There’s a couple of ways – many ways, actually – to talk about the conclusion of a trip like this. The side of me that’s been trained to proclaim (maybe the lawyer/argumentative family background poking its head up?) wants to make a clear case for why nearly everyone should come to Uganda someday. The theologian wants to make a case for seeing things apparent in the Kingdom through an experience like this. My role as a father, husband, and friend leads me to emphasize the depth of need and the real opportunities to bring Christ-centered hope to the people of Uganda.
But, of course, it’s so much bigger than that. I wholeheartedly believe that most people (good health and a reasonable amount of mobility/stamina are requirements for any kind of travel in the developing world) can and should make this trip a priority. I also believe that, like a friend of mine told me before I went, you will see the hand of God in Uganda in clear, life-changing ways. Just like seeing God’s handiwork is a privilege of this trip, so is the transformation of a team into a family.
When you visit Jinja and meet the people who lovingly serve Christ at the Amani Baby Cottage, you encounter people who are already serving together as a family. Varied gifts, backgrounds, and passions abound, just like any family. The mission of Christ unites such a disparate group of people in ways that none of us could have imagined. And we’re certainly formed by the people whom we meet as we serve together - and thus become a family.
So let’s see if I can create a case for Uganda: you will find a family. Your love for Christ and compassion for others will grow. You’ll see people you’ve never met doing work that will shake the foundations of your heart. Some of the most beautiful landscapes on God’s earth will unfold before you. People from across the globe will embrace you, affirm your giftedness, and give you the role and the tools you need to serve children. And your heart just might break for people you don’t even know but whom God loves dearly.
St. Augustine once wrote that a community is a group of people knit together by common objects of love. For our team, Uganda was a tremendous experience of Christian community, knit together by love for Christ and his children. I hope you’ll be a part of it someday.
Thanks to everyone for your prayers and support. Look for more thoughts and reflections on Uganda at this blog in the months to come.
Blessings,
Travis
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