The Alchemist

6.18.09

Posted at a later date:

I am happier beyond any words I can put on paper. Nothing can describe how I feel. More than anything I just wish you could be here to see this. Right now I am reading The Alchemist by Paulo Coelno which deeply discusses purpose. Purpose has been a reoccurring theme in my life. At one point he says “we all need to be aware of our personal calling... God’s blessing. It is the oath that God chose for you here on earth.” And he also says “to realize one’s destiny is a person’s only obligation”.

 

I have no doubts that I am exactly where I was meant to be. Almost every person that I am close with has a far different purpose and path than I do. This breeds doubt in what I am doing. My culture has told me that once I graduate I have to attend college right away, get a job, find a husband and settle down. But I honestly don’t believe my life will ever be normal.

 

But here is what we have been doing…

My flight got in at around 8 in the morning. Two Ugandans picked me up and we ran a lot of errands around Kampala (Uganda’s capital). I was physically, mentally and emotionally exhausted. It seemed like the longest day of my life. But I had a lot of fun with Morris and some other Ugandans. We then went to Jinja and picked up some volunteers from another orphanage. I had been told that next we were going to the volunteer house. Due to my extreme exhaustion I feel asleep during the drive there. When I woke up I opened my eyes to see the orphanage before me. All the children were waiting for me. I was excited but overwhelmed. My energy level was nonexistent. A small girl was holding a sign that said “We love you Annie”. The children swarmed around me, grabbing at my hands and hugging my legs. There voices rang out " you are most welcome". And for the first time since last year I felt at home again.