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.