Author Archives: Marianna Vazquez

Waiting- why does hearing that word instantly bring negative connotation? Maybe it’s because I always just picture a long line I have to wait in to get somewhere or to do something. Bored. In pain because you’re tired of standing, feet aching. On the other hand, waiting can be anticipation for excitement. Just like a child counting down the days until Christmas or their birthday. It takes more effort for me to think of waiting in positively. That’s a problem.

 I think that technology has spoiled us by making life easier and faster. For example the microwave, food is cooked in one minute. Boom- instant. Honestly, sometimes that minute is too long. We need instant gratification. We want it now. Doesn’t matter what it is, Amazon prime it. Is this a bad thing? No. Is it bad to have that mindset with everything in our lives? Yes.

We want to lose ten pounds by next week. We want that promotion right now. What about the effort, time, and energy to get those things? I often find myself getting frustrated in the waiting the in between. I’ve been waiting to be in the same country as my husband for a long time. Years. I thought we would’ve been settled by now. We are not. That’s ok. Why? God has something in waiting. Why? Because his timing is perfect. Why? He sees the bigger picture for our lives. Do I always believe this? No. Do I preach this to myself every day? Yes.

I had to change my understanding of waiting. I’m not waiting in a line bored out of my mind with achy feet. I’m waiting like I’m waitress waiting on tables. Anticipating something. Working being active. Actively serving God. Growing; becoming a better wife, friend, and daughter. Actively reading mediating and praying Gods word. Why? Because I believe God is who He says He is.

People often ask is there any progress on Moses getting here. I don’t really have an answer, except that I’m waiting. Why is taking so long? I don’t know. I don’t know a lot, but I’m ok with that. I have faith. I’m often encouraged by multiple bible stories. Many saints that have gone before me doing the work. Keeping the faith and waiting.

I’m encouraged when I realize David was a shepherd. Doing his job. Working, actively waiting before he would become king. Joseph waiting never losing hope in prison that God will free him. Abraham waiting years for the promise of a child so he can be the father of nations. So many stories of people waiting for Gods promises. Jesus himself was waiting to start His ministry for the perfect timing. Why should I be any different?

I am very sure I am not the only one waiting for something we desperately want, even needing. I encourage you. Wait actively. Don’t get distracted by the in between. I’m not sure what that looks like for you. Just be ready for when the time comes. I want to be found where I am supposed to be. Like David in the pasture. Defending his sheep. Learning warfare skills. Playing the harp. Writing songs for generations. Joseph being of integrity using his God given gift to one day save nations. Jesus in Nazareth working as a carpenter. Living humbly to do His Fathers will. God has a purpose for the wait. He has a purpose for the right now and in between. The wait is worth it.

“The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable. He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength. Even youths grow tired and weary, even young men shall fall exhausted; but they who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.” Isaiah 40:28b-31

It’s been seven years since Moses and I have been together. Time is a funny thing. Its either never enough or too much. Its slow or fast. Either way we can never get it back. When I think of all the phone calls and all the tears that have been shed in the past seven years it seems surreal. However, I still living this life.

Moses and I thought we would have a kid or two by now, in the same country. My plans and expectations never work out the way I want them. It can be frustrating, but I am quickly reminded of a story of Jacob and his wives.

The Bible story is found in the beginning of the Bible because Jacob is a forefather of Israel. Jacob saw a beautiful woman named Rachel and he wanted to marry her. Because of cultural and societal expectations, he worked for her. Seven years. Worked. Labored in the fields with feces and animals. A plot twist and fourteen years later he gets Rachel. There are more details to the story, but I get stuck on the time it took for Jacob to get Rachel. I know how he feels. As you read the story its just words from the past. The next sentence of the story took fourteen years. Jacob lived it. I’m living it.

I prayed to God for years that my story would not be like Jacob. Cried and begged to God that Moses and I would not be separated for seven years. I felt hopeless many times. But those facts are in the Bible. That story is in the Bible. Details that are there to encourage me. Jacob got Rachel- it just took time and work. The end of the story is that Jacob and Rachel are blessed. God was in control. God knew it would take more than seven years for Jacob to get Rachel. He knows when Moses will get to the USA. God blessed Jacob and Rachel; He will bless us. He is faithful and Good.

One day soon I know Moses and will be together. I can’t give a timeline. I can’t have an expectation. I can only have faith. I know he will come. God will bless us. Even if it takes another seven years. God is simply writing the next sentence of our story.

