I will be reporting on some random things that have been happening both funny and blessed.
Saturday I woke up and asked Esther what was the on agenda for today. She responded, "Oh, we were all invited to a wedding" so we all went to a wedding. I was the only white, uninvited, guest. When I entered people were taking picture of me instead of the bride and entertainment. People started getting out of their seats to let me sit down and all I wanted to do was sink into the back row with the ladies of the house. I refused their offer: I was aiming for the littlest attention possible. A little bit later, seats opened up and I was forced to move towards the front, thankfully there was room for Esther and the ladies (Ruth, Mourine, and Kakuru). As the wedding progressed, a well known pastor started preaching in a language I do not understand, and he talked for a long time. So Esther and David's baby Daniel started to get fussy in Esther's arms. She stood up and took him to the back. One of her nephews took the baby for her so she could sit back down. A few minutes later her nephew came with Daniel and his little sister Comfort (who is about 1 1/2 yrs old). Esther now had two fussy babies, so she thought it would be a good idea to let Comfort sit on my lap to comfort her (haha). But, instead this happened to be the worst timing for her introduction to a white face. She looked at me, with the greatest fear I have seen in a child's face, and SCREAMED bloody murder. The entire wedding party, guest list, and entertainers turned their eyes to me. If they weren't aware that I was there to begin with... they knew now. I was TOTALLY and COMPLETELY humiliated. I felt so bad for Comfort, but I knew this would be a story I could one day laugh about... one day. (I won't be offended if you find this funny... because it is.) As the wedding went on my embarrassment faded in the light of the love between the (nameless to me) bride and groom. Weddings in Uganda are very different than they are in the states, so it was nice to experience a different culture's tradition. Three of the boys performed at the wedding too, and that helped my frown turn upside down. They are so talented and gifted kids, and they could not have made me more proud. This whole experience, with them and this house, has made me have mommy/baby fever even more than I already had.
Sunday morning I woke up and heard that Keith wasn't feeling well. I volunteered to stay back from church to hang out with him. Then the idea of having church on the lawn popped into my mind. Joseph is a worship leader and a very gifted musician, the kids are really talented at dancing and singing, and someone could give the message (which turned out to be me when David volunteered me, lol!). Esther drove out and picked up kids from the surrounding area, and it was incredibly powerful. We started "Joy of Child Children's Church" this Sunday, and we can only hope that it continues. The JOAC staff and kids took complete ownership of the service. Devin was the "service director" and had the job of announcing what was next in the program. Patrick translated, Joseph led worship, Kakuru led the choir, Junior translated for Patrick when he gave a sermonette, and David translated for me. It was a beautiful morning in Mbarara too, the Lord totally blessed it. I am looking forward to the Sundays to come.
After the great encouragement that was Sunday morning, I was in the mood for ice cream on the warm sunny day. David and Joseph both liked the idea, but we later found out it was going to be David's FIRST time having ice cream. WHAT?!?! Ice cream is my favorite thing... as most of you probably know. It was unbelievable to me that he had not even tried it before. It is a luxury here, so I was happy to get it for the house to share! Most of the kids had not had it before, either, so when I brought it out they all cheered. It was fantastic. There was plenty to go around, with little even extra at the end. David and Esther, along with all of the kids, licked their plates clean! It was humbling for me. I can have ice cream any day I want to in the states (though I should not), and it is not a luxury but rather something I enjoy quite often.
Shout out: Happy Memorial day to everyone reading this that has served in the US Armed Forces, especially my dear dear Grandfather, Harry.
Monday, May 30, 2011
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Breakthroughs
I have a lot of great news to report!
