School Daze ... literally!

The feeling that freedom is not far away. The mornings where you can finally sleep late (if you want). The never-ending facts that you cram into your head are almost done!

Yes, it’s almost that time … when school will be out for the term. But before this longed for freedom, there is one little obstacle. Exams! Argh! Yes, end of term exams are here. My students have been reviewing and reviewing and reviewing their notes, their past quizzes and their math worksheets in preparation. Tomorrow is the big day. And we are all praying that they are ready!

And now you’re thinking, “Seriously! They are almost out of school. What?” Well, schooling in Uganda is done in 3 terms for each school year, starting at the end of January, with some holiday time in between each term. A rough calendar would look like this:

Term 1: Jan – Mid-April

Term 2: Mid-May – Aug

Term 3: Sept – Nov/Dec

What we in America would call the big “summer” break is actually Dec/Jan in Uganda. During this long holiday, you’ll find many students and teachers alike headed back to the village to visit family and friends, as is the case with many of our own students at New Creation Center.

I, myself, am looking forward to this holiday as much as my students. And now I know why my teachers all looked completely frazzled and burnt out at the end of each year – it’s because they are. I’m just now feeling their pain myself. So for all my teacher friends: you really do fight the good fight. I’m praying for you!

Speaking of, please pray for the students here as they start their exams. Also, during this holiday between term 1 and term 2 we are looking for a qualified English teacher at New Creation Center. Please pray that we find one!!

From Uganda, this is Teacher Leslie, signing off! Singing my merry tune of school-time freedom! Woo-hoo!!

It's Greek to Me!

Technically, it’s not Greek, it’s English. “Ugandan” English to be precise. Did you know that Uganda has 2 official national languages? They are English and Swahili. Now, Swahili is rarely spoken where I live. You mostly hear Luganda and English in and around Kampala. And most schools are taught in English, so children learn pretty quickly. While English may be a second language for most Ugandans, it is one of their official languages.

Anyway, since arriving back in Oct I’ve catalogued some of the interesting turn-of-phrases that have graced my ears. Now, if you are a Brit or an Aussie, you may think some of these phrases are commonplace. Apparently, you all use some of the same jargon. For those of you from the USA, consider this your proper Ugandan English lesson for the day:

Uganda English	USA English
Can I go susu? Can I go for short call?	Can I go pee? Can I go pee?
Can I go for long call?	(what do you think this one could be??)
Someone is poo-pooling.	Someone is on the toilet, pooping. You’d think that long call and poo-pooling would be interchangeable, but they aren’t. You’d never ask to go poo-pooling!
My pen is disturbing me!	My pen won’t write. I think it ran out of ink.
Dodging	Not doing your assigned chore
I need to pollute.	I have to fart.
Indicator	Turn signal
We have ever.	Yes, we’ve done that.
I have tonsillitis.	I have a sore throat.
I have the flu.	I have a cold.
My stomach is paining me.	I have a stomach ache. (note: the word “ache” is rarely used here)
Extend	Move back, scoot over, step aside, etc.
Well be back.	Welcome back.
Assist me, please	Give me that, please.
I’m going to the saloon.	I’m going to the salon (to get a haircut).

I’m sure there are more, which I have either forgotten to write down, or have become so common to me that I think nothing of it. In any case, I do sometimes get a case of the chuckles over some of these. Especially the poo-pooling comment. I most often hear this as the kids reason for being late back to class after the bell rings! Someone else was poo-pooling and they had to wait to susu. Still makes me laugh as I type this.

And that concludes your first Ugandan English lesson. Study … there may be a quiz on this next week. Oh wait, that’s teacher-Leslie coming out. I forgot, this is blogger-Leslie.

Broken Bones

Yes, it is true. We have a broken bone in the house. And surprise, surprise … it’s not Shafiga. Shafiga holds the record with 2 broken bones. In fact, she’s had the only 2 broken bones that New Creation Family Home has experienced (even with all these wild boys!). Until today. And who is the grand prize winner … drumroll please … Vickie!!

Yesterday, during lunch break and recess, the kids were playing this game called “Bando”. It’s kind of like hide-n-seek. So, Vickie choose to hide in the mango tree and before she was discovered, jumped down and landed very badly on her foot. We iced, wrapped and elevated to see if it the swelling would go down and when it didn’t this morning, Mama Sarah made an appointment.

