Week 25: My Other Home

Hello friends!

For the past three weeks, I have spent my weekends in the lovely village of Namabasa. One of the IChooseYou families stays in the village, located a few miles outside of Namatala. Mama Flower stays in Namabasa with three of her children; Mike (19), Flower (17), and Esther (10). Her oldest child, Paul (22), attends university in Kampala. I went with Kate (One of my lovely housemates/workmates) for one day, and we absolutely fell in love with it. We began by visiting one Saturday. Then the next week we came on Saturday and returned again Sunday. And this weekend we stayed for two nights. It's so wonderful- we just can't help it!

Namabasa is small and quiet, far from the noise of the city and the smells of the slum. The green farmland is peaceful and the views of the mountains are breathtaking. The neighbors are kind and friendly. It is covered with wild flowers practically begging to be picked. It's kind of, well, heavenly.

This family. Oh, this family. How I love them so. Mama Flower is an incredible woman and has raised some really amazing children. Each member of this family is so special. They are kind and hospitable and generous. Every time I walk through their door, I am immediately enveloped in loving arms and spoken over with words of encouragement. They are constantly making sure I am completely comfortable. Are you hungry? Thirsty? Tired? Cold? Anything I may need is offered before I even think of it. Mama Flower's hospitable heart reminds me of my own Mama. I am always comfortable, and never feel like a burden. Mama Flower is loud and fun and wise. Paul is bold and smart and talented. Mike is kind and protective and goofy. Flower is gentle and serious and determined. And Esther. Oh, Esther. I've started to call her Queen Esther because she carries herself with such dignity and beautiful strength that I can't help but think she's come from royal lineage. Esther is silly and smart and full of life. She sees beauty in everything and everyone. When I grow up, I want to be like Esther.

This weekend was one of my favorites of all time. We told stories. We played games. We sang. We watched movies. We worshiped. We took walks. We took pictures. We climbed rocks. We laughed a lot. We picked flowers. We went to fetch water at the borehole. We prayed. We ate matoke, rice, and beans. We danced. We made ridiculous faces. We drank tea. We waved at all of the neighbors as we passed them. We joked. We made up songs. It was good. It was so, so good.

I love this place. I love this family and their neighbors. I love their home and the food they eat. I love the way they speak to each other in Lunganda and then quickly turn to explain to me what's going on. I love that they call me a sister. I love that they are learning me and I am learning them. I love that I feel at complete peace when I walk into their house. I love that when I enter that place, I am home. 

Em

Week 24

A few photos from this week! 

Em

Week 23

Hello friends! 

This week has been a fun one. Friday alone, actually, was enough to fill a blog post. 

This week has been another week of wonderful moments with my girl, Sarah. Did you know that she calls me "girlfriend" ever time we greet or part one another? I love it. She and I have grown so close lately. We love to talk about Jesus, share scripture, and pray together. We've asked God specifically for help and healing with a few things this week and he came through in incredible ways. I love to see God answer prayer- it's like watching my faith build right in front of my eyes. He's proven himself so trustworthy. Sarah and I are both learning a lot about what it means to come before our father boldly (So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most. Hebrews 4:16) and seek his help. I spoke with some friends recently about being transparent in leadership. If you are open and honest about your struggles, it will encourage the people you are with to also be forthcoming about their struggles. When you are real about the things that matter, others feel the freedom to be real, too. I decided that this was something that I wanted to implement in my time with Sarah. it wasn't long before I was challenged by the daily devotional we use each day (Jesus Calling) to do exactly that. I shared my struggles with something in particular, and that made Sarah feel comfortable enough to share hers. We were able to confess our struggles and then pray about them, laying them at the feet of Jesus. It was real. It was beautiful. It was sisterhood. 

Sarah and I worked together to clean out the IChooseYou office. Basically, I pulled everything out of every drawer, nook, and cranny, and she decided what needed to be kept and what could be tossed. I then put every receipt, office supply, and school report away in its proper place. It was so much fun! Organization makes me giddy. For real, I love it. 

