It is Friday at 3:30 pm. I was supposed to go to visit the Karimojong today but we had to change out plans. Remember the baby I told you about who was in the hospital with TB? The one whose mama died in the park, which left him orphaned? On Wednesday week had visited potential orphanages for him. He went to be with Jesus this morning. Because he was a Karimomong orphan, Recho had to meet with elders to plan his funeral. Recho is in charge of the Karimojong project and I was supposed to be traveling with her today. So I will go there Monday instead.
On a great note, I got to visit my sponsored daughters at their homes and meet their families. We walked a long and dusty road to get to Kenneth's home first (the child my husband sponsors), but he was not at home. We then took a boda boda, which is a motorbike with a paid driver, to Norah's. Norah's mama and daddy are both deceased due to HIV. So far Norah has tested negative. So she lives with her very elderly jjajja (grandmother). When we arrived, Norah was washing clothes in a bucket. She lives in a brick dwelling, which I was not taken into but determined that it was very very primitive. A straw mat was brought outside for us to sit on while we visited. We brought her a new dress which she will be wearing in the pictures if I can get them to load. I had to use my phone to take pics today because my ipad was dead. No electricity last night - so no charge.
We then took another boda boda out of her village and then got a taxi when we reached town. The taxis here are more like mini vans, and they will squeeze as many people as humanely possible into one. There were 14 passengers in ours. When it dropped us off, we navigated into twists and turns of dusty roads through what I can only describe as a slum area. That is a mild description. Narrow windy paths with dwellings butted up to one another and people everywhere. Chickens in front of the dwellings and garbage and people whispering, "Muzungu" as I passed by. We finally reached Amina's home and we were greeted by her brother who told us Amina was off playing and the mama was a short distance away. So we waited. And I sat while the children ran in amazement to get a better look at me and I said, "Yes, I know, Muzungu." Amina lives in a brick dwelling as well that was just a primitive, but crowded. She lives in what I could compare to back alleys in a city - but way worse. Whereas Amina's home had trees and grass and it was peaceful. Finally Amina arrived and we were able to visit. We also gave her a new dress which is next to nothing in comparison to her needs. When it was time to go she held my hand all the way back to the main road and to the taxi, where we hugged and I told her I loved her. Then another taxi ride back to Kasangati, the village where I stay, But we had to take a boda boda back to the headquarters due to road conditions.
I really can't put into words the emotions I have today. There are none.
More later because I will have free time this evening.
Matthew 10:32-33
Friday, January 31, 2014
Thursday, January 30, 2014
Staff Training Photo
Staff Training
Today (Thursday) I remained at ECM headquarters for their staff training. I was invited to sit in for the opportunity to learn more about the different projects in Uganda, specifically the Kampala area. Those who attended were ECMs director (from the states), eleven Ugandan staff members, and myself. It was very informative as I listened to them problem solve and discuss various topics. The staff in Uganda works very hard to help better the lives of the children here. Because I was a guest at their meeting I will not discuss any issues in detail.
We had chapati and bananas for lunch. Chapati is like fry bread and it is made by the villagers but you can get it many places. Yesterday I had a samosa, which is kind of like a flaky, fried triangle of bread stuffed with either meat or veggies. Mine had peas. Meals here are few and small but I bought a few boxes of water, a box of Rice Krispies, and I brought some protein bars so I'm all set. :)
Yesterday there were some female prisoners walking outside of the village with their guard and Resty recognized one woman from her church. She was arrested because she owns a shop and a teenage boy stole from her and instead of going to his parents or guardians, she caned him herself. That is now illegal in Uganda so she was arrested and put in jail for the next 3 years. The jail is a small brick dwelling with barred windows. I can't even begin to imagine. Resty was very shook up when she found out. You know the saying, "It takes a village to raise a child?" Well, since the beginning of time, that was true here...until now.
Tomorrow I will be heading back to Kampala to visit with the Karimojong people. They are the poorest of the poor and rejected by society. Their homeland is about 8 hours away in karamoja land in the north. There is some confusion as to why they migrate south because the government says they want to but the conditions they live in suggest otherwise. It can take days to walk or they will travel by crouching under bus seats or holding onto the bottom of vehicles. I will learn much more tomorrow. It will be a long, hard day and I will need prayer.
It is so hard to remember everything I want to share on a daily basis and believe me, my words do not suffice. I miss my family but I am hanging in there with the help of my savior. I finally got to hear Ryan's voice this morning. I was able to purchase a cheap international phone and Kabule helped me figure it out. It was finally charged this morning but it was midnight your time but I had to call him anyway. He answered and I had to fight the tears of joy. We are never apart and that is the hardest part. He assured me that Maggie is doing great and I just know that her peace comes from God. I will call her soon, but I have to say I'm a little afraid of hearing her voice. It might send me over the edge. I have heard from Brittany through texts and am so blessed by her love for me. I love her so much. Again, please keep commenting on my blog (I hate that word too, Ginger. What is that all about?). Hearing from you strengthens me on this journey. Please, anyone, even folks I don't know, talk to me! I'm assuming that those I have not heard from is because you can't post it. Technology issues. Ryan said, "I wrote you so many things and it all erased." :(. I will say that there are a couple comments that show up in my menu and I was able to read them, but they do not show on the main blog so keep trying! No such thing as a blog hog with me Matt. I want to hear from you!!'