First, the programs with the ladies have finally started yesterday, and so far they have been really encouraging. Yes, I am weak, but He is strong. I thought I was going to fail miserably, but God has totally come through. We are reading a book called "Living in Love with Jesus" and it is by two women, one of which was my mom's favorite singer Kathy Troccoli. My testimony has a lot to do with the loss of my mother, and the fact Kathy was involved in the writing of this book is a blessing to me. Right now my plan is to have Monday, Wednesday, and Fridays about the book and Tuesdays and Thursdays teaching Math and English. Yesterday we used the book, and it was incredible. The first chapter was all about how we are the Beloved of God and we are his betrothed. He is preparing a wedding and wedding feast for us, and when He comes back for us we will be able to walk down the "aisle" to meet him. After sharing my story, and the story of the Gospel, two of the girls decided this was a wedding they wanted to be apart of!!! Today, I bought them rings to symbolize their "engagement" to Christ. I am really excited to present to give them to the ladies tomorrow.
Today, the ladies and I did an English and Math study. We talked about likes/dislikes, wants, how to ask for help, and what to say when they do not understand/if they would like me to repeat myself. This way, I know that they will stop me if I am going too fast or using words they do not know. I gave them a little less than 50 math problems to do in order to see where they were at. I will be teaching the addition and subtraction of fractions next week.
Also, today, I learned how to wash clothes by hand. At the beginning everyone was laughing at me, and I knew why, I looked ridiculous. The watchman, Conrad, asked me "It looks like you have never done this before, how do you wash clothes in your country?" Sadly, I had to answer, "Machines." But as time went on I got better at it, and it began to really connect me with the women. I want to do the things they do, I do not want to just be a guest in this home, I want to be a part of the normal, everyday stuff. (I hope this is making sense... I only have a little bit of time to complete this blog so I feel like I am rushing through it.) Later I told Ruth (one of the young women that live here) "Hey, this is actually fun!" and she said, "Yes, it is funny!" hahahaha, I didn't say it was funny, but she certainly thought it was. I hope to continue to wash clothes with them, it seemed like they enjoyed the time spent together... I know I certainly did. While we were washing they asked me the English word for the things we were cleaning, so it was cool to connect teaching something and just hanging out with them.
I have started to feel more at home lately. I was holding Afusa, one of the cutest little girls I have ever encountered, while watching the boys play soccer and thought to myself, "I do not wish I was any place else." I am really enjoying the slower pace, focused ministry, and just living life with these INCREDIBLE people. I love being at the house when the boys come home from school. They greet me by shaking my hand and saying, "Good evening, auntie" and I say, "Good evening, (with their name). What did you learn at school today?" I will never get tired of their responses: "Today I learned how to write a letter" "Today I learned why drinking alcohol is bad" (lol) "Today I learned about ethnicity" "Today I learned about the population of Uganda" and so on. I will never grow tired of the girls asking me "Auntie, how do you say (insert word or gesture towards an object) in English?" I will never grow tired of the devotional time, the time we take during the day to sit in the presence of God and simply THANK Him for the good things He has done. I challenge those reading this blog today (because it is early in the Western hemisphere) to do this at your dinner tables tonight or wherever you are with the people you love.
Currently reading: Jeremiah, Mark, The Screwtape Letters, and Living in Love with Jesus
First, the programs with the ladies have finally started yesterday, and so far they have been really encouraging. Yes, I am weak, but He is strong. I thought I was going to fail miserably, but God has totally come through. We are reading a book called "Living in Love with Jesus" and it is by two women, one of which was my mom's favorite singer Kathy Troccoli. My testimony has a lot to do with the loss of my mother, and the fact Kathy was involved in the writing of this book is a blessing to me. Right now my plan is to have Monday, Wednesday, and Fridays about the book and Tuesdays and Thursdays teaching Math and English. Yesterday we used the book, and it was incredible. The first chapter was all about how we are the Beloved of God and we are his betrothed. He is preparing a wedding and wedding feast for us, and when He comes back for us we will be able to walk down the "aisle" to meet him. After sharing my story, and the story of the Gospel, two of the girls decided this was a wedding they wanted to be apart of!!! Today, I bought them rings to symbolize their "engagement" to Christ. I am really excited to present to give them to the ladies tomorrow.
