Friday, January 30, 2015

Our last day together...



Today marks my last day at Chayah for this trip.  Only because I have some pretty amazing people to go home to am I even slightly motivated to leave all of this behind.  That, and I'm running on empty so it's time to charge my own battery and start planning for next time.

We arrived at Chayah this morning to 18 children dressed up and ready to go without knowing a thing about where we were headed.  The boys rode with Chris and the girls all rode in the van down a very long and dusty pitted road.  It’s the dry season and has been for a while so everything along the road side, buildings, plants, trees and people are covered with a coating of red dust.

We arrived to the gate of the "falls" to pay our entrance.  Ugandans over 5 years old, $2 each.  Foreigners...$15 bucks.  Janet was so mad.  She said that the sign at the zoo had the same kind of discrepancy.  I tried to tell her that Uganda was encouraging locals to enjoy their country...her eyebrows raised in disagreement.

We had a guide to explain everything, but I suggested he speak in their local language and I'd just follow along so I have nothing to tell you except that it was beautiful and not one bit of waterfalls.  It really was rapids.  Janet doesn't swim and most of the kids are not even almost water safe, so she made sure they were so far away from the edge that it would have taken a tsunami-like event to reach them.   When we did get to a very calm pool for swimming, she had conveniently left their swimming costumes in the van...wink.  So we sat on the rocks and put our feet in.  We got to watch three"divers" show off their swimming skills by jumping from a rock upstream and swimming their way through the rapids to safety.  We were all impressed with their skills.

We had a picnic in the shade of chapatti and soda and the kids entertained up with song and dance before the long ride back.  It was a wonderful day, outdoors and so peacefulChris followed us back to Chayah, dropped the boys off and headed out to look again for a bike.  We had ice cream and then lunch, played with the flannel graph pieces and told stories in the sitting room until Chris came back.  When he popped the trunk to reveal the bike, everyone rushed him and began jumping up and down.  It took some effort and everyone tried to ride, but it’s going to take some practice before they're all riding.  

Olivia got home from school and with her long days, I haven't seen her at all this week.  We talked for a bit and then it was time to say goodbye and head back to the hotel.  I was doing fine until they started singing "standing in the gap" and Janet hung her head and began slowly shaking it back and forth with her eyes closed.  That moment is always so hard that all the way back to the hotel I just kept thinking how grateful I am that we get to come back.  I don't know that I'd recover very well if not.  

This trip was different in many ways.  I think the most memorable difference was their openness.  I knew it would be slow going and probably part of it was the language difference.  Maybe too they really believe that we are really in this and that God has created this partnership and that we are committed to them.  Or maybe it’s the Starbursts and trips to the playground!  Either way, I'll take it, no questions asked! 

Their constant laughter and joy are difficult to describe so anytime you're ready to join us to experience this new life for yourself...we'd love to give you a firsthand look.

Mission trip January 2015 is in the books!  Blessed be the Lord God Almighty!

Thursday, January 29, 2015

The Littles...

This morning I met with Lori who gave me some tips of navigating Uganda's equivalent of IRS and SS.  Really she explained to me that everything is online, but really nothing at all can be accomplished there. Drop down menus don't really drop down and links probably take you to a black hole in the universe somewhere.  But the information is there and can be processed in person here in Jinja...note to self for the next trip.

I had seen the bicycle I wanted, but thought that I was probably quoted way too much, so I tried really hard to duck beneath the dashboard as Chris went over to "bargain". (the second syllable has a long "A" sound).  I was sitting across the street in his car, trying to point to the one I wanted without flashing my lily-white arms in the window and drawing attention to myself.  As my eyeballs barely peered over the lower edge of the window, he walked back and forth gesturing at one and then another and for heaven's sake I'm in my second 50 years with these eyeballs so together we accomplished little except looking very suspicious. 

We arrived at Chayah to a bunch of busy kids sitting in the shade of the front porch and playing with...yet Legos.  In the front yard, dressed in lovely green was a bride to be, her mother, an and an attendant.  Eaves dropping, I heard them planning on which of the five boys they would try to recruit to play the part of the groom.  They walked boldly to the porch and began in the middle first asking Yoweri, then Rashid, then Jonathan.  Each request was met with a very firm "No" and I laughed at the universal aversion of boys getting roped into marriage, even if it was pretend play.

