You Are One of a Kind

Uganda has been such an amazing tool used by the Lord to teach me many things. Each day I spend here, I am given an opportunity to see something new and unique. Of course I can choose to see things the same way they were yesterday, but if I am intentional, I will find something new.

In economics, the value of something is determined by how rare it is. For example, diamonds are expensive because no two diamonds in this world are the same. The same is true of people. We were each designed by God with such a unique flavor and no two people are exactly the same. No one has the same fingerprint as you do! We are valuable.

I was reminded of this truth one day while driving down the roads in Uganda. Each shop has a display of the items they have for sale. The shop vendors hang their prized clothing outside of their shop (as well as other things), so those passing by can “window” shop. (Of course there isn’t a pane of glass!). Rarely are the clothes displayed brand new. Most of the clothing here in Uganda comes from other countries and is second hand. It is very rare that you find two outfits exactly alike.

 In the United States, when you go shopping, you will find racks and racks of the same exact outfit. The only difference is the size. It is really kind of funny if you think of it. Most people shop at department stores. These stores are scattered all across the USA. We find an outfit or a pair of shoes that we love. We don’t really think that thousands of other people have also seen the same shoe/outfit and are also in love with it. That means we are walking in the same shoes and wearing the same outfit as thousands of others. It’s a great picture if you think about it. 

In America, we all strive to look a similar way, but don’t realize it. Because of convenience, this is just a way of life. (and I'm not saying it's wrong, but just a great observation of what blessing can sometimes create - a dissatisfaction and lack of contentment at times - or better yet, maybe a distraction from real value!) We sometimes compare ourselves to "our neighbor". We want what they have. We want to look like so and so and aren't satisfied with who we are (or at least can feel that way sometimes). A Hollywood star wears a certain dress and then we all want to look just like them! How easily we are influenced by the material beauty :)

Uganda has a way of waking you up to remember that YOU are not what you look like on the outside. You can’t really choose to “look” like anyone else. You can’t buy the same shoes or the same outfit as your friends here, because you CAN NOT find it!

Uganda helps you to discover you. It helps you to discover the beauty within. It helps you discover the beauty in others as well, because here, you don’t say to someone who is sitting in rags on a woven straw rug within the dirt, "Wow, your outfit is amazing. Where did you find it?" Instead, you look into their eyes and see their joy and smile exuding from their being and realize, Wow, you’ve got a beauty that can’t be purchased or created by a person. You are You and I love it!

Loving Uganda,

Lori