I See God

Monday, July 16^th

Fireflies cover the night. A bonfire burns as new memories are being made around it. Soda caps jump over each other on a handmade Checkers board. Upon wooden chairs, people star gaze and lament. And I, I am DJ as spoons are strewn across a massive wooden table while friends compete in an intense game of SPOO… or as Issac geniously dubbed it, SHOT. 

The games and tents and sky and smoke are so familiar but the experience so different . A new land to me and new friendships. Staying up til the wee hours of midnight. Sarah (yes, there’s another Sarah and since we have the same name, aka namesake, and I am the elder Sarah, she owes me a chicken… still waiting on it) and I were the only post 10 ‘o clock troopers, and I’m so glad we were. Deep discussions were had – from religion to relationships and like any good friendship, thoughts, preconceptions, and philosophies were challenged and reflected upon. How lucky am I? With each conversation I have had, I have grown individually or gotten to know somebody better because of it. I am surrounded by amazing people and places and I am so grateful. 

Chatting ‘religion’ got me to thinking about when I feel closest to Him. It has been different places at different times, but a sure bet is when I am out in nature, doing something active. I can see, feel, touch, smell, his handiwork up close and personal. I am reminded, not only of an “Intelligent Designer”, but a caring, thoughtful, humorous higher power. You can see that through the pics below of the DLT (Deer Like Things) and water buffalo. What ridiculous looking animals.

We had the option through this program of going on a weekend safari trip to Murchison Falls and for some reason I just could not get as pumped as everyone else seemed to be. It felt so cliché. It felt wrong, spending so much money, given the purpose or intent of our trip. Also, thanks to my fabulous third grade teacher (shout out to Ms. O-H!), I’m conscious about my footprint in nature and effect on animals’ habitat and natural ecosystem. I was concerned we’d be the white folks driving through, spewing gas and trash, chasing animals around and out of their natural patterns of life and wreaking general havoc on the environment.

I won’t say it wasn’t like that at ALL… but it was clear we were definitely mindful of the animals and their natural habitat (which, by the way is 3,893 sq km large). Not only was it a great experience to have with friends, it also allowed me to see God in a new way. In conclusion (I am now concluding my “brief” speech), for friendly bonding and a reawakening to God’s glory, I was extremely grateful to get in on the safari action. I hope you can appreciate some of the pics I stole from Josh Franklin, (and a few from Rachel Metzger and Andraya Eisenman) as much as the experience itself. I took lots of pics, but God blessed Josh with a much more fine tuned eye, steady hand, and way nicer of a camera.

Home Sweet Hut - Roomies for the night with Beth, Rachel, Lauren, Andraya, and Jane

Watching the sun set from base camp just outside of Murchison.

The sun had risen, the mattress was on top of the mutatu, the time had come... Toto's "Africa" was to be blared and a sing a long was to be had!!!

Clearly the best mutato on this side of the Nile: Jeff, Jane, Rachel, me, Mark, and Ashley:)

We got up early in hopes of seeing some lions, but these (compliments of John Magee who couldn't come with us) were our only sighting.

DLT - Deer Like Things

Babies has lighter spots, the old and wise are darker... kind of like age spots

He's just a 'lil guy

Uganda's official symbol, the crested crane

Here's to the Bowling Ballerinas, who were alllllmost as cute as elegant as these bad boys in nature AND in the Disney movie

I freakin' love this girl!

YES! Warthogs have to kneel down to eat... HI larious!

Sarah, Becca and I at Murchison Falls

Niles on the Nile!

Getting stuck? Not a problem - GOT IT!!!

We heart Uganda

All in a day's adventure:) Thanks, God!