In conclusion, I have some distressful news about Rodney. He showed up again last night so I captured him in a plastic container. I just thought of it as his pet kennel. I was going to put him outside in the morning to run around for exercise knowing that he could have run away. But you know what they say, " if you love something - set it free....? Well I was willing to take that chance BUT, when I went to check on him this morning he was gone. His container (kennel) was put back and it was empty. I tried asking the staff where he was and they seemed confused as to why I cared and as to whether or not they should tell me. They had to wonder why I put him in a container in the first place. So I kept saying, "no, I don't want him back. I was just wondering where he was. Not that I care because I don't because it really doesn't matter." But I don't think they believed me.
Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
We had chapati and bananas for lunch. Chapati is like fry bread and it is made by the villagers but you can get it many places. Yesterday I had a samosa, which is kind of like a flaky, fried triangle of bread stuffed with either meat or veggies. Mine had peas. Meals here are few and small but I bought a few boxes of water, a box of Rice Krispies, and I brought some protein bars so I'm all set. :)
Yesterday there were some female prisoners walking outside of the village with their guard and Resty recognized one woman from her church. She was arrested because she owns a shop and a teenage boy stole from her and instead of going to his parents or guardians, she caned him herself. That is now illegal in Uganda so she was arrested and put in jail for the next 3 years. The jail is a small brick dwelling with barred windows. I can't even begin to imagine. Resty was very shook up when she found out. You know the saying, "It takes a village to raise a child?" Well, since the beginning of time, that was true here...until now.
Tomorrow I will be heading back to Kampala to visit with the Karimojong people. They are the poorest of the poor and rejected by society. Their homeland is about 8 hours away in karamoja land in the north. There is some confusion as to why they migrate south because the government says they want to but the conditions they live in suggest otherwise. It can take days to walk or they will travel by crouching under bus seats or holding onto the bottom of vehicles. I will learn much more tomorrow. It will be a long, hard day and I will need prayer.
It is so hard to remember everything I want to share on a daily basis and believe me, my words do not suffice. I miss my family but I am hanging in there with the help of my savior. I finally got to hear Ryan's voice this morning. I was able to purchase a cheap international phone and Kabule helped me figure it out. It was finally charged this morning but it was midnight your time but I had to call him anyway. He answered and I had to fight the tears of joy. We are never apart and that is the hardest part. He assured me that Maggie is doing great and I just know that her peace comes from God. I will call her soon, but I have to say I'm a little afraid of hearing her voice. It might send me over the edge. I have heard from Brittany through texts and am so blessed by her love for me. I love her so much. Again, please keep commenting on my blog (I hate that word too, Ginger. What is that all about?). Hearing from you strengthens me on this journey. Please, anyone, even folks I don't know, talk to me! I'm assuming that those I have not heard from is because you can't post it. Technology issues. Ryan said, "I wrote you so many things and it all erased." :(. I will say that there are a couple comments that show up in my menu and I was able to read them, but they do not show on the main blog so keep trying! No such thing as a blog hog with me Matt. I want to hear from you!!'
In conclusion, I have some distressful news about Rodney. He showed up again last night so I captured him in a plastic container. I just thought of it as his pet kennel. I was going to put him outside in the morning to run around for exercise knowing that he could have run away. But you know what they say, " if you love something - set it free....? Well I was willing to take that chance BUT, when I went to check on him this morning he was gone. His container (kennel) was put back and it was empty. I tried asking the staff where he was and they seemed confused as to why I cared and as to whether or not they should tell me. They had to wonder why I put him in a container in the first place. So I kept saying, "no, I don't want him back. I was just wondering where he was. Not that I care because I don't because it really doesn't matter." But I don't think they believed me.
Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Wednesday, January 29, 2014
Friends
Visiting the Orphanages
Today Resty, Recho, and Merab drove to Kampala to visit 2 orphanages. We were trying to evaluate the situations at both because there is a 15 month old baby whose mama died on Christmas Day. She was found laying in a park with her children around her. Someone called the police, but she was dead. There is no family to take the baby and the father is mostly absent. The baby has TB and is being treated for it in a local hospital but they want to release him to a guardian. ECM does not take children until they are old enough to attend school. So we went to the orphanages to check them out. (It is very hard to adopt a child here if there is a known living relative.) The first one was at capacity but said they would consider taking the baby with a health clearance and permission from the father. A death certificate also has to be presented for the file. The children were not there because they were on holiday. Each staff worker takes 2-3 children to their own homes during this time just to allow them a different environment besides the orphanage. I thought that was awesome.
The second one we went to was Sanyu Babies Home. It is the first and oldest Babies home in Uganda and was founded in 1929. It is a Christian organization and they care for up to 50 babies and toddlers between 1day old and 4 years. These children are all actual orphans having been found in the streets, garbage dumps, or just found by someone all alone. I fell absolutely in love with these children. As the lady was giving us a tour, I reached into a crib a pulled a baby into my arms and carried him throughout the rest of the facility. He was the most beautiful precious baby boy. He had just been circumcised, so I was carrying him around with a towel wrapped around his bottom. His tried to hold on tight to my neck and just snuggled up into my arm. They needed to take us somewhere else so I had to put him down and he cried so I stayed with him until he stopped. We visited with the toddlers and played with them for a while but I snuck away and went back to my boy. I held on to him until the visiting time was over. He cried and looked so sad when I placed him in his little bed and I kissed him and whispered, "This should never have to happen to a baby." And I meant it. I wish I could love on every sad or lonely child that exists on this planet. I wish I could rock them and sing to them until they were no longer afraid. I would if I could.
