The streets buzz with action. The compilation of children, adults, and animals swarming the hive of the city center creates the feeling of absolute chaos. Music blasting from speakers of moving trucks, boda boda’s creating havoc as they weave through dense traffic, women cooking matoke, men playing cards, children chasing chickens and laughing with joy. Every inch of the roadside is pumping the energy. The air is hot and humid. Droplets of sweat permeate from their chocolate skin. It's 11pm and I have just arrived in Kampala.
On the outside, I appear as a strong confident Muzungo. I know this land, I understand their ways, I am familiar with their culture. I feel their curious eyes watching my every move. I don't blame them; it's an unusual sight to see a vanilla colored woman moving with purpose through this dusty city. I smile and maintain my poise. The dirt, the dust, the traffic, the noise, the tears, the laughter, the vulnerable look of extreme poverty; welcome back to Uganda.
I listen to my thoughts as they flash between excitement and fear. I struggled during my first visit. I couldn't shake the severity of the illness or the intensity of the suffering that I witnessed day in and day out. I did all I could to give life to her and her newborn infant. There were moments of joy until I quickly became swallowed by the sadness and desperation in her eyes. I would pray that in this overpopulated country suffering from treatable diseases and malnutrition, her small bundle of joy would be one of the few blessed health and happiness.
I left feeling defeated. I have returned feeling determined and hopeful. I will do my part to make this world a better place. And I am so thankful there are others willing to join me in my efforts.
On the outside, I appear as a strong confident Muzungo. I know this land, I understand their ways, I am familiar with their culture. I feel their curious eyes watching my every move. I don't blame them; it's an unusual sight to see a vanilla colored woman moving with purpose through this dusty city. I smile and maintain my poise. The dirt, the dust, the traffic, the noise, the tears, the laughter, the vulnerable look of extreme poverty; welcome back to Uganda.
I listen to my thoughts as they flash between excitement and fear. I struggled during my first visit. I couldn't shake the severity of the illness or the intensity of the suffering that I witnessed day in and day out. I did all I could to give life to her and her newborn infant. There were moments of joy until I quickly became swallowed by the sadness and desperation in her eyes. I would pray that in this overpopulated country suffering from treatable diseases and malnutrition, her small bundle of joy would be one of the few blessed health and happiness.
I left feeling defeated. I have returned feeling determined and hopeful. I will do my part to make this world a better place. And I am so thankful there are others willing to join me in my efforts.