-Mar

Moses and I have officially been married six months! To some people that seems lame, but us that is huge milestone. Trust me I’m not trying to be that person on social media celebrating milestones just to post pictures. That’s not it. Legally we can make visa moves so we can be together.

If you have talked to me in the past six months my plans have changed a million times. I was trying to be with my husband by any means necessary. I will leave everything in America and go move to Uganda. Find a job and take care of my chickens. I was constantly scheming and dreaming on how to get to Moses. It is faster for me to go there and be together than waiting on visa for America. I felt lonely and had a deep hurt in my heart because I missed him so much. Honestly, the first few months in America was very hard and dark for me.

Do I still have those feelings? Do I still struggle? Yes. However, I have more peace and assurance because I have surrendered everything to God. One day as I paced my house I just start talking/praying to God. I listed off every single fear, doubt, pain and feeling in my heart. My frantic pacing turned into me on floor crying, begging God to do something. Anything. My life, my dreams, my marriage is not mine. It’s His. After that day I have felt better. Unless you have experienced pouring your heart out to God it is hard to explain. But it feels like a weight lifted off my shoulders.

Now, Moses and I have prayed and fasted over our next move. We have concluded that He will move here, to America. There are million little reasons for that decision. Once we chose to go with coming to America, peace overflowed our heats (mine in particular). Is it going to be hard? Yes.  God has shown me His blessing over our choice. Finances, regulations, and other details have just worked out. Suddenly.

It’s a weird feeling being one with someone 9,00 miles away, but we have that. Peace knowing, we are of one mind.  That has everything to do with God. I hope you reading this out of love, so I ask that over the next ten months you continue to pray for us. This road has not been easy, but it is good. Thank you for all your support we need it.

-Mo and Mar

As I begin to write this blog and update you with my life my mind races to come up with words that are adequate to describe what is going on. My heart has been heavy and my mind uneasy. Watching the news is not the highlight of my day. I usually try to avoid it because it makes me mad, sad, or anxious. However, with social media it is impossible to avoid news.

I hear read so many things each day. Natural disasters, political unrest, murder, sickness, tyranny, and anything else unjust and deceitful. My heart aches. It’s so easy to become overwhelmed, shut down, or apathetic. My immediate nature says to ignore it and worry about yourself. You have too many things going on. Yes, it is true, I have a lot on my mind. We all have issues. But the world. My generation and time in history is hurting. What are my issues compared to others?

All the hurt, injustice and pain in the world, I remember Jesus words in the book of John.

“I have said these things to you that you may have peace. In a world of tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

Jesus spoke these words to His disciples shortly before He was going to be killed. The disciples did not know what was ahead. They saw injustice, hurt, and defeat. I often wonder if they remember anything Jesus told them. They were in hiding. Waiting to be killed. They lost heart. Their brother, teacher, and friend was killed by the government. The same government that hated their people. Ruled in tyranny. Jesus was betrayed by a friend.

I am like those disciples. Fearful and forgetful. They forgot Jesus’ words. How many times do I forget Jesus words and loose heart? Jesus’ death is not the end of the story. He rose again. Prophecies came true. His words are true. His victory of death on the cross and rising from the dead is our peace. He died to give life and hope.

Did the disciples stop after they felt overwhelmed? No. They went on to spread the Gospel and equip the saints. Doing everything Jesus told them. How many times do I stop or give up?  I want to encourage you with Jesus’ words. Take heart. He has overcome. Pray and ask God what you are supposed to do. Step out in victory from the cross. Jesus has won.

If you have been in a long-distance relationship, you know the feeling. You just saw your person; you said the goodbye or see you later. You feel partly sad, but partly peaceful. You just got to be with them you feel more complete. The memories of each other give you enough strength to carry on. The joy of just seeing them lasts for only a few days, maybe even hours. Then it hits you like a wall. The distance. You are no longer in the physical place. You miss their touch, their voice, their presence. Its ok. This is normal.

I am here to tell you it’s ok. Its grieving the presence of the one you love. That is relatable to everyone. Everyone misses someone that is no longer around. Good news that your person is alive and they love you. You will see them again.

Helpful tips to overcome the sadness:

-Have a plan or date when you will see them again

-Talk to someone about it

-Go outside, get some vitamin D. Walk or sit in the sunshine with a book or music

-Journal and pray. Let God know what is on your heart. He wants you to come to Him.

-Hangout with friends.

