Contrast

As I sit here watching rain fall from a seemingly cloudless sky, my mind drifts to thoughts of home, friends, family, and life in the United States. But, almost as quickly as my mind wanders, I’m brought back to my reality by children asking me to play through our fence and by a large mango tree that is always watching over me. The contrast between the two lifestyles is as distinct as the difference between black and white.

The phrase “the grass is always greener on the other side” keeps coming to my mind. People have asked me how I could ever want to give up my easy, technology filled lifestyle, even for a moment. I, in turn, wonder what in the world I have done to deserve the opportunity to live with almost nothing and fourteen roommates for three months. To me, true beauty and luxury are found in the simple things. And the real luxury I strive after in life is the ability to have the time to sit, think, read, and get to know other people without worldly distractions like the internet. To me, beauty is watching a rainbow pierce through the sky after a thunderstorm. It is the pure love of a child and the comradery and unity of a real community. Luxury is knowing that at the end of the day, you’ve worked hard and done everything you can to make a difference in the world. I’ve never expierenced all of those luxurious and beautiful things in such a short amount of time. Now, I have and I’ve never been happier.


Thursday evening, while walking along the rocky, dust-ridden road, a small child came bounding towards Angie and me with a smile filled with pure joy and happiness. He didn’t say a word to us but held my hand as we walked. That simple love and complete trust is something I’ve rarely witnessed. It is something I will strive to obtain for the rest of my life. As I sit here recalling that moment, I only wish I could look into those love, pure, unclouded, wise eyes again.



Our projects are gaining steam. We had meetings all last week, and we started writing proposals. This week we have some more meetings to solidify plans, but then it will be full steam ahead! Some of the projects I’m working on are:

Soccer League + Health Lessons – Scott and I are developing soccer leagues at a few schools. There will be 3-5 teams at each school. The students will select 2 captains and the captains with our help will run team practices and drills. At the beginning of each practice, we will have a short 15 minute lesson on AIDS awareness, hand washing, or other similar topics. We will finish each practice with group discussions about other issues the students have interest in learning more about.

Toms Shoes proposal – This is my main project. Once we visit a neighboring village where many refugees have been placed, I’ll be able to do needs assessment and start making reliable contacts so we can place these shoes next summer. It will involve a ton of research and economic analysis. Wish me luck!

Other projects I’m working on involve teaching piano lessons at church, helping at business trainings, and helping with counseling services at local schools.
Other than that, all is going well here in Africa! The weather is great and the people are wonderful :)

Over and Out
Lex



Picture 1: Market Day in Mukono = Madness
Picture 2: I climbed up our small, humble water tower to see the sunset
Picture 3: The soccer field for Mukono Town Academy is behind these lovely ladies. (LtoR Angie, Jessica, Brooke Zollinger, Nicole, Kaile, Brooke E, Blythe)