When I showed up to the school on Friday, I was pleasantly surprised by what greeted me: sports day! Children from all of the other primary schools in Mbale came to Covenant Primary for a day of competitive football (soccer), volleyball, and netball. Read more about it and check out some beautiful photos on the IChooseYou blog: www.ichooseyoublog.blogspot.com  

One day, as I was getting ready to set up a Skype session between one of our IChooseYou kids and her sponsors, I noticed one of our other little girls, crying outside of her classroom. I asked her what was wrong. Her friends informed me that she had been wrongly accused of stealing some crayons, so her teacher punished her in front of the class. Large tears of unwarranted shame rolled down this usually cheerful girl's face. As I held her and whispered soft words of encouragement, I was suddenly struck with understanding of how lucky I was to be the one holding her. Of all the people in the world, I was the one entrusted to comfort her in that moment. I was the one entrusted with her heart. I have been entrusted with many hearts.

I felt a responsibility land on my shoulders, not heavy or burdensome, just a brand new understanding of the place I have in the world of these beautiful children, at this exact moment of their lives. I love the fact that I get to be here for the little, unexpected moments. I see great importance in the things that, on paper, I'm here to do; the office work, the tutoring, and the Bible studies. But I so cherish the things I don't see coming. I feel so blessed that I get to be a small part of it, a small part of their lives. Because their lives are a big deal. These children are important to God, and every minute of their growing up is seen by him. To be a character in the great story of their lives is an honor and the realization is humbling. I am constantly having to make choices; who I will speak to, what I will say, what I will do. When a child comes to me, in need of compassion, patience, or understanding, will I rise to the occasion? Will I recognize the moments to seize and seize them, or will I let them pass me by? I want so desperately to be a person who see these children as Jesus does. I want to take every opportunity to pour out anything and everything that I can, in order to love them better.

That love that I so desperately wish for them to know, always, always points to Jesus. Sarah asked me a few days ago what I want for our children. I want them to learn to work hard, to become successful in their lives, and to be happy people. But really, more than anything, I want them to understand the love of Jesus and to love him back. If I can show them even a tiny sliver of his love, then I will be satisfied. I love the moments that I don't see coming. They tend to be the best opportunities to love. I'm well aware that these children may not remember me throughout their lives. This incident was not the end of the world for this little girl, and it may have even been forgotten by the next morning. It probably won't be something that my little friend remembers, but I won't soon forget it. I love that I got to be there for that. I love that I get to be there for the tears, for the soccer games, for the impromptu dance parties. It's an honor to be a part of it; an honor that I won't take for granted.

Em

Week 21 + 22

Hello everyone!

It’s been a really good two weeks.

Each day, my Ugandan workmate, Sarah, and I have a morning devotional and prayer time. We then sit outside, drinking tea and talking for a little while. This week has been full of great conversations. We talk about our lives, pasts, hopes, fears, and dreams. We seem to have grown closer this week than ever before. Today we sat and helped some ladies sort and separate wild mushrooms they’d harvested. While we sorted, they told me old stories. I heard about the fields where wild vegetables grow (“God is the farmer,” they say) and people come and take whatever they need, the villages far away where they say it rains blood as a sign of coming war, and stories of an evil President called Amin. Amin was a dictator in the 1970’s. He was a terrible man who would order Indians to vacate their shops, keep Ugandans from building new homes, and throw the lame into the Nile. He was responsible for thousands of deaths, both Africans and those of other nationalities. I saw the film about this man (entitled, “The Last King of Scotland”) and it’s always so interesting to hear stories from people who actually witnessed it, people who lived the history that we view in entertainment now. (Ps. I later got to eat those mushrooms in a soup. It was amazing)

Bible club this week went extremely well! We studied the story of Moses. The scripture to memorize this week was Exodus 14:14.

“Be still. The Lord will fight for you.”

I’m so loving seeing their minds and hearts absorb the Word. My mom always had us memorize Bible verses as I was growing up. Even now, these verses come to my mind at the oddest of times. When you hide His Word in your heart, that’s exactly what it is: hidden. You don’t always know that you remember it. If someone asked me to recite a few Bible verses, I probably would have little to say. But then, in times that are seemingly random,  it makes its appearance at the forefront of your heart. The knowledge of His Word, the unshakable truth that is written on your heart, shows up and it is glorious. I’m loving watching these kids learn- they are laying foundations of a strong faith and they don’t even know it!