Vickie is a little tentative in smiling for this picture.

 We took Vickie to a nearby hospital/clinic for X-rays, which told us that she did in fact break one of the bones on the top of her foot. She had never had X-rays before and I could not tell if she was scared of this giant machine that stood before her, so I explained that the machine takes a picture of the bones. Most importantly, it won’t hurt!

Next, we go to P.O.P., better known as Plaster of Paris. This is a new building on the premises. Actually, I don’t think you can call it new if it is still being built, but the bottom floor is done and they are using it. Before entering, take your shoes off (which I thought was hilarious and therefore took a photo of my foot with Sarah’s foot, which you can find on FB).

I’ve never seen a cast being put on, so I stayed to watch and held Vickie’s hand as the technician wound the gauze-looking stuff around the broken part of her foot. It didn’t take very long and then Vickie was being measured for her very own crutches! The ones she was using were Shafiga’s old ones, but she’s much taller than Shafiga.

And that is the tale of Vickie’s broken foot. Since she’s young she only needs the cast on for 30 days. Pray that it goes quickly for her!

Planting Perspective

It’s March. And now you’re thinking “Yes, Leslie, it is. Are you living in a time warp?” The team was here in January and I have yet to write about the amazing two weeks of serving alongside 26 other volunteers from the US and Australia. Where has the time gone?

Which leads me to procrastination vs. processing. Where does processing stop and procrastination start? I’m always amazed at the amount of processing you do in the weeks and even months after a short-term mission trip, but in my case I also have to acknowledge that little vice in my life – the other “p” word: Procrastination.

 

Hold that thought … it will come back. I promise.

The January team got to visit and plant palm trees, which will line the driveway at GRACELAND, the future site of Loving One by One Ministries here in Uganda. It was a fun and dirty time, with kids and volunteers alike sharing special moments in planting “their” tree. As I watched, I couldn’t help but “see” what this driveway will look like when the trees are older and the palms are spread out inviting everyone to come up the hill.

I think about these baby trees, knowing what they will look like when they get older (I’ve seen what the “grown” up trees look like). It made me ponder the things I plant in my own life and what they look like as they grow. Sometimes I plant the right things, like kindness. Sometimes I plant the not-so-right-thing, like jealousy. Let me tell you, that does not grow into a beautiful palm tree. It’s more like an ugly cactus!

While the team was here, I discovered a seed that was beginning to plant its roots in my heart: Homesickness. Thankfully, the seed was literally plucked out, when I heard the sermon at church. It was all about perspective. I quickly realized that it’s a matter of what perspective I plant in the garden of my heart. I can choose to plant homesickness or I can choose to plant joy and gladness at the things I get to experience.

As a kid, I used to hate that saying “you reap what you sow”, but I have to admit that … (ugh!) … (c’mon, Leslie, you have to say it) … it’s … (swallow the pride) … true.

If I sow trust, I reap faith.

If I sow contentment, I reap joy.

If I sow self-discipline, I reap self-control.

On the other hand …

If I sow pride, I reap selfishness.

If I sow anger, I reap bitterness.

If I sow “but I want to do this now”, I reap procrastination (see I told you it would come back … BTW, is there a one word meaning for “but I want to do this now?”)

In answer to “What do you want most in life?” many people would say that they just want to be happy. I’ve always thought that was an interesting answer. But, how does one reap happiness? It’s all a matter of what you sow:

Sometimes the thing you sow sounds good, looks good, feels good at the time, but what comes up out of the ground is nothing but a rotten piece of fruit. So, you’re happy in the sowing, but miserable in the reaping. Does that sound like happiness to you?

Sometimes the thing you sow sounds impossible, looks like an uphill battle, feels frustrating, but what comes out of the ground is juicy deliciousness. So, you’re not so happy in the sowing, but beyond delighted in the reaping.

Now, which kind of happiness do you want?

Above all, the Bible has it right … I mean who doesn’t want to reap love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Now THAT sounds like an amazing garden. And if I sow the right things, then it's one that I will have. 

No matter what seeds you plant, they will eventually grow and soon it will be blatantly obvious to everyone which one you planted. Just look at the fruit.

