Have spent the last week and a half here in Africa. It has been the best experience of my life. (Experience, not moment. Marriage takes that award.) This place is amazing. The amount of joy that just comes out of the people despite the situations that they are in baffles me.
Hands down the highlight of the trip that has been speaking to two people about their experiences with the LRA and running from the Rebels. First I talked with George for about 4 hours. He told me all about the 3 years that he spent running from the LRA. How they had to crawl through the bush, hide in the trees, and dig holes under the swaps to sleep. Just an inhuman way to live. Couldn't believe the stories that he was sharing with me and how he survived.
The next guy that I talked to was named Stephen. He was abducted and forced to work for the LRA for 8 months. He met with Joseph Kony twice while he was in the LRA. He escaped one day in the middle of a battle. His stories were even crazier. By the grace of God he was never asked to kill anyone. Which is a miracle. That doesn't happen in the LRA. I can't even imagine being forced to do the things that he was forced to do. I can't even explain the stories he told. It wouldn't do it justice.
I am in debt to these two men for opening my eyes. You can watch the Invisible Children video as many times as you want. You can feel like you know what has gone on up here. And then you talk to George and Stephen, you realize you don't even understand the surface of it. I am blown away by their strength and courage. They are amazing men. They have seen more than I ever want to know. I am sure they haven't even told me the worst of it. I hope that their stories stay with me. Because their stories change me. They have to. They make me a better person. They have to. They make me realize my place in this world. They have to. They make me understand the grace and mercy of God. They have to.
We are in airports right now. Had an interesting night last night. My name was spelled incorrectly on my plane ticket so they wouldn't let me on the plane. Had to make a lot of calls and do a lot of smooth talking to get them to let me through security. Once I was through security, everything worked out. But it was an interesting couple of hours in the San Diego airport trying to get them to let me through security. A little stressful. But it all worked out. Hopefully they let me fly home. That could be bad. Heather wouldn't like that very much.
We are in DC right now and about to get on a plane for the next 14 hours. DC to Rome to Ethiopia. Change plans again, then head to Uganda. Long couple of days of traveling. But A fun experience with my group. Getting excited to get there and start working. After last night, Uganda will be relaxing. Should be able to post more later. You can follow the whole trip on the group blog.
www.sfcmedical.blogspot.com
Leaving on Wednesday night for my trip to Uganda. Very excited, and a little nervous. We have 30 hours of traveling to get there which should be interesting. But a good group and fun times. I will post as much as I can about what we are doing over there. Check in and see what we are doing.
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