What Did You Bring?

Monthly, I receive a writing prompt from the lovely group I'm in called the "Writer's Nest". Here is our prompt for tomorrow:

=======================================

Writing Down the Bones Deck, by Natalie Goldberg

# 14 What did you bring—in your purse, on a trip, to a party, in your suitcase, in your book bag, in your car? Besides your toothbrush, hat, comb and brush, wallet, what did you drag along from the inside? Attachments, resentments, fears, regrets? A good topic has many dimensions—it can be physical and ethereal, concrete and abstract. Go for both sides. Mix it up: a red slip and hope. A nail clip and anxiety. You could bring with you a bag of cement or flowers, perfume behind your ears, a cancer in your gut you don’t know you have. Plunge in. Move the pen. What do you never leave behind? Who travels—for real or in your mind and body—with you wherever you go? Let the hand speak. Don’t think. Let the mind transport you.

==========================================

My thoughts are all a whir when I ponder what I bring. 

In the car, I always pack a box of water, because you never know when you will get delayed and need rehydration from the African sun. There is also an umbrella and hand sanitizer packed in the driver door. And a package of wet wipes for whenever we want to buy chicken, goat, or liver on a stick while on a road trip. Moses always packs his big speaker, even if we need more space in the boot, because music is very important to the both of us. 

The purse seems simple. I don't pack a lot, but no matter the size of the bag, I can never seem to find what I'm looking for as things are jumbled at the bottom. Of course, there are the usual wallet, lip balm, keys, and phone. But I also make sure that I carry a tissues for the bush or pit latrine stops that I may need on a journey. I always carry a back-up pad, chewable magnesium, and throat lozenges for a good old coughing fit--it's been 5 years now and I still can't get rid of my emergency supply. A pen, with blank cards, is often found tucked in the bag too, because I love spending "waiting" times writing a letter to someone else.

In a crowd, I bring energy and encouragement. I bring laughter and joy. But sadly, I can also pack sarcasm, impatience, and pride. I'm often seen as the life of the party, but lately I've learned a word that seems to fit me better. Otrovert. It's a newly emerging personality concept, of which I can relate to a few descriptions. I'm someone who is friendly and socially adept, but often feels like an outsider. An outsider in the sense that I'm a Canadian living in Uganda. I'm a Christian living in a broken world. I don't get bullied into being in groups I don't want to be a part of easily. I'm emotionally strong -- I don't rely on peer validation, group rituals, or teams to identify my self-worth. And I'm full of originality. I like to dress brightly, with loads of colour. I think I'm a creative and independent thinker, but I'm also glad I have a husband who points me to other points of view.

In my suitcase - I always pack BONES. He has travelled the world with me and slept in the craziest of places. My faithful teddy bear is turning 30 this Christmas, and it's only been a handful of nights when I didn't have him with me. I would also add, then whenever Moses and I think we are going to Kampala, the capital city for a certain length of time, I always pack a few extra clothes and the laundry bag because more often than not we end up staying longer. And it's usually due to the vehicle being in the garage or that legal documents weren't ready when they said they would be ready.

In the house, the biggest thing I pack is extra food and treats because I love cooking for my husband and a crowd. Along with the crowd - that means there are always loads of clean sheets, towels, and bars of soap. We definitely want a home where everyone feels welcome and at home. There is a cupboard full of games and craft supplies, so that there is something fun for everyone.

My heart is a whole other category. I pack a lot of thoughts that are often overwhelming. How long will we be serving in Gulu? How are our girls really doing in school? Are we financially stable, or how can we cut our budget better? What country will be the next stamp in my passport? How can I support my husband in a greater way? When will I feel strong again? Please Lord, may my 50's be an improvement over my 40's! How can I serve the youth at church in a way that encourages or blesses them? When will I find a way to train the dogs? Is the newly installed electricity affecting our weak solar power system? 

Through it all, I want my life to bring Jesus. I pray that my heart is filled with the Holy Spirit and that the words of my mouth are pleasing unto Him. I wish that God was even greater on my mind and that His true and inspiring WORD was hidden even deeper in my heart.