Good night my family and friends. Those of you that can, tuck your children in tonight. I wish I could.
For the word of The Lord is right, and all His work is done in truth. He loves righteousness and justice; The earth is full of the goodness of The Lord. Psalm 33:4-5
The second one we went to was Sanyu Babies Home. It is the first and oldest Babies home in Uganda and was founded in 1929. It is a Christian organization and they care for up to 50 babies and toddlers between 1day old and 4 years. These children are all actual orphans having been found in the streets, garbage dumps, or just found by someone all alone. I fell absolutely in love with these children. As the lady was giving us a tour, I reached into a crib a pulled a baby into my arms and carried him throughout the rest of the facility. He was the most beautiful precious baby boy. He had just been circumcised, so I was carrying him around with a towel wrapped around his bottom. His tried to hold on tight to my neck and just snuggled up into my arm. They needed to take us somewhere else so I had to put him down and he cried so I stayed with him until he stopped. We visited with the toddlers and played with them for a while but I snuck away and went back to my boy. I held on to him until the visiting time was over. He cried and looked so sad when I placed him in his little bed and I kissed him and whispered, "This should never have to happen to a baby." And I meant it. I wish I could love on every sad or lonely child that exists on this planet. I wish I could rock them and sing to them until they were no longer afraid. I would if I could.
Good night my family and friends. Those of you that can, tuck your children in tonight. I wish I could.
For the word of The Lord is right, and all His work is done in truth. He loves righteousness and justice; The earth is full of the goodness of The Lord. Psalm 33:4-5
Tuesday, January 28, 2014
Random thoughts
It is 7 in the morning and I slept! Thank you Jesus. I fell asleep at ten and woke at eleven and read til one and finally fell asleep. I needed it. There is constant music coming from the village. Drums and sometimes singing off in the distance and it went on until after midnight last night. As I was laying here reading under a book light last night, I saw something out of the corner of my eye on the wall next to my bed. My bed is pushed against the wall and the something was inches from my arm. Using my light, I flashed it on the wall and it was the biggest cockroach I have ever seen. Maybe the length of my pointer finger. It was shocking. It was not normal and it was quite horrifying. So I tried to look at the bright side and because I miss my dogs so much, it is now my little brown, albeit not as furry (and for this I'm grateful) pet. Or considering its size, roommate. And yes, I realize that he (I will call him Rodney) probably has many many many many friends but I am fine with the fact that he came alone to welcome me last night.
I can text, but it costs so those are limited. I cannot call out at this point and Ryan and I were unsuccessful at using skype. It may be my poor service. That has been the hardest part. Not hearing their voices or seeing their faces. He and Brittany relayed to me that they have repeatedly tried to comment on my blog and it refuses to post. So Matt, Eddie, Beth, Karen, ginger, and Sheri...your all I've got right now. Please stay in touch. I am so comforted by reading your words...you cannot even imagine. I am going to Kampala today so I am going to work on getting an unlocked phone to use internationally. At least then I can call Ryan.
Karen and Beth, thank you for continuing to check on Ryan and Maggie for me. Love you guys. Stop worrying about me Karen. I know how much you love me but I am not alone. I am with Jesus at all times. These glitches in communication are just one more way for me to have to rely on His strength and comfort.
Ginger, your comments make me feel like I am at home and we are chatting on the phone. Your humor keeps me going. I love you!
Today I will be visiting two different orphanages around Kampala. I have been asked by ECM to evaluate the situations at both as there is a child who needs assistance immediately. This is going to be a sad day. I will post the details later.
One more thing. I will do my best to use correct grammar, spelling and punctuation ( it's this never ending pressure teachers have) but sometimes it just ain't gonna happen. :)
The village wakes at dawn. I can hear the children outside. Time to get ready for the day.
Show me Your ways, O Lord; teach me Your paths. Lead me in Your truth and teach me. For You are The God of my salvation; On You I wait all the day. Psalm 25:4-5
I can text, but it costs so those are limited. I cannot call out at this point and Ryan and I were unsuccessful at using skype. It may be my poor service. That has been the hardest part. Not hearing their voices or seeing their faces. He and Brittany relayed to me that they have repeatedly tried to comment on my blog and it refuses to post. So Matt, Eddie, Beth, Karen, ginger, and Sheri...your all I've got right now. Please stay in touch. I am so comforted by reading your words...you cannot even imagine. I am going to Kampala today so I am going to work on getting an unlocked phone to use internationally. At least then I can call Ryan.
Karen and Beth, thank you for continuing to check on Ryan and Maggie for me. Love you guys. Stop worrying about me Karen. I know how much you love me but I am not alone. I am with Jesus at all times. These glitches in communication are just one more way for me to have to rely on His strength and comfort.
Ginger, your comments make me feel like I am at home and we are chatting on the phone. Your humor keeps me going. I love you!
Today I will be visiting two different orphanages around Kampala. I have been asked by ECM to evaluate the situations at both as there is a child who needs assistance immediately. This is going to be a sad day. I will post the details later.
One more thing. I will do my best to use correct grammar, spelling and punctuation ( it's this never ending pressure teachers have) but sometimes it just ain't gonna happen. :)
The village wakes at dawn. I can hear the children outside. Time to get ready for the day.
