Any visit to Africa reveals the huge loss of life due to HIV/AIDS and the critical role that women, and in particular, grandmothers, are playing in fostering the next generation. Time and again, visits to any part of Wakisi brought us face to face with these remarkable women: determined, insightful and confident and yet often possessing nothing but a impenetrable faith and a responsibility to not only their grandchildren, but the many orphans who no longer have family members alive. And despite what might be termed as a lack of sophistication, these women, while lacking means, are in no way short of resolve – a resolve to do their best for the next generation well after their childbearing and child-rearing days were to be over.
Countless times walking dirt roads and down narrow trails through Wakisi, we would arrive at an uninhabitable structure of mud or sticks to find an elderly woman, the head of the household, sitting on the ground almost incapacitated. Widowed often for decades, they are now responsible for almost countless children – six or more very young children now in their care. These women, despite their circumstances, cannot understand the rationale for the kind of comparatively small families we have in Canada. I was personally admonished and told that we should add another four children to our home!
Back home, it’s easy to overlook the need to look after widows and orphans. In Uganda and across Africa, they are almost omnipresent. God bless them...through us?
Friday, January 30, 2009
First Impressions
A random set of first impressions (not at all complete)
1. wealth (Heathrow's terminal 3's high end shops)
2. orderliness, structure and systems
3. fast and reliable internet (almost got a whiplash)
4. people's fast pace, anonymity and lack of smiles
5. comfortable and clean
6. understandable English spoken here (for the most part)
7. a lot closer to home though still a long way to go
8. news (what a joy to get the ink of the Globe and Mail on my hands even if it was yesterday's edition!)
1. wealth (Heathrow's terminal 3's high end shops)
2. orderliness, structure and systems
3. fast and reliable internet (almost got a whiplash)
4. people's fast pace, anonymity and lack of smiles
5. comfortable and clean
6. understandable English spoken here (for the most part)
7. a lot closer to home though still a long way to go
8. news (what a joy to get the ink of the Globe and Mail on my hands even if it was yesterday's edition!)
Thursday, January 29, 2009
London calling
Slept like a baby on the flight from Nairobi; just might be in good enough shape to go out for supper with Maureen when the group lands back home this afternoon (3:00 p.m. ET). Or maybe I'm just fooling myself.
Our last full day in Wakisi and Jinja was a series of stops to complete to obligations made. The highlight was going back to the Railway Barracks; for those who don't know or can't recall, the Barracks were constructed as small, one room cubby hole apartments for railway workers. Today, they house more than 400 families in an area that can only be described as squalor. Ryan and Brad seem to think things have deteriorated since we were there 18 months ago; I'd say not much has changed: it's still a pitiful place. Why the highlight then? Well, our work there has worked; people are still using the mosquito nets, blankets and the other stuff we distributed. But the real highlight was successfully finding Norman; he's a young boy who tagged around and for whom there was an immediate connection. I was amazed I was able to recognize him amid the sea of smiling faces when we arrived. While he remembered me, he could not recall my name while his mother could. Here's a young, beautiful woman living in the worst conditions I've seen with no or very little hope for a better future for herself or her "first born", Norman. But she had a smile and quickly pointed to how she was using what we had provided -- so little but making a world of difference in a world that holds out so very little. Norman still isn't able to go to school because of lack of funds.
This is not everyone's story in the Barracks; Junior was Norman's pal and somehow he and his family had been able to move into town (Jinja mere blocks but in reality a world away).
Our final day was spent driving to Sipi Falls just east of Jinja; it's a magical place where we did some serious hiking up past three spectacular falls (photos don't do them justice). While hiking, God rearded us with an absolutely spectacular rainbow -- a sort of a sign that we had come to the end of his purpose for us there in Uganda. We were all blown away -- incredible!! We stayed at a small inn (http://www.lacamlodge.co.uk/) with very simple accommodation, spectacular views and the perfect setting to debrief, laugh a lot more and begin our transition. We're half way home. Lisa seems fully recovered after going down in the first round (she slammed the mat pretty hard, but to no one's surprise, was rapelling the next day down Sipi Falls!).
See those of you heading to the airport in a few hours; can't wait!!
Our last full day in Wakisi and Jinja was a series of stops to complete to obligations made. The highlight was going back to the Railway Barracks; for those who don't know or can't recall, the Barracks were constructed as small, one room cubby hole apartments for railway workers. Today, they house more than 400 families in an area that can only be described as squalor. Ryan and Brad seem to think things have deteriorated since we were there 18 months ago; I'd say not much has changed: it's still a pitiful place. Why the highlight then? Well, our work there has worked; people are still using the mosquito nets, blankets and the other stuff we distributed. But the real highlight was successfully finding Norman; he's a young boy who tagged around and for whom there was an immediate connection. I was amazed I was able to recognize him amid the sea of smiling faces when we arrived. While he remembered me, he could not recall my name while his mother could. Here's a young, beautiful woman living in the worst conditions I've seen with no or very little hope for a better future for herself or her "first born", Norman. But she had a smile and quickly pointed to how she was using what we had provided -- so little but making a world of difference in a world that holds out so very little. Norman still isn't able to go to school because of lack of funds.
