Sarah's Light

There are so many people we encounter in this journey of life. “Little” Sarah was one who was in mine for too brief a time and yet, I learned so much from her. Though she no longer resides on this earth, her light continues to shine brightly in my life and those she touched so joyously. Lessons we all can learn.

Be original.

Sarah was very un-assuming. And by that, I simply mean that she was okay with who she was and whose she was. She easily stood out from the crowd by not pressing her way in. She sought the gifts God gave her and was happy in her uniqueness.

Romans 12:6 “We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us.”

Be fearless.

For a short time, we had a kitten. Most of the kids were not too keen (aka afraid) to play with him and didn’t quite understand why I would pick him up and pet him. One day, I found Sarah running in circles around the living room being pursued by the cat. In her hand was a string. She was just laughing and laughing. If the cat got too close to her, she’d drop the string and run away … but she came back and began the game all over again, leaving her fear behind.

1 John 4:17-18 (The Message) “God is love. When we take up permanent residence in a life of love, we live in God and God lives in us.  .... There is no room in love for fear. Well-formed love banishes fear. Since fear is crippling, a fearful life—fear of death, fear of judgment—is one not yet fully formed in love.”

Be joyful.

Whether she was doing her task by herself or having fun with her sisters, she was usually smiling. Sometimes, when I greeted her, she would look over, raise her eyebrows and pretend not to greet me back (her way of teasing me!), but inevitably, that smile would break out and she could not contain the joy bubbling over. She’d just laugh!

Psalm 4:7 “You have put more joy in my heart than they have when their grain and wine abound.”

Live abandoned.

One of my favorite times in Uganda was worship time. Every evening at 6:30, the drums would begin, singing and dancing ensued and the whole house came together as one to worship. Many of those nights, I would simply watch as the kids raised their hands, bowed down, fell to their knees. It is truly a sight to behold. Sarah worships in abandon to her Lord. Eyes closed tight, one hand reaching toward Heaven, one hand covering her heart. She loves Him and He loves her.

Psalm 24:3-6 “Who shall ascend the hill of the Lord? And who shall stand in his holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not lift up his soul to what is false and does not swear deceitfully. He will receive blessing from the Lord and righteousness from the God of his salvation. Such is the generation of those who seek him, who seek the face of the God of Jacob.”

Love God.

I know that many of my friends do not. Some don’t believe in God, or maybe believe in a “Higher Power”, but can’t understand why I serve God. A blog will not change your mind. But I pray that one day all will know how big and how great the love of God is and love Him in return. Sarah did. These are her words (taken from a letter she wrote before she died): “God loves you so much. God wants you to be his.”

Jeremiah 31:3 “… I [the Lord] have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness.”

I know that she is free from any claim of this world, safe in the arms of Jesus, but my heart aches for her earthly loss. I will never again see her smiling face, hear her joyous laugh or have the pleasure of watching her grow into an amazing woman. These are the struggles we face. Those of us left on this earth. In our human sorrow, may we submit to the peace of God, who lovingly holds out His hand in comfort ... as Sarah dances and sings with the angels.

May her light shine bright as we remember her sweet spirit.

Photo Credit: Shannon Murphy.

Calling All Brides

I think this tiara totally goes!

As some of you may know, my friend Mama Sarah got engaged at the end of last year. It’s very exciting!! On Saturday, us “girls” journeyed to the showgrounds for the Bride & Groom Expo. Even Uncle George, Mama Sarah’s fiancé came; though I joked with him all day about grooms being N.I.D. (not into details), to which he jokingly agreed! Haha!!

I’ve never been to a Bridal Fair before, never having been a bride myself, so it’s with an impish smile that I went to my first one here in Uganda! Booths with gowns, jewelry, centerpieces, photographers, music, etc. And our favorite ... cake tasting, of course!

Now I'm going to share with you prizes for best booths!

1^st place winner: “Catch Him and Keep Him”, offering marital counseling to the woman who wants to keep her man, now that she’s caught him. Isn’t that hysterical?! The founder and CEO also gave a workshop, which we attended and it must be said that Mama Sarah and Aunt Ina (her sister) could not keep a straight face!!

2^nd place winner: “The Wedding Crashers Band”. There was no one actually in the booth, so I can only assume they went to crash a wedding somewhere that day!