It’s all a matter of planting the right perspective.

Kony 2012. What I know.

Many, if not all of you, are now aware of Invisible Children’s campaign called “Kony 2012” which has spread like wildfire on YouTube, Facebook and Vimeo, creating one of the quickest, if not the quickest, viral videos in our history. The video has staunch supporters and harsh critics alike. Dare I say, much like any topic in our world today?

If you have yet to actually see this video, click here: Kony 2012.

I do not purport myself to be an expert in Northern Uganda, the LRA or Invisible Children. Nor do I claim to be an investigative journalist charged with getting the front page byline, selling the most papers, getting the most hits or beating the other guy to the punch. I’m just me, living in Uganda (southern Uganda, at that). And this is what I know (however, little it may be):

The LRA’s leader Joseph Kony should have been stopped long ago. The list of atrocities he and his organization have engaged in are the worst of the worst. Aside from rape, abduction, maiming and pillaging, the physical and emotional torture he has inflicted upon thousands of children is altogether spine shivering. Imagine watching your brother boiled alive in front of you and then told you are going to eat him (true story). So, Invisible Children’s simple message, Stop Kony, should be agreed upon by everyone!

Yes, Stop Kony, is a simple message. Maybe too simplistic in the minds of many out there, certainly some of the more critical articles I’ve read. Let me take you back to my marketing days at a medical device company. The technology that goes into the devices can be mind-boggling at times. Certainly more complex than anyone, other than the engineers, really ever need know. Yes, the problems Uganda face are more complex than “Stop Kony”, but if you proceed to detail all the issues, how many of you would ever have tuned into the video, let alone watch it all. All I’m saying is that our attention spans are short and our memories are even shorter. Remembered messages are short, sweet, and above all simple!

The truth behind the LRA in Northern Uganda at this moment in time has also been put to question. No, Joseph Kony is not here in Uganda and has not been active here for some time. He’s moved on, under pressure, to other countries. Northern Uganda is relatively peaceful aside from land disputes as the Acholi people are being restored to their homeland.

The LRA is also not operating at the same level it was during their reign of terror in the 90s. Abductions are slowing, killings are fewer, raids on villages seem to be for food, which leads some to believe that the LRA is a dying organization better left to simply die out on it’s own. To that I say, where is justice? Should Kony not face the consequences just because he’s not killing and abducting as many children as he was before? Invisible Children made a promise to young Jacob all those years ago, and they continue to honor it. That is integrity in a world where too many sit idly by tearing down those who would try, complain it’s too hard, and become apathetic.

Uganda faces many troubles, from a corrupt government, a military force that has terrorized the very people they were to protect, “nodding” disease, HIV/AIDS, etc. And Uganda children are not alone in their mistreatment. The LRA does not hold the copyright on Child soldiers. It’s happening now in other countries all over the world. These are all “arguments” I’ve heard from critics of the Kony 2012 video. As if Invisible Children should be advocating for ALL the problems and ALL the countries in the world. The mark of any good department, mission statement or charity is specificity. Be specific in your mission, your goals and you will reach them. How can anyone criticize Invisible Children for staying true to their mission? Hey you critics, why don’t you pick up a banner, create a charity, and follow the founders of Invisible Children’s lead. I’m sure these other causes would love your support!

There’s more I could say, but frankly, this blog is definitely not short and sweet!

Sometimes action is simply clicking “like” or sharing a video. Sometimes something stirs in our hearts urging us to financial giving. And sometimes, the cry of your heart is so loud it cannot be assuaged by anything other than jumping into a ministry or starting your own. The point is, you’ve taken action. Your voice is being heard. Let us never find ourselves in an apathy chair, sitting back writing critiques of those who would act.

A few other resources for you.. (Note: my views and opinions expressed in this blog are not necessarily the views or opinions of these organizations listed below.)

Africa Arise: www.africaarise.ca

To restore justice and righteousness to the orphan, the widow and the poor in Africa. Serving in the Acholi Quarter near Kampala. (The Acholi people were the most affected by the LRA in Northern Uganda).

Invisible Children: www.invisiblechildren.com

Invisible Children uses film, creativity and social action to end the use of child soldiers in Joseph Kony's rebel war and restore LRA-affected communities in central Africa to peace and prosperity.

