Breathe, Release, and Be at Peace

Aug 20, 2015
3 min read

Late July 25th, I arrived in Uganda. The plane landed and I was full of emotions: excitement, nervousness, anticipation, anxiety, insecurity, inspiration, many more. While I have traveled out the country, this was still a whole new experience for me: new continent, new country, new travelling experience (solo vs. group). Though I had spent weeks preparing for this trip, here I was already on this journey and feeling somewhat uneasy. I headed towards the Visa station ready to embark on this adventure. When I arrived at the counter trouble was there waiting for me. We were told in our pre departure preparation meeting that the cost of the visa was $50. The lady facing me told me the cost was $100. My heart started beating fast. As a child of African descent I had heard stories of the various ways travelers from America are scammed in Africa. I wasn't sure if this was one of those times. I mean how'd the visa go from $50 to $100? I went back and forth with her for a short period, then just accepted the fact that I was going to have to give her $100 if I wanted to enter the country and not be stranded at the airport. I had brought about $150 in cash with me, so I opened up my wallet to bring out another $50. My heart beating rapidly, my soul breath in.....I couldn't find the money in my wallet. I checked the different pockets and sections...all I could find was $15. I whispered to myself "Oh snap...don't trip Joy, don't trip." I explained to the lady that I didn't have $100 and asked if there was an ATM or something where I could get money. She gave me directions. As I proceeded to the ATM, something said check your backpack. I stopped and checked....there was my money. *Sigh* Thank you Jesus. I returned to the counter, gave the lady my money, got processed and headed to baggage claim. Though I had made multiple attempts, I never received complete detailed information about who would be picking up from the airport in Uganda. I kept asking and heard "Oh don't worry someone will pick you up. Oh that's a good question. Maybe Eddy or Henry will pick you up." My response, “Yes, but who? What do they look like? How will I know it's Eddy or Henry. I don't know these people." As I grabbed my luggage and baggage claim still unsure, I just kept praying “Lord please don't let me get snatched up!!!! I mean if I go missing, are there even milk cartons that they can plaster my face on?" There were many people standing outside waiting to pick people up. I looked through the crowd hoping to find a familiar face from my US team or a sign that said "Joy Oguntimein" After about 1 minute , a man walked up to me and said "Joy? Here with ACF?" Nervously, I said "Yes." He said “I’m Eddie. I'm here to pick you up. I recognize you because you look like your mom and from Facebook." While I definitely know not to walk away with strange men, especially in a foreign land, I felt peace. As we walked to the car, I asked questions to make sure he knew my mom and was with ACF. He did. He was. When I finally got in the car I heard God whisper to me, "Breathe, Release, and Be at Peace. I got you." I knew I needed not worry about the unknown. Rather trust the unknown to a known God who has the details figured out.