We all went to bed around 2 this morning, so I was already in the funk when I had to wake up at 8... to stay the least. Then, one of my roommates said, "Did you e-mail your parents and let them know you're okay?" I was like, "ummm..why? Why wouldn't I be okay?" Jenn then said, "There were bombings in Kampala last night." The internet has been really sketchy today too, so it was hard to email our families and check to see the details about what happened. Y'all probably know more than me about what happened and what casualities there are. I do know that at least one 18 year old girl died. There are lots of 18 year old girls here, doing the exact same thing that the girl that passed away is doing. Everyone here has been a little uneasy all morning to say the least. One of the bombings was 20-25 minutes away and one was like 40 minutes away. People in the house heard it last night. I was at a cafe watching it, so I didn't hear anything. The scary part is that pubs and bars were targeted, and the cafe where we were was right above one of the pubs showing the game. One of the Ugandans said there are about 3 locations in Ntinda where there are bars. From what we know, a bomb was supposed to go off in the shopping center where we were watching the game. They said that Ntinda was targeted because it's a "suburb that never sleeps." It's so surreal. Sure, I've been a part of 911, but that was so far away from me. Our team members heard this bomb go off, and I heard lots of sirens last night. I remember thinking, "That isn't normal. I never hear sirens here." But, I just shook it off and tried to go to sleep.
Thankfully the only public place where we normally go is the local grocery store, and we rarely go at night. I know bombings don't have to happen at night, but these did.
Now, I still don't even know what to say. Some of our staff has been in and out of the house attending funerals. It is just heart breaking. I don't even know what else to say. My heart is broken for so many reasons.. broken for the Ugandans, broken for the Americans, broken that I have to leave this beautiful place and these beautiful people, broken for this country that has been through so much heartache.. and the list could go on. The good part is I really do feel safe at our guest house and at our projects. Driving through the city does make my stomach churn some. The idea of flying is what REALLY makes my stomach churn more.
I'm going to be honest that focusing at devotionals has been hard. I know God has a plan. I do not doubt that one bit .. not at all. One of the phrases they use here is, "God is good." Then the other person says, "All the time." person 1 - "all the time." person 2 - "God is good." I keep trying to remind myself of that. I trust He has a plan. I can already see His work being done because of the death of the American that works for Invisible Children. I'm learning more about faith .. more about how my faith needs lots of work. I'm learning that God doesn't disappoint. I'm learning that God is in control. I'm learning to trust God even when I think I have it all figured out.
This morning we went to Katalemwa, the hospital for disabled kids, and after cleaning up in the kitchen, my friend and I got to sit in on some therapy sessions. It was exciting because the lady did know some of her stuff, but it was sad because there were so many mis-diagnoses. For example, a baby was totally fine, got tetanus, had some seizures, and they think it's CP. I WILL come back one day to work there. They need lots of help and guidance. The kids are absolutely precious too!
Tomorrow is THURSDAY! a.k.a my favorite day here! We get to go the babies homes and to Remand Home! woooh!
Just keep everyone in your prayers. Even though we all feel safe here, I think everyone's spirits are down.
Thanks for all of the encouraging words and prayers. Y'all are the best! Love y'all!
Fun Facts:
- I have lots of pictures and videos to upload, but the internet is running too slow, and they won't load. I can make a post of lots of pictures later though.
- Breast feeding in public is so totally acceptable. I saw it the other day in church, and this morning at Katalemwa it happened. Today one girl was breast feeding before therapy, and when it was time to start, she yanked her kid off and just let her breast hang out for a good 7 minutes. It happened twice. good times in Africa.
-Linking arms with a guy means that you are committing yourself to them. ooops .. I have linked arms with guys before. Actually, there is a picture of it. haha
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