Show me Your ways, O Lord; teach me Your paths. Lead me in Your truth and teach me. For You are The God of my salvation; On You I wait all the day. Psalm 25:4-5
Fun day with the kids
It is 4:30 pm my time and 8:30 am yours on Tuesday. I have had a long and fun day. About 30 of the sponsored children came today so we could have Bible class and celebrate. The kids sang and danced for hours. (Got the video for you Renee:) ). Then we walked,to Kasangati field to play netball ( basketball) and soccer. The children all get along so well and they are so kind. They all wanted to hold my hands as we walked. I am learning quite a bit of Luganda but I have a ways to go. It is a very difficult language to speak. Here are some examples: Hi....Ki Kati (pronounced chee katee)
How are you?...Oli otya. My name is Terra.....Erinnya. Lyange nza Terra. (Although the children call me Auntie Terra.).
Our lunch was prepared over a fire in the yard and it consisted of rice, beans, cabbage and chopped veggies. And yes, they know that I do not eat meat because "it makes me sick." They can't hide how strange they think this is so I act like I feel like it is a very strange shame as well.
I can't tell you how often I forget that I am the only white person in the village. It isn't until I hear shouts of, "Muzungu!" from very young children, that I remember.
The one picture of me and the 3 children is our sponsored children Kenneth, Norah, and Amina. It was the first day we met. They were so shy and now they hardly leave my side!
So tired.... Couldn't fall asleep last night and only slept about an hour or two. More later.
Love to you all! Also, I love reading your comments. They keep me from getting too homesick. Thank you.
Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom. Psalm 90:12
How are you?...Oli otya. My name is Terra.....Erinnya. Lyange nza Terra. (Although the children call me Auntie Terra.).
Our lunch was prepared over a fire in the yard and it consisted of rice, beans, cabbage and chopped veggies. And yes, they know that I do not eat meat because "it makes me sick." They can't hide how strange they think this is so I act like I feel like it is a very strange shame as well.
I can't tell you how often I forget that I am the only white person in the village. It isn't until I hear shouts of, "Muzungu!" from very young children, that I remember.
The one picture of me and the 3 children is our sponsored children Kenneth, Norah, and Amina. It was the first day we met. They were so shy and now they hardly leave my side!
So tired.... Couldn't fall asleep last night and only slept about an hour or two. More later.
Love to you all! Also, I love reading your comments. They keep me from getting too homesick. Thank you.
Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom. Psalm 90:12
Monday, January 27, 2014
Oh my spelling and grammar errors! :/
I do not know how to scroll down far enough to edit my posts so for the record, I know it's their and not there, two and not to, and hundreds of other mistakes. I'm trying here and I feel better now that there is a disclaimer.
All of my love to all of you! I am getting to know and trust Jesus like never before. I realized on the plane that my determined purpose for this journey to Africa is that I may know Him. He is so good and so faithful.
I sought The Lord and He heard me, and delivered me from all my fears. Psalm 34:4
All of my love to all of you! I am getting to know and trust Jesus like never before. I realized on the plane that my determined purpose for this journey to Africa is that I may know Him. He is so good and so faithful.
I sought The Lord and He heard me, and delivered me from all my fears. Psalm 34:4
Wifi!
It is Monday 9:57 pm but it is only 1:57 pm I'm ohio. Uganda is 8 hours ahead of us. We drove into Kampala today (Uganda's capital city) for supplies and I was able to purchase a modem so hopefully I will now be able to communicate. Sometimes we are without power and the signal is so very weak that I can not guarantee how often I will be able to do this, so if you don't here from me for some time please don't worry. :).
I will try to start from the beginning so this will be a very long post. Feel free to walk away and take breaks. ;).
I love Uganda. I want to say that up front. I love the smell of burning everything, the beauty of the land but most of all, I am in love with the people. They are so beautiful that it speaks deeply to my soul.
Back to Friday. When last I posted I was at the airport with Ryan and Maggie waiting on a flight to Chicago that continued being delayed. It finally departed at 8:30 (4hours later than scheduled) and I missed my connection to Chicago. This meant I would be traveling to Uganda alone instead of with the ministries director. They had to reroute me so instead of going from Chicago to London, I went to Cairo, Egypt then to entebbe, Uganda. I arrived at 3:15 am in Africa completely alone and let me tell ya, my brave had to kick in quickly. I walked off of the plane onto the Tarmac and into the African night. Wow! I followed the others into the airport, got my visa, exchanged my US dollars for Ugandan schillings (I had no idea how much they gave me but later figured out that roughly one American dollar is worth 2475 schillings) and when she handed me this giant pile of money I asked, "all of this is for me?" She gave me a strange smile and a slight nod and I scooped it up. I then found my bags and wheeled my luggage cart out the front door and suddenly realized that there were about 50 Ugandans standing smack dab in front of me holding signs with people's names. I didn't recognize mine so I went back inside and slid down the wall and sat staring a a guard across from me with a rifle. I am not in Pittsburgh airport anymore. About 15 minutes I tried again and saw a sign that said ECM. That was me! (Organizations initials). It was Allen, a female, who is the Gayaza coordinator and our driver, Kibule. They hugged me and told me how happy they were to see me. Then we loaded up the vehicle and drove the hour to Gayaza. I arrived at the headquarters around 5 am and went to my room which include to small beds covered in mosquito nets , 2 small lactic tables and chairs, a small gas stove and kitchen sink. Think Africa. Do not think a little flat in New York City. ;)
I laid down at 6 but at 7 I got up, organized my things and showered... Underneath a faucet with cold drips. Just barely running and I thought, how am I ever going to get soap out of my hair let alone off of my body. I found Allen in the office and she was busy so I went back to my room and had a panic attack. Yep, first one of the trip. I am in Africa with an African woman and quite the language barrier and since she was left in charge of me, she didn't want me to leave the headquarters. I think I just needed some sleep. I mean I was alone in Egypt and didn't panic! After I got that out of my system I slept a while until Lorella ( the director I was supposed to fly here with) showed up. I beat her here. While she was settling in, I asked Resty, an African woman and the national coordinator if we could go for a walk around the village and she agreed. Now picture this, I have been in a building surrounded by a highwall with locked iron entry gates and a guard at the gates since Sunday morning. I had NO idea what lay outside the gates because it was so dark when we arrived. When Paus unlocked the gate, I stepped into a whole new world.
