Heads up: this post is very hodgepodge, but I wanted to take advantage of the internet opportunity.
There's something really exciting about watching the World Cup while it's taking place on this very continent. I've never been one to really care about soccer, except when Covenant plays (We are the Scots and we come from the Mountain!) and even then I'd only really attend the big games. But I've rather enjoyed watching various games here. I've gotten to experience several ambiances-Africans watching South Africa, Brits watching England, Germans watching Germany and Americans watching the US. It's been fun to be in a room with so many different countries represented for the various matches.
On an unrelated note, I've been getting these mysterious bug bites on my right arm. I've gotten them on 4 separate occasions-always in patches of at least 10-20 bites. We've ruled out mosquitoes, fleas, and bed bugs. We started to realize that they always showed up after I sat in the wicker chairs at Dale and Kathy's. They knew that bugs sometimes reside in there and that they don't like varnish so after the fist 2 attacks we got the couch and 2 chairs varnished. But the other night, after watching Night at the Museum 2, I found a good 13 more and last night I got even more while I was reading. If the bites were indeed coming from the chairs, then I couldn't figure out why I was the only one out of the multitudes of people that come through this house to get bitten. When I got home today Micah told me that they found the bugs living in the chair and they "doomed" them. Apparently he and Kathy abandoned homeschooling and get to the bottom of this. They tipped over one of the chairs and shook and shook and shook. Hundreds of little black bugs and spiders and larva and dust came tumbling out. Most of the bugs had died thanks to the varnish, but some were still living. They shook all the furniture and sprayed gallons of Doom on them. Oh the joys of life here.
On a less gross and more cheerful note, we had muchomo for dinner and s'mores for dessert. We have a fire pit in our front yard and the boys love to roast things on it. (This is where they took care of that rooster that used to crow outside our window.) So tonight they roasted beef, which may have been one of the best things I've eaten yet and then we went through 2 bags of marshmallows making s'mores. Less sarcastically, oh the joys of life here.
Tomorrow I'll be going to Ntare School (where President Mussevini attended) to help the girls in their computer skills. Mike will be teaching his hermeneutics class, which is fabulous and then Laura, Emily (a new arrival), and I will be "hosting" the All Saints youth group, which could possibly mean "leading/teaching" the youth group. Only time will tell.
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Monday, June 21, 2010
African Lady
I've acquired a new name with the GETS girls-African lady.
Why?
Because someday I should be an African..at least that's what they say. They say that I've done a good job engaging the culture and I'm willing to try new things. I think they are referring to the fact that I've had to basin bathe for the last 2 weeks, that I put up with things like rats (did I tell you I found a dead one in my purse last week?!), and that I attempt the language (though my words are limited and often mispronounced). I also "forget" to take/wear my boda helmet, I'll sleep without a net if I have a bed to myself and I eat mangos from the tree. (I can hear my mother gasping in horror right now-don't worry ma, I'm still being safe!)
They also said that I joke like an Ugandan. They tried to give me the name African queen, but I told them I wasn't fit for a queen because I say words like ekibunu (which I thought just meant "butt", but apparently has a stronger, more offensive meaning..oops) and I sometimes wear trousers.
I've loved getting to know these girls and laughing with them. We've laughed and laughed, to the point that the muzee in the compound have often asked if they were safe. They were.
The program ends soon and it will be sad to see them go, but I'm thankful for the time I've had with them so far.
Why?
Because someday I should be an African..at least that's what they say. They say that I've done a good job engaging the culture and I'm willing to try new things. I think they are referring to the fact that I've had to basin bathe for the last 2 weeks, that I put up with things like rats (did I tell you I found a dead one in my purse last week?!), and that I attempt the language (though my words are limited and often mispronounced). I also "forget" to take/wear my boda helmet, I'll sleep without a net if I have a bed to myself and I eat mangos from the tree. (I can hear my mother gasping in horror right now-don't worry ma, I'm still being safe!)
They also said that I joke like an Ugandan. They tried to give me the name African queen, but I told them I wasn't fit for a queen because I say words like ekibunu (which I thought just meant "butt", but apparently has a stronger, more offensive meaning..oops) and I sometimes wear trousers.
I've loved getting to know these girls and laughing with them. We've laughed and laughed, to the point that the muzee in the compound have often asked if they were safe. They were.
The program ends soon and it will be sad to see them go, but I'm thankful for the time I've had with them so far.
Sunday, June 13, 2010
Everyday...more or less
I've been getting complaints that I'm not sharing enough of my day to day activities. Keep in mind that everyday is very different. But I'll try to do a better job at sharing what life here for me actually looks like.