-Go to a place of peace and acceptance, for me that is the beach.

-If you want all the feels; listen to songs of love and loss.

-Go do something spontaneous.

-Write them handwritten letters.

It is ok to feel sad, mad, lost, or even frustrated. It is ok to feel feelings because we are human. However, we cannot wallow about uncontrollably. Acknowledge your feelings, know the distance, and feel everything. Distance is not permanent. Choose to love through your pain, your feelings. Love and commitment will win. Stay strong my friends. Stay strong.

-Mo and Mar

To anyone who reads and follows us, it is time for a long-distance relationship tip! We are not professionals but through are experiences we can offer a little bit of advice. It can be advice for any relationship. So, enjoy and take notes.

I’m going to say the “C” word. Communication. I know it’s a vague term used by couple therapists, or everyone as a band aid to fix things. Communication is vital. I will try to break it down and make it more tangible. If you are in a long-distance relationship communication is all you have. So, let’s get started!

Everyone has their own way of telling a story. Some are very vague and tell you story in less than one minute. Others take five minutes to get half through a story because its full of details and other stuff. I personally, lean towards the more direct route. However, I am an introverted over thinker who already thought of everything I needed to say 90% of the time. To all my extroverts out there who love talking and become energized through talking. They process things from talking. You might take longer to tell a story. Figure out which one you are. Figure out who your partner is. It will set clear expectations on how to listen to the person.

Culturally, there some aspects too. My husbands’ culture is big on greetings, so I always greet him. Keeping time is not a huge priority like it is in America, so we had created windows of time to talk. Especially with time difference. He can say he will call at 10, so he calls at 11:30 because to someone from his culture that is 10. That used to bother me because I keep time. It’s the American in me. I had to realize that his whole country and culture doesn’t keep time, even if he did. I had to remember all the cultural factors.  If you are doing the cross-cultural thing figure out what works for you from their perspective first. When you talk to them put yourself in their shoes and in their world if you can. They should also be doing that for you.  It will make things easier.

After you figure out how your person tells the story, you need to learn how to listen. We all process things differently, this may require patience. There have been plenty of times when I was so tired, and Moses would not stop talking. He is a quiet guy so when he is excited about something its important. So, I would wait, listen, and respond. Then tell him I need sleep. Often when it when comes to communication people want to talk about how we talk. Which is good, but who is listening? Learn how listen. Ask questions. Communication is half talking and half listening.

When you love someone, you listen. Listening brings understanding. At times this may require a lot of time and patience, but is the other person worth it? Long distance relationships either strong or weak and don’t last. One factor is trust and honesty, but the other is putting in the work of listening. Even if you don’t say anything your body language says it all. You will soon discover if the other person is worth the time and energy, you want and need to communicate with. If you love them, it can be easier, and worth it.

Put all distractions aside and focus on your person. Phone and video calls are precious moments. Make them the best. Your body language will speak for you (if it’s a video call). Be all there for them. When they hang up you can go back to your normal life, but at that moment they are there. Enjoy them. I know life gets crazy and busy. Sometimes those call are only five minutes. There were times Moses and I would just sleep on the video call together. We love those calls. We both knew what we needed. Nothing distracted us. We spent time together. It fostered intimacy, sometimes you just need to be there for your person 100%.

Overall, figure out how you communicate, then figure out how you listen. Learning this about yourself and your significant other will make the distance seem smaller. It does take time, but intimacy takes time. The distance and communication will reveal more about you than you think. Communicate, listen, and love.

Until next time,

-Mo and Mar

Ok I’m just going to say it, being married is weird. Its nice, but weird. Is that just me? Perhaps its because I have only been married for a week. But that’s ok, right? Overall, I love it. I love being in the same city and country as my husband. That’s a huge plus. I know Moses and I are still in “Honeymoon” phase but we are truly happy and blessed to have each other.

One the reasons I think marriage is weird, is because of the concept of two becoming one. We have not been together this close before so we have to put in the work. Just making his house my home is physical work but also changing our mentality. He comes home there is someone else. Making copies of keys, making space for my stuff. Talking about dinner plans, communicating schedules and to-do lists. The “me” needs to change to “us.” Its refreshing and challenging.

Two becoming one, its hard. It’s a constant act of thinking and putting someone else first. I knew that before I signed up to marry Moses. Now I need to make it a habit. Another complexity to all of this is that I am in a different country and different language. I feel like a kid. Yes, I lived here before. I remember some of the language, but I am still learning. I need to talk my (his) family. Also, the city has changed so much. I don’t know where anything is anymore.  