This is not everyone's story in the Barracks; Junior was Norman's pal and somehow he and his family had been able to move into town (Jinja mere blocks but in reality a world away).
Our final day was spent driving to Sipi Falls just east of Jinja; it's a magical place where we did some serious hiking up past three spectacular falls (photos don't do them justice). While hiking, God rearded us with an absolutely spectacular rainbow -- a sort of a sign that we had come to the end of his purpose for us there in Uganda. We were all blown away -- incredible!! We stayed at a small inn (http://www.lacamlodge.co.uk/) with very simple accommodation, spectacular views and the perfect setting to debrief, laugh a lot more and begin our transition. We're half way home. Lisa seems fully recovered after going down in the first round (she slammed the mat pretty hard, but to no one's surprise, was rapelling the next day down Sipi Falls!).
See those of you heading to the airport in a few hours; can't wait!!
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Blowin' in the wind
Last night (Monday), a wicked wind and thunderstorm rolled through Jinja (“wicked” is a term not used in Uganda except in the context of demon activity, of which there is plenty). A few palm branches fell as a result and while the impact here is quite minimal, it would be hard to imagine spending a night in the village on a night like that. At the very least, the noise from the rain pounding on tin roofs would be deafening; many dwellings are leaky at best.
Sunday for me was a welcome adventure. Getting up earlier than the rest of the group (it’s the sort of guy I am), I hiked out to the paved road and hopped a boda (motorcycle taxi) for a 20 minute ride to Robert and Sarah Sityo’s home. Together we took a van taxi to his church for Sunday service (I counted seating for 15; there were 25 of us inside and I was the last on!). Even though Robert is the pastor and the service started at 9:30, being 20 minutes late wasn’t unusual or important as it continued in earnest until 1;00 p.m. (not surprisingly, they only have one service!). When we arrived, there was a young man preaching and about ten listening intently. By 11:00 a.m., the room was almost full with about 100 energetic worshippers.
Sarah is one of the most gentle, caring, godly and unassuming people I’ve met. Her small stature and unassuming personality hides a joyful and enthusiastic worship leader. While most singing was in Lugandan, it was a privilege to be part of the morning and to see the excellent ministry that Robert and Sarah lead together; they are a dynamic team and it is clear that they are winning the hearts of the people of Bukkeka which was almost totally Muslim a few years ago.
Sarah prepared a wonderful lunch before she headed off to do worship ministry at her father’s (Pastor Jeremiah) church; no day of rest for those ministering on the frontlines here.
Negotiating with boda boda drivers is a test of wills. After lunch at the Sityo’s, I took a van taxi with Robert to Jinja to catch up on email. To get back to Mto Miyoni, I took a boda; the first driver demanded 5,000 shillings; I argued that I wouldn’t pay more than 2,000 so started walking towards the dam, knowing others would stop as they saw a Mizungo out walking. The second driver wanted 1,000 shillings (this caused me even more concern as clearly he didn’t have a clue where I was going); I hopped on anyway and a kilometer along, he demanded 5,000 shillings; I said 2,000 was my top price and as he slowed down, I hopped off and started walking; he quickly relented and I was on my way again. Any Mizungo is viewed as an easy mark.
Yesterday (Monday), we did a feeding for 250 children in Wakisi. It was a great opportunity to test whether this would be a component of future trips. Every child arrived with their own cup and received a porridge-like meal which had been prepared over open fires by local women in large metal containers that would feed 100 each. A protein biscuit completed the “two course” meal. Our job was crowd control – easier said than done when these kids, at best, receive one very basic meal a day.
In the afternoon, we met with local pastors, teachers and principals to listen and learn. As much as our work has been impactful and well received, the future is unclear. The meeting was a forum where we could hear first-hand about needs and priorities. While there is still the need for lots of prayer and discussion, practical support to area pastors would go a long way to closing the circle started by the theological training being led by Bob MacGregor; stay tuned.
This morning, we’re off to Robert Sityo’s school to distribute 120 student kits; kids are back in the classroom for the first time today after their winter break; really looking forward to seeing the school in action after only being able to see the buildings standing rather empty until now; they’re expecting 400 to be enrolled.
We’re all adjusting to the fact that our time here is quickly coming to a close. It will be difficult to leave. More on that later.
