Musings after 4 hours of sleep...

The question is not: Are you a global citizen but rather: What type of global citizen are you?

This was one of the statements that really hit me at the UN conference I attended in April. It’s true that we are all now global citizens because of media, Internet and basic ease of travel. We know “everything” that is happening in the world around us at the click of a mouse button.
But what type of global citizen are you?

This is my third trip to Uganda and lying in my bed at 2:30am and listening to the sounds of the city made me feel like I was back where I needed to be. I cannot explain what it is that I feel inside of me except to say that it is like a tingle that reassures me in what I am doing. I feel right here despite appearing out of place.

Having the three youths with us this time is very exciting. They are seeing Uganda with young eyes and already they are making statements that show they appreciate how different life is at home. Emily shared from her journal that while there is so much poverty evident, the people seem so happy. Dylan, who had what I would consider a mortifying experience yesterday when he was dragged on stage in front of hundreds of spectators to dance with a local celebrity at Kawanda (what a good sport!), said that he felt very proud of himself for making it here. He also commented on how he would never complain about school and the hours he had to attend ever again! Malcolm watches the people carrying huge loads on their heads and backs and has vowed not to complain about his backpack and skateboard ever again.

These three are global citizens because they have come to see for themselves what life is like in sub-Saharan Africa. They are adding another dimension to their friends’ global citizenship by facebooking every night and letting them know what is happening. And they will also continue this by being the voice for the youth here when they talk to their peers and show photos about what they have experienced.

Sam put I beautifully at dinner on Friday when he said that bringing these three students to Uganda was like the tap roots forming on a plant. These three will motivate other youth to be involved, to care and to serve the global community.

Several years ago, the Dalai Lama had a meeting with various leaders from around the world to discuss what the greatest challenge the modern world was facing. After much debate, it was decided that youth apathy was the greatest challenge. Seeing Dylan, Emily and Malcolm here and hearing all their comments about loving everything around them here, I think these three global citizens are going to be the tap roots for establishing hope and nourishing minds.

The center is coming to life. The sun will appear in about 45 minutes and the adventure will continue.

I am truly a lucky person.