Culture shock is real, but also so is being married. Moses had been so gracious and patient helping me navigate through all of this. I know there are several people out there who have married cross culturally who understand what we are going through. Two becoming one for us right now is me becoming more Ugandan, because that’s where we are. It will take time. However, if/when we ever go to the states, Moses will feel the same. I’m not losing who I am, I am growing into becoming a Ugandan wife. Or honestly, a wife in general. I am gaining skills and knowledge.

Its hard because its humbling. I need help. Help is there is many ways through family, friends, and my husband.  Its hard for me to swallow my pride and admit I need help. I pray that through all of this I become a good wife. Moses is experiencing the same things. Looking out for me, caring for me. Always checking on me. We are slowly becoming The Moros. Marriage is a lot of work. It’s a learning curve and its all worth it.

Until next time,

-Mar

Tuesday, May 18th I was discharged from the hospital from Entebbe. My sister-in-law Grace comes to pick me up and we grab a taxi. We wanted to get to the huge bus station in Kampala (the capitol) before traffic. We got to the bus station in time and I’m just relieved to on a bus headed home. My little nephew Billy sits in between Grace and I, playing games and having fun. Since I had a six hour ride, I make a list of stuff for a wedding. I have two days to plan it. I call Moses going over everything so we are on the same page. Nerves hit me because I don’t know what he has planned or what is going on. Who was in charge? How exactly do Ugandan weddings work out all the little details? Worry floods my eyes and Grace grabs my arm, “Are you fine? You look worried.” Grace was right, I was. I said nothing, forced a fake smile on my face. Then the famous Ugandan phrase came from her lips, “Everything is fine, No problem.” She was right. I was out of the hospital. I’m going to get married. Nothing can stop me.

The next day came. I was so excited yet overwhelmed because I had to help plan a wedding in two days. Nothing would have gone right if Moses’ family and church were not there. I’m eternally grateful for them. The church women did everything. His family made sure everything got done. The church took care us as if we were their children, but to them we are.

First, I had to get a dress. Thankfully, fabric and tailors are everywhere in Gulu and East Africa in general. Our dear family friend, Flavia knew a good tailor and got my dress made in a day. My dress was beautiful. It made me feel like a queen. The Church held our reception so all we had to do was get chairs and a sound system. For the next two days Moses and I were running around like crazy making sure everything was organized. We did marriage counseling with an amazing pastor couple. It was what we needed to remind ourselves of Jesus.

Before you knew it, May 21st came. It was here. We had a matron of honor and a best man. It was my sister-in-law Grace and her husband. Moses and I had a civil marriage, so we met at the courthouse at 11 am. My uncle and brother-in-law Calvin come and pick me up. The car didn’t start. The battery died. Then the owner of the resort I was staying in helped us. He just gave us all ride to the courthouse. He was excited to help the bride in her time of need. Every time something went wrong, God provided. Somebody, somewhere was trying to stop my wedding. 

At the courthouse we were surrounded by important family members-the elders, and others who really loved us. When it came time to sign the certificate, it was the easiest thing I ever decided to commit to. Nothing was going to stop me. I came this far. I overcame COVID regulations and a dead car battery. We were getting married. We exchanged rings and celebrated our love with a traditional Acholi yell. That yell warms my heart because it expresses joy, pride, and love.

We ran downstairs to take photos, then headed to the fun part- the reception. As we drove up ladies from church waited for us in dance formation. They are all yelling and are ready for us to dance. It is like cheerleaders at a prep rally. We are the athletes. As we enter the church, it is decorated with blue and white balloons and ribbon. We dance/walk our way to the sweetheart table. We watch as people from all over come flooding in. The choir and praise team are dancing and singing. Everyone joins in. The party has started.

They pray for us, they danced for us, they sang for us. Then came time for cake. We get up and cut the cake, then we feed each other, just like in America. However, after we take a bite, we honor our elders by kneeling and giving them a piece of cake. I thought that was special. Then there are dozens of little cakes we hand out to family and friends who have helped you, or whoever is important to you. It is a signifies love and respect.

After cakes, they bring us gifts. We stand in front and everyone who brought us gifts brings them to us. And we thank them. They get in a line and they dance their way up front with gifts. We got goats, money, chickens, and so much more. At this moment I started to cry. Family and friends sacrificed so much to give us something. We are truly blessed. After the presentation of gifts, we eat. After eating, guess what we did? We danced. Ugandans love to dance. I love to dance. Its perfect.