Solomon showed up with some statements, an update on the land surveying and handed me a bundle of letters to bring home.  Lunch was served and I had a chance to talk to the cooks about their wonderful work and a few requests that will help the children grow up and out of our nest with all of the necessary life skills. AKA: Let/make them help cook and clean according to the chore schedule.  Hold them accountable and have them check with you before leaving the compound if Mom isn't home.  And seriously they make the very best cow peas in the first, second and third world!

Today was a day to even things up with the littles. Yesterday the bigs got to go to town to tour the hotel and nursing school, so today I carted 10 young ones back to the playground near by.
Janet dropped us off to run a couple of errands and told them to practice their English and sit and speak to me.  I sat in the shade of a tree and 3 or 4 came one at a time as the mood struck them and we had some very sweet conversation.  Our relationship with most of these has been based on eye contact, games, giggles and hugs.  Today some sweet voices offered up stories and history and the names and personalities of their school teachers.  I can't believe their progress and it makes me look forward to the next trip and the ones after that.  

We walked to the covered patio and shared 4 bottles of soda.  I asked for 10 glasses and they sat 10 stemmed wine glasses out.  Well, that's what they had and you have seen 10 children sit up so straight and behave so well, all the while giggling with their sophisticated beverage.  Somebody starting the "cheers" action and pretty soon the gentlest of clinking began.  About that time Janet walked up and began laughing hysterically, which in Ugandan represents much joy.  She was so proud of how they were handling themselves drinking Mountain Dew and Miranda soda.  Pretty soon glasses were empty but one by one the sillies began to take over as each table elected a "waitress" to carry the glasses to the bar.  I think it was Jonathan's 'bouncing" (swagger) that caused them all to loose control and pretty soon, Regina was trying it, then Rashid.  It was pure uninhibited fun and Janet was laughing most of all.  I really think she couldn't be prouder of her bunch.

We did some translating of a few bits of video from yesterday and headed off about 5pm to have dinner with Judith, Chayah's counselor.  It was great to hear reports from her about different ones, how they are doing in relationships within the house and any problems that might be brewing.  She has 6 children of her own, still at home and is a wise mother, patient and has some great ideas about how to best care for Ugandan children.  We continue to learn.

Tomorrow we head to the Falls.  Pray we don't loose anybody.  It will be my last day with this family and there is a bit more to finish up...plus I promised a small bicycle and I fear somebody might make a call to the Embassy if I don't deliver.  The sheets are calling me, so I'll sign off on my last Thursday of this trip.  Pray for a beautiful day tomorrow as I say goodbye and attempt to leave them with some nugget of God's love for them.

 

Wednesday, January 28, 2015

Is it too much to ask them to dream?



This morning I was up and out by 9am, stopped at the bank, bought a sharpie and headed to Chayah.  Breakfast was just finishing up…fried nuts and pancakes…the dollar size, without syrup.  

I met with the older girls for a bit and then colored with the younger ones.  The legos were out on the front porch and it was a lolly-gagging kind of morning for everyone. 

I was able to sit and listen to stories from a few. One talked about the day her mother died, another talked about being chased and beaten by a step-father, still another about being excluded with other siblings when a new man began staying over.   A different father meant you slept separately, often without food.  Some were eager to share, others equally eager to be silent.

 About 1pm, lunch was served and off we went the 7 big kids, Janet and me.

Our first stop was the hotel where we were given a tour of each area and job descriptions were explained.  The need to be honest and trustworthy was emphasized and the willingness to work hard was explained.   

The laundry and reception proved to be the most interesting, but probably because the individuals that welcomed us in were so enthusiastic about their jobs.  

The chef would have no part in allowing us in her kitchen, no way, no how.  Oh people who can actually cook something can get so territorial! Really, let the rest of us come stand inside and pretend for a minute!  

The owner of the hotel, Mr. Otille met us in the parking area and spent a few minutes encouraging the kids to work hard and “read, read, read!”

