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!
Mo and Mar 