Be open to the Universe

I can't even describe the emotions I feel today in what has unraveled. A lot of the time I try to remain open and in tune with what the universe can bring. Open to the positive things that arrive in life, the negative things, the challenges, and the moments for personal growth to evolve. I went for a long walk today, deep breathing along the way, keeping my eyes open for people who gave off a certain energy that I was drawn to and really trying to open up and connect with these people as I walked. Met a lady randomly walking in my direction and got her to teach me some Luganda. Exchanged some laughs, smiles and a shared joy for living in Kampala. Continued on my way and asked a lady (Connie) with her child (Miracle) "wasuze otya" (literally how was your sleep, as a greeting to ask in the morning). She didn't understand me as she had just recently moved to Kampala from Tororo (an eastern city in Uganda). She had told me about her life and moving here, some of the frustrations of leaving her husband and how people in her neighbourhood won't mind their business. I guess in many cases with society being so communal here, it is very common for people to constantly be in others business. She told me it has been a dream of hers to move to Canada, where one can live alone and not be judged, and can just live out their life in peace and happiness. she told me of her joy of trying to build a new life and striving to find happiness in the struggles she is facing. Connies heart was wide open, and the connection I felt with her, I have not experienced anywhere else here. It was as if I was talking to my own mother. There was an extreme level of comfort, trust, openess and beauty in the way we were talking and exchanging energy and her eyes remained in contact with me the whole time (a rare thing to find here. Eye contact is much less directive here). I got introduced to her daughter Miracle, and through interacting with her, really noticed she was not doing well and was extremely sick. I asked Connie if she was sick, and she informed me that she believed that Miracle had Malaria, and had a high fever for days and has been very out of it, staring into space. She was telling me of the burden this has placed on her, as she truly thought it was malaria, and had no means of paying for treatment or doctors visit. The look in Connie's eyes was of true fright, a look of sorrow at the thought that it may be a reality that she loses her daughter. I suggested we walk to a clinic together and get things checked out, offering to pay for things if it would help her. We went to the clinic and it did turn out that she was positive for Malaria. The doctor informed me of the severity of the situation. My heart purged all these emotions that this serendipitous moment arrived out of nowhere, where I truly could make an impact in the lives of a small family that really desperately needed help. We got Miracle the treatment and prescriptions she needed and got a bed net to prevent further problems down the road. Hugging is very much a cultural taboo in public in Uganda, and almost never between man and woman. We left the clinic and Connie broke out into tears and gave me the biggest hug I have ever gotten. It was a moment of blessing, a moment where the universe brought two souls together where a real positive, immediate impact could be made on the gift of life. This is a moment I will never forget. A moment I will cherish for life, and a time where it really hit home that the smallest action can have the biggest impact imaginable.
We parted paths shortly after and our gaze continued to connect as the distance between us extended. Her smile, and the open expression of her heart will always stay with me.

Words really can't describe what today's gift means to me.. :)