Fancy Smells

There is something special to me about some smells.

Horses. The smell of hay. Sweet grass mixed with the sweat of my gelding after a lovely ride in the summer time. The musky smell as foot and hoof walk upon the fallen leaves of autumn.

Rain. The rare smell of wet pavement in the Colorado springtime. Even moss gives off the damp smell of a drizzly day.

Lilacs. At Grandma’s house, I would smell them before I saw them. The lavender blossoms were precious to me as I imagined myself having many adventures.

My dad. His smell hasn’t really changed since I was little. Whatever he uses that smells good comforts me and makes me feel at home. I would smell it as he read us books before bedtime; squished as close to him as I could while listening to his voice.   

East Africa. Something in the air as I step off the plane. The smell of clean, ironed shirts on men in a crowded church. Fried bread in the mornings passing a canteen (small shop selling food, tea, etc.). Dust. Exhaust from lorries on the road. Smelling chai (black tea) as I drink it with good conversations. The smell of porridge on the breath of my students. Posho (cornmeal boiled until firm) being cooked on a charcoal stove.

Last week, two ladies from America arrived to live with me until August. One is a university student with one year of school left, and the other is an occupational therapist who quit her job to be here this summer. They are also under AIM and will be working with children with disabilities for two months in a nearby town. Their smiles and fancy smells (smells from America) entered this large, empty house filling it also with giggles and more laughter. It has been such an encouragement to my heart to have people to come home to; to listen to their experiences and to share mine.

As they experience some culture shock from Uganda, I’ve experienced a little culture shock from some of the America they have brought with them. One of them being the “fancy smells” of liquid soap, candy, shampoo, and others. My nose was surprised as it has been immersed in the smells of Uganda for quite some time. 

God has really bought these blessings to me at the right time. I have been in Kampala for 5 months now and hearing about the new things these ladies are experiencing brings me back to when I first arrived. Everything they share with me helps me remember that I do not want to take anything for granted because I won’t have it for much longer. Their fresh, bright eyes remind me of the blessings I have experienced and the adventures I have encountered so far.     

I have never lived alone until I moved to Kampala. There were many times that I wished that I could have a small apartment to myself, but after spending months in a large house praying for God to fill it with His presence, it is so lovely to have faces to come home to with laughter or tears.

Prayer:

-After a slow start to the second school term, ECLAC is finally ready to start a new schedule for the students. We are now down to four because two students left for other schools. Pray for good relationships with the teachers, wisdom and guidance in teaching, and that God will use me to encourage/disciple those I encounter.

-Another guy from the U.S. arrived under AIM and will be helping part time at ECLAC. Pray that he has a smooth transition and that God will also use him as he ministers.

-Pray that God will continue teaching me how to focus on pleasing Him and not others around me (most of my issues stem from this), that I will keep learning how to “abide” in Jesus, and that I will remain willing to obey the Lord as He changes me. Remaining in Jesus is the most important job I have; without that I am useless.

-Safety in traveling around town and in general.

-Pray for all the relationships I have built; for them to grow deeper and for God to shine His light into them.

- That I won’t become lazy, apathetic, or too comfortable at school, church, and home. That I will reflect upon the last five months, change things that I need to change, and refocus my gaze so that I will make the most of the time I have left in Uganda.

- I’ve had several issues with men – some I haven’t dealt with as well as I had wanted because I am too nice, but some that I have dealt with firmly...some progress. Pray that I will continue to learn how to deal with these situations wisely and firmly

Miscellaneous:

-I’ve joined the worship team at church. It is a bit different than what I am used to, but it is great building new relationships with more ladies and using music to connect with people. It also gives me something to do with my evenings. God is allowing me to use my gifts to minister in a different way.

- Being around a university and it's students 24/7, it was so nice to retreat at my friends house during the weekends. She works as the short term coordinator for AIM Central Region and she has blessed me with a listening ear. 

- Kyambogo university is on holiday until August, so the students have mostly left. It is strange to me because there are only a few faces I encounter as I walk to school.

Culture:

                When people are leaving your house or leaving you in general, it is polite to “give them a push” and walk a little ways with them as they start their journey. This is something my lovely friend taught me and is making me practice.

Luganda:

Konkwelekeleko (let me give you a push) 

Compassion students helped me slash (cut grass) my compound. 

I try and be Ugandan. 

Snails in my yard after it rains. 

Writing a theme song for a youth conference at church. 

Mary came from Kenya to visit me! 

SO blessed to spend time with this gem again! 

At a friend's house for a retreat. Meet her massive cat. 

I kinda love my new housemates...just a little.