Our headquarters are called The Gayaza Project, but Gayaza is actually a town close by. The village I am in is called Kyankima. It is a maze off red dusty roads and make-shift homes (dwellings) with the villagers either walking the roads or sitting in their yards. There are children everywhere who point and yell, "Muzungo," which means white person. Some of them come up and rub my white skin or hold my hand. I love every one of them! Some are dressed but others are completely naked. There mothers. Look on from a distance completely unfazed that their children are running after a strange white woman. I touch them and tell them how beautiful they are and they look at me with huge chocolate eyes. I could have stayed playing with these children the rest of the day but Resty said we should move on. I was in bed by 7 and slept til 7 so I felt great this morning and I'm glad because we had a full day. After I woke and got ready, I walked into the office and heard some noise outside. I went to the giant iron locked front door (different from then iron entry gate) and saw Allen the African woman who picked me up at the airport) outside with about 10 children and I knew right away that they were some of the projects sponsored children. I ran out the door, probably shocking the children, and Allen said, "Meet your daughters Amina and Norah." My heart stood still. The two most beautiful 10 year old girls walked up to me and hugged me. Love. I took them aside and did my best to communicate with them and they sat there patiently. I showed them the letters they had written me over the years and they smiled. I gave the each a rubber band bracelet made by Maggie and her friend Hailey and they were happy. Then I took lots of pictures. Soon after, Kenneth arrived (the child my husband sponsors). He is now 14 years old and the sweetest thing. I took lots of pictures of him as well. Then I entertained the group with the very few Luganda (language of Uganda) words I know and they had a good time laughing at me. They will be back in the morning and I can't wait. After that we loaded up in the vehicle and drove about 40 miles to Kampala for supplies. The sights on the way were indescribable. I took many pictures so hopefully I can load them on here for you to view. By the way, the driving in Uganda is like nothing you have ever experienced before. YIKES!!!!! All cars driving on moth sides of the road every which way, boda-bodas ( motorbike transportation) everywhere weaving in and out, goats in the road, you name it and all the while driving 30, 40 miles per hour. Crazy !! Oh Beth, I ain't got nothing on these folks!!! (Inside joke). Kampala was loaded with people EVERYWHERE! Please pay attention to my caps cause I mean them. Thousands and thousands of people and cars and boda bodas EVERYWHERE. New York is a walk in the park in comparison. And Lorella and I were the only white women. Only white people at all except for 2 Asian me. And an Indian man I saw in the crowd. Thousands of Ugandans. But no one stared at us. I stared. I stared at all of their beautiful faces but they on the other hand remained polite at all times. THOUSANDS! Ok did that and then went to a market for more supplies. Very few choices but I liked it. It made life simpler somehow. When we returned there was a staff meeting for all of the coordinators from other nearby projects ECM heads up. There sat Lorella, who lead the meeting, Resty, Sophie (Uganda advocate controller), Richard and Opio(Kamwokya coordinators), Allen (Gayaza coordinator), Recho and Merab (Karimojong coordinators), Derrick and Linda ( Gayaza volunteers) and me. Yep. A meeting with all Ugandans and a struggling white girl struggling with that language barrier again. But it was great and very informative. More in that later. By the way, Opio asked me which state I was from (I figured that out After only about 5 " Excuse mes."). It old him Ohio and he said my skin looked different from other Americans. He thought I was from Mexico and they all nodded in agreement. He said, "Your not white but not like me either." I said, I have tan skin because I was preparing for Africa. They howled !! They can speak a lot of English and can understand me much better than I can them. They all left for the evening, but not after Linda sat down next to me and said, " I would very much like to be your friend." Now you just don't hear that in America enough. Just like that she said it and my heart melted again.
I am now underneath my mosquito net for the night. If my wifi keeps up, I will post again tomorrow. There is so much more to say. My words cannot describe adequately my experience.
I will try to start from the beginning so this will be a very long post. Feel free to walk away and take breaks. ;).
I love Uganda. I want to say that up front. I love the smell of burning everything, the beauty of the land but most of all, I am in love with the people. They are so beautiful that it speaks deeply to my soul.