3^rd place winner: Monaco Cosmetics. Legitimately, this store sells skin care products and make-up and they were offering a 20% discount. I couldn’t help myself and bought a set of MAC make-up brushes. I won’t make you jealous by telling you how much I paid!

4^th place winner: Photo, Etc. The CEO was so amazing! And her work was great – all my photographer friends would love it! She had these little digital booklets, something I have never seen in the states before. She sells a package where the bride and groom get 8 of these small booklets. It’s such a great idea to give to parents and grandparents!!

And last but certainly not least was the fashion show! Bridal gowns, tuxes, even flower girls (with one heck of a catwalk strut) stepped out on the runway. It was really fun to see the different gowns by local fashion designers. That is until one of the runway lights sparked and the fire that ensued had me running from my seat. There was no way that I was going down in an electrical fire in Uganda! Thankfully, the fire stayed contained in the one can light and was then extinguished. No one was hurt.

So that was my day at the Bridal Fair. Happy wedding planning, Mama Sarah!!

Jealousy

I admit it. I’m a jealous person (apparently). I am sometimes sucked in by American materialism and “keeping up with the Jones.” But here in Uganda, it’s not about the stuff. It’s about the spirit. I have commented to a few friends how much easier it is to be close to God here. To really be in tune to His heart, to hear His voice, to call out to Him, to thank and praise Him. It’s a state of need and desire to be close to Him. And I see it so fervently in the believers here.

I was reading a book recently (an excellent book called “When Helping Hurts”, that I highly recommend to EVERYONE!) and the author commented about the people he encountered in a tent church in a slum here in Uganda. The members were all praying aloud at the same time, as is customary in Uganda, and he heard praises and pleas such as “Lord, thank you for the food you provided yesterday, please provide it again today,” “Father God, be with my husband so that he doesn’t beat me today,” “Almighty God, I believe that you can provide school fees for my children.” And on and on the praises and prayers went. It’s out of a great need and desire to praise God for the work He is doing and will do in their lives. It’s a constant outpouring of thankfulness and approaching His throne for their daily needs. If everything is God’s and He lovingly gives it us, then this is how it’s supposed to be, right?

And I’m jealous. I see the dependence, the glistening tears of gratitude when He moves and the outstretched arms as believers fervently pray for their nation. When did I miss out on this? I know that it’s in America too, but sometimes I get so caught up in that good ole American materialism and the fact that our “needs” are not even in comparison to the “needs” of people in Uganda, that I forget. I forget that God has supplied all my needs, according to HIS riches and glory! I forget that what I have is already HIS and I should pour out blessings and praise to Him who has so generously given to me. I forget to seek his face for my daily bread.

So, I pray that I will not forget. That I will stand in the gap for our nation, for our children, for the impoverished of this world. That I will stand in awe of the cereal I have in the morning, because God provided it (okay, maybe that’s a little much, but I should be thankful, even for the little things!). And that I will remember my brothers and sisters in Uganda. Though they may be “materially poor” they are “spiritually rich” and we can all learn something from them.

The Butterfly Effect

Our yard is filled with butterflies. All kinds. Small. Big. And lots of colors! I guess it figures since during this rainy season I have seen many a caterpillar mosey-ing along. Last Saturday, as we were all outside doing our weekly washing, one landed on Peter’s shoulder and stayed! I was amazed. He walked right up to me with it still sitting on his shoulder, saying “Look Auntie Leslie!”

I tell you all of this, in the midst of having our first short-term team here, for two reasons. Reasons that I needed to hear, understand, process and evaluate in my own life. Yes … this is one of Leslie’s philosophical moments. Ha ha!

Reason #1. The butterflies had been flying around our yard for at least a few days before I saw the one sitting on Peter’s shoulder. But it took him saying, “Look” for me to actually see. Sometimes that really bothers me about myself. It isn’t until someone points something out to me that an understanding, a dawning happens in my brain. As if my eyes were not comprehending the world around me prior to the aforementioned “Look!” And I guess the only word for that is self-centeredness. YIKES! Now that is something to sit down, reflect, take the time to process and understand and then take steps to change, isn’t it? Sometimes, I just need a small little reminder to stop. Look. I was just glad this time that reminder came in the form of butterflies.

