The title of my last post was "Uganda: What do you know?"

I guess the title was a little deceiving from the real point I was trying to make.  I was not trying to give a list of facts containing things I've learned about Uganda while preparing to go there.  The real purpose was to show people why I chose to go to Uganda instead of any other trips offered by AIM or another missions organization.

I chose Uganda because God chose Uganda for me.  For many people in the church, that is more than enough explanation.  But who I have been forgetting to address are the other people I love dearly who do not have much of a church background.

When I tell people I'm going to Africa, the first question most people ask me is, "Are you afraid?"

Long answer made very short, yes, I am afraid.  But honestly, who wouldn't be, for one reason or another?

The second question people ask me is, "You actually have to pay them?" or "Why is it so much money?"

As much as I wish it was free (believe me, I sincerely wish it was), nothing in life is free.  Whether it be money cost or opportunity cost (my economics instructor would be smiling right now), everything has a price.  The reason the costs of my trip are not covered for me is because the Ugandan government does not have a high demand for missionaries, nor does the U.S. government have an especially strong need to send missionaries to Uganda.

Another question I've heard asked about my choice to Uganda, and It's a valid question, "Why pick Uganda if other trips are less expensive?"

$5200 is a lot of money to raise, I understand.  But cost isn't all I was looking for when considering a mission trip.  At first, I wasn't even considering Uganda at all.  I was initially hoping to go to Swaziland, but God led me in a different direction.  I know I am speaking to my churchy group again, so I'll use an analogy to make more sense of it all.

Imagine a child on her first birthday.  As the amazing slice of birthday cake with a lone candle on top is presented, the child can only see what infatuates her most- the flame to be blown out.  As the child reaches for the flame, Daddy quickly stops his daughter's hand from touching the fire, because Daddy knows the fire will hurt.  Insteady, Daddy directs his baby girl's attention to the glorious birthday cake, because Daddy knows the cake will taste delicious.  The baby girl will probably not know for a few years why Daddy would let her have the cake but not the candle, but she trusted that her father knows better than her.

If I were focused on a cheap mission trip, I would be focusing on the flame that could eventually leave me with a pretty painful burn (not the right place for me, not the right people for me to go with, too many physical challenges), but because the Father is directing me to Uganda instead, I can be assured the outcome of my trip will be good.  I am choosing to trust the Father who brought me into this world and who already knows what will burn me and what will make me smile.

Please know that I am more than willing to have a conversation with you if there are any questions or concerns floating around in your head, or if you just want to have a chat.  I hope you never feel as if you are unable to approach me with your thoughts.