Back to Friday. When last I posted I was at the airport with Ryan and Maggie waiting on a flight to Chicago that continued being delayed. It finally departed at 8:30 (4hours later than scheduled) and I missed my connection to Chicago. This meant I would be traveling to Uganda alone instead of with the ministries director. They had to reroute me so instead of going from Chicago to London, I went to Cairo, Egypt then to entebbe, Uganda. I arrived at 3:15 am in Africa completely alone and let me tell ya, my brave had to kick in quickly. I walked off of the plane onto the Tarmac and into the African night. Wow! I followed the others into the airport, got my visa, exchanged my US dollars for Ugandan schillings (I had no idea how much they gave me but later figured out that roughly one American dollar is worth 2475 schillings) and when she handed me this giant pile of money I asked, "all of this is for me?" She gave me a strange smile and a slight nod and I scooped it up. I then found my bags and wheeled my luggage cart out the front door and suddenly realized that there were about 50 Ugandans standing smack dab in front of me holding signs with people's names. I didn't recognize mine so I went back inside and slid down the wall and sat staring a a guard across from me with a rifle. I am not in Pittsburgh airport anymore. About 15 minutes I tried again and saw a sign that said ECM. That was me! (Organizations initials). It was Allen, a female, who is the Gayaza coordinator and our driver, Kibule. They hugged me and told me how happy they were to see me. Then we loaded up the vehicle and drove the hour to Gayaza. I arrived at the headquarters around 5 am and went to my room which include to small beds covered in mosquito nets , 2 small lactic tables and chairs, a small gas stove and kitchen sink. Think Africa. Do not think a little flat in New York City. ;)
I laid down at 6 but at 7 I got up, organized my things and showered... Underneath a faucet with cold drips. Just barely running and I thought, how am I ever going to get soap out of my hair let alone off of my body. I found Allen in the office and she was busy so I went back to my room and had a panic attack. Yep, first one of the trip. I am in Africa with an African woman and quite the language barrier and since she was left in charge of me, she didn't want me to leave the headquarters. I think I just needed some sleep. I mean I was alone in Egypt and didn't panic! After I got that out of my system I slept a while until Lorella ( the director I was supposed to fly here with) showed up. I beat her here. While she was settling in, I asked Resty, an African woman and the national coordinator if we could go for a walk around the village and she agreed. Now picture this, I have been in a building surrounded by a highwall with locked iron entry gates and a guard at the gates since Sunday morning. I had NO idea what lay outside the gates because it was so dark when we arrived. When Paus unlocked the gate, I stepped into a whole new world.
Our headquarters are called The Gayaza Project, but Gayaza is actually a town close by. The village I am in is called Kyankima. It is a maze off red dusty roads and make-shift homes (dwellings) with the villagers either walking the roads or sitting in their yards. There are children everywhere who point and yell, "Muzungo," which means white person. Some of them come up and rub my white skin or hold my hand. I love every one of them! Some are dressed but others are completely naked. There mothers. Look on from a distance completely unfazed that their children are running after a strange white woman. I touch them and tell them how beautiful they are and they look at me with huge chocolate eyes. I could have stayed playing with these children the rest of the day but Resty said we should move on. I was in bed by 7 and slept til 7 so I felt great this morning and I'm glad because we had a full day. After I woke and got ready, I walked into the office and heard some noise outside. I went to the giant iron locked front door (different from then iron entry gate) and saw Allen the African woman who picked me up at the airport) outside with about 10 children and I knew right away that they were some of the projects sponsored children. I ran out the door, probably shocking the children, and Allen said, "Meet your daughters Amina and Norah." My heart stood still. The two most beautiful 10 year old girls walked up to me and hugged me. Love. I took them aside and did my best to communicate with them and they sat there patiently. I showed them the letters they had written me over the years and they smiled. I gave the each a rubber band bracelet made by Maggie and her friend Hailey and they were happy. Then I took lots of pictures. Soon after, Kenneth arrived (the child my husband sponsors). He is now 14 years old and the sweetest thing. I took lots of pictures of him as well. Then I entertained the group with the very few Luganda (language of Uganda) words I know and they had a good time laughing at me. They will be back in the morning and I can't wait. After that we loaded up in the vehicle and drove about 40 miles to Kampala for supplies. The sights on the way were indescribable. I took many pictures so hopefully I can load them on here for you to view. By the way, the driving in Uganda is like nothing you have ever experienced before. YIKES!!!!! All cars driving on moth sides of the road every which way, boda-bodas ( motorbike transportation) everywhere weaving in and out, goats in the road, you name it and all the while driving 30, 40 miles per hour. Crazy !! Oh Beth, I ain't got nothing on these folks!!! (Inside joke). Kampala was loaded with people EVERYWHERE! Please pay attention to my caps cause I mean them. Thousands and thousands of people and cars and boda bodas EVERYWHERE. New York is a walk in the park in comparison. And Lorella and I were the only white women. Only white people at all except for 2 Asian me. And an Indian man I saw in the crowd. Thousands of Ugandans. But no one stared at us. I stared. I stared at all of their beautiful faces but they on the other hand remained polite at all times. THOUSANDS! Ok did that and then went to a market for more supplies. Very few choices but I liked it. It made life simpler somehow. When we returned there was a staff meeting for all of the coordinators from other nearby projects ECM heads up. There sat Lorella, who lead the meeting, Resty, Sophie (Uganda advocate controller), Richard and Opio(Kamwokya coordinators), Allen (Gayaza coordinator), Recho and Merab (Karimojong coordinators), Derrick and Linda ( Gayaza volunteers) and me. Yep. A meeting with all Ugandans and a struggling white girl struggling with that language barrier again. But it was great and very informative. More in that later. By the way, Opio asked me which state I was from (I figured that out After only about 5 " Excuse mes."). It old him Ohio and he said my skin looked different from other Americans. He thought I was from Mexico and they all nodded in agreement. He said, "Your not white but not like me either." I said, I have tan skin because I was preparing for Africa. They howled !! They can speak a lot of English and can understand me much better than I can them. They all left for the evening, but not after Linda sat down next to me and said, " I would very much like to be your friend." Now you just don't hear that in America enough. Just like that she said it and my heart melted again.