It takes a university degree to apply here and even the local trade schools that offer a 2 year “certificate” rather than a degree are hard pressed to employ their graduates in hotels.  They are mainly working in town are small restaurants.  With unemployment at 80%, I guess the competition would be pretty intense.

Next, we arrived at the Jinja Nursing/midwifery school for a tour.  We didn’t get into any classrooms but the laboratory full of models, equipment, charts and skeletons was pretty interesting.  The “dummies” were a little unsettling and questions by a 15 year old about what the stethoscope was for was also out of my comfort zone.  It made me realize how everyday experiences at home teach and create a baseline of knowledge that is outside the grasp of most.

I loved watching our kids see and learn about something new and possibilities for their future.  Even if they end up in a completely different field of study, or line of work, they know a little more tonight to hope for, plan for and work towards.  Sometimes I wonder if kids have to be taught to dream.  I cannot for the life of me imagine we aren’t just born with that desire, but it seems like maybe something so simple might need some work to unlock.  Time will tell and the older may lead the younger ones by their success or stumbling along the way.  

The enemy has a stronghold here called hopelessness.  The father of lies has only to point to the previous generation and can retire his efforts to discourage.  We hear about what has been spoken to and over them in Kakira and we know it is once again a battle for the mind and heart of children.  But our side wins in the end…it been foretold and we have no doubt.   

The roads they choose this side of eternity make a whole big bunch of difference but God is good and will redeem what has been lost, rebuild what has been torn down and be glorified in the midst.

You wouldn’t waste a minute if you could pray for their hearts, for surrender to Jesus’ calling on their lives and for the breaking of bondage in each and every one. 

Tuesday, January 27, 2015

Dreams and what's his name?



Three full days are left before Friday's sleep and long trip to the airport on Saturday.  It always happens that as the days tick off, the list of things I'd love to get done before coming home grows.  

God woke me with wide eyes about 1am and I checked my email to read that the team had just landed safely at LAX.  I was able to crawl back between the covers with great peace knowing they were almost home.  With LA's freeways and speed I don't know exactly why I found comfort  because now that the sun is up I realize California freeways claim far more lives than the airlinesBut knowing that everyone had been freed from the less than comfortable plane seats and would get to put their heads down on their own pillows, just made me happy.

After printing out a few things this morning to take to the house, Janet picked me up and we headed to town to run a few errands. Paying rent to the bank, dropping off backpacks for repair, and purchasing about 10 trees worth of school supplies.  Do you know what 18 dozen composition books looks like?  Or 18 packages of 18 rolls of toilet paper?  Well, me either cause I wandered off to buy some different paper for new flash cards...but looking into the back of the van made my head hurt and my hands cramp up at the thought of all the writing ahead for the first term.

I accidentally gestured "hello" to a guy selling pine apples signalling him that I wanted one, when all I really wanted was to be friendly.  I never want to be accused of being a false advertiser so I believed him when he told me I wanted one.  He cut me a piece and wrapped it in a 2' strip of used lined paper that looked like notes from someone's business lesson and I have no doubt that the acidic juice caused the ink to infuse the fruit.  Ya, that would never stop me from supporting someone's entrepreneurial attempts.  I do wonder if after eight trips here there is some increased resistance from anti-bodies.   I guess we'll know the outcome tomorrow (grin).

I came across a screen printer doing his work between buildings today.  I don't know exactly the process, but have some familiarity with how it works in the states and this guy was getting the job done in the simplest way, nothing flashly, nothing convenient but turning out a pretty decent product.  It made me begin dreaming about the possibilities our kids will have in the future.

I was able to sit with a fellow Californian that traveled with us on the way here and we talked about her ministry to children and young people and the side of it that involves life coaching and career/education planning...a timely coincidence?  I rather think it was a God ordained meeting since we haven't run into each other since the 14th when we arrived.  Is it weird that I want to yell out BAM! like that famous chef, what's-his-name?  'Could be the inky pineapple kicking in.