Sunday for me was a welcome adventure. Getting up earlier than the rest of the group (it’s the sort of guy I am), I hiked out to the paved road and hopped a boda (motorcycle taxi) for a 20 minute ride to Robert and Sarah Sityo’s home. Together we took a van taxi to his church for Sunday service (I counted seating for 15; there were 25 of us inside and I was the last on!). Even though Robert is the pastor and the service started at 9:30, being 20 minutes late wasn’t unusual or important as it continued in earnest until 1;00 p.m. (not surprisingly, they only have one service!). When we arrived, there was a young man preaching and about ten listening intently. By 11:00 a.m., the room was almost full with about 100 energetic worshippers.
Sarah is one of the most gentle, caring, godly and unassuming people I’ve met. Her small stature and unassuming personality hides a joyful and enthusiastic worship leader. While most singing was in Lugandan, it was a privilege to be part of the morning and to see the excellent ministry that Robert and Sarah lead together; they are a dynamic team and it is clear that they are winning the hearts of the people of Bukkeka which was almost totally Muslim a few years ago.
Sarah prepared a wonderful lunch before she headed off to do worship ministry at her father’s (Pastor Jeremiah) church; no day of rest for those ministering on the frontlines here.
Negotiating with boda boda drivers is a test of wills. After lunch at the Sityo’s, I took a van taxi with Robert to Jinja to catch up on email. To get back to Mto Miyoni, I took a boda; the first driver demanded 5,000 shillings; I argued that I wouldn’t pay more than 2,000 so started walking towards the dam, knowing others would stop as they saw a Mizungo out walking. The second driver wanted 1,000 shillings (this caused me even more concern as clearly he didn’t have a clue where I was going); I hopped on anyway and a kilometer along, he demanded 5,000 shillings; I said 2,000 was my top price and as he slowed down, I hopped off and started walking; he quickly relented and I was on my way again. Any Mizungo is viewed as an easy mark.
Yesterday (Monday), we did a feeding for 250 children in Wakisi. It was a great opportunity to test whether this would be a component of future trips. Every child arrived with their own cup and received a porridge-like meal which had been prepared over open fires by local women in large metal containers that would feed 100 each. A protein biscuit completed the “two course” meal. Our job was crowd control – easier said than done when these kids, at best, receive one very basic meal a day.
In the afternoon, we met with local pastors, teachers and principals to listen and learn. As much as our work has been impactful and well received, the future is unclear. The meeting was a forum where we could hear first-hand about needs and priorities. While there is still the need for lots of prayer and discussion, practical support to area pastors would go a long way to closing the circle started by the theological training being led by Bob MacGregor; stay tuned.
This morning, we’re off to Robert Sityo’s school to distribute 120 student kits; kids are back in the classroom for the first time today after their winter break; really looking forward to seeing the school in action after only being able to see the buildings standing rather empty until now; they’re expecting 400 to be enrolled.
We’re all adjusting to the fact that our time here is quickly coming to a close. It will be difficult to leave. More on that later.
Monday, January 26, 2009
A Post From Brad
Sorry friends for not posting sooner, but finding time to be on the internet has been a challenge. Things are going incredibly well here, and our team has been blessed tremendously by good health, much laughter and spectacular views of God's creation. There are many tiny discomforts that take some getting used to here, like only a few hours of electricity a day (which for a night hawk like me is tough since it means always brushing my teeth before bed in complete darkness), but, all the minor discomforts aside, I would not want to be accussed of whining when the entire time here has been very rewarding and a blessing.
I just wanted to share with you all a few accounts of our time here. The first would be the theological training we are providing for village pastors. I spent two days with these pastors observing and participating in the discussions led by one of our elders, Bob MacGregor. I was thrilled to be a part of these theological reflections and all the pastors seemed very appreciative of the training they were receiving. The two highlights of the training for me was meeting and spending time with Pastor Cedric, who is a 27 year old associate pastor. Because we are both young pastors, we had much to talk about and share with each other and I felt Cedric to be a bit of kindred spirit.
The other highlight was the music. Everyday the men (27 pastors in all) would worship acappella with their distinctive African voices. The experience of hearing these men sing like this was so moving, it actually makes the hair on your skin stand up. On the final day of training, I had our cameraman Josh try to record it so that I can share it with you all. I hope the quality of the recording will do justice to how beautiful their voices really are.
Distributing family kits is always a highlight for me as we have local pastors and people from the churches scout out ahead of time who is the most needy people in the community to help this way. When distributing family kits I am amazed by the people we meet. Family kit distribution for me has always been one of the best ways to minister to orphans and widows. I am truly convinced that family kit distrubtion is such an effective way to fulfill what James calls "true religion."
Yesterday I preached at Good Shepherd Fold Church. I always get nervous about preaching in Africa. It is tough to know what translates well and speaking through an interpreter is difficult for your flow while speaking. But yesterdays something unique happened. I planned to speak on Ephesians 3, which is one of my favourite passages, particularly the last verse which tells us that our God is capable of doing more than we can ask or imagine.
