The end of a fabulous trip

The airport in Entebbe, Africa is a military base, from what I understand. It's about an hour outside of Kampala (add a half hour or so for insane traffic featuring motorcycles as the dare devils). We haven't left Africa yet, but sitting in an air conditioned lounge, fresh out of a hot shower which is easily the best I've had in two weeks...the poverty and dust of Uganda seems quite far removed.

I certainly have not yet fully processed the experience of the last two weeks in Uganda, but I feel the need to ramble off a few thoughts while still fresh.. raw.

Very frankly, I'm not ready to leave. And I'm even less ready to embrace the life I left.. picking up at work in less than 36 hours. I don't know if I'm prepared to hear the complaints and troubles of the homeless in Philadelphia.. with their access to governmental housing and food and such.  I don't know if I'm prepared to see the panhandlers on the streets.. with their life in stark comparison to the 4 year old child begging on knee in the dusty sidewalks of kampala. I dont know if I'm prepared to walk into my condo apartment with two bathrooms and enough floor space to house hundreds of children. I don't know if I'm prepared for the excess..

The poverty in America is hidden, you have to search for it. But in Uganda, the wealth is hidden.

More than the awareness of tremendous poverty, is the knowledge of hope and faith. It began with a hinting of a thought.. a whisper; perhaps beginning with the women at the stone quarry. Greetings by a group of kids, nearly 100 strong, watered the thought. It then grew throughout the week until it left me teary eyed on Sunday morning. I am humbled by the people I met in Uganda.. from the youngest child to the oldest man, from the widow to the preacher.. these people, in their desolation and poverty hold more hope and faith than I ever imagined possible. It is awe inspiring. Amazing to witness and difficult to explain.

I feel strengthened by the people.. as though they've added a tremendous and necessary support to my life.

For now, all I have to say is webilee.. thank you.