From my journal on October 7, 2005:

So… is this a good idea or a God idea?

I read a front page article in the Post today that planted a hook in my heart. Young girls in Uganda are being propositioned by “sugar daddies” who believe sleeping with a virgin will cure them of AIDS. And many such girls succumb because their lives are so bleak. One girl profiled in the article lives with five young siblings and six other kids her mom took in after their parents died of AIDS. They live in a shack; we wouldn’t put an animal in it here. She owns one dress and one pair of underwear; life with a sugar daddy must look pretty good.

I’ve read a thousand articles like this before, but this one really sank deep. Maybe it’s the obvious connection: I have a 13 year old daughter too. But maybe the urge I have to sell everything and move to Uganda is the Holy Spirit inside me trying to get me to pull a radical move to meet the crying needs of the world.

That night we prayed. The next morning, Heidi googled "filming Uganda" and found a two week film school (taught by the filmmaker who did “Paris is Burning.”) that just happened to be going to Uganda. In a few days, I could be immersed in two alien cultures at the same time. J Again: a good idea or God idea? How can I tell the difference?

Lord, please show me the way. Please answer this heartfelt prayer: I want to know if you want me to go to Uganda. I have the means; I have the time; I feel a pull. Is this you?

Holy cow: I think the Lord is saying yes.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/10/06/AR2005100602147.html