People who have been married before me told me the wedding day goes by fast. It is true. It flew by. I am truly so thankful that I even got have a wedding. There was so much love and joy. We enjoyed our little honeymoon at this quiet resort. I should have the wedding video out soon. Our photographer is rushing to get it done. I will post it on Facebook and Instagram.

I mentioned this once, I will mention it again. I am truly blessed and grateful for all the friends and family it took to make our wedding day special. I thought I would have a week to finalize details, but it turned out to be two days. Thank you, thank you, thank you! You hold a special place in our hearts. Thank you.

-Mo and Mar.

Moses and I are not professionals, we just have years of experience. The helpful advice given in this blog is purely from our experiences. Hopefully, it will help you or someone you know. I will try to post helpful advice or encouragements every week or two weeks.

The first and fore most important piece of advice I can give applies to anyone and everyone who misses someone far away. Maybe a romantic relationship, family member, or friend. Perhaps it is even you. The number one helpful advice would be to have clear and realistic expectations. Moses and I thought for a long-time what number one should be and we thought this was the most important. If you move far away or begin a relationship with someone have expectations. We all do, consciously or subconsciously. My question is are they realistic? Can you easily explain what you expect?

Before I began even dating Moses, I was challenged by my own expectations of myself and my future husband. I thought and prayed over them for days. Then I made a list. Little did I know I was going to begin a serious committed relationship a month later. So, if you have not made a list, I would encourage you to make one. Not a superficial list about looks and car models. Which are not terrible, but I am talking character and morals. What do expect when you come home mad from a terrible day at work? What do expect from yourself and your significant other when you are sad? How will this work from miles away? How many times have you been hurt because someone did not do something you expected? I do not know anyone with the ability to read minds. If you do, I want to meet them.

Be honest with yourself first. I never expect Moses to do something I would not do. That is not fair. However, I am brutally honest with myself. I make sure my expectations realistic. After you realize what you want and need it is easy to know what you can expect from yourself and others around you. This is not only for romantic couples. Setting realistic and clear expectations can help in every relationship. Lastly, you need to communicate them. I will write a whole separate blog on communication. The concept of communication is vital and correlates with this discussion but first we need to know what we want. Do not wait until you are mad to say, “Oh yeah, I expect you to this.” Or “I needed you to do that.”  If you wait until your expectations, hopes, and dreams are crushed you are just hurting yourself.

Long distance is a huge commitment. Any relationship is a commitment. Know what you are committing to. Think of it as a business deal. There is a contract with specific goals or expectations. You would read over the contract, study it, ask questions and communicate anything that was concerning or important. Why not do that with your heart? Your future? A successful business has goal and expectations. They change but are always communicated. Do you want to success in this relationship? I expect Moses to call me at certain times of day. We both figured out when we need to talk, and when we want to talk. We set up that expectation because we had various discussions about it. Create and have clear expectations. It works no matter where in world you are. It helps you and others around you. Go ahead, give it a try.

Until next time

-Mo and Mar

It’s Mar and I’m finally in Uganda to get married. It has been a whirlwind of emotions as I was preparing and arriving. Let’s start off with all the anxiety that comes with travel mixed with a wedding and topped off by new and ever changing COVID regulations. It has been a rollercoaster. My family was unable to come to my wedding here; I am all alone. I am heartbroken over the million tiny reasons my family can’t be here. But I press on knowing I have overwhelming amounts of love and support from all those at home.

Days before leaving I was misplacing so many things. Important things like my drivers license. I thought I was losing my mind. Then my airplane ticket disappeared. Like I didn’t buy one when I clearly did. Thanks to a good friend I got that figured out. I hopped on the plane ready for smooth sailing. First half of the trip was great. Second not so great. Being on a plane for 22 hours gets you ready for a real bed.

Its 10:30 at night in Uganda, I don’t know what day it is, my body tired. I got my luggage make my way out and I saw him. My Moses.  Just a glimpse before the rude guard kept yelling at me to get on the shuttle to go get tested. Moses is so handsome in real life. I could not stop smiling. Moses is yelling directions at me as I board the shuttle. As I get on, angry travelers board the shuttle. We are all worried about where our luggage is and where they are taking us.