The below was added approx 6 hours after original post.

Interesting information to read if you want more:
The LRA Crisis Tracker by Invisible Children + Resolve
Interview with one of the Kony 2012 Video Creators
Invisible Children answers the hard questions

French Bread vs Molten Lava Cake

The thing with French bread is that I always think I will really like it. I mean, it looks scrumptious, smells delicious and it goes with all sorts of cheeses. What’s not to like? But when it actually comes down to it, the hard outer shell kinda ruins it for me. I mean, I really like the inside – all soft and tasty. But sometimes, that exterior is too hard to cut or tear or chew, even. And thus it ruins the soft, yummy inside. (for me, anyway!).

The thing is, I am French bread. Or at least I try to be. My new friend Missy left today for her home after being here in Uganda for 5+ weeks. It was nice having a Mzungu friend at the home, I must admit. And I got used to her being here. But today was “good-bye” day.

And now you must be thinking, what on earth does that have to do with French bread? Well, most anyone who knows me knows that I do NOT like to cry. Especially in front of people. I’m not really sure where this came from or why I’m like that, but that’s not important right now. The point is, I do cry. I’m what you call a sympathetic crier. You cry, I cry. It’s inevitable. Which makes it all the harder to cover up at church when a certain Pastor preaches (can you guess who, Neighborhood Church friends!) But I sure do put up a good front! Hard as rocks. No crying here. Just keep walking. Nothing to see here, folks. So, you see … I’m French bread. Hard exterior, nothing but a softy on the inside. And that includes saying good-bye to friends, whether that be for a year or a “I-don’t-know-when-I’ll-see-you-again”.

But as I got to thinking about this French bread thing, I realized, I’d rather be Molten Lava Cake. Still soft and gooey on the inside, but a lot more appetizing on the outside too! And the drizzle of hot fudge and caramel sauce … okay, so maybe I’m not talking about myself anymore and just really want to eat some cake. Bygones …

So, my dear Missy. Cry all you want. I will cry too. I’m just hiding it behind my shades. Hee hee. And I hope you enjoy this laugh! It was just for you! From one Molten Lava Cake to another :).

And to all my other French breads or Molten Lava Cakes, keep crying … it’s a soul-cleansing good time.

(Ahhh … blogging, what are you doing to me. Revealing all my little secrets!)

Juliet’s Big Day – Part Two

Today’s the BIG day. I mean the actual BIG day (technically, it was Wednesday, but you get the picture). For a girl who has never gone to school, who has been spending her days on the floor of an elderly home and not been outside it’s gates in 3 years … this IS the day! Juliet is going to school!

As we pull up, we are met with a ready Juliet who still squeals with delight at the prospects of her future. She begins waving and calling out “Mwelaba, Mwelaba!” (Good-bye, good-bye) to the other residents and Catholic sisters who have been her steady friends. The determination written on her face as she makes steady progress towards the van, all the while shouting to her friends and waving.

I have to wonder if she knows what’s coming. That she’s truly leaving behind the world she knows and entering a new one. But that’s the glory of seeing a new life. Of seeing the potential and chasing after it. Leaving the old behind and forging into what can be. Only the courageous can do it. And Juliet is certainly that.

At the school, I see the first hints of nervousness. It’s okay to be nervous. It’s okay to have doubts. As long as you trust that God has you here for a reason and with Him, you keep going. And she does. We begin to show her all the things that we got for her to begin school. Things that now have her name printed on them with permanent marker. We give her a new baby doll and place it on her newly made bed. Again more squeals of delight.

I’m excited by what she is going to learn, who she is going to become and what God has in store for her. I think back to my own school days. I never had reason to worry about never going to school. But here in Uganda, that is the fate of many children. I am thankful to Juliet’s sponsors who are willing to sacrifice a little so that Juliet may gain a lot. I see her potential and know that God has special plans for her.

As we say good-bye, I see no marks of sadness. I see joy. Joy for what is to come. I wish I faced all my days like Juliet. Smiling. Joyful. I know the saying is “out of the mouths of babes”, but in this case, I think it’s appropriate to say “out of the lives of babes.” Lessons for us all to learn.