Today, the ladies and I did an English and Math study. We talked about likes/dislikes, wants, how to ask for help, and what to say when they do not understand/if they would like me to repeat myself. This way, I know that they will stop me if I am going too fast or using words they do not know. I gave them a little less than 50 math problems to do in order to see where they were at. I will be teaching the addition and subtraction of fractions next week.
Also, today, I learned how to wash clothes by hand. At the beginning everyone was laughing at me, and I knew why, I looked ridiculous. The watchman, Conrad, asked me "It looks like you have never done this before, how do you wash clothes in your country?" Sadly, I had to answer, "Machines." But as time went on I got better at it, and it began to really connect me with the women. I want to do the things they do, I do not want to just be a guest in this home, I want to be a part of the normal, everyday stuff. (I hope this is making sense... I only have a little bit of time to complete this blog so I feel like I am rushing through it.) Later I told Ruth (one of the young women that live here) "Hey, this is actually fun!" and she said, "Yes, it is funny!" hahahaha, I didn't say it was funny, but she certainly thought it was. I hope to continue to wash clothes with them, it seemed like they enjoyed the time spent together... I know I certainly did. While we were washing they asked me the English word for the things we were cleaning, so it was cool to connect teaching something and just hanging out with them.
I have started to feel more at home lately. I was holding Afusa, one of the cutest little girls I have ever encountered, while watching the boys play soccer and thought to myself, "I do not wish I was any place else." I am really enjoying the slower pace, focused ministry, and just living life with these INCREDIBLE people. I love being at the house when the boys come home from school. They greet me by shaking my hand and saying, "Good evening, auntie" and I say, "Good evening, (with their name). What did you learn at school today?" I will never get tired of their responses: "Today I learned how to write a letter" "Today I learned why drinking alcohol is bad" (lol) "Today I learned about ethnicity" "Today I learned about the population of Uganda" and so on. I will never grow tired of the girls asking me "Auntie, how do you say (insert word or gesture towards an object) in English?" I will never grow tired of the devotional time, the time we take during the day to sit in the presence of God and simply THANK Him for the good things He has done. I challenge those reading this blog today (because it is early in the Western hemisphere) to do this at your dinner tables tonight or wherever you are with the people you love.
Currently reading: Jeremiah, Mark, The Screwtape Letters, and Living in Love with Jesus
Sunday, May 22, 2011
They Call Me "Auntie"
The word "auntie" is music to my ears. These children have embraced me as family, and this means the world to me. They trust me to bandage a bloody toe, pick them up when they are crying, rub their back, teach them songs, and the young ones trust me even to hold them if they are about to fall asleep. This house is so encouraging. The kids are the sweetest in the whole world, and I wish there was a better way to describe the kind of love shared in this place. They bring my shoes from the front of the house to the back before I can even think, "I need my shoes." Whenever I find them I always think they are cleaner than when I had them at first. They give me the best food, which is always TOO much for me to eat. Every night we have a devotional time after dinner. This is one of my favorite things: to see them praising Jesus and thanking Him for all He has done in their lives. It helps me to see how I lack a thankful heart.
Last night I bought a jackfruit, one of my favorite fruits to have here in Uganda, to share with the kids. When I brought it out they began to clap loudly and thank me over and over and over saying, "sank you." haha. They are so cute. It was worth it to see them smile and devour it. After dinner we played Simon Says, a game they caught on to quickly. They loved it and got really competitive. I said, "Simon Says laugh." And, they began laughing so loudly, and all I could do was join in with the uproar. They could barely here me say, "Simon Says stop" because it was so loud. I had to repeat myself and say, "SIMON SAYS PLEASE STOP" and that made them laugh even harder. It was a really good night.
The kids love to sing and dance. Today they tried teaching me some traditional African moves... I'm terrible, but they continued to encourage me to try again. They did "the jerk" and it made me think of Crossroads last year (shout out!). Tonight I am a little sad, but it's only a selfish sadness. The boys start school again tomorrow, so they will be gone most of the day. Of course, I am truly glad they are getting an education, especially after reading "The Price of Stones" a book my Uncle Jim got for me before I left. The book is about the importance of education in Uganda, specifically, and really helped me see how learning is a means to a sort of freedom. I want these kids to be what they want to be including: a pilot, a lawyer, a doctor, a nurse and so on. But the house will change drastically without their presence.