Tomorrow the older ones will come to the hotel here and be given a tour of all of the various parts of the "hospitality industry".  Their idea of working at a hotel is changing bed sheets and mopping floors, but there are so many other facets of it and people are in nice uniforms, very friendly, very professional and do a great job.  After that, we are all heading over to the nursing/midwifery school (a trade school) nearby.  I asked today if they would give our group a tour tomorrow and they seemed to be more than willing, not that it hurt at all to gift the principal a new OB/GYN textbook type manual.   Clearly I have no shame when it comes to wanting these kids to begin dreaming, planning for and working towards an independent and self reliant future.

My prayer is that after seeing Sharon at the University last month and seeing some of the trade schools here that their minds would be open and they'd begin even now in middle school and high school to work hard and set some goals.

I'm in for the evening and going to cut some felt animals for sewing and make some more flash cards, listen to some worship music and set some things up for later in the week.  I wish I had some dramatic life saving or life changing things to report, but that's God's department and I'm grateful. 

Monday, January 26, 2015

All the way my Savior leads me.....



"All the way my savior leads me
Oh the fullness of his love
All the sureness of his promise
In the triumphant of his blood
When my spirit clothed immortal
Wings it's flight to realms of day
This is my song through endless ages
Jesus led me all the way….
Jesus led me all the way…
You lead me and keep my from falling
You carry me close to your heart
And surely your goodness and mercy will follow me
You lead me and keep my from falling
You carry me close to your heart
And surely your goodness and mercy will follow me"

I just could not stay stuck in that  chair no matter how lovely…I should have known better than anyone that I am not cage able…period.  

I did spend the evening listening to a really great playlist of music followed by a full night of sleep…fitful though it was and colorful with dreams my mosquito net and I got along far better than I expected and I believe I won another night’s battle with the pests.

After coffee and a few hours this morning, my to-do thoughts propelled me out the door and Chris and I were off to investigate other options for our accommodations when we travel this way.  It was interesting, but I was not able to find another option for the present.  I would miss the people here, but budgets are budgets and if ministry money is better spent or saved by another motel we needed to know.  Silly details I know…

I also visited the secondary (high school) were the older ones attend and discussed the pros and cons of a few options for them.  Fact gathering, watching out for their best interests and trusting God’s leading for each one.

Chris dropped me off at Chayah and after the 3 day absence, it was sweet to see smiles and get hugs again.  After a cup of chai syrup that they call tea, we commenced with painting the Popsicle stick projects they built last week.   AND THEN…

The fruits of their studying English words since August were tested.  We made them a deal that if 6 of the littlest could name the 38 objects on the 3x5 cards and get 100%, they’d receive one pint sized bicycle to share.  Eleven gave it their best shots and most got at least 36…but the hooting and hollering that ensued when the sixth said the last word was probably heard on your side of the universe.  Never let it be said that bribery is a lost art!

The older ones were given the same opportunity, except with their multiplication tables.  Never let it be said that bribery works on everyone because I believe they scored a big fat goose egg.  I gave them my best motivational speech and shared all the tricks I knew hoping to inspire them for next time.  Do you know that they tried to get me to ask them in order…like I was going down a list?  Because they can repeat the answers in order for all 12 lists…but seriously, I may be an old dog, but I’m not that gullible.

The older girls and I talked while I started cutting out felt for a project for another day.  The rest pulled out the legos and after lunch spent at least two hours huddled around them making every kind of vehicle and building and whatcha-macallit.  

Janet and I headed out to see two more hotels close by and she dropped me off at the hotel for a dinner meeting with one of our local board members.  He was so gracious to answer my every question on half a dozen topics and advise me on all things land, school, accountability, exit plan related.  Raised in an orphanage and now running one, he gets it from the inside out which is beyond valuable to us.

God is working all things together.  Not without some bumps in the road, not without some frustration, not without a huge dose of patience and grace from those we serve, but He will be glorified in the lives of those he redeems, even if it means there are some disappointments and failures along the way.

Especially if falling in the ditch is temporary and a family can reach out and offer a hand of faith.  I’ve needed it several times lately for sure…best intentions aren’t always best but we keep and trust the one who is trustworthy.  "All the way my Savior leads me"