It hardly seems possible that just one month ago we were half-way-across the world- struggling with intercultural communication and loading up on sunscreen in the 80 degree sunny weather. The memories of mud walls, straw roofs, songs, dance, and feasts of food seem almost elusive looking back. From the moment that we stepped off our plane in Entebbe it felts almost as if we were in an alternate universe. Perhaps that simply is how the mind reacts to such realities, to think at this very moment it is a regular Ugandan afternoon, the traffic is probably a mess with little- to- no regulation, children are walking home balancing basins of water twice the size of their head as the women at Kasubi are gathering to roll beads. These simple truths seem so far from my present reality of the stresses of school and submersion back into the technological buzz of every day life.

While it may seem that the experience has passed, it must be acknowledged that change remains. With each passing day I see with clarity the abundance around me. Such simple securities I have long taken for granted, I now see in a new light. The people of Uganda now hold a face and a story in my life. The reality of the radical differences has held the most impact in my life, yet the persistent question I am left with, is now what? I have to admit I don’t know where my place is in this dilemma. I understand how intrinsically important it is that I hold these stories close to my heart, yet in part I cannot ignore a call for action. I see the apparent hope in the stories of those I met, the hope breaking through the pandemic of HIV/AIDS. Yet there would be no need for hope if there were no tragedy.

My privilege carries a burden. God did not create inequity nor did God sanction it. I am not certain the wealth I have grown up with- premium toys and luxury convenience items is the road to happiness or what we should hope that the whole world might have. I believe that many Americans can testify to the emptiness of materialism. Yet food security, accessible high quality medical care and free education system should be provided for all children, all people.

I met a little girl in Uganda. She was beautiful and happy. She loved sparkly, fancy things and playing games. She dreamed about growing up and becoming a nurse. It is in the simplicity that her existence is no different to that of mine that I am intrinsically tied. I don’t know the answer to make the world a better place. It is something we all, all people of all nations and genders and socioeconomic status will have to work together to achieve.