How can I describe?

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There's so much about daily life here that defies my ability to write about it.

How do I describe the anticipation of hoping it won't rain so I can go to the market (for slippery mud roads, rain pelting in my face, and dirt up to my knees typically discourage any excursions in the rain!!)?

How do I describe the challenges of successfully mounting (side saddle) the back of a piki (motorcycle taxi) with two full caveras (plastic bags) in each hand while managing a full length skirt? Or then juggling those caveras while holding on for dear life over the hole-ridden roads?

How do I describe my constant direction confusion as this Colorado Springs girl, born and raised with the Rocky Mountains rising in the WEST, now looks toward mountains in the EAST???

How do I describe the complete anticipation and slight trepidation that the question "What are you cooking for dinner" now brings each day?

How do I describe my embarrassment at having so much when people around me have so very little? When the plastic containers I think are useless and throw away are caught up and treasured by others?

How do I describe the joy that fills my heart when small voices shout Teecha Melody! Teecha Melody, and tiny hands frantically wave as I whiz past on my piky?

How do I describe how much sweeter ice cream is when eaten under the hot sun with shining black faces gathered around licking their lips too?

How do I describe the complete surprise and astonishment that overcomes the faces of those that I greet in Luganda in the marketplace?

How do I describe the energy of dancing feet and clapping hands, and the brightness of glowing smiles in dark faces as we praise our Maker each week?

How do I describe the beauty of change and growth as these people teach me how to love them by loving me first?

Yes, life here is more difficult. Yes, sometimes I just want to cook spaghetti sauce on a regular stove instead of charcoal. Yes, sometimes I long for the days of feeling clean. And yes, sometimes I really wish I could go back to where I understand the body language and facial expressions without thinking about it. But I would never trade those things for the joy of living right here where I belong, and with the people that I love.







Comments

  1. Sara BensonSeptember 2, 2011 at 4:56 PM

    Thank you so much for working to describe your world in Uganda. Every post you write makes me feel a little bit more connected to Uganda. You made me wish I was there!!

    -ps, BEAUTIFUL photos. :)

    ReplyDelete
  2. Lisa NewlandSeptember 6, 2011 at 2:02 AM

    Great descriptions "Melody"!! It's raining here this morning... and I'm staying home. We don't have "snow days" here in Africa, we have "rain days"!! :-) But my favorite is what you said about them teaching us to love them by loving us first. SO TRUE!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Linnea WheelerSeptember 6, 2011 at 11:39 AM

    Melany, did you cut your hair??? So pretty. If so, I'd love to see more detailed pictures of the cut :)

    Praying for you, and praising the Lord in my heart right now for where He has you, how He is using you, and the many ways He's loving you! :)

    ReplyDelete
  4. MelanieSeptember 7, 2011 at 7:26 AM

    Thank you wonderful girls for your encouragement!!

    And yes Linnea, I cut my hair short just before the wedding, so it's quite a bit longer now, 3 months later :)

    ReplyDelete
  5. World WandererSeptember 14, 2011 at 5:50 PM

    this was so beautiful Mel! I just want to come visit you now :)

    ReplyDelete

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