Reason #2. Caterpillars are pretty cute if you look at them. They could happily stay that way forever, I’m sure. They have their needs met. They get plenty to eat. Of course, I’m guessing on this. I have not actually interviewed one, but I can only imagine that their simple little life is just fine with them. But then something happens. They start the cocoon. And suddenly are thrust into the world as a new creation! Not crawling, but flying. Not colorless, but colorful. Something brand new. I can only imagine what they are thinking in their little cocoons, but to be able to come out and see the world as only a butterfly can, it really must be something. It’s the greatest analogy to becoming a follower of Christ. We are all called to something greater when we enter this world. Life can be going along and then you hear it … Jesus is calling you. By name. To quit crawling in the muck and the mire and to fly! I’m ever more aware of this since being in Uganda. I see Jesus in these beautiful faces, soulful eyes and joyful smiles looking back at me. I see new creations, flying. They way they were created to fly. It’s a precious thing. One we should all remember!

As I write this from my “New Creation Family Home” (appropriately named, don’t you think?), I can only smile as I think of these kids and the new creations they have become. They were beautiful before they arrived, but now they can fly!

I have to examine myself, because sometimes, I go back to crawling. Breathing in the dirt and grime and forgetting that I was created, that I was called to something greater. That I too can fly because I’m a new creation. And I’m praying that the kids (and adults) we meet in these next 2 weeks will want to fly too. 

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.

Juliet's Big Day!

Long time, no see … I know, I know. Over my Christmas holiday, I gave myself a little break from blogging, but I’m back now! This week Sherry, Sarah, Driver Henry and I have been running around getting everything ready for the team to arrive and take care of some ministry business. But this blog is not about us. It’s about Juliet. Juliet’s Big Day, to be exact!

It all began back in July, when we unsuspectingly met Juliet, a vivacious young girl, in an elderly home. Team members were drawn in by her contagious laugh, easy smile and delightful way of showing her joy: shrieks and squeals, as it should be with any little girl. She had been left at the elderly home, with no opportunity for an education, though she is very bright. In fact, she had never been to school. She couldn’t walk and her days were spent scooting around on the floor and chatting with the other residents … that is, until the team fell in love with her and found a sponsor for her to go to a school. The school doesn’t begin for a few weeks, but first she needed her assessments done. And now, her big day begins!

I knew the moment Juliet spotted us from the joyful shrieks that were echoing over the premises. To our surprise, she met us using a walker! She came rushing towards us and didn’t stop until she reached the car to get going. I think she was excited! And we didn’t hesitate to catch her excitement … off we go to our first stop of the day, the doctor’s assessment.

We arrived at the doctor’s on time for our appointment, but as I’m quickly learning, if you arrive on time, you are EARLY in Uganda. But, Juliet got to play with some toys in the waiting room and though they were what we would consider “baby” toys, she was happy to just have a toy, any toy. Finally, it’s doctor time. He believes, as we do, that she is a smart girl. And the best news, he believes that with the proper physical therapy, Juliet could walk on her own! Praise the Lord!

With the doctor assessment over, we now head to the disability school, where she will receive a full education plus the benefits of physical therapy. We met with Deputy Sam, (I just love that we call him “deputy” Sam; it sounds like an old movie) who assessed Juliet. While waiting for some paperwork, Juliet was laughing, joking, clapping. Her joy radiating with each moment.

We finished with Deputy Sam and had to go get ID photos of Juliet for the school. I’m not sure she has ever had a picture of herself for her very own, but she does now! And since there was a little market nearby, Mama Sherry thought we should get ice cream. More squeals and shrieks of delight!

The day ended for Juliet where it began, back at the elderly home. But this time, with the full confidence that in a few weeks she would be where she has always wanted to be. School (I’m sure there will be a blog about Juliet’s 2^nd Big Day!). She was greeted with claps and smiles from the elderly residents, all of whom are happy to see her realize her dream of school.

I cannot do justice to Juliet through any words or pictures, though I have tried. This precious girl, who has never been to school, who has crawled on the ground for the better part of her life and who has not even been outside the walls of an elderly home for 3 years, cannot quelch the amazing spirit that bubbles over and spills out for all to see.

