Lessons About Airports

I have been in to many airports to count. Some in developed nations others in developing nations. Here are some of the key lessons I have learned…

1.NEVER be in a hurry

When you are in a hurry, yes you know the feeling I am talking about, thinking you are as fast as the Flash and it never works. Your demeanor changes, you heart and spirit are not in tune, and you act as if you are the only on in a hurry. Granted there are many reasons someone will be in a hurry and running late for their flight…with that being said I have grace for others individuals. But for those of you who can come in plenty of time, do so. You start your travels on the right foot. You can smile and be pleasant to all those around. That sounds odd right?! Wrong!!! You can be a light and a testament to others while traveling. Think about it. All those that work in the airport are treated poorly (normally by the ones in a hurry). So how refreshing it would be to be working and see a smile and hear a warm greeting from travelers. This is a simple way to show His love even while traveling. So that is one lesson.

2. If you see good food where you are stop and eat it!

How often do we think I will just walk a little more….see what is down there. And when we do we are not thrilled. Most of the time there is nothing that caught our eye or our taste buds like what we first saw. Personally I just learned this lesson the hard way. While in Hethrow I saw a lovely little healthy café. Smelled great and there was room for me to sit, but did I stop? NO! I did the norm…lets see what is down there. And low and behold nothing like what I passed. Yes, I did get some food but nothing like what was behind me. So key lesson number two learned about airports…stop and eat when you see something that looks good.

3.The less you carry the better!

Ok, if you are a mom this one is hard but if you are not, like myself, then listen up. As we all get ready to fly we think of all the comforts we want to take in the cabin with us. Pillows, blankets, snacks, music, books, and so much more! Now be honest. When you bring your good size carry on how much of it do you really use? Over the many miles I have flown my carry on has become lighter and lighter. I to was all about carrying the comforts on the flight but then learned how much I did not use. It was needed for my trip but not used while sitting on the flights. So here is what I carry on…

*Slippers (the flights are always cold)

*Yoga pants (cumphy when sitting for hours upon hours)

*Laptop (do some work while sitting and I would NEVER check it)

*Camera (same I would never check that as well)

*Kindle (many books and it weighs less the one paperback book)

*A few toiletries (so you can be put together)

*Travel wallet and Passport (never travel without it)

*A few small bags of nuts (healthy and filling)

So, I carry on one bag and call it good. My shoulders thank me while I walk around the airport before the flight and it all fits under my seat. Now I will list what I have learned the airlines will provide you with (so you do not have to carry it on).

*Blanket (on all international flights and you can ask for one for domestic flights if there is none you can use your jacket)

*Meals (yes, some are small or you have to pay but it is one less thing to pack!)

*Entertainment (most have music or videos for you to watch…if not that is why I carry on my Kindle)

Really what else (with my list and what they provide) do you need? You are not moving in. There is a purpose for your traveling and it is not sitting in the cabin, you are on your way some where. So I have learned the less you carry the better!

Those are the three most important lessons I have learned about the airport. My you take note so you don’t have to learn the hard way, like I have.

A Realization...

It has been to long from the last time I posted. When March’s calendar was shaping up I knew it was going to be a busy month, but little did I know how busy.

For 19 days out of this month I will be traveling. Yes, seeing the world is a great joy as well as meeting more of my extended AIM family, whom is all over Africa and the world. While traveling is great it is a reminder of how much Uganda has become home and how much I missed being home.

The first time I got that home sick feeling this month is while I was in England. I was over the moon to be in a place where I could layer my clothes and feel cold. Truly, my body has changed to match the tropical climate I have moved to, but there is something about getting a chill! Gloves, boots, scarves, and jackets were all welcomed with open arms. I was in England for a total of 10 days and by day 5 I started to miss the bight sun and colors that are AFRICA.

One plus of being in England was chatting with my family. They were much closer in time zones than when I am in Uganda. But, one afternoon while chatting with my dad he asked me if the West was treating me well and if I missed Uganda. I answered with something like I was enjoying the cold weather but I did miss people back home. “Home?” he asked. To which my reply was Uganda, home. After we hung up it hit me. Home was no longer the States. Home was no longer the West.

Home is a hot place. A place where people smile SO big, when they see you. Where I fumble over the local language and laugh at myself daily. Sometimes even hourly. A place where nothing makes sense but that is all right. A placed call Uganda. A little area out side of the city of Kampala, an area called Najja. On a road called Wamala. In flat 3. Where a four legged friend lives, keeping the mice and bugs away. My little place in Uganda…..or as I call it “home.”

Pool-Side

Today was a day "off." I joined a friend for a day at a local pool. It was prefect! The whole point was to get away from the office, phone calls, and the normal daily things of my job. The sensory was a blessing! The pool overlooked Lake Victoria. We had a good time chatting, swimming, and enjoying the sun. Of course the phone rang and I answered...call it passion for the seeing the Kingdom glorified.

Hello Rwanda!

On the 6^th of Oct I landed in Rwanda. Once I got my bag and took the short trip through immigration (if you are an American you do not need to get a visa ….so nice and so rarer in Africa) I found the lovely lady that was meeting me. As we left the airport I had to take a double take! Gently I reminded myself that I was still in Africa. The streets were free form rubbish (for you that speak American that is the word for garbage). There were signals that worked! Know as I reflect on of what I just wrote you must have an awful picture of African countries, trash everywhere and madness on the roads. Well, that is true to some extant. Once you get use to life in Africa you see the beauty that is all around. The people. The culture. The colors! But, there is something different about Rwanda.

Everyone knows about the genocide that took place in 1994. It was horrific. Thousands upon thousands of Rwandans lost their lives. It was all about stomping out the “cockroaches” a.k.a the Toosie tribe. People were so convicted to do this they literally stomp on the Toosies! One of my missionary friends here has a house lady who personally knows that this stomping looks like. During that awful time her mother was stomped on. Not a kick; it was a littoral stomp on her back. Just like you do to cockroaches. Still to this day she has kidney problems because of where they stomped on her back. Currently she in the hospital and it does not look good.

That is the dark side of Rwanda that everyone knows but, I have discovered a wonderful part of this country! Something many don’t know about or even get to see. There is hope here in Rwanda. People are making change and trying (not 100% but there is more of an effort than ever before) to change what happened between Rwandans. The government is better (just like any it has some issues too). The city is clean. Roads are well made. People are trying to do what they can to live and thrive. Yes, there are people without food, a home, a job, and health care. But this country has come a long way. Less then 10 year ago bodies were stung along the streets. Rwandese were killing Rwandese.

There is hope here. There are people seeing that change must come or Rwanda will never move forward. There are missionaries that are coming along side Rwandans to give encouragement, support, and the LOVE of Christ. It may be an up hill battle at times but there are people that are willing to climb!!!!!