I remember waking up the morning that we were leaving for Uganda and being so excited. I couldn’t wait to get there and see what the Lord had to show me through the next month. Now that month has come to an end and I’m sitting in London waiting for my flight home to Dallas.
Last night it was hard for me to go to bed because I kept thinking about going home. This is so completely sad, but I was mostly thinking about all the food I wanted to eat when I got home. I know…not at all what you would think a “good missionary” would be thinking about. I’m supposed to be mourning leaving the mission field and not dreaming of Chick Fil A chicken minis, guacamole, Dr. Pepper, and Sonic Java Chillers. But I will admit that’s exactly what I was doing!
I had a full last day here. I slept in just a little bit and did some packing in the morning. I played with Sue Ann in the morning and helped feed baby Richard rice from a spoon…this is a huge accomplishment for him. And then immediately cleaned him up because he decided to have diarrhea moments after his last bite.
At 11:00 I went into town and met a friend, Amy, for coffee…or a chocolate milkshake in my case. I did a little shopping and bought the last of my gifts and finally found something for my Bubba.
I came back home and finished up my packing. Richard was fussy again so Mama Lois and I tried to feed him some milk, but he wasn’t having it. He finally drank some concoction of water, sugar, and tea leaves that she made him. I then sat down with a peanut butter sandwich and a Fanta Orange with him in my lap. He kept trying to grab my plate and the Fanta bottle. I tore him off a bite of my sandwich and he would lick the peanut butter and then try to grab for my sandwich. We cleaned up and then I laid down on the couch with him on my stomach and we napped for a few minutes.
Helene came over to say good-bye to me. They made me this huge card with handprints of the Baby B kids…my Sue Ann included and the card had messages written from all the mamas. It was so sweet.
Helene left and I took a shower and got all my bags ready.
As I kept walking through the front room finishing up things Richard was sitting up in his Pack N Play and kept looking at me. I would start crying every time I looked at him and kept avoiding having to go hug him and tell him good-bye. The tears just kept flowing.
Hamsa, the driver showed up so I took my bags down and then went up to say good-bye to Richard.
I picked him up and just balled my eyes out. I kept telling him how much I loved him and telling him that he had to continue to get better. It took everything in me to put him back down. Then I had to listen to his screams as I walked out the door.
I tried to pull myself together so that I could then go say good-bye to Sue Ann. I walked in and all the babies were playing on the floor. She saw me walk in and immediately stood up and walked over to me with her arms up. I scooped her up and covered her face with kisses. I told her how much I loved her and how I was going to miss her. I realize that neither her nor Richard understand really what I’m saying, but it made me feel better to say it. Again, my heart broke as I put her down on the ground and walked out the door. I closed the door and cried some more.
I went and said good-bye to Tracey and she sweetly prayed for me before I left. I was crying so just hugged her and walked away.
I jumped in the car trying to hide my tears from Hamsa and said “Let’s go!”
It took about three and a half hours to get to the airport with all the nighttime traffic and I cried for a good chunk of the trip.
Now I’m in London and just enjoyed a blueberry muffin, a Snickers, and a Dr. Pepper…yum!
In about 2 hours I’ll be up in the air heading to Dallas where Kate will pick me up and is supposed to have another Dr. Pepper waiting for me.
Saying good-bye is usually bittersweet and today is no different. I’m excited to get home and see my friends and family and eat all those foods I’ve been missing. I’m excited to sleep in my bed and take a shower where my hair actually feels clean afterwards. I’m looking forward to wearing scarves, fun winter hats, and tights.
At the same time I’m sad to leave Richard and Sue Ann. Those two have stolen my heart and everytime I think of them I start to cry. People continue to look at me and probably wonder what the heck is wrong with that poor girl in the painted Toms…thanks girls for my shoes!
Good-bye Uganda and hello Dallas!
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