There are many people I admire. There are few who I truly look up to. And even fewer who I stand in awe of. Juliet is now one of those. 

Where's your home?

Earlier this week, Mercy told me “I wish Sunday would never come.” I didn’t get it right away, but it finally dawned on me that yes, Sunday is in fact the day that I’ll be heading “Home for the Holidays.” And today, after church, as we are all piling into the taxi, I hear both Teddy and Sharon say “Auntie, I’m sad.” I try to console them: “I’m coming back!” “It’s only for a little while” “Guess who’s coming with me when I come back – Mama Sherry!” Though I’m very excited to be seeing friends and family back home in Indiana, I can’t help but be a little disheartened at not being here for Christmas – especially when the kids want me to stay so badly!

I think on some level, all of us yearn for “home” whenever there’s a holiday. Wherever your “home” may be. For me, I have 3 homes: my first one in Indiana, where my treasured family lives; my home away from home in CA, where friends really are family; and here in Uganda, where 18 children call me Auntie. And no matter which “home” I’m in, there’s a part of me that misses the other homes.

It makes me wonder if in His 33 years on earth, Jesus ever yearned for home. As a baby, a toddler, a young carpenter, did he ever want to go back home? I mean think about it. Really think about it. The perfect place. Streets of gold. Pearly gates. Forever in God’s presence. After 33 years, Jesus did go home - in an actual blaze of glory. If you believe, as I believe, then we have a home in common: Heaven. And though I’ve never been there, my soul was created for it.

You may find it odd that I’m talking of Heaven and Jesus' death when the season we are in is the celebration of His birth. But I have to be honest … though the miracle of His coming is wonderful and amazing, I can’t help but look at Baby Jesus in the manger and see Savior Jesus on the cross. And that, friends, is the greatest miracle of all. He gave us all someplace to call home.

Empty Fridge

An empty fridge means it’s time to go to the grocery store and stock up. I’m infamous for going to the grocery store without a list – something my mom did NOT teach me. You know the grocery store rules: buy off your list and don’t go when you’re hungry. Yea, I break those all the time!

An empty fridge in Uganda means the same thing in this house – time to go to market (fyi … many Ugandan families do not have a fridge. And many can go hungry much of the time. The children in this home do not take their meals for granted. They thank God for each and every morsel!).

So, off to market we go. It’s so colorful, with all the fresh fruits and veggies. And Ugandans certainly know how to make a display. I LOVE the way the tomatoes and potatoes are stacked. Buying for 18 children + mamas + aunties means a lot of food. Thankfully we have our usual vendors that look forward to our coming each Saturday. I remember my first trip to market. We had potatoes, tomatoes, carrots, green pepper, watermelon, pumpkin, eggplant, onions, greens and more. I stood looking at our loot thinking “how on earth are we going to get all of this on a boda?” 

Alex tethers our loot to his boda boda.

If you read my last blog, Ugandans know how to transport almost anything by boda, huge piles of groceries included. You would be amazed at how many items can fit in a burlap bag and then strapped to the boda for the ride home.

I get a lot of stares and “Hey Mzungu” at the market. One day, I was waiting for Sarah at our potato vendor and a man came up to me saying something and “Mzungu”. We was waving his fist at me and I had know idea what he wanted. I just said “no thanks”. He finally walked away. Only later, when I shared the story with Sarah, she laughed and said “He wanted a fist bump.” To which I responded, “Do all Ugandans think that Mzungu’s fist bump?” Apparently the answer is yes. So on your next trip to Uganda, please remember the fist bump!

Once we are done at the fresh food market, we hop in a taxi to the supermarket (Capital Shoppers, Quality Supermarkets or Shoprite) for the rest of our weeks supplies. We fill 2-1/2 carts and quite obviously THAT won’t all fit on a boda, so we call our trusty driver, Ivan.

Now depending on what time of day we go or what is happening in town, this trip may take as little as 2 hours or 4 hours. And if I’m lucky, we may stop and get a chapatti and samosa (my favorite Ugandan treats!) for lunch.

P.S. To all my faithful readers, this concludes my series on “Ugandan living”. So many had questions about day-to-day life and I hope I covered them all (if not, let me know). Hope you enjoyed. Coming up next year, is something I’m really excited about. I’ll just leave you in suspense and hope you keep reading until then.

