Sometimes, there are times when I look at my life and am in disbelief that it is mine. White water rafting down the Nile was one of those moments. This is a funny story I promise. So we took a vacation to Jinja, Uganda to a very westernized resort called Adrift. After traveling all day (not a fun experience by the way), we arrived and were hit with what is often diagnosed as “culture shock”. There were white people all over the place and they were doing things that white people do and the way I felt can only be described as shock. We have been living in Africa for long enough that we have grown accustomed to their culture and so when we are hit in the face with this radically different culture, we didn’t know how to act or even communicate with people our own race. Coming home is going to be very interesting.
But on to the good stuff. We went rafting down the Nile and I would say that it is probably in the top three most amazing experiences of my entire life! I fear describing it for fear that it would belittle the experience.
It was a cloudy day, but it didn’t matter; this was going to be a good day, I just knew it! We got on the water and our Kiwi guide, named Cam went through standard procedures (paddle forward, paddle back, hold on, get down, etc. . .), nothing I hadn’t done before. Then we practiced flipping as he assured us that we would flip the boat today because we were in the “wild” boat. Every minute that was not spent laughing, screaming, or getting tossed out of the boat, was spent in thanksgiving to God because never in a million years did I ever think that I would be in this place. Seven hours, 14 rapids (most of which were class fives, and that in itself is an understatement), and me screaming at the top of my lungs as I often do when I am having the best day of my life (and don’t worry I won hands down in the screaming contest); this is my life. Not to say there weren’t a few bumps along the way. We flipped going down one of the rapids, I was on the side that the wave came under and so literally I was airborne and slammed into the water and all the while, I kept a hold of my paddle and the boat. Thank you God’s grace. Another rapid had a slight waterfall that we went down backwards on and had no idea what was coming and the last was the best. The last rapid we went on, all but three were flung from the boat (I think it is because we were too hardcore to stay in the boat, that wouldn’t have been enough of an adventure). And all the while as we were being typical outrageous Mzungus, there were Africans alongside, fishing, washing their clothes and bathing; and my favorite is that there were Africans in little wooden canoes going down these impossible rapids like it nothing. Why are Africans so hardcore all the time, it really makes us look bad)? It was so much fun, I can’t imagine having spent my vacation any other way and I really can’t wait to tell you more stories with full body language because only then will their true awesomeness be portrayed. So now you think I’m crazy because a good day to me is getting in a raft and holding on for dear life as we soar down raging waters and I’m sure and I’m not too sure I’m convinced otherwise but the point is it was a rush, it was incredible, it was crazy and I loved every second of it! It reminded me of God’s love for me because He knows my heart and He knows what makes me happy. He gives me the desires of my heart and at the end of the day I could only stare out at the river that I had just rafted in bliss and thank God for the life that He has given me.
P.S. I looked at my support and it turns out that I still have a pretty substancial amount to raise so if there is any way that you could help support me financially I can’t even tell you what that would mean to me. Please help me to finish this journey. God Bless You.
Ha ha! I wish I could have been in your boat! LOL I won’t lie I’m a little jealous Cam flipped you guys, Lee didn’t flip us even once!
Wow Tara! That sounds crazy! Right up your alley too. I’m glad you had a wonderful vacation!
Jinja! Rafting the nile! So fun! I’m jealous and each time i read these it makes me smile hearing about al these places and how much fun you are having! Hope the rest of the trip is amazing and we will all see you soon!