I hung out with a six year old missionary friend yesterday. We watched The Wizard of Oz and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, played fashion show and shoe store, and painted with watercolors. It was so great to get to know her better and just have fun. She’s a hilarious and  intelligent little girl, with enough spunk for ten kids. I adore her.

Happy birthday, America! No fireworks this year, but there are amazing stars that I just may glimpse from my hammock after I get home from the community barbecue tonight.

We are implementing a new tutoring plan and new Bible study this week. Please keep us and our kids in your prayers as we start a new and exciting challenge!

Em

Week 19 + 20

Hello friends!

My baby sister has come and gone. It was so lovely to spend time with her and have her experience my life here. I’m going to miss her so, but I hold on to the time we had together as a most precious memory. Here are some highlights from the past two weeks!

We helped out one day with the distribution of the monthly supplies. Each month, our IChooseYou families receive soap, flour, sugar and Vaseline. I sat with the book of names and each parent signed the book to receive their supplies. Those who cannot write their names, sign with a fingerprint. The flour they receive comes in massive bags, and the ladies carry the bags and weigh out the individual portions. They are such bosses.

We spent some time in Namatala (the slum outside of Mbale), loving on the kids and worshiping with them. Bosco, the boy in the orange shirt, absolutely loved Bailey.

One day, we did a “small wounds clinic” in Namatala, which basically consists of cleaning cuts and slapping band aids on kiddos. We set up in the market. We had few coming to us, so we decided to go to them! We came across several people with various infections on their feet. Bailey was an absolute stud. She cleaned nasty feet without flinching, with utmost gentleness. I guess it’s because of Jesus’ example washing the disciples’ feet, but I find something undeniably holy about cleaning someone’s dirty feet. It requires humility like nothing else. It was breathtakingly beautiful.

On a Sunday after church, we held our annual IChooseYou family day. We provided lunch for the families and then had the delightful task of handing out to each child: a brand new backpack, an IChooseYou t-shirt, and a photograph of their sponsor. Each child had an individual photo taken, then we gathered together for a group photo. What a good looking bunch!

One of our families (they have four children in IChooseYou, including our only university student) moved to a new home, so we gathered there for a house warming party. We ate snacks, listened to wonderful music (provided by Esther, the best ten year old guitar player in the whole world), and told stories.

We made the journey to Kampala to drop our wonderful little team at the airport. Taking advantaged of being in the big city, I got my hair cut and bought a new painting, both bringing me tremendous joy.

We’re back in Mbale now; Callie, Katelyn (the newest addition to our home and IChooseYou team), and I. Katelyn is a beautiful and wonderful person and I’m so happy she’s here for the next five months.

Guess what, friends! I have reached the midway point in my Ugandan journey! I’m halfway through my time here, a fact which I find both delightful and dreadful; delightful because I have wonderful and exciting things ahead when I go back to the States (not to mention the people I get to see), and dreadful because I love it here and the thought of leaving the people I love and the life I've built makes me a little weepy. I feel like I just got here and like I've been here forever, all at the same time. What a strange feeling it is, to feel like you so wholly and completely belong to two separate, entirely opposite places on earth.  I’m looking forward to things ahead, but I’m also very committed to living in the present, something I've always found a bit challenging. I’m a planner, you see. I love to think ahead, to dream, to plan. But, sometimes, that gets in the way of really living. If you are so concentrated on the future, you’ll miss the now. Things are happening, God is moving, and we can’t afford to miss it! I love prophecy, how God reveals glimpses of what is to come to His children. It’s beautiful, and it grows my faith every time I see a dream or a word fulfilled. But there is so much happening right now, in front of my very eyes. People are hungry for God’s word, children are growing up knowing nothing but the Father’s faithfulness, and we are in a time of bold obedience. I don’t want to miss what God is doing in the present. Do you?

Thanks for reading!

Em 

Week 18

Hello everyone!