Prayer requests: This week I am starting to do the actual work I was sent to do. I have been teaching a bit of English here and there through physical activities. I have found the kids learn better when they are able to connect what they are doing physically to what they are saying. For example: "I'm going to kick the ball." response: "I'm going to block the ball." After the ball is kicked the kids have learned to say, "I blocked the ball" or "I did not block the ball" or "I missed the goal" or "I scored a goal." It has been very rewarding when they prove to me they have actually learned the words when the next day I hear them using the words. But, still I feel inadequate. I really could see myself being an ESL teacher, especially after my experience in Memphis this spring break, but it is easy to get frustrated and out of ideas. I will be working more with the young women while the boys are at school, from here on out. To be honest, I feel a little overwhelmed by the idea, their stories are so heavy, and part of me doesn't even know where to begin to break in.
Well, it's time for dinner now. Blessings to all! :) I think of you often, and I am so thankful for your support.
Last night I bought a jackfruit, one of my favorite fruits to have here in Uganda, to share with the kids. When I brought it out they began to clap loudly and thank me over and over and over saying, "sank you." haha. They are so cute. It was worth it to see them smile and devour it. After dinner we played Simon Says, a game they caught on to quickly. They loved it and got really competitive. I said, "Simon Says laugh." And, they began laughing so loudly, and all I could do was join in with the uproar. They could barely here me say, "Simon Says stop" because it was so loud. I had to repeat myself and say, "SIMON SAYS PLEASE STOP" and that made them laugh even harder. It was a really good night.
The kids love to sing and dance. Today they tried teaching me some traditional African moves... I'm terrible, but they continued to encourage me to try again. They did "the jerk" and it made me think of Crossroads last year (shout out!). Tonight I am a little sad, but it's only a selfish sadness. The boys start school again tomorrow, so they will be gone most of the day. Of course, I am truly glad they are getting an education, especially after reading "The Price of Stones" a book my Uncle Jim got for me before I left. The book is about the importance of education in Uganda, specifically, and really helped me see how learning is a means to a sort of freedom. I want these kids to be what they want to be including: a pilot, a lawyer, a doctor, a nurse and so on. But the house will change drastically without their presence.
Prayer requests: This week I am starting to do the actual work I was sent to do. I have been teaching a bit of English here and there through physical activities. I have found the kids learn better when they are able to connect what they are doing physically to what they are saying. For example: "I'm going to kick the ball." response: "I'm going to block the ball." After the ball is kicked the kids have learned to say, "I blocked the ball" or "I did not block the ball" or "I missed the goal" or "I scored a goal." It has been very rewarding when they prove to me they have actually learned the words when the next day I hear them using the words. But, still I feel inadequate. I really could see myself being an ESL teacher, especially after my experience in Memphis this spring break, but it is easy to get frustrated and out of ideas. I will be working more with the young women while the boys are at school, from here on out. To be honest, I feel a little overwhelmed by the idea, their stories are so heavy, and part of me doesn't even know where to begin to break in.
Well, it's time for dinner now. Blessings to all! :) I think of you often, and I am so thankful for your support.
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
I have arrived!
I feel like there is so much to say, but forgive me because I have not fully unpacked everything I would love to mention. So, here goes!
The day I left was perfect. I was appropriately sent off by New Hope in prayer, had an incredible date with my dad, and went to Orion's graduation party. I felt again the love and support of friends, and was given a pile of envelopes-organized by Katie O-filled with letters from my closest friends to be opened once a week. I felt ready, ready in the sense that I knew and felt like I was leaving and looking forward to the journey ahead. It was a LONNNNNG journey, but enjoyable in some ways. London by far was the best part of the travel days! Johnny gave me the number of his friend who lives in London who could not actually meet up with me, but told me what train to take into the city and what to do. I saw the Buckingham fountain and palace, Kensington gardens, and a butterfly exhibit among many huge museums. London is beautiful! It is a city filled with history and artistic architecture.