I moved into the GETS (Girls Empowered to Serve) home last Monday. Since that is my primary area of ministry, we felt like it would be a good thing for me to spend more time with the girls. GETS is a discipleship program for young women who have completed secondary school and in the waiting period before university. They typically have different Bible studies or book studies and they are taught life skills as well as domestic skills (cooking, cleaning, hosting, etc.)
I am leading a class Wednesday afternoons going through a book called Obeying Jesus. I'm not a huge fan of the book itself, but it has definitely spurred on some excellent conversation and questions. Apart from that, I take each girl into town once a week individually to give them a chance to get away from the home for a few hours. So far it's been a great time to just hang out casually and get to know them each better. So a lot of time is spent getting to know the girls better. Mike, Susan, Mable and special guests lead lessons that I try to attend when I can.
When I'm not at the house or with the girls, I'm either at Matt and Crystal's or with my team. Crystal is pregnant and on bed rest for a few weeks and has 2 toddler boys running around the house. So I go over on Tuesdays (and whenever I get an emergency call to come) to hang out with the boys and help around the house. It's been a neat unexpected surprise to be able to encourage her in this time. Yesterday Laura and I spent a good part of our day cooking lasagna and tuna casserole to freeze so that they have some easy meals after the baby is born and last Saturday we had a movie night with her. I've loved having conversations with Crystal and getting to know her better. She's got such a beautiful spirit!
It's hard to really say exactly what else I do here. I do a lot of talking and a lot of listening and a lot of observing. I do a lot hanging out and getting to know people. I've done a few dance parties and movie nights. I've watched a few World Cup games (which is quite exciting since we're on the same continent as the tournament and since we have Brits on the team whose whole life is "football"). I've eaten a lot and drunk tons of African tea. I've been encouraged a lot and hopefully encouraged a lot. People being people with people-that's what I've been doing here. I've learned a lot, grown a lot, been challenged a lot.
We have 5 weeks left from yesterday and honestly, I'm sad to think that our time here is halfway over. I keep waiting for things to get unbearable, to get so frustrated that I want to go home...but it just hasn't happened yet. Sure I've had bad days here, but I can count them on 2 fingers. And of course I've been frustrated, but even on my worst days nothing has made me feel like I'm not supposed to be here, nothing has made me throw my hands up and say "enough!" Maybe it's because of my family here who constantly helps me process through things and encourages me. Maybe it's because the overwhelming love and support from my family and friends back home. Maybe it's because I know God has me here for a plan and purpose. I think it's all three. I'm so grateful for that.
I moved into the GETS (Girls Empowered to Serve) home last Monday. Since that is my primary area of ministry, we felt like it would be a good thing for me to spend more time with the girls. GETS is a discipleship program for young women who have completed secondary school and in the waiting period before university. They typically have different Bible studies or book studies and they are taught life skills as well as domestic skills (cooking, cleaning, hosting, etc.)
I am leading a class Wednesday afternoons going through a book called Obeying Jesus. I'm not a huge fan of the book itself, but it has definitely spurred on some excellent conversation and questions. Apart from that, I take each girl into town once a week individually to give them a chance to get away from the home for a few hours. So far it's been a great time to just hang out casually and get to know them each better. So a lot of time is spent getting to know the girls better. Mike, Susan, Mable and special guests lead lessons that I try to attend when I can.
When I'm not at the house or with the girls, I'm either at Matt and Crystal's or with my team. Crystal is pregnant and on bed rest for a few weeks and has 2 toddler boys running around the house. So I go over on Tuesdays (and whenever I get an emergency call to come) to hang out with the boys and help around the house. It's been a neat unexpected surprise to be able to encourage her in this time. Yesterday Laura and I spent a good part of our day cooking lasagna and tuna casserole to freeze so that they have some easy meals after the baby is born and last Saturday we had a movie night with her. I've loved having conversations with Crystal and getting to know her better. She's got such a beautiful spirit!
It's hard to really say exactly what else I do here. I do a lot of talking and a lot of listening and a lot of observing. I do a lot hanging out and getting to know people. I've done a few dance parties and movie nights. I've watched a few World Cup games (which is quite exciting since we're on the same continent as the tournament and since we have Brits on the team whose whole life is "football"). I've eaten a lot and drunk tons of African tea. I've been encouraged a lot and hopefully encouraged a lot. People being people with people-that's what I've been doing here. I've learned a lot, grown a lot, been challenged a lot.
