uncomfortableness

it’s been almost a week since I’ve been back on American soil, and I can’t lie,  I’m having a harder time with “re-entry” than normal.  I wrote this post in the Amersterdam airport half way back from Uganda, and it’s fitting.  It’s part of why I feel uncomfortable.  here and there.

africa.

image it has changed me.  it has opened my eyes.  it has gotten into my soul.  it’s given me a peace that I could never have expected.

there’s so much I could say about this great land that I now think of as my second home.  Ethiopia, Uganda, Rwanda, all beautiful countries in the continent of Africa that have my heart.

 

The days leading up to every trip back to East Africa, I start to get nervous.  excited nervous, but also nervous nervous.  I can’t even put words to it.  It doesn’t seem real that this place has captured so much of my heart, and maybe somedays I wish that feeling wasn’t real.  

 

there isn’t really anything that’s comfortable about being in a third world country.  When you step off that plane, you leave the comforts of home behind.

 image_1

no starbucks, no target runs, no chick fill drive thru, no fresh produce from HEB, no phones to call home every time you just need to talk to your family for a second.

 

the roads are janky, the food is different, the bed isn’t yours.

 

there’s no YMCA to go workout at and the church service on Sunday is held outside on a front porch with 1 acoustic guitar and a worship leader that sings off key.

 

there’s no air conditioning in the car, and you haven’t washed your bath towel all week.

there’s no dishwasher, and you drink your wine out of a coffee mug.

 

sometimes the power goes out, which means the internet goes out, and all you are left with are your own thoughts.  

 photo

you own thoughts.

I think that’s one of the things I love most about Africa,

un plugged from the busyness of life at home.

Without wifi on your phone when you leave the house.

sitting outside under the twinkle lights talking.

telling stories.  laughing.  crying.  playing games.

ENGAGING with each other.

 photo

although “uncomfortable”,  I’ve come to love this place so much.

I feel comfortable here, despite all the uncomfortableness.  

I like the janky roads, I like the unpolished church service, I like drinking a cold coke out of a bottle, and putting gnut sauce on everything.

I like the simplicity of life a mist the complexities of the problems that abound.

life is about life here.

it’s about family.  it’s about god,  it’s about people.

it’s about serving people, walking with people, loving people.

it’s not about comfort.

it’s not about me.

it’s not about easy.

 I’m still processing these things.  More to come.

Hey, I'm Wynne!

Hi, friend! First, I truly am so giddy that you are here. I want you to know I believe in you and all the ways you are growing towards living a more intentional life.  I genuinely hope you are encouraged from our time together here.

A little about me, I’m a type 7 on the enneagram, a total extrovert + people lover, entrepreneur, connector, storyteller, people gatherer, and passionate wife, mama + friend. I feel most alive when I’m exploring new places and surrounded by people I love. Give me a day in the outdoors disconnected from wifi, and I am a happy girl. I run on oat milk lattes, Jesus, gratitude journaling and kitchen dance parties with my four kids.
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  1. McCall Townsend Aldridge says:

    LOVE THIS POST.

  2. perfect. love you!!!

  3. Kiersten says:

    This is beautiful. I am so glad you had this opportunity and that you are willing to share it with so many of us who went with you in our thoughts and prayers. Thank you for being real and honest and used by the wonderful God we serve.

  4. Becki Goss Shepherd says:

    Love

  5. Micheal Mullen says:

    Wonderful post. I’ve been to Ethiopia three times and still consider each trip a life-changing experience. And I can’t wait to return. Thank you for turning that feeling into poetry.

  6. Tara says:

    Amen sister! Amen.

  7. paige says:

    it’s always a blessing seeing the world through your heart

  8. Chris Denton says:

    Truly love this post. Thank you for sharing.

  9. Ann DeCarlo says:

    Love this!!!!

  10. Regina Erickson says:

    I’m hoping to go to Tanzania and pray that I’m able to appreciate the opportunity to still my thoughts and hear God.

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