By the end of my London escapade I was exhausted because I had barely slept on the first plane ride and was touring all day. I slept most of the plane ride from London to Entebbe, thankfully. I was greeted by David Kamanzi at the airport with the driver and the driver’s wife, who lives in Kampala. We dropped her off on the way out of the city. The drive was long, and probably felt longer because of the travelling I had already done. But, it was also really encouraging because I was greeted by the similar smells, thick red dirt, and familiar places. We even ate at a restaurant I had eaten at before in Msaka with Come Let’s Dance. Thankfully, I was able to sleep a little bit in the car ride to Mbarara, but I didn’t want to sleep too much because I feared I would get jetlagged.
We arrived at the house and were greeted by the most adorable children. They had big smiles on their faces, and it was revealed to me that they all had been praying for me to have safe travels to meet them for quite some time. They love to sing, dance, and laugh. They are smart children, and have been so fun getting to know. David and Esther showed me to my room, complete with a mosquito net! They have welcomed me so well, and their generosity brought me to tears.
This morning we distributed the shoes that the Elgin church collected. These shoes were received so well. The kids were so thankful to have new shoes and want me to make sure I thank the people that sent them. John and everyone else that donated shoes, you have given these kids such a gift. This week I will be doing orientation, learning about what JOAC does on the grounds, and how it functions. There is another volunteer living here as well named Joseph. He is an EXCELLENT guitar player and will be graduating with a degree in Communications in October. He will be helping JOAC with online and written communication while teaching me how to play the guitar! There are a LOT of people living in this house, but I am so thankful to be in a home with such love and unity.
The day I left was perfect. I was appropriately sent off by New Hope in prayer, had an incredible date with my dad, and went to Orion's graduation party. I felt again the love and support of friends, and was given a pile of envelopes-organized by Katie O-filled with letters from my closest friends to be opened once a week. I felt ready, ready in the sense that I knew and felt like I was leaving and looking forward to the journey ahead. It was a LONNNNNG journey, but enjoyable in some ways. London by far was the best part of the travel days! Johnny gave me the number of his friend who lives in London who could not actually meet up with me, but told me what train to take into the city and what to do. I saw the Buckingham fountain and palace, Kensington gardens, and a butterfly exhibit among many huge museums. London is beautiful! It is a city filled with history and artistic architecture.
By the end of my London escapade I was exhausted because I had barely slept on the first plane ride and was touring all day. I slept most of the plane ride from London to Entebbe, thankfully. I was greeted by David Kamanzi at the airport with the driver and the driver’s wife, who lives in Kampala. We dropped her off on the way out of the city. The drive was long, and probably felt longer because of the travelling I had already done. But, it was also really encouraging because I was greeted by the similar smells, thick red dirt, and familiar places. We even ate at a restaurant I had eaten at before in Msaka with Come Let’s Dance. Thankfully, I was able to sleep a little bit in the car ride to Mbarara, but I didn’t want to sleep too much because I feared I would get jetlagged.
We arrived at the house and were greeted by the most adorable children. They had big smiles on their faces, and it was revealed to me that they all had been praying for me to have safe travels to meet them for quite some time. They love to sing, dance, and laugh. They are smart children, and have been so fun getting to know. David and Esther showed me to my room, complete with a mosquito net! They have welcomed me so well, and their generosity brought me to tears.
This morning we distributed the shoes that the Elgin church collected. These shoes were received so well. The kids were so thankful to have new shoes and want me to make sure I thank the people that sent them. John and everyone else that donated shoes, you have given these kids such a gift. This week I will be doing orientation, learning about what JOAC does on the grounds, and how it functions. There is another volunteer living here as well named Joseph. He is an EXCELLENT guitar player and will be graduating with a degree in Communications in October. He will be helping JOAC with online and written communication while teaching me how to play the guitar! There are a LOT of people living in this house, but I am so thankful to be in a home with such love and unity.