Right before preaching, I was asked to step outside with Carolyn, who helps run the orphanage. She was with a young mother and her baby and she cried as she told me that this young baby would die soon if God did not perform a miracle. Apparently this young mother had come to her when her baby seemed ill. They performed as many tests as they could here in Jinja, and sent the results back to doctors in the US. The diagnosis was that the baby has a hole in her heart along with other complications and given what treatments are available in rural Uganda, the baby will certainly die not long from now. Both Carolyn and the mother cried and said only a miracle could save the baby now.
This put a new spin on teaching that God is capable of more than we can ask or imagine. It was one of the most difficult sermons I have ever had to preach. One the one hand I know we serve a God who is capable of the impossible, on the other hand, I am preaching while looking down at a baby who is going to die unless God does the impossible. We had a moving prayer service for baby Catherine after I had finished preaching,and together, our team, along with the people from the church, boldly asked God to do what only he can do. We know that God can do more than we can imagine, we are still praying that he will. Only time will tell, but in rural Uganda, without the benefits of many medical technologies we have, the only hope one has is to believe God will show up and do the impossible. As Carolyn, the organizer of the orphanage told me, "God does miracles in Africa."
We do not see miracles in North America, or maybe we just don't have the eyes to see them. But here, things are different, baby Catherine needs a miracle to save her life, and for me, all I can do is cling to Paul's words, our God is capable of oing more than we can ask or imagine.
I just wanted to share with you all a few accounts of our time here. The first would be the theological training we are providing for village pastors. I spent two days with these pastors observing and participating in the discussions led by one of our elders, Bob MacGregor. I was thrilled to be a part of these theological reflections and all the pastors seemed very appreciative of the training they were receiving. The two highlights of the training for me was meeting and spending time with Pastor Cedric, who is a 27 year old associate pastor. Because we are both young pastors, we had much to talk about and share with each other and I felt Cedric to be a bit of kindred spirit.
The other highlight was the music. Everyday the men (27 pastors in all) would worship acappella with their distinctive African voices. The experience of hearing these men sing like this was so moving, it actually makes the hair on your skin stand up. On the final day of training, I had our cameraman Josh try to record it so that I can share it with you all. I hope the quality of the recording will do justice to how beautiful their voices really are.
Distributing family kits is always a highlight for me as we have local pastors and people from the churches scout out ahead of time who is the most needy people in the community to help this way. When distributing family kits I am amazed by the people we meet. Family kit distribution for me has always been one of the best ways to minister to orphans and widows. I am truly convinced that family kit distrubtion is such an effective way to fulfill what James calls "true religion."
Yesterday I preached at Good Shepherd Fold Church. I always get nervous about preaching in Africa. It is tough to know what translates well and speaking through an interpreter is difficult for your flow while speaking. But yesterdays something unique happened. I planned to speak on Ephesians 3, which is one of my favourite passages, particularly the last verse which tells us that our God is capable of doing more than we can ask or imagine.
Right before preaching, I was asked to step outside with Carolyn, who helps run the orphanage. She was with a young mother and her baby and she cried as she told me that this young baby would die soon if God did not perform a miracle. Apparently this young mother had come to her when her baby seemed ill. They performed as many tests as they could here in Jinja, and sent the results back to doctors in the US. The diagnosis was that the baby has a hole in her heart along with other complications and given what treatments are available in rural Uganda, the baby will certainly die not long from now. Both Carolyn and the mother cried and said only a miracle could save the baby now.
This put a new spin on teaching that God is capable of more than we can ask or imagine. It was one of the most difficult sermons I have ever had to preach. One the one hand I know we serve a God who is capable of the impossible, on the other hand, I am preaching while looking down at a baby who is going to die unless God does the impossible. We had a moving prayer service for baby Catherine after I had finished preaching,and together, our team, along with the people from the church, boldly asked God to do what only he can do. We know that God can do more than we can imagine, we are still praying that he will. Only time will tell, but in rural Uganda, without the benefits of many medical technologies we have, the only hope one has is to believe God will show up and do the impossible. As Carolyn, the organizer of the orphanage told me, "God does miracles in Africa."
We do not see miracles in North America, or maybe we just don't have the eyes to see them. But here, things are different, baby Catherine needs a miracle to save her life, and for me, all I can do is cling to Paul's words, our God is capable of oing more than we can ask or imagine.
Saturday, January 24, 2009
I’m back, at least for a moment with what will probably be a rather scattered and poorly spelled update. Our location and schedule make sit very difficult to get on-line; we're across the dam from Jinja where the only internet cafes are located. Most days find us heading north and away from Jinja and rarely coming into town; when we do hit Jinja, it's usually in a rush to drop off and pick up because we have other things to get done (supper and evening commitments for example).
The team is keeping pretty healthy. I find sleep a bit difficult some nights because of the heat (I’m upstairs in our small room in the loft) and a rather uncomfortable mattress. Daily visits to Wakisi village put things quickly back into perspective. We’re so blessing being Canadian and being here!!