We have 5 weeks left from yesterday and honestly, I'm sad to think that our time here is halfway over. I keep waiting for things to get unbearable, to get so frustrated that I want to go home...but it just hasn't happened yet. Sure I've had bad days here, but I can count them on 2 fingers. And of course I've been frustrated, but even on my worst days nothing has made me feel like I'm not supposed to be here, nothing has made me throw my hands up and say "enough!" Maybe it's because of my family here who constantly helps me process through things and encourages me. Maybe it's because the overwhelming love and support from my family and friends back home. Maybe it's because I know God has me here for a plan and purpose. I think it's all three. I'm so grateful for that.
Monday, June 7, 2010
Meet the Team
This post has been saved in my drafts for about 3 weeks. I knew I wanted to introduce the team, but I didn't want to until I knew them better. So here are some of the people that I've been spending all my time with:
Papa Dale and Momma Kathy
are my host parents. Dale is the team leader for the team here. They have 3 boys Micah, Ben and Zach. The more time I spend at their home the more I admire them. They've already had a ton on their plate without having to worry about our team, but their love and patience has been amazing. I've had pretty lengthy conversations with at least one of them almost every singe night that I've been here. It's been a blast living with them and being welcomed into this family. My little brothers are wild and crazy. We've had several sword fights (I almost always lose) and they have twice now, done us girls a favor by killing and cooking the roosters that would crow right outside our window.
Mike and Susan
Mike focuses on pastoral training. Every time he speaks, I love to listen. He's a wellspring of knowledge and has lots to offer. I've learned so much from him already and can't wait to hear more. Susan is one of the sweetest, most genuine ladies. She is leading a study with the GETS girls that seems to be very helpful for them.
Uncle Joel and Auntie Jill
They quickly became some of my favorite people, despite all the times they pick on me (and I'm not just saying that because I know they'll read this). They are definitely some of the most real, honest, open, casual people I've met in a long, long time. Joel eats napkins-literally. It's a condition. We're praying for him. Nurse Jill is the go-to in te unhappy event I ever get mango flies. (shudder) They've got 2 kids-Dara and Dade-who, for whatever reason, think I'm pretty cool. I'm their favorite, but I'm not supposed to tell anyone.
Zillah
I'm learning loads of new vocabulary from this Brit. She works at the hospital as a physiotherapist. She's had some crazy adventures, including backpacking to northern Uganda with just a change of clothes, hitchhiking in matoke trucks, riding ostriches and climbing Mt. Everest twice...barefoot. When she's not trying to sell me off as a way to fundraiser, she can be pretty fun.
Matt and Crystal
They are very strong people. They are here with Juna Amagara Ministries and started ABIDE, a ministry for young men who are in break between secondary school and university. It's an intensive discipleship program with outreaches to different villages every weekend. Matt and Crystal also foster abandoned babies. Crystal is 7+ months pregnant and has 2 toddler boys and until recently fostered a 3 mo. old baby who was orphaned at birth. They are a beautiful family with gigantic hears.
Seb
Also a Brit, also tries to sell me off, also teaches me new vocab. He's definitely got a sense of humor that can have even the most boring people in stitches/tears. (I've never cried so many times from laughing at the most inappropriate times then when he's around, especially when he and Joel team up.) He works with ABIDE and is here on a 1 year assignment, but has just decided to come back long term to work with teenagers.
Travis
Also works with ABIDE. Travis is here for 6 months. He's pretty much redeemed my view of Canada that Josh has lost. I think we actually became friends when I decided that he, Seb and Dale needed some female company in their car at Queen Elizabeth. We are now at the point where I feel like I can tell him when Quest (or any other animal) drinks from his mug. Once ABIDE is over he'll either be working in Tanzania or Sudan for his last month.
Lou
She just left yesterday to head back to the UK. She worked at the hospital in the lab and also led a session at GETS (that I will be finishing out). She probably had the best fashion of anyone in Mbarara. She is very independent and very adventurous.
Tob
I didn't actually believe that he existed until just recently. he was sick for the first 2 weeks that we were here. He's a medical student from Germany that was working in the hospital but will actually be going back home soon. Once I started to get to know him a bit, I've realized that he is actually very funny.
Words could not descibe what this team means to me. They have reshaped my idea of missions-it's not all evangelism and crusades, it's people being people with people. It's messy and hard, but it can definitely be fun too. They have poured themselves into me and opened their homes. I am so thankful for their hearts, hospitality, honesty and humor. I've literally been in tears at the profound way that I've been shown the gospel by them. They have encouraged and challenged me in ways that I'm sure they don't even realize. I am so thankful for my family here.