Planes, Trains and Automobiles

It’s no secret that I love to drive. And I’m really good at it – no matter what some former co-workers might tell you! I may have missed my calling as an Indy Stock Car or Formula One racer, which may have led to the wildly popular conclusion that I drive fast. But I’ll have you know that my driving record is completely clean. Since being in Uganda, I (quite obviously) have not been doing much – er, any – driving. I kind of miss it, but I’m also having a lot of fun getting around in other ways.

1. Boda Boda. The fun, albeit somewhat dangerous, and usually fastest way to travel is on a boda boda. It looks like a cross between a motorcycle and a scooter (at least to me). I absolutely L-O-V-E riding on the boda. It’s fun and freeing … with the wind in your hair. And I have actually held out my hands and shouted “I’m on top of the world.” Yes, I’m THAT girl. Ha ha! Here are a few pointers in getting around via Boda Boda:

Uncle Alex, one of our trusty boda drivers

1. Always know your driver. It’s not exactly safe to just simply get on anyone’s boda boda. It’s best if you use the same drivers. Get a list in your phone and call when you need a ride.
2. Always board the boda boda from the left side.
3. If you sit “side saddle”, both legs must go to the left side.
4. You can literally carry anything on a boda boda. I’ve seen bodas loaded with sugar canes, brooms, bed frames, 5 people, luggage – the list goes on and on.
5. You can hold on if you must, but you kinda look like a sissy. (haha! That’s for Kristal)

2. Taxi. No, these are not the cute little yellow cars with black and white checks. These babies are 15 passenger vans that will stop anywhere along the side of the road to pick anyone up and cram more than 15 people inside! And of course, there are important rules to follow here as well:

We hire a taxi to take us to Church every Sunday, but
normally, Sarah & I simply catch one on the side of the road

1. Never get in an empty taxi. There are stories of kidnappings – not that I’ve been witness to this or even know of it’s validity. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
2. Always be aware of your personal belongings. There are also stories of sophisticated robberies on board taxis. For example, someone may ask you to close the door, while another’s got their hands inside your purse. After claiming your wallet, then shove you out of the taxi and take off. Again, I’ve never seen this, but one can never be too careful.
3. Always listen for the taxi route. You want to go to Shoprite? The taxi is going to Kampala. Well, Shoprites on the way, right? Not if the conductor doesn’t say Nakawa. Listen up or you’ll get on the wrong one (kind of like bus routes in the US).

3. Private Hire. Many people make their living by hiring themselves out as private hire drivers. They have a car. They can drive. Might as well make a business out of it. And of course there are companies that some drivers are employed by as well. Typically, we use these on Saturdays to pick us up from the grocery store or to be dropped off or picked up from the Airport.

4. Walking. The way to get from here to there – walking. A LOT of Ugandans simply walk wherever they need to go. Most school children walk, regardless of whether it takes them 2 hours to get to school or not, as many simply cannot afford transportation costs.

There you have it. And I use ALL 4 methods every Saturday. Fun, huh?

Oh, just to give you a better flavor, I should probably talk about TRAFFIC. Live in SoCal and think the 405 is bad? Live in NorCal and think 880 is bad? Live anywhere else and imagine and think the traffic jams you’ve been caught in are the worst? Now add 1000 massive pot holes, boda boda’s weaving in between the cars, taxi’s stopping on the side of the road (sometimes blocking traffic) then pulling back in, people walking everywhere (including in the road, between the cars), and exhaust fumes. And throw in people creating their own lanes for good measure, and now you have Kampala traffic. Seriously, I’ve been in taxi’s that create their own lane in the middle of the road to pass a slower vehicle – even when there is oncoming traffic. The craziest thing, no one gets mad. I’ve rarely seen road rage here. You just go with the flow; you let people in; you slow down for pedestrians. A car just cut you off – no problem! I should probably learn some of these lessons myself. :)

P.S. I love the looks of the people in the taxi’s when I climb in. I don’t see Mzungu’s very often in the taxi’s. hee hee!

P.P.S. There are big buses and such for in-country and inter-country travel. I just haven’t experienced them (yet!)

