But now, this is what the Lord says— he who created you, Jacob, he who formed you, Israel: “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. Isaiah 43:1-2
“Call the doctor. I can’t breathe,” I pleaded with the head nurse in short sentences using the little air that I have left. “Don’t leave. I might die.”
March 2, 2021, 4 PM, Nairobi, Kenya, Aga Khan University Hospital. I was lying on the hospital bed in the general ward with 20 other patients in a large room with Annie by my side. I felt I was close to dying.
“We have already done a once-in-a-lifetime safari in South Africa,” I protested against the children. “Plus, park entrance ticket in Kenya is very high.”
“But we didn’t any in Uganda. And we go to Masai Mara. We should at least go to one in Kenya,” pleaded Joani.
The logical side of me and the emotional side of me are fighting hard against each other. Finally, something clicked.
“I guess we never had a safari with an open roof top!” I announced to the family. “that would be a new experience for all of us.”
Maasai Tribe has always fascinated me — ever since I saw them jumping straight up and down ceremonially on television. How to have an authentic experience with the Maasai people became my goal as we crossed from Uganda to Kenya.
William, a missionary in Arua, Uganda, suggested for us to visit his parents in Mfangano Island in Lake Victoria, who can then connect us to potential hosts in the Maasai area. It seemed like a roundabout way but we felt that God is connecting us from people to people so we need to trust what God is doing.
So after praying as a family, we decided to go on this adventure of trust our next step to God. First stop, Mfangano Island!
6:30am. I woke up to people singing worship and praise. Where am I? Last night as we worshipped and shared our testimonies with the Ugandan college students at Uganda Vision Church, something stirred within my spirit. “Annie, the revival you experienced in the late 80’s, early 90’s is here. God’s spirit is being poured out to the young and old in this land and the people here are pure in heart, have childlike faith and willing to receive and respond. Uganda is a sending nation and ready. Come and see.”
“I am Bishop Elijah,” said the man with a large stature and big smile. “My mother told me that relationship is more important than meat. That’s why I like to know you better.”
For the next hour, Bishop asked me and took notes in great detail about who I am, what I do, and what I love. It was unusual but inspiring as well to see someone really want to know so much about me.
