The Crazy Adventures of an American Mzungu

Okay, let's face it – I quote Audrey Hepburn all the time. She is my all-time favorite actress, and she was one of the classiest ladies who ever lived. She once said, “I decided, very early on, just to accept life unconditionally; I never expected it to do anything special for me, yet I seemed to accomplish far more than I had ever hoped. Most of the time it just happened to me without my ever seeking it.” I wish I could claim these words as my own, because they describe my life. For as long as I can remember, I just let life happen. Whatever happened, happened, and I just went with it as I allowed God to work. I never imagined being able to experience the things I already cherish in my heart. I am only twenty three, and I feel I have a lifetime of unimaginably amazing experiences that I know many will never be able to experience. And I believe the best is yet to come! If life would have happened according to me, I never would have left Central Oregon and I probably would be som

The biggest lesson I have had to swallow since coming to Uganda is simple: Life moves on. As a missionary, I ventured off into the great unknown. I left behind friends, family, and plenty of memories.... and good coffee from great people (Dutch Bros shout out!). I stepped forward to chase after what God called me to for 2014, and embraced life in Uganda. And for everything I left behind, I wanted to be just that, left behind. Never changing. Almost as if my American life was put on pause while I was in Africa. But life goes on. The loved ones in my life continued down their own path, and follow what God calls them to. My friends continued to be crazy. They continued to drive around Boise with the music blaring. They continued to make Dutch Bros trips -- just maybe not twice a day to my favorite one across town. As I changed, so did they. Life goes on. Yet, there are rare and beautiful moments when two worlds collide. I was able to have a taste of home for two weeks as my mom got a tas