I am now underneath my mosquito net for the night. If my wifi keeps up, I will post again tomorrow. There is so much more to say. My words cannot describe adequately my experience.
Friday, January 24, 2014
Pittsburgh Airport
Ryan, Maggie and I are at the Pittsburgh airport awaiting my flight. It was supposed to depart at 4:50 but has been delayed until 6:31. My biggest concern at this point is getting to Chicago before my flight there leaves. God's hands, right?
So I decided to wear my niece's earrings that she let me borrow over Christmas - Jordan, when I return, I will give them back to you and you can tell everyone they have been all the way to Africa! I am wearing my "journey" bracelet that Brittany got me for Christmas, my ring from Ryan, I have my stuffed animal face from Maggie and I am carrying my journal from my brother Matt. Little things to remind and comfort me. :)
But as for me, I trust in You, O Lord; I say, "You are my God." Psalm 31:14
So I decided to wear my niece's earrings that she let me borrow over Christmas - Jordan, when I return, I will give them back to you and you can tell everyone they have been all the way to Africa! I am wearing my "journey" bracelet that Brittany got me for Christmas, my ring from Ryan, I have my stuffed animal face from Maggie and I am carrying my journal from my brother Matt. Little things to remind and comfort me. :)
But as for me, I trust in You, O Lord; I say, "You are my God." Psalm 31:14
Departure Day!
Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. John 14:27
The day has finally arrived. I fell asleep with ease last night (praise God) and woke up at 3. It is now almost 5 am. Just me, my coffee and my thoughts again. Scary. ;)
Yesterday was a sweet day. The kindness of the people in my life never ceases to amaze me. My friend Susan from work, brought me an instant coffee care package. Does she know me already or what??? She is so great! Hailey, a child in my daughter' s fourth grade class, asked if she could pray with me after lunch. (You have to know this child - She is the most precious child ever.) She gently took both of my hands and with the the sweetest voice prayed over me. Ok, tears again. Such a heart for The Lord already. My husband's best friend, Eddie, called and spoke some of the most encouraging words to me that I have ever heard. I love that man. Jesus has gripped his heart and he will never be the same. I got to eat dinner with a couple who are friends of ours, and that really got me through the evening. Then there's my sweet Ginger who continues to call me this week, trying to disguise her voice, saying that it is Africa calling and they have changed their mind about me coming so I should just stay home. Yep, that's her master plan to keep me here. And of course my Pleasant Hill girls (and guy - sorry Miguel) are praying for and encouraging this girl.
I have to say that something that stood out to me yesterday was when one of my coworkers was leaving for the day and she turned to me and said, "You will inspire others to be brave." Wow. She had no idea that trying to be brave was such a part of this journey for me. Those words were meant to be spoken.
I need to stop here for some time alone with Jesus. Please continue to pray for me and encourage me with your words. Please pray for my sweet man, Ryan as well. He is so sad about me leaving. I love him with all of my heart.
The day has finally arrived. I fell asleep with ease last night (praise God) and woke up at 3. It is now almost 5 am. Just me, my coffee and my thoughts again. Scary. ;)
Yesterday was a sweet day. The kindness of the people in my life never ceases to amaze me. My friend Susan from work, brought me an instant coffee care package. Does she know me already or what??? She is so great! Hailey, a child in my daughter' s fourth grade class, asked if she could pray with me after lunch. (You have to know this child - She is the most precious child ever.) She gently took both of my hands and with the the sweetest voice prayed over me. Ok, tears again. Such a heart for The Lord already. My husband's best friend, Eddie, called and spoke some of the most encouraging words to me that I have ever heard. I love that man. Jesus has gripped his heart and he will never be the same. I got to eat dinner with a couple who are friends of ours, and that really got me through the evening. Then there's my sweet Ginger who continues to call me this week, trying to disguise her voice, saying that it is Africa calling and they have changed their mind about me coming so I should just stay home. Yep, that's her master plan to keep me here. And of course my Pleasant Hill girls (and guy - sorry Miguel) are praying for and encouraging this girl.
I have to say that something that stood out to me yesterday was when one of my coworkers was leaving for the day and she turned to me and said, "You will inspire others to be brave." Wow. She had no idea that trying to be brave was such a part of this journey for me. Those words were meant to be spoken.
I need to stop here for some time alone with Jesus. Please continue to pray for me and encourage me with your words. Please pray for my sweet man, Ryan as well. He is so sad about me leaving. I love him with all of my heart.
Thursday, January 23, 2014
It is 8 in the morning and we are on a two hour delay. I am sitting here alone with my coffee and my thoughts....You know how that can be.
So yesterday, two of my friends threw a going away party for me at work. It was so sweet and most of the staff were able to come and eat. Most importantly, they all prayed over me - every time someone was ready to leave, they came and prayed for me. Wow! What a Godly group of women. I have been so blessed to work with them.
I spent about four hours packing and organizing last night so that I would have time to visit with my friend, Renee this evening. She is driving an hour to our house just to hug me good-bye.