Friday, May 6, 2011
I have a flight... again!
This will be just a quick update:
After a lot of stress and worry... I finally have another flight to Uganda! We thought the Rwanda route was best, but after a lot of talking Joy of a Child, my family, and I have decided going into Uganda (after the inauguration) is the best idea. I will be leaving Sunday, May 15th in the evening and arriving May 17th bright and early. It will be a long travel experience, but well worth the wait. This whole experience has tested my character, and showed me a lot about myself that I don't love. I am a control freak, I love plans, and I hate when my plans are changed or interrupted. For this learning, though, I am thankful and humbled. God's plan is far better than my own. Jeremiah 19:11 says, "'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the LORD, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.'" That sounds like a really great plan. I am thankful that I have more self-awareness and am most thankful for the support of my family that I once took for granted.
If you still want to donate there is DEFINITELY opportunity to do so (especially because of the change of plans)! Any gift big or small is a blessing :)
After a lot of stress and worry... I finally have another flight to Uganda! We thought the Rwanda route was best, but after a lot of talking Joy of a Child, my family, and I have decided going into Uganda (after the inauguration) is the best idea. I will be leaving Sunday, May 15th in the evening and arriving May 17th bright and early. It will be a long travel experience, but well worth the wait. This whole experience has tested my character, and showed me a lot about myself that I don't love. I am a control freak, I love plans, and I hate when my plans are changed or interrupted. For this learning, though, I am thankful and humbled. God's plan is far better than my own. Jeremiah 19:11 says, "'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the LORD, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.'" That sounds like a really great plan. I am thankful that I have more self-awareness and am most thankful for the support of my family that I once took for granted.
If you still want to donate there is DEFINITELY opportunity to do so (especially because of the change of plans)! Any gift big or small is a blessing :)
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
The Blog of Confusing Things
So, today I had to make a really hard decision. I was trying to avoid it, but apparently it was my fate. Today I decided to postpone my trip to Uganda, only for a week or so, but a delay none-the-less. Let me tell you what is going on in Kampala, Uganda right now. There are many riots happening because of Museveni’s presidency. Gas and food prices have skyrocketed and the people of Uganda, specifically in the Kampala area are very unhappy. You can find more information about it on the internet. Anyways, in order to get to Mbarara, where I am headed, I have to go through Kampala city. Kampala city is kind of a scary place to begin with and with the riots happening it is just not the best idea for me to be there. My dad, of course, was extremely concerned and begged me to reconsider going. I was upset and angry at the Lord for letting all this happen. I thought I was living HIS plan for me? I thought I had heard HIS voice? And, now all of this? I was very confused.
I let the news sit for a while before making any rash decisions. I wanted to please my dad, please my itch to get to Uganda again, and take into account all of the red flags that were blowing my way. Osama Bin Laden being killed is another set back, making air travel a bit more dangerous. As the day went on today I found out that the same day that I was supposed to arrive (May 12th) was the very day that Museveni was being inaugurated into office, again. The reasons for the rioting were caused by this man and other various political things… so clearly that would not have been the best decision to arrive to the country the day of the climax and possibly the most frustration.
Anyways… putting all the facts together I, along with the board of Joy of a Child and my dad, decided it would be best to attempt a refund on my flight and try to fly into Rwanda. Thankfully I got most of the money back, and if there is an advisory not to fly the day before I was supposed to go I am allowed to petition to get the rest of the money back on the flight. I don’t know if one day I’ll regret postponing, but today I finally feel peace. I will have more time to mentally, spiritually, and emotionally prepare. I will most likely be leaving the 18th to fly into Rwanda in order to avoid Kampala all together. David Kamanzi, like planned, will meet me at the airport, and we will go from there. I am very excited to see the hills and greenery of that country, and I truly believe that it is for the best.
So, if you think of it please be praying for me. I do not want fear to be the reason I do or do not do things, but I want Wisdom to be the voice that I hear and follow. I believe this is all a part of a bigger and better Plan. There is no fear in love. Perfect Love casts out fear.
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