World Aids Day

Every Thursday, Sarah & I trek into Kampala to go to Watoto Kampala Church (formerly KPC) for Bible Study. Tonight, was a little different than most Bible Studies I’ve been to. First, they were having a “Watoto’s Got Talent” night. There was lots of dancing and singing and even an eating contest!

Most of the participants were asked what their status was. At first I thought they meant single or married (they’ve done this before, so I just assumed). But, that’s not what they were asking. The answer was positive or negative or something about a zero. And I've never been in a church service where they asked you to tell your neighbor: 1. if you are a virgin; 2. when your last HIV test was; and 3. if you are on the sexual network. I was very confused until one of the Pastor’s cleared it up for me.

You see, today, Dec 1, is World AIDS Day.  And this year, the theme is “Getting to Zero.” According to AVERT.org,  “After 30 years of the global fight against HIV/AIDS, this year the global community has committed to focusing on achieving 3 targets: Zero new HIV infections. Zero discrimination. Zero AIDS-related deaths.”

The statistics for 2010:

2.7 million new HIV infections

1.8 million people died from AIDS

And yet, this day has taken on even greater significance since I am in Africa and in Uganda. While brushing up on my AIDS facts for this blog post, I learned that Uganda was one of the first and hardest hit countries in the 1970s-1980s. It reached epidemic status with 20-30% of the population being infected prior to most other African countries. And while Uganda has made great strides and is often looked to among African nations on ways to decrease HIV and AIDS occurrences, the numbers tell the story:

1.2 million - estimated number of people living with HIV in Uganda

150,000 – estimated number of children with HIV (though if all children were tested, I think you would see this number increase)

64,000 – estimated number of people who died from AIDS in 2009

1.2 million – number of children who have been orphaned by Uganda's devastating epidemic.

Sobering, isn’t it? One of the young girls at Watoto gave a testimony and her shirt started the conversation. It said simply “I am positive”. She’s a single mother, who was sexually abused for years, became a sex addict and has been living with HIV for the past 10 years (that’s when she was tested), but she has a great and positive outlook because she has a hope and everlasting future in Jesus. She’s proud to say she’s positive because it opens doors for her to share her faith.

She reminded me of a verse in Romans, when we are called “more than conquerors”. Conquering HIV/AIDS may not be an earthly possibility, but it is certainly no match for an everlasting future in Heaven.

The Fine Art of Cooking

I like to cook. I really like to bake. But I don’t do either very often. Let’s face it, it’s hard to cook for one person. Say you make a great lasagne. You have to freeze over half of it and eat the other half for the entire week when you are just one person. Cooking for 25 is another matter entirely. Especially in Uganda.

While in America I may be used to a nice electric or gas stove top for cooking, here in Uganda we rely on a little thing called the Charcoal stove. We actually do have a stove top, but it can cost a pretty penny to fire it up every day. Charcoal provides a much more economical solution. Learning how to operate one of these bad boys is an experience. For instance, say you are supposed to take your dinner from a “boil” to a  “simmer”. It’s not like there’s a little nob for that. But there is a way to do it, just take out some of that fiery hot charcoal and presto-chango, you can now simmer.

We have a set menu at the home for dinner each week, but regardless of the dish there are a few things that are ALWAYS used: cooking oil; grated tomatoes; chopped carrots, green pepper and onions; garlic; and spices like beef masala, curry, royco and salt. Go ahead. Try it. You know you want to.

One of my favorite meals is Uganda Spaghetti. There’s no red sauce, but it is oh-so-delicious! In fact, I like it so much that on Mondays, I help Aunt Margret with the cooking, so that I can learn how to make it for family & friends when I am in the states. I even bought the needed ingredients (the ones that you can’t find in America), so get ready to taste Uganda Spaghetti, friends!!

Anyway, I do often get laughed at – not in a menacing way – when “learning” to cook the Ugandan way. They don’t see me cooking very often, so I think that they think that I don’t know how. Yesterday, while waiting for the cooking oil to heat, Aunt Margret threw a few pieces of onion in the pan to see if the oil was hot enough and I got the most peculiar question posed to me “Do you know why she did that?” I had to laugh a little and say, “Yes, I do know how to cook.” I guess one of these days, I’ll have to prove that to them and make a whole meal myself :).