Our accommodation is simple but comfortable with spectacular views of the River Nile. Standing in a small tub for mostly cold showers is character building. Did I mention the views? We typically get three hours of electricity each evening, so keeping cameras and other electronic equipment powered is a real challenge. And then there are the views! We eat outdoors for all meals; a favourite time for me is breakfast when we gather, everyone walking up the hill from our rooms to gather in a small area with tables and chairs; the wonderful Ugandan staff greet us as we greet each other and we ease into the day with updates from the night (and laughter, as a rule). The coffee is excellent and go well with the views and company!
Some upset stomachs on the team, but that's about the worst of it; not slowing anyone down that I can tell; having good accommodation and eating every night except one at our retreat centre has a lot to do with it I think; simple meals but carefully prepared is the perfect formula. Lots of laughter is also a helpful distraction! We do laugh. At the emd of day, we're tired, sweaty, a bit sunburnt and envigorated at what God has allowed us to do.
We’ve distributed 100 family kits, visited island communities by boat, painted a school, and successfully completed the first pastoral training module; two nights this past week, we had arranged to show the Jesus film to about 1,000 people combined in two locations; cost for everything, including equipment, set-up and transportation: US$60! Several people were saved and the local pastors were very appreciative. Were establishing warm, trusting and easy-going relationships here; I was told by one pastor that we “are doing real ministry” – very encouraging for us and I hope for our family at Grandview. Them's the facts; the colour commentary will likely have to wait for our return; the stories and blessings (both ways) are endless. We have been busy every day all day.
Today is our first and only unscheduled day; some are river rafting, some on ATVs and a number of us bungee jumped (I went tandem with Damali Mirenda who many will know from previous trips – a thrill and treat for both of us). It’s a bit cooler and raining today (we’ve had periodic thunder storms but today is the first time it’s not been hot and sunny most of the time). Makes for a cool and wet trip for those rafting the River Nile.
There's so much that's been happening but hard to remember it all; I haven't even had a chance really to make notes or anything so am trying hard to separate the days. It's very much like our last trip but our deeper relationships and commitment have made a big difference; a healthy seed was sown and now we're known, welcomed and more effective as a result. The future is sure to hold great things.
Tomorrow, we’re off to church locally; most are going to Good Shepherd’s Fold orphanage where Brad will be preaching; I'm off to my friend, Robert Sityo's church north of Wakisi. Looking forward to it.
This coming week, we're doing a feeding for 500 kids Monday a.m. in a remote part of Wakisi (i.e., about a 20 minute drive off the paved road), meeting with community leaders Monday afternoon to discuss their needs in Wakisi, distributing school kits at Robert Sityo's school Tuesday a.m. (first day back for the kids from winter vacation) and am not sure about that afternoon; then we're done here. People have mentioned how busy we've been and how much we've accomplished which is great to hear from first timers.
Thanks for checking into this blog; thanks for your prayers and interest. Blessings to my ski buddies who will be heading to Colorado tomorrow; will miss the time on the slopes and hanging out; hopefully next year, God willing!
Hope to check in at least once before we return Friday.
The team is keeping pretty healthy. I find sleep a bit difficult some nights because of the heat (I’m upstairs in our small room in the loft) and a rather uncomfortable mattress. Daily visits to Wakisi village put things quickly back into perspective. We’re so blessing being Canadian and being here!!
Our accommodation is simple but comfortable with spectacular views of the River Nile. Standing in a small tub for mostly cold showers is character building. Did I mention the views? We typically get three hours of electricity each evening, so keeping cameras and other electronic equipment powered is a real challenge. And then there are the views! We eat outdoors for all meals; a favourite time for me is breakfast when we gather, everyone walking up the hill from our rooms to gather in a small area with tables and chairs; the wonderful Ugandan staff greet us as we greet each other and we ease into the day with updates from the night (and laughter, as a rule). The coffee is excellent and go well with the views and company!
Some upset stomachs on the team, but that's about the worst of it; not slowing anyone down that I can tell; having good accommodation and eating every night except one at our retreat centre has a lot to do with it I think; simple meals but carefully prepared is the perfect formula. Lots of laughter is also a helpful distraction! We do laugh. At the emd of day, we're tired, sweaty, a bit sunburnt and envigorated at what God has allowed us to do.
We’ve distributed 100 family kits, visited island communities by boat, painted a school, and successfully completed the first pastoral training module; two nights this past week, we had arranged to show the Jesus film to about 1,000 people combined in two locations; cost for everything, including equipment, set-up and transportation: US$60! Several people were saved and the local pastors were very appreciative. Were establishing warm, trusting and easy-going relationships here; I was told by one pastor that we “are doing real ministry” – very encouraging for us and I hope for our family at Grandview. Them's the facts; the colour commentary will likely have to wait for our return; the stories and blessings (both ways) are endless. We have been busy every day all day.
