Learning and Re-Learning the meaning of Patience

Wow.  Here in Africa, I learn many things about myself.  Looking back at my recent time in the USA, I allowed myself to become quite demanding.  I have high expectations when I need or want something.  I want it now.  Maybe you can relate.  When you feel a craving for a cheeseburger, you drive a mile, go thru the drive-thru, and WHAM...a juicy hot heart attack on a bun is waiting for you in the paper sack.

Traffic in Kampala

Its one thing if its a WANT, but what about a need?  Here in Africa we have a saying...T.I.A. (This Is Africa) I have been in several countries in Africa, and it seems to be the same everywhere...things happen at a snail's pace...well maybe slower than that.  Well our ministry NEEDS a vehicle to further our mission.  I NEED IT YESTERDAY!

 More Traffic

The last couple of days I have been trying to purchase a vehicle for Africa Family Rescue.  I now know that I have forgotten about this aspect of the African culture.  Relationship, Relationship, Relationship!  I was thinking how I could explain this to my American friends, but it will be a painful read.  You just wouldn't even believe the set of events that have transpired shopping for this used vehicle!  Its been two long days, driving all over tar nation, meeting strangers, negotiating, meeting, negotiating, meeting someone new, more negotiating, and at the end of the day, I can't say I have even accomplished anything!  STILL NO VEHICLE!

One of the 4x4 vans we looked at today

After the first 4 hours waiting for a friend to pick me up the first day, I decided to try to enjoy the journey.  So I have sat in a car sweating in the hot sun for hours, stuck in insane traffic, being stood up by people called from classified ads, sitting...waiting...waiting...sitting...negotiating...all this while making new friends, laughing out loud, making fun of ourselves. I am discovering people willing to help me for hours on end, with no expectation to be paid or get anything in return, just simply out of concern for me and knowing my need.  I am  humbled by the selfless giving of these wonderful people, and how they have taught me to enjoy the journey.