Papa Dale and Momma Kathy
are my host parents. Dale is the team leader for the team here. They have 3 boys Micah, Ben and Zach. The more time I spend at their home the more I admire them. They've already had a ton on their plate without having to worry about our team, but their love and patience has been amazing. I've had pretty lengthy conversations with at least one of them almost every singe night that I've been here. It's been a blast living with them and being welcomed into this family. My little brothers are wild and crazy. We've had several sword fights (I almost always lose) and they have twice now, done us girls a favor by killing and cooking the roosters that would crow right outside our window.
Mike and Susan
Mike focuses on pastoral training. Every time he speaks, I love to listen. He's a wellspring of knowledge and has lots to offer. I've learned so much from him already and can't wait to hear more. Susan is one of the sweetest, most genuine ladies. She is leading a study with the GETS girls that seems to be very helpful for them.
Uncle Joel and Auntie Jill
They quickly became some of my favorite people, despite all the times they pick on me (and I'm not just saying that because I know they'll read this). They are definitely some of the most real, honest, open, casual people I've met in a long, long time. Joel eats napkins-literally. It's a condition. We're praying for him. Nurse Jill is the go-to in te unhappy event I ever get mango flies. (shudder) They've got 2 kids-Dara and Dade-who, for whatever reason, think I'm pretty cool. I'm their favorite, but I'm not supposed to tell anyone.
Zillah
I'm learning loads of new vocabulary from this Brit. She works at the hospital as a physiotherapist. She's had some crazy adventures, including backpacking to northern Uganda with just a change of clothes, hitchhiking in matoke trucks, riding ostriches and climbing Mt. Everest twice...barefoot. When she's not trying to sell me off as a way to fundraiser, she can be pretty fun.
Matt and Crystal
They are very strong people. They are here with Juna Amagara Ministries and started ABIDE, a ministry for young men who are in break between secondary school and university. It's an intensive discipleship program with outreaches to different villages every weekend. Matt and Crystal also foster abandoned babies. Crystal is 7+ months pregnant and has 2 toddler boys and until recently fostered a 3 mo. old baby who was orphaned at birth. They are a beautiful family with gigantic hears.
Seb
Also a Brit, also tries to sell me off, also teaches me new vocab. He's definitely got a sense of humor that can have even the most boring people in stitches/tears. (I've never cried so many times from laughing at the most inappropriate times then when he's around, especially when he and Joel team up.) He works with ABIDE and is here on a 1 year assignment, but has just decided to come back long term to work with teenagers.
Travis
Also works with ABIDE. Travis is here for 6 months. He's pretty much redeemed my view of Canada that Josh has lost. I think we actually became friends when I decided that he, Seb and Dale needed some female company in their car at Queen Elizabeth. We are now at the point where I feel like I can tell him when Quest (or any other animal) drinks from his mug. Once ABIDE is over he'll either be working in Tanzania or Sudan for his last month.
Lou
She just left yesterday to head back to the UK. She worked at the hospital in the lab and also led a session at GETS (that I will be finishing out). She probably had the best fashion of anyone in Mbarara. She is very independent and very adventurous.
Tob
I didn't actually believe that he existed until just recently. he was sick for the first 2 weeks that we were here. He's a medical student from Germany that was working in the hospital but will actually be going back home soon. Once I started to get to know him a bit, I've realized that he is actually very funny.
Words could not descibe what this team means to me. They have reshaped my idea of missions-it's not all evangelism and crusades, it's people being people with people. It's messy and hard, but it can definitely be fun too. They have poured themselves into me and opened their homes. I am so thankful for their hearts, hospitality, honesty and humor. I've literally been in tears at the profound way that I've been shown the gospel by them. They have encouraged and challenged me in ways that I'm sure they don't even realize. I am so thankful for my family here.
Sunday, June 6, 2010
Rodney
Turns out Rodney does indeed exist. Who would've thought? My little brothers found 3 dead mice throughout the house and it turns out the rodent in our bedroom was just a mouse-Henry. I haven't seen anymore mice since then, but I doubt they've all gone. As for Rodney, I definitely saw him scampering across our dining room. We tried to barricade him in with plastic tubs, but he took refuge behind the china cabinet. This was on Thursday.