Today is our first and only unscheduled day; some are river rafting, some on ATVs and a number of us bungee jumped (I went tandem with Damali Mirenda who many will know from previous trips – a thrill and treat for both of us). It’s a bit cooler and raining today (we’ve had periodic thunder storms but today is the first time it’s not been hot and sunny most of the time). Makes for a cool and wet trip for those rafting the River Nile.
There's so much that's been happening but hard to remember it all; I haven't even had a chance really to make notes or anything so am trying hard to separate the days. It's very much like our last trip but our deeper relationships and commitment have made a big difference; a healthy seed was sown and now we're known, welcomed and more effective as a result. The future is sure to hold great things.
Tomorrow, we’re off to church locally; most are going to Good Shepherd’s Fold orphanage where Brad will be preaching; I'm off to my friend, Robert Sityo's church north of Wakisi. Looking forward to it.
This coming week, we're doing a feeding for 500 kids Monday a.m. in a remote part of Wakisi (i.e., about a 20 minute drive off the paved road), meeting with community leaders Monday afternoon to discuss their needs in Wakisi, distributing school kits at Robert Sityo's school Tuesday a.m. (first day back for the kids from winter vacation) and am not sure about that afternoon; then we're done here. People have mentioned how busy we've been and how much we've accomplished which is great to hear from first timers.
Thanks for checking into this blog; thanks for your prayers and interest. Blessings to my ski buddies who will be heading to Colorado tomorrow; will miss the time on the slopes and hanging out; hopefully next year, God willing!
Hope to check in at least once before we return Friday.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
48 hours and 4,800 memories
Or so I'd estimate based on the buzz around the team. Sunday, we arrived and settled into our accommodation; a simple but wonderful place along the banks of the River Nile; beautiful views and entertainment provided daily by monkeys and other wildlife that make this their neighborhood (not a lot of time for that, however).
Monday was spent organizing things for the most part: Bob, John. C, and Dave meeting with local pastors to confirm final arrangments for the training which started in earnest Tuesday morning; a gang including Tony, Brad, Lisa nd yours truly buying, loading and transporting supplies to Wakisi where distribution began this morning. Jennifer and Bethany spent the day at the Childrn's Hospital (the antithesis of Sick Kid's) while the balance of the team worked wonders at a loca orphanage.
Today, everyone except Bob, John C. and Brad spent the whole day in Wakisi distributing family kits. A sudden thunder shower forced my group into a cramped, dark home where we sang African songs and spent a really enjoyable time with our new welcoming and appreciative Ugandan friends -- an experience that could not ever be planned. Providing kits continues to be a bit overwhelming based on the response received; there's no question that the generosity of Grandview is being used in very practical ways that have significant impact. Wish everyone could be hear just to experience the moment when we meet, tell our story of how we got to be in places where Muzungos have never been and then pray for the needs there. Don't even start with me about how beautiful the children are.
Had a chance yesterday to visit Robert Sityo's home (where Mauree and I stayed last time), church and school; God is doing remarkable things in what was only recently a totally Muslim community that was very threatening to Robert and his work. He has built remarkable bridges with this community and now directs a school with 16 teachers. I know Bob, John C. and Dave who were part of the group were also mightily impressed -- and not just with Robert, but with all of the pastoral leaders they met with.
Tomorrow, more training and kit distribution and another 2,400 memories. Sorry I couldn't remember and share them all here.
The team is working wonderfully well together; lots of laughter and great discussion as we go about our work. The honeymoon period I believe they call it. Will it last? Pray it will or, at the very least, that we recover quickly and well if it does not!!
Monday was spent organizing things for the most part: Bob, John. C, and Dave meeting with local pastors to confirm final arrangments for the training which started in earnest Tuesday morning; a gang including Tony, Brad, Lisa nd yours truly buying, loading and transporting supplies to Wakisi where distribution began this morning. Jennifer and Bethany spent the day at the Childrn's Hospital (the antithesis of Sick Kid's) while the balance of the team worked wonders at a loca orphanage.
Today, everyone except Bob, John C. and Brad spent the whole day in Wakisi distributing family kits. A sudden thunder shower forced my group into a cramped, dark home where we sang African songs and spent a really enjoyable time with our new welcoming and appreciative Ugandan friends -- an experience that could not ever be planned. Providing kits continues to be a bit overwhelming based on the response received; there's no question that the generosity of Grandview is being used in very practical ways that have significant impact. Wish everyone could be hear just to experience the moment when we meet, tell our story of how we got to be in places where Muzungos have never been and then pray for the needs there. Don't even start with me about how beautiful the children are.
Had a chance yesterday to visit Robert Sityo's home (where Mauree and I stayed last time), church and school; God is doing remarkable things in what was only recently a totally Muslim community that was very threatening to Robert and his work. He has built remarkable bridges with this community and now directs a school with 16 teachers. I know Bob, John C. and Dave who were part of the group were also mightily impressed -- and not just with Robert, but with all of the pastoral leaders they met with.