It's been a busy week with our team from Texas! It's been so great to have my baby sister here. I've missed her sweet smile and crazy sense of humor. It's been great to show her my life here though, honestly, it's a bit strange to have my American life and Ugandan life mixing! Bailey has now met my friends and seen: my home, the school where I work, the church I attend, the store where I buy Pringles, and the coffee shop where I spend most of my free time. It's fun to have her experience these things alongside me. We hold on to our time on the mission field in New Zealand by recalling memories together, both good and bad, and now we'll be able to do the same with Uganda. When time has passed and I'm back in America (or wherever I'll live in the future) I'll be able to say, "Remember that place in Namatala?" or "Remember my dog Rocky?" and she'll be able to say yes! Mbale, Uganda is now a part of her and we'll both always have a bit of this place in our hearts.

 The team had not been here two days before we all had quite the African experience: a traditional Ugandan introduction and wedding ceremony. We began the 12 hour celebration by dressing in our introduction attire: a traditional African dress called a gomas. A gomas is usually made with six meters of fabric. It goes on like a bathrobe, then takes a great measure of folding and tying to get it all in place. A wretchedly gaudy belt is tied around your waist. The shoulders are pointy and I genuinely feared poking someone's eye out. BUT OH! I've forgotten the best part: underneath your dress goes a "bum blanket". Pretty much all it is is a blanket that you tie around your waist and fold over so that you appear to have a, well, larger rear end. My my, how Africa and America differ.

The introduction takes place at the home of the bride's parents. I, along with my friends Callie and Natalie, participated in the introduction as a "fake bride". We danced out in front of everyone and then knelt on a mat before the groom. He declared that we are not what he is looking for (the nerve) and sent us on our way with a parting gift. Since we had "spent too much time in the sun" and that's why our skin turned from black to white, we were given umbrellas to shield us from the sun. Someone needs to give that guy a lesson in Tanning 101, but whatever, I got an umbrella. After lots and lots of music and ceremony, the bride eventually comes out and the groom claims her. Dowry is exchanged and gifts are presented. With all of this done outside in the merciless Ugandan sun, it was a really long morning.

Everyone changed clothes and headed to the church for the wedding ceremony. Thankfully, an American dress would do for this part of the day. There was a lot of singing and happy yelling. Like anything in Africa, it was long, long, long. After the ceremony, we went to the reception at a hotel. It was absolutely beautiful. The bride made her fourth garment change of the day and my gosh, was she breathtaking. Overall, it was a really cool experience. Though, for the sake of all who had to see me in a gomas, I hope it isn't something I experience again for some time.

We took a trip to Karamoja, the place where most of our IChooseYou families are from. It was absolutely beautiful- National Geographic Africa. The huts had perfect straw roofs and the mountains were breathtaking. The villages were so clean and as one mzungu described, "pure", untainted by the modern world. We took three of our kids, a little boy and a brother-sister pair, to visit their home villages where their sick mothers reside. We found the mother of the young boy quite sick. It was absolutely heart breaking to see this woman so ill and weak and to see her small son weep, so hurting to see her in that condition. When we took the two teenagers to see their mother, we found out that she had already died.

These things always provoke a lot of questions from me. Mainly,

"What the heck, God?"

Why do some live in such poverty? Why do some not have enough the eat? Why do some experience such grief at such a tender age? He uses these moments to teach me a lot. The feeling of hopelessness is suffocating and if I don't work it out with Him, I wouldn't last five minutes in this country. I am not for one second going to act like I have this figured out because I most certainly do not. I've found that the first thing I have to do is be honest about how I'm feeling, with another person as well as with the Father. I didn't used to talk to Him about this kind of stuff, but then I realized: I'm not going to offend Him by being real with Him. And he already knows what I'm feeling anyway. He's okay with a "What the heck, God?" every now and again. It's okay to talk to Him about what I'm feeling. He can handle my questions, my confusion, and my tears. After all, we're friends.

On another note, I'm currently obsessed with the song, "Wake Up" by All Sons & Daughters. Seriously, have you heard this song? So great.

Thanks for reading! Love y'all.

Em