April 23, 2014 – Departure to Uganda
Home away from Home
Dear all,
Even though I am going over solo from
Hope 2 One Life, and packed four tubs (instead of 22 and a full team
as in the past), the process of getting ready is still overwhelming!
One would think the airport situation in Billings would go without a
glitch after 10 years and 12 trips but that was not the case once
again. The airline agent even though she was great last trip gave me
a problem about the extra tub and it flustered me quite a bit. I am
allowed three tubs for medallion status and I pay for one extra, she
tried to insist I pay for two and I madly tried to find the
rules...wouldn't ya know it I usually carry them with me but assumed
a smooth sail...so didn't have them. As Dan was lookiing for
internet access, the AIDSpirit team showed up and she flippantly said
I will just waive the one. They all had 3 tubs each on Tom's
medallion status and one extra and she didn't give them a bit of
hassle. Oh....just that little bit of stress after very little sleep
for days prior to the trip, coupled with many extra hours of work
prior to save up to pay the bills while I am gone is enough for me to
ask..."Oh God...why.. why is it rarely easy....why do I put
myself through this?"
That is when I always remind
myself....I am simply following my life's calling and serving God's
work... doing what i can to help just one small miniscule fraction
of orphans and widows, impoverished families and children in a
suffering world. I remember the angels that guard me front and back
through the years and all the prayers that carry me through as I am
simply the messenger. Thus, as soon as I get on the plane and sigh a
huge relief, I settle in to the peace and calm of the 34 hour travel
in great anticipation of the journey to come....muster up every bit
of perseverance and energy and place my sights forward on the work to
be done and hope to be restored. On faith alone, leaving Kenny and
my american world behind as I head for my beloved Uganda...home away
from home.....
I am grateful to all of you for the
prayers that will carry me and the many who have made this trip
possible! St. Vincent Healthcare Foundation for providing my
travel grant for the plane ticket. Without their help, I would have
to work 4 jobs instead of three to pay for the time I am missing
work. I am grateful for the ST V WIC staff, providers and managers
for keeping their promise of allowing me to travel for this work to
Uganda twice a year even though it leaves gaps in the schedule. I am
grateful for the H20 Board of directors in their great assistance
with many things while I am gone and in providing the guidance and
help while I am over in Uganda, especially as I tackle some difficult
issues by myself. I am grateful to Ranae so much for helping me
pack, if not for Ranae I would have been in panic mode daily. I am
grateful to Dan for saving the day once again and getting me to the
airport and through the check in process. I am grateful to the
AIDSpirit team, Tom and Jean Jacques, Jeans sister Gretchen and Angie
Osborne (famously known of the wife of Tom Osborne in Uganda, our
water expert!) as we travel together and partner in some of the work.
They will be in Kayunga for approx 11 days and on then visit the
farm for 3 days before flying out May 6. I will be on my own and
living as a Ugandan for 3 weeks following for a total of 5 weeks
which likely will be packed with many many adventures and amazing
counters. With grace and ease...I pray I will move through every
challenge with grace and ease.
Nadine
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