Back in Kampala

We've been gone for 4 days--OUT IN THE BUSH!! What an amazing experience to be serving God's special people! The days flew quickly! We have now returned to the comforts of life with Herb and Ellen. It was good to be home!!! The following was written while sitting in our cramped room at Club Afreka!

How can she live this way???

We were privileged to meet the most incredible woman. Her name is too complicated to write but you will not forget this woman. This precious soul has no legs. At age 24, she lost her legs to amputation and has been in this condition for 13 years. She has 3 children, the oldest whom quit school at primary 1 to help find food and ‘work’ for the entire family. This woman is in dire need for sponsorship. My heart broke as I admired her beautiful face and realized that she has led a life of deprivation beyond belief. She is chastised for being disabled and she is shunned by people because of her condition. Her only form of mobility is to use the small, wooden blocks with handles to lift and move her body forward. When she smiled, she had a special glow about her that melted my heart. WE ARE DESPERATE TO FIIND A SPONSORSHIP FOR HER. It’s a small price to pay for someone who struggles to move from place to place every single day of her life. If you feel God tugging at your heart to step up and change the life of this young woman and her family, please contact Global Family Rescue at GFR.org

Going where there's no road!!!

We drove to the small community of Rwentuha where we joined a doctor and other staff members to put on a medical clinic (10-4pm). The road was extremely narrow and full of ruts which challenged even our best driver. Upon arrival, we were given the task of sorting the various medicines that we had purchased as well other pre-purchased items. It was overwhelming as the items were strewn in piles around the inside of the mosque. Pills were sorted into smaller portions, 88 pairs of eye-glasses were divided by strength, and vitamins were quickly distributed to the hundreds of waiting visitors. Each of us from the US just chose a job we were interested in and jumped in to do our best to help. Lines formed everywhere with people dictating their various ailments. It was a very hot day so it was stressful as well as challenging. We made a mental note to add the medicines for worms, asthma and antacids for ulcers to our list of supplies. It was an outstanding opportunity to show God’s love to these extremely needy people. It was so much fun going from resident to resident visiting with each one and encouraging them about God’s love for them.
I had used the Vaseline last year to rub the widow’s legs and decided that would be a way to bless them once again. It was just a way to add a human touch to the ‘medical’ side of our day. I located a long bench and encouraged one dear woman to follow me to that area. It only took a few minutes before there was a line forming for my leg rubbing activity. Talk about a ‘hands on’ activity!! It was a great honor to touch the dirty, calloused and often, infected legs of these dear women. Each smiled or even giggled as I spoke to them about my love for them as well as God’s love-never really knowing if they understood my spoken words. It was obvious that each woman (then a few of the men!) appreciated the special attention they received. This human touch was a way to share God’s love to each of His precious people.

A visit from GOD

We had the HUGE blessing of purchasing medicine and supplies for the ‘poorest of the poor’ in Uganda!! After visiting Tooro School, on a rainy night, we headed into town to the pharmacy to spend the money from the MANY donators from the USA. Idah and Milton discussed our needs with the pharmacist and we were able to get many boxes for elephantitis (sp), malaria, worms, eye drops-spending about 2 million shillings ($1,000) It was such a joyous moment to see what we were able to do because of the generosity of others!! We visited a general store to buy household items for Paul and Teresa, an elderly couple we met last year. I had told Joe and Betsy that we would find a couple who we could especially bless with their donation AND WE DID!! Their little hut will now boast of a new mattress, sheets, and blanket, a mosquito net, as well as pots and pans, dishes and cups, large stirring spoons, soap, a tarp, Vaseline, and a mirror!! All costing about $115!! We delivered their gifts the next dry morning and they were waiting near their home when we came carrying the items in a long caravan walk! The donations were spread out on the bright blue tarp for them to see. Paul was quietly ecstatic as he gazed upon the merchandize. Teresa came out from inside her hut to sit near her husband. Her physicially disabled granddaughter crawled out to join them. One of the items they were most excited about was the mirror brought from the states! Paul exclaimed that he had not seen himself for 10 years and hadn’t realized he had grayed. He constantly laughed as he touched his features! Giggling, Teresa also was surprised at her appearance. We reminded her how beautiful we thought she was wearing her new blue shawl. Angie had gotten a straw hat from the widows at Tooro School and she decided to give that to Paul! He was thrilled!! Looked at himself in the mirror and smiled!! As a special gift, we entered their crowded hut and gave them 50,000 shillings, more money than they have ever had. AND BECAUSE OF THE GENEROSITY OF OUR CHRISTIAN GROUP, PAUL PROMISED THAT HE WOULD RETURN TO CHURCH AND BECOME A NEW MAN IN CHRIST!! This nearly brought our team to tears!!! They felt like they had been visited by God himself!!!

