This is the email I've been waiting for today. A missive from Natalie. I knew she had arrived late. I knew her bags were missing. I knew she was tired and emotionally spent. I also knew she would "get" this experience early on and be transformed by it. I only wish I was there to see her face as all of this washes over her.
"Every plane I took to get here was delayed. I was forced to run, full sprint, down the halls of multiple
airports. My luggage has still not arrived. I'm still wearing the same
underwear I put on Sunday morning. And none of it matters.
What does matter? Upon arriving at the orphanage I asked some of the girls
to show me their favorite thing. I was immediately taken by hand to the small
library. I left for lunch today to return to find that quiet, bashful Erias had
drawn, quite skillfully I might say, a picture of the two of us. Later this afternoon
I was pulled away so that Noreen could slip the friendship bracelet she made
that spells out the word sisters onto my wrist. Before leaving for the comforts
of our hotel, the marching band led us out of the school, playing loudly and
making us all feel like royalty.
I have never in my life felt as blessed, loved and welcomed as I have
by the people of Uganda and the children at SMK.
My heart is full."
- Natalie
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