I have lots of phone calls to make this evening. Lot's of people to hug over the phone. My brother, Matt, sent me a loving threat text late last night about not forgetting to call him. As if that were possible! He is one of the great loves of my life. And of course, my Brittany girl. She is so excited for her momma to take this journey. I can feel her excitement. Because she is 22 , she is able to deal with this much better than my little Maggie, who is only nine. Both girls love The Lord, so His peace is definitely with them.
O.k. Gotta go get ready to see "my kids" at work! They are excited for me but keep telling me how much they will miss me. I guess we all have to try to be brave.
So yesterday, two of my friends threw a going away party for me at work. It was so sweet and most of the staff were able to come and eat. Most importantly, they all prayed over me - every time someone was ready to leave, they came and prayed for me. Wow! What a Godly group of women. I have been so blessed to work with them.
I spent about four hours packing and organizing last night so that I would have time to visit with my friend, Renee this evening. She is driving an hour to our house just to hug me good-bye.
I have lots of phone calls to make this evening. Lot's of people to hug over the phone. My brother, Matt, sent me a loving threat text late last night about not forgetting to call him. As if that were possible! He is one of the great loves of my life. And of course, my Brittany girl. She is so excited for her momma to take this journey. I can feel her excitement. Because she is 22 , she is able to deal with this much better than my little Maggie, who is only nine. Both girls love The Lord, so His peace is definitely with them.
O.k. Gotta go get ready to see "my kids" at work! They are excited for me but keep telling me how much they will miss me. I guess we all have to try to be brave.
Sunday, January 19, 2014
Before Brave...
I have decided to keep a record of my upcoming trip to Uganda. So many different thoughts, fears, insecurities. I have also decided to start from the beginning...
I have always been fearfully adventurous. That is an oxymoron, but true nevertheless. The fearful part began in my twenties when my anxiety first reared its ugly head. Suddenly I was afraid of things I had never even considered in the past. It was important that I was always in or near a familiar place as well as with a safe person. "Never alone or in the unknown" became my life's motto. So when the idea of Africa was placed on my heart, it seemed like something only other people do. So to think that in 5 days I will be on a plane headed to Africa to spend 2 weeks there -alone - is very surreal to me. Did I mention that I have lived with a true phobia of planes for most of my life? I have had very few nightmares in my time, but most of them have involved the crashing of a plane. :/ Yea, I know. In case your wondering, the flight there will be approximately 18 hours long. The fact that I have such a sense of peace and calm can only come from one source...God. I believe with all of my heart that His hand is in this for reasons that He will continue to reveal to me as He chooses.
So how did this all start? I have been working with a ministry called Every Child Ministries, out of Hebron, Indiana for a few years. I sponsor two children as well as their national missionary and my husband also sponsors a child. In January I got word that the director was traveling to Uganda to do work in the country for three weeks. I emailed her and asked her if I could fly there with her to visit our sponsored children and she said I could but that once we arrived I would be on my own as she had many other places to go. So I will be staying in the township of Gayaza, at the project's site, for 2 weeks. What will I be doing while I am there? I don't know. I will be there to be used in whatever capacity they need me. But I have to tell you, I have an overwhelming feeling that this trip just might be intended more for my growth than for anyone that I will meet. Don't we normally take these trips because we feel that God can use us to reach somebody else? I mean, we always go with the notion that we can do some sort of good, right? And believe me, that is certainly my goal. But I am learning to never assume things with God and His plans for us and honestly, He more than anyone knows how much I need to grow...how much I need reached. (Romans 12:5)
And so it is that I invite you to follow me to brave. <3
I have always been fearfully adventurous. That is an oxymoron, but true nevertheless. The fearful part began in my twenties when my anxiety first reared its ugly head. Suddenly I was afraid of things I had never even considered in the past. It was important that I was always in or near a familiar place as well as with a safe person. "Never alone or in the unknown" became my life's motto. So when the idea of Africa was placed on my heart, it seemed like something only other people do. So to think that in 5 days I will be on a plane headed to Africa to spend 2 weeks there -alone - is very surreal to me. Did I mention that I have lived with a true phobia of planes for most of my life? I have had very few nightmares in my time, but most of them have involved the crashing of a plane. :/ Yea, I know. In case your wondering, the flight there will be approximately 18 hours long. The fact that I have such a sense of peace and calm can only come from one source...God. I believe with all of my heart that His hand is in this for reasons that He will continue to reveal to me as He chooses.
So how did this all start? I have been working with a ministry called Every Child Ministries, out of Hebron, Indiana for a few years. I sponsor two children as well as their national missionary and my husband also sponsors a child. In January I got word that the director was traveling to Uganda to do work in the country for three weeks. I emailed her and asked her if I could fly there with her to visit our sponsored children and she said I could but that once we arrived I would be on my own as she had many other places to go. So I will be staying in the township of Gayaza, at the project's site, for 2 weeks. What will I be doing while I am there? I don't know. I will be there to be used in whatever capacity they need me. But I have to tell you, I have an overwhelming feeling that this trip just might be intended more for my growth than for anyone that I will meet. Don't we normally take these trips because we feel that God can use us to reach somebody else? I mean, we always go with the notion that we can do some sort of good, right? And believe me, that is certainly my goal. But I am learning to never assume things with God and His plans for us and honestly, He more than anyone knows how much I need to grow...how much I need reached. (Romans 12:5)
And so it is that I invite you to follow me to brave. <3
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