Tomorrow, more training and kit distribution and another 2,400 memories. Sorry I couldn't remember and share them all here.
The team is working wonderfully well together; lots of laughter and great discussion as we go about our work. The honeymoon period I believe they call it. Will it last? Pray it will or, at the very least, that we recover quickly and well if it does not!!
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Sleepful in Kampala
After a swim and a good meal last evening, the primary objective was catching up on sleep (Dave's starting point was -33 hours); this morning, everyone was remarkably spry. The daily group ritual of ranking our general well-being on a scale of 1 - 10 resulted in virtually everyone coming in at 8 or better. Ironically, in a country renowned for excellent coffee, the absence of real brewed java at breakfast this morning meant several of us could not hand in perfect scores. That was resolved after church when we visited 1000 Cups.
Kampala Pentecostal Church has people lined up at the door as one service ends, attendees exit one side of the building while others fill in from the other. We met up with John Cassels and kids, while Krys joined us early afternoon after busing it from Arua (a heroic effort to say the least).
KPC as it's generally known is a vibrant, packed, sweaty, energetic, demonstrative, and impactful ministry in the middle of downtown Kampala (many will know that this is the founding church of Watoto children's orphanages and choir). Several groups from away like us (Montreal and Australia included) were introduced to an appreciative congregation. The two-hour service was taken up largely with singing (while 20 baptisms occurred simultaneously and somewhat in the background)and teaching. A surprising highlight for me was a time of prayer when everyone split into groups of 2 or 3; being near the end of an aisle, I was able to pray for and with Rose, a young Ugandan women who was suffering from gallstones. Readers so inclined are welcome to join me in the days ahead as I promised her this was not a one-time event. It occurred to me that as visitors, many of us are quick to appreciate and embrace this different church culture (though some aspects were surprisingly western) as part of our foreign experience, but would likely be uncomfortable exporting it back to Canada. Not exactly sure why.
We're off to our retreat centre north of Jinja along the Nile in about an 30 minutes for the rest of our trip (about a two-hour journey by bus). The good news is that the lost baggage arrived moments ago; Caroline and Josh are now in fresh clothes (a blessing for us all). The real work begins early tomorrow (Monday) morning (around midnight in Kitchener). We're all well and anxious to get started.
Kampala Pentecostal Church has people lined up at the door as one service ends, attendees exit one side of the building while others fill in from the other. We met up with John Cassels and kids, while Krys joined us early afternoon after busing it from Arua (a heroic effort to say the least).
KPC as it's generally known is a vibrant, packed, sweaty, energetic, demonstrative, and impactful ministry in the middle of downtown Kampala (many will know that this is the founding church of Watoto children's orphanages and choir). Several groups from away like us (Montreal and Australia included) were introduced to an appreciative congregation. The two-hour service was taken up largely with singing (while 20 baptisms occurred simultaneously and somewhat in the background)and teaching. A surprising highlight for me was a time of prayer when everyone split into groups of 2 or 3; being near the end of an aisle, I was able to pray for and with Rose, a young Ugandan women who was suffering from gallstones. Readers so inclined are welcome to join me in the days ahead as I promised her this was not a one-time event. It occurred to me that as visitors, many of us are quick to appreciate and embrace this different church culture (though some aspects were surprisingly western) as part of our foreign experience, but would likely be uncomfortable exporting it back to Canada. Not exactly sure why.
We're off to our retreat centre north of Jinja along the Nile in about an 30 minutes for the rest of our trip (about a two-hour journey by bus). The good news is that the lost baggage arrived moments ago; Caroline and Josh are now in fresh clothes (a blessing for us all). The real work begins early tomorrow (Monday) morning (around midnight in Kitchener). We're all well and anxious to get started.
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Altogether Now
The other 12 members of our team arrived today - a little late and a whole lot tired and missing seven pieces of luggage which remained in London (we're hoping they show up in Entebbe on Sunday morning before we head east to Jinja); it's good to have the group together and, despite the torture that characterizes international travel these days, everyone seems to be in good spirits; lots of laughs at lunch.
Two days in Kampala were taken up with many meetings and confirmation of our group's plans (hotels, transportation, etc.) and ingesting diesel fumes and being mesmerized by the traffic (the amount and the chaos with which is conducts itself). Last evening, we had supper with some students from Canada at a restaurant they recommended as serving the best steak anywhere (and at the normal Ugandan price for restaurant meals); turns out the owner is from the same Vancouver neighborhood where I grew up and returned after being exiled during Idi Amin's reign of terror.