Five minutes later we arrive at this old resort/hotel surrounded by tents and guards. They put us in lines, and we all pay money to get tested. Then they move us over to the testing tents. We all get tested and then they escort us to this huge wedding tent with free Wi-Fi. Free Wi-Fi is a big deal in Uganda. They play fun music with lights; it was like party.  There were servers to get us snacks and beverages. At our own cost of course. I appreciated it because it was not as boring as I thought. I met two other Americans who are first time travelers to Uganda. They were a great couple. Its funny how God puts people in our paths that are doing thing you want to do. I got to reap wisdom and sweet time of fellowship. I needed that. My heart needed it.

After four hours of waiting all results were given except mine. I had a gut feeling that something is wrong. I was the last one from my flight and I did not get my papers. So around 4:30 am this woman takes me to a weird room and tell me I have tested positive. I could not even process anything she said after that. I just stood up and started crying. I have not slept in 72 hours, I waited four hours to hear this?! I did not think so. We walk outside to talk to person in charge because I demanded it. I created a scene. I am crying and yelling, Moses is on the phone with me. In my heart I knew I was stuck. What about our wedding? Moses was waiting for me outside the gate that was heavily guarded. I demanded he come in and see me. They went and got him.

They watched our every move as they said, “No hugging, no kissing. Just say hi.” I think to myself just say hi?! I’ve waited for years to see him, now everything is being watched by guards and testing people. They stole this sweet moment of a reunion from us. The moment where I ran and jump and hug and kiss Moses because I have missed him. They stole that from me. My heart was broken. They kept telling me to calm down. Which makes me madder. They let me sleep there. I think Moses sat outside. He is a trooper.

After one hour of sleep, Moses comes in to discuss the plan they came up with. The ambulance was coming to take me to a hospital to get medicine then strict orders to quarantine in my own home in Gulu. They lied to us to calm me down and get me in the ambulance. They came and drove me away with all my luggage. I felt so sad. Moses was not with me. This nurse that is completely covered in all her COVID gear comes to get me and my stuff. They take me to this ghetto room. They did not tell me anything, took my vitals and left. I did not see her for four hours when she came to deliver lunch. I felt like a prisoner. My phone didn’t have an African SIM card yet. I could talk to no one. Lucky for me my roommate was cool. I gave her money to use her phone. I called Moses and connected. Moses found which room I was staying in and we talk from a window. He got me anything I asked. He called and harassed the Drs. He was fighting for me. I needed that. Because the nurses did not listen to us.  

The hospital told me I had to stay there for eight days. I begged and cried to be transferred to Gulu hospital, so at least I can be closer to home. Nothing. All I can do is pray. After calling multiple Doctors and people in charge, I felt hopeless. However, Moses got positive responses from one nurse in particular -Lydia. She was the Charge nurse. She listened to every request Moses made. He dropped off fruit, honey, and blankets for me all because of her. All the other nurses stated to call me “Bride” because they all knew I needed out. After days of prayer my heart grew stronger because I know I do not have COVID.

Day three was a huge turning point. The Dr in charge of the COIVD are cam to us with an announcement that the leaders of the health department of Uganda are changing their minds about the eight days. They are debating on changing the testing days to day five or seven. My heart jumped for joy. Anything less than eight days is better than nothing. Later a lady called me that had connections to the hospital and I told her my story. She was eager to get me out because I needed to get married. She wanted me to get tested on Monday, which was the fifth day. So, I can go home. I could not sleep I was so excited. Finally, someone heard me. 

Monday came around and I got tested. Praying and waiting to see if my results would come in the night. They did not, but that didn’t change my attitude or my spirit. I knew God heard my prayer. I knew the COVID ward was full. They needed to get rid of people. I had to be one of them. So, my roommate and I and I packed up our bags in faith we were leaving. Tuesday morning came but no doctor to discuss my discharge. I was getting nervous. I made multiple calls then suddenly one of the nurses walks in and asks if I’m ready to leave. YES!! They were discharging 5 people, one at a time we are literally sprayed down with sanitizer. We were given a certificate that we were negative then I ran outside to meet my sister in law. After 6 hours on a bus sitting next to my sister-in-law and nephew. I was home in Gulu. I ran into Moses arms as it began to rain like a romantic movie. I held him so tight no one could separate us. Except he did because he put me in the car and loaded up my bags. But still it was the moment I been waiting for. I started to cry, partly from exhaustion another part from joy. I was here finally here.

I promise Now that I am settled, I will be better about updating! One of the next blogs is the wedding post!