Friday night Kathy let out the most epic scream from the kitchen. Dale, distantly followed by Laura and I, ran to come help-Laura brought her panga and I took up a plastic dagger I found on the floor _the joys of having. We meant business. Somehow Rodney was cornered and forced under the door that leads outside to the generator. Dale shoved towels in the crack so he can't get back in. It really was a bit anti-climactic- especially after hearing about how at one point Ruth single-handedly dominated 6 mice in the pantry- but I'm thankful that he's gone, at least for the time being.
Friday night Kathy let out the most epic scream from the kitchen. Dale, distantly followed by Laura and I, ran to come help-Laura brought her panga and I took up a plastic dagger I found on the floor _the joys of having. We meant business. Somehow Rodney was cornered and forced under the door that leads outside to the generator. Dale shoved towels in the crack so he can't get back in. It really was a bit anti-climactic- especially after hearing about how at one point Ruth single-handedly dominated 6 mice in the pantry- but I'm thankful that he's gone, at least for the time being.
Thursday, June 3, 2010
The Girl Who Cried Rat
We've had a rat (Rodney) in our house for the last week or so. (Or at least that's when it's existence was made known to me.) Two days ago Christina saw Rodney in the kitchen, scrounging for food. She squealed, and the "peanut butter" was put out. I didn't give much thought to Rodney since then until last night when Christina spotted him in our room running from under our desk to under my bed. This was around dinner time, so the boys checked it out and called our room clear. We went about the evening as normal, ate dinner, did the dishes, read, journaled, etc. We started to get ready for bed when Christina let out another yelp. She had seen something run from near our bathroom to behind our laundry basket. At this point in time I was seriously considering that Christina was hallucinating, since she had been the only one to see Rodney in the whole house. We had Daddy Dale come check things out, and sure enough, Rodney was no where to be found. Once again, I dismissed it and stared to brush my teeth. Suddenly I heard Christina scream again and Laura gasp and I knew it must be real this time. I found myself standing on top of the toilet seat, as I was very near where he had been spotted. Dale came back in and checked things out, but Rodney had seemingly nestled himself behind a plastic bin in our closet. We moved the peanut butter into our room, should Rodney fancy a midnight snack. I'm still a bit iffy of Rodney's existence, since I still have yet to see him and I'm thinking this scenario seems an awfully lot like the boy who cried wolf. Sadly, when he's really there, I'm doubtful I'll believe anyone. Only time will tell.
Monday, May 17, 2010
A Typical Day in Uganda
does not exist. I'm convinced that nothing we have done since we've been here is "normal", at least in the eyes of most Westerners. I'm finding that everyday is an adventure, quite literally.
Of course getting here was quite the adventure-a lot of flying, a lot of layovers, a lot of driving and little sleep. Since arriving in Mbarara on Wednesday I have eaten a grasshopper, milked a cow, cut a banana leaf with a panga and shucked beans. I experienced an earthquake the other night (don't worry, don't worry-it did zero damage: just rattled the windows a bit, but we didn't even feel it). It's rained everyday we've been here, which means a lot of mud. Everday we drive reminds me of being in the desert of New Mexico, only there we would offroad for fun, here it is a part of life. I've also learned far more than I could ever share.
Since the first day we've arrived, we have been in intensive training-meeting the team and learning their roles, learning the culture, talking about evangelism in ways that are appropriate with the culture, and diving into the language with 1.5 hour sessions everyday.
I am convinced that this is not just another STM (short term mission) trip. I am so thankful and pleased with the emphasis on learning and studying above any "doing". The long-term team here is fabulous and care for us so much. I've rarely felt hospitality like this.
I would share a typical day here with you, but so far I have not had one.
Of course getting here was quite the adventure-a lot of flying, a lot of layovers, a lot of driving and little sleep. Since arriving in Mbarara on Wednesday I have eaten a grasshopper, milked a cow, cut a banana leaf with a panga and shucked beans. I experienced an earthquake the other night (don't worry, don't worry-it did zero damage: just rattled the windows a bit, but we didn't even feel it). It's rained everyday we've been here, which means a lot of mud. Everday we drive reminds me of being in the desert of New Mexico, only there we would offroad for fun, here it is a part of life. I've also learned far more than I could ever share.
Since the first day we've arrived, we have been in intensive training-meeting the team and learning their roles, learning the culture, talking about evangelism in ways that are appropriate with the culture, and diving into the language with 1.5 hour sessions everyday.
I am convinced that this is not just another STM (short term mission) trip. I am so thankful and pleased with the emphasis on learning and studying above any "doing". The long-term team here is fabulous and care for us so much. I've rarely felt hospitality like this.
I would share a typical day here with you, but so far I have not had one.
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