So my anti-malarial pills can sometimes leave fair-skinned people extra sensitive to the sun. I am fairly badly burned on my hands and I couldn’t really identify the problem. I was scared because it hurt to touch anything and this type of burn feels a little different than a regular sunburn. So Brother Jonathan, the definition of an incredible man, graciously took time away from his family to take me to the hospital for treatment—something somewhat small that serves to illustrate the kindness and thoughtfulness of the Ugandan people.This photosensitivity burn has been here for about six days and for the past three it has been a bit more painful. Those of you who know me understand I simply cannot keep my feelings inside of me a lot of the time (I’m working on it—serving at Red Lobster helps), and you probably know that I complained about the pain a lot. Sometimes it left me frustrated, even though by this time most of my work with the children was done. I am ashamed to admit that I even snapped at a team member yesterday and another one two nights before. Unfortunately, I let this issue get the best of me on occasion and struggled to reign in my aggravated emotions.
Why am I telling you this? Well, I think it is important to know what this country does to people, and I don’t’ mean me. When I asked forgiveness from these team members and our team leader, it was given immediately and kindly, with a smile and a hug. I felt as if it was already given even before my asking. Those two people are first timers here, and even after only eight days in this beautiful country, the nature of the citizens has rubbed off on them. To put it simply, I was touched.
This place is truly magical. Even when the people here are surrounded by sickness, death, and real pain, like Brother Jonathan and his magnificent family, they are able to find it in themselves to genuinely care about another’s situation, even if it is much less serious. And alongside this unbelievable caring, true forgiveness is granted to all in a manner that I have rarely seen from anyone in this world. This is a facet of true community, something overwhelmingly present in Uganda. Believe me, I am greatly blessed to have felt this type of love not only from the residents here, but also from my team. It is so clear that Uganda has changed many of them, for the better of course, and I could not be happier for them. Specifically, my mother, Kim, has changed wonderfully and has become even more loving and understanding—something that I didn’t believe possible. I am so proud of you, Mom.
Yes, it is true though, that I struggle with practicing care and forgiveness at this level, though I honestly do try. Of course it is not a problem when I am around the kids—everyone is the best version of themselves during those times. But when I am away from them, even at home, I struggle with achieving this standard of mercy and thoughtfulness. That is why I am so proud of my team members for grasping these concepts. I strive to be more like this, and I know that these trips are greatest opportunities for all people to transform the perspectives from which they see the world.
As the team left this morning to finish the last of the Dreams Plans at New Kabaale Busega, I felt like a bum. The doctor told me to stay here and be indoors, but I’m sure you can understand why and how badly I wanted to be there one last time. I was upset. But now I realize I needed this time to reflect on my trip and prepare myself mentally to return. Images of kindness, community, and generosity have flooded through my mind today. I have witnessed our team grow as individuals and have experience the almost inconceivable love of Uganda, and I am so ready to be more than the Tyler you last met. I want to be the man who exists with the beautiful children at Blessed Hope and Africa Greater Life all the time. I want to be Ugandan in the way I forgive, care, and love everyone in this world. So please, if you are reading this and you know me, hold me to that standard. It is one of my deepest desires to truly deserve the honor that these divine people have shown me, so that I may impact our world in the ways that only a Ugandan can. I hope to have the ability to return one day soon as a real leader for Fields of Dreams Uganda, able to show the love and forgiveness that I have been gifted during this trip.
As I wrap up my last blog, I feel that it is only appropriate to cement that Ugandans do far more for us than we do for them. One day, this generation of children here will change our world for the better—I know it in my heart. But while they grow up and journey into adulthood, may we who have been here, live out their quality of care and love. I think I have recognized what it looks like when I am the best version of myself, and I honestly look forward to showing that to you all back home. Thank you, Uganda, for inspiring me to be a better man. I am taking you home with me—I promise.
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