nobody said it was easy.

It’s true... as Colplay puts it, “nobody said it was easy”. I can’t explain how hard those words are hitting me right now. I know nothing in life is easy, but I can honestly say this is the hardest thing I have ever done in my life. Three weeks here, and three weeks to go and I have already learned so much. I know I grew up with a pretty privileged life and it was not until now that I fully appreciate everything I have in my life. I think about things I used to complain about or things that I thought were hard and I just laugh at myself. I have the best parents in the world who would do anything for me, and being here just makes me appreciate how grateful I am for family. Material things are great but not as great as things that truly last. I have learned that there are things in life that we can hold onto and those are the things that matter. Not to get too religious, but I also don’t know if I could make it here without the gospel. I have always loved it and had a strong testimony, but I believe that without the Lord I wouldn’t have the strength to be here right now. I believe that everyone has trials in life and everyone has to experience something out of their comfort zone, but I also believe that we aren’t given any trials we can’t handle. And that is why I know that I am supposed to be here right now. There are always going to be times in our lives where we struggle, but that makes us stronger. I know that I will come home from Uganda and stronger and humbler person. These people in Africa are teaching me a whole lot about the kind of person I am and the person I want to be. I hope everyone reading this really thinks about their lives right now and gives it a second look. I’m not trying to make you feel bad or anything, I’m just stating what I have learned and what I am feeling. 

This weekend was pretty rough too... I got super sick in the hostel we stayed at in Kampala on Saturday night and I was throwing up all night. I also was THAT girl throwing up in a taxi FILLED with Africans. At that point I can honestly say I thought I was going to die right then and there. I was balling and as pale as a ghost and I felt so helpless. I am doing better today, I just feel so weak. I have to lay in bed because if I stand up I feel like I am going to pass out. Let me tell you guys, being sick in a third world country just isn’t the best. About 10 other people in the house are sick too and one girl had to go to the hospital in Kampala last night and she has a parasite. They said it could be from the water in the Nile River and that we should get checked if we aren’t feeling better soon. So I guess I’ll keep everyone updated on that! 

A few weeks before I left someone told my mom that this trip would be good for me and when I heard that I just thought “umm what is that supposed to mean?” But I get it now. I get that this really is good for me and I get that this experience is something I needed. I needed my eyes to be opened and I needed this at this specific time in my life. These college years are all about learning and growing, and that is just what I am doing. I am learning and growing and it IS good for me. I know I will come home a different and hopefully better person. I just have to remember that struggles are temporary and we can always make it through. This is the hardest and best 6 weeks of my life. But then again, nobody said it was easy, right? 

I still love Africa and the people and life here, don’t get me wrong. I am loving helping these people and enriching their lives here. I just have to focus and remember what is important in life. All I want right now is Jamba Juice. So do me a favor... everyone have one in honor of me and enjoy what I can’t. This was deep, sorry guys... but I LOVE YOU ALL! 

testing people for HIV. amazing experience. 

we love our driver Fred. 

working with what we have here... mango salsa.

love this little cutie, Deborah. so smart and going places.

HELP volunteers at the Health Camp.

found my African cowboy

sick badges... check us out

loved working at this