of by ARM, they would have a roof over my head at night and food to curious, but beyond that I knew nothing.  I came in with only those simple expectations.  I had no idea what to expect, they could have chosen to put me up in motel, a hostel, a guesthouse somewhere by myself, or anything really.  For Peter and his family to open their home and welcoming me into their lives has been such a blessing thus far. Although I’m here alone, I don’t feel alone.  It’s as if I’m in a tiny way a part of their family already.  I catch myself calling this place home, which is such a natural thing for me as this family has made it home for me.  

These first couple of days have been almost entirely spent with the family, when I’m not editing photos and video from Slovenia.  These first couple of days in Africa I have been living life at a slower pace, building connections, sweet friendships and bonding with the family and their friends as we live life together, doing the normal family thing.  From family dinners, church, playing games, late night girl talks, movie nights, and even Peter’s graduation party, I’ve loved every moment.  

The only day I spent out and about was Friday, a much needed day of planning at the ARM headquarters.  Francis and I bunkered ourselves down for countless hours creating each film’s concept, outline, schedule, and how we will make each project happen.  I then came home to develop interview questions, look at all our notes/ideas that were written feverishly on my notepad and developed an organized outline for the two of us.  It wasn’t so bad, especially when I can sit here on the balcony of my guesthouse with my music, working as the orange African sun fades into the distant horizon.  This morning I’m sitting in this favorite spot of mine with a cup of Ugandan tea as I write this update to you all. Perfection.

Let’s stop for a minute and I’ll introduce Peter’s family.

Starting from the third guy in is Omal, Peter (in the graduation gown, I'll explain below), Irene (Peter's wife), Dennis (in the back), James (dark blue shirt), big Isaac (far right), and little Isaac (orange shirt).

Shebah, Lydia, Joclin, Anita, Peter, Joy, Jackie, and Irene.

There you have it, my Ugandan family.  

Can we talk about how Ugandan’s know how to throw a party, and a good and long one at that.  I was invited to celebrate Peter’s graduation from seminary on Saturday with family, friends, mentors, coworkers, etc.  I was lucky to be in on some of the surprises the family had for him.  From big Isaac driving for a couple hours early Saturday morning to pick up Peter’s mother from her village, to come celebrate, the memories video that was created and all the old friends that showed up.  I loved when stories were being told (in both English and Lugandan) causing the room to erupt with laughter.  With entertainment from the children’s choir, singing, funny stories, yummy good, how could I not have fun.  Here are some photos from my weekend.

Oh and this is Bingo, James' dog and my new pal.

Sunday might have been my favorite day thus far. It’s been a relaxing day spent at church and lunch with the family.  Sundays here are the most low key of days as there are no plans other than what I listed above.  It’s a day to spend together or doing anything really.  As I mentioned above Peter is the pastor of Ggaba Community Church which happens to be right next to the Africa Renewal Ministries offices.  Because Peter is the pastor it makes the experience of going to church a little different.  Usually most of the family stays for all three services, but some only go for one then leave again…I just had to choose which service I wanted to go to and catch a ride.  In the end I went with the boys, for the second service.  The second service is different from the others as it’s the only service that has worship and the sermon in both Lugandan and English.  It was nice knowing what was being said and such but to be honest I’m down for going to one of the other services next week which would be done completely in Lugandan.  

To stand next to Den and James; surrounded by brothers and sisters in Christ in that crowded room in worship to our God was another one of my favorite moments.  The beautiful thing about worship and Christ’s love is that it transcends all language differences, cultural differences, or oceans that separate.  In those moments I enjoyed simply listening as the voices earnestly lifting their own voices of praise to our God…realizing the words themselves do not really seem to matter all that much.  The meaning and heart behind them being offered up to God in one united chorus of different voices something beautiful.  

These first days have been remarkable, but I’m really excited to hit the road in the morning to start my first film project with ARM.  I’ll be venturing out to the new Loving Hearts Babies Home property, filming the babies, those who give their time to love on these little ones and interview a few people including actual parents who have adopted through Loving Hearts Babies Home.  I’m ready to see what God has in store for me for the next month!  Please keep me in your prayers as I’ll be really busy this month and I'm beginning to feel a little low on energy.  Even with all the excitement around I'm starting to notice that.  I know God will keep me strong and will give me the needed energy but some extra prayer wouldn't hurt!  Love you all and I’ll keep you updated with the crazy week I’m about to have shortly!