This morning, another John (this one from D.C.) joined us during breakfast having noticed our perfect English and inquisitive about our purpose. A graduate of Waterloo Lutheran Univeristy (of course), he had been in Uganda for years as the supervisor of schools. He emphasized the importance of what he called the "ministry of presence" (as opposed to presents, I suppose) and the encouragement and hope Ugandans receive from those of us who take time to extend a hand. Timely wisdom.
Two days in Kampala were taken up with many meetings and confirmation of our group's plans (hotels, transportation, etc.) and ingesting diesel fumes and being mesmerized by the traffic (the amount and the chaos with which is conducts itself). Last evening, we had supper with some students from Canada at a restaurant they recommended as serving the best steak anywhere (and at the normal Ugandan price for restaurant meals); turns out the owner is from the same Vancouver neighborhood where I grew up and returned after being exiled during Idi Amin's reign of terror.
This morning, another John (this one from D.C.) joined us during breakfast having noticed our perfect English and inquisitive about our purpose. A graduate of Waterloo Lutheran Univeristy (of course), he had been in Uganda for years as the supervisor of schools. He emphasized the importance of what he called the "ministry of presence" (as opposed to presents, I suppose) and the encouragement and hope Ugandans receive from those of us who take time to extend a hand. Timely wisdom.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Fog in London; fog in Kampala
The mental fog I'm feeling is not surprising given three plane trips (two overnight), 8 hours in Heathrow and 8 hours of time zone changes (at least it's not because of my age). For a moment, it was wiped clean by the blast of equatorial air, diesel fumes, the near chaos of people and traffic and the certain "perfume" characteristic of urban Uganda and almost any third world setting, I think. The fog has reestablished itself even after a brief but deep nap. But it's not nearly as thick as when we landed in London -- amazing they can put those things down with such precision in such conditions.
The good news: all our bags arrived and the failure of our inn's driver to show up at the airport was a good dose of reality as to how things operate here. The bad: the extraordinary view of the hills around Kampala and Lake Victoria can't hide the crushing poverty just down the hill from where we're staying the next couple of days.
Looking forward to the rest of the team arriving Friday.
The good news: all our bags arrived and the failure of our inn's driver to show up at the airport was a good dose of reality as to how things operate here. The bad: the extraordinary view of the hills around Kampala and Lake Victoria can't hide the crushing poverty just down the hill from where we're staying the next couple of days.
Looking forward to the rest of the team arriving Friday.
Monday, January 12, 2009
The Team
There are 13 of us leaving for Uganda this week. We'll be working in and around Jinja (see photo) that is located on Lake Victoria at the source of the Nile. Wakisi is a small village just downriver but a world away from Jinja.
I'm heading over a couple days early with Ryan Snider to get things organized for the balance of the group who will arrive in Entebbe on Saturday. We'll descend on Wakisi the following day. Here's the team (from time to time, you may hear directly from this on this blog as I don't intend to hog things).
- Brad Watson
- Bob MacGregor
- Mike Puersten
- Lisa Puersten
- Katrina Puersten
- Nicholas Puersten
- Caroline Gauthier
- Jennifer Lyons
- Tony DiGiacomo
- Bethany DiGiacomo
- Dave Horton
- Josh Hissa
- and our leader, Ryan Snider
As of now, we'll be running training sessions for Wakisi area pastors, distributing family kits to Wakisi homes, providing children with the uniforms and supplies they need to be allowed to attend school, showing the Jesus film in Wakisi, and doing a breakfast feeding for Wakisi kids. Of course, God has His own plans and that's what I'm looking forward to. I'll check in on the other side as the internet is accessible and available (patience is key!).
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Is it worth the money?
I'm hearing a fair amount of buzz around the wisdom of spending money to send lay people to a small village on the banks of the Nile as opposed to cutting a cheque and sending it to an organization already doing the work we're thinking of doing. Great question; valid concern; debatable every which way.
I was fortunate to have been in this same area in August 2007. During that trip, there was no organization helping out where we stayed and visited. The latrines would not have been built; the families would not have received the mosquito nets and other supplies provided and they would have never known that there are people almost a world away who care about their plight. There were no organizations to support; there was no one to whom a cheque could be sent...at least not where we were working and where our group will be returning next week. Simply cutting a cheque would have usurped the opportunity for us to serve and to better understand the needs there and what we can do to help, if only in a small and short term way. Billions of dollars have been invested throughout Africa with, at best, mixed results. Dollars on their own don't necessarily accomplish much.
There's no way to calculate the ROI on such an initiative in terms of the impact we had on those we helped or the changes that occurred in each of our lives because of the first hand experience of extending a bit of love, concern, a smile and compassion, as well as some urgently needed and very practical help, to a group of people living isolated and desperate lives. How does one put a price on the friendships established and the hope that was engendered by a perhaps feeble but heartfelt effort to help the poor, the orphans and the widows. Something tells me that God isn't nearly as concerned or preoccupied with the money spent as we are. Not that the responsible use of money isn't important. It's just that I think He's a lot more focused on our hearts.
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