I Am Privileged....by Wally Thomas

Julie asked us all to write a post for the Hearts & Hope blog to kind of lay out our experience in Uganda. Well let me tell you, much easier said than done.

From the time we landed in Entebbe to our arrival back in the states my mind did not stop thinking of how different our lives are compared to the Ugandan way of life. At first it's a bit of shock and awe; sensory overload. As soon as you're off the plane you notice the smell in the air - everyone cooks with wood or charcoal and in a congested city that's a lot of cooking going on. The visuals of the city, the crazy driving, this was not going to be a relaxing trip.

On day three I stopped being a tourist. I put my camera down and I started to really take in what was going on around me. This was also the day that I was going to meet my sponsored child Veronica and our visit was more than I had hoped for. She's a beautiful and smart girl that has a very bright future, and a love for her picture being taken as do all of the kids in the village. As I write this post looking back on the trip, this was the day it all started to sink in.  I realized how privileged I am. 

As defined in the dictionary: Privileged - having the rare opportunity to do something that brings particular pleasure. I am more privileged than most because I've had the opportunity to be with the people of Uganda. It's as simple as that, in a nut shell that's my take away. Their physical beauty is only over shadowed by their unfiltered graciousness and hospitality.

Thank you to the Ugandan team who took care of us every step of the way. Violet, Mariah, Nicholas, Justus, David, Richard and many more, my life is richer having the privilege to meet and spend time with you, memories that will last a life time. To the actual village people (not the 70's music group), you inspire me to work harder and shed my 1st world complaints and I did feel "Most Welcome" into your hearts and homes. You humbled me into a better way of life.

To my wonderful Veronica, you rock my world, kid. Keep your head down, do well in school and don't lose that magnetic smile. I promise that we'll be corresponding well into the future!

---