We drove to our next scheduled appointment to visit Anna’s family, Betty, whose house GFR had built. As we unloaded from the bus, the children and adults gathered around. We strolled through the village to her home. As introductions were being made, I noticed Antwon and his mother sitting with the other children. I was excited to see his smiling face. When I approached them, ‘Mommy’ kept thanking me for being involved in his life. Later I was able to give her the supplies to repair the wheelchair, some clothes and 40,000 shillings ($20). She was so very grateful. They reciprocated with a delicious-looking pineapple.
I also had the honor to meet with Gloria and her grandmother who cares for her. Her elephantitis (sp) seems to be worse, but she is taking the medicine which was sent from the Alternative Classroom! I had some photos to show her in which she smiled. I had a few gifts and also gave them 40,000 shillings. ($20) I just pray that her infections in her legs which smelled terribly will be healed and that she will continue with her education. The Alternative classroom will stay involved next year which thrilled little Gloria.
The last meaningful festivity we attended was the ‘ribbon-cutting’ at Harriet’s GFR house from last year We toured her old home which was very small and devastating disrepair! GOD PROVIDED FOR HER NEEDS! Harriet had been chastised by her own community being so poor. She had not been able to go to church for 6 months because she had no clothes, only one set of clothes! People teased her that she must be wearing a uniform!! She also made a pair of shoes from tires and she also was teased. It was only after she met Milton Tusingwire (GFR field director) that she was able to get the sponsorship her family deserved. She expressed her gratitude so eloquently!! We were entertained with singing and dancing which was fun. Each of us was presented with homemade gifts. We were honored to be there and the people were genuinely pleased that we had come.

Being a Mudslinger

The last couple days have been amazing as we left the comforts of home and went out into the bush. We drove through some very eroded roads and communities to get to the community of Bulungabe. It was quite a distance from Kampala, taking a couple hours. Of course, the view of the country life kept us all mesmarized as we gazed upon the people's daily life! Tiny shops with people working and cleaning, women sitting nursing babies, children of all sizes out either going to school, playing with makeshift toys, or just 'hanging out' with the fam, men repairing bikes or building items in their shops, and many residents just sitting around their homes as if they are just exhausted with life. It seems all that we see is evidence of daily survival. People riding bicycles or scooters were everywhere hauling products either to or from the market. Even though the red dust of Uganda coats everything, there is beauty all around us. Colorful trees and flowers are everywhere and we saw many traditional dresses worn by the women. Some homes and businesses were painted bright colors which contrasted to the red mud and brick homes that were more the norm.
Our first day in our community was a more formal day where we were introduced to the owner of the home we were going to build. Her name was Christine and her husband had died earlier and before he passed away, he had sold their home and property, leaving her and their six children homeless. She had a temporary residence but needed her own place. Her GFR sponsorship allowed her to save money to purchase this ground and she was happy to greet us in the name of the Lord. We were surrounded by the neighbors and friends of this family and others from the community. This was definitely God's chosen people as they were a group of poor souls like I've never seen before.

Children were wearing dirty rags if they had clothes at all. Many of the adults also showed signs of extreme poverty. BUT they were courteous, grateful and gracious as we were introduced.

Idah was with us and she explained that there was not enough corrugated roofing material to complete the roof so more must be purchased. We gave them money for that. Our team's main chore the first day was gathering water in the large 5 gallon jerry cans. Our walk to the water hole was about a 10 minute walk to get there, but considerable longer getting backk with the filled containers. The older women and children chuckled as the MZUNGU's struggled with the weight of the water containers. The jugs were emptied into a hole in the ground where dirt had been upturned. A gentleman stood barefoot in this mud with a giant hoe combining these two into a perfectly mixed concoction. We trekked to the water hole only one more time before the children took over our job. It was a VERY strenuous job that is part of their daily routine—not sure I'd ever have the stamina to keep up that job for very long!! Oh, wait a minute!!!!!! They don't have that option—it's their life!!

Throughout of day, we teased with the children, teaching them games and songs, and listening to some of their songs. How joyous that was to witness these happy children under such dreary circumstances. Several of the team members brought new t-shirts and we were able to hand those to some of the 'shabbiest' dressed children. Happiness can now be best described by me as seeing a deprived Ugandan child receiving a best new shirt. Another precious baby was obviously ill and Jessica was determined to see that the child was given money for medical care. With Idah's help, we were able to see that 'momma' got the help she needed. We also met a very unfortunate 30 year old gentleman who had a bad case of possible “elephantitis” (excuse spelling error) His mother had already lost 4 of her 5 children and was determined that this last remaining child not die. She had a sponsorship which was behind because of a bank error so our team was able to give her money for medicine for her son as well as pay a debt she has accumulated because of lack of sponsorship money.

We TRIED to eat our lunch in the minibus as conspicuously as possible but the children and adults surrounded us as we ate our pb&j sandwiches. As we completed our meal, we took our leftover buns and divided them between everyone. Many knelt in gratitude as they received this gift of food. How humbling this was to give so little and feel like we have shared THE BEST to them. Luke and Gene brought a soccer ball that was given to the group of kids—it was a trade. “YOU GIVE ME YOUR RAG BALL AND WE'LL GIVE YOU THIS SOCCERBALL.” They didn't think twice!! The joy was absolutely contagious as we felt joyous at witnessing such a glorious act of kindness. God was blessing us every step of our journey.

The second day at Bulungabe was THE MOST MEMORABLE DAY OF MY MISSION TRIP TO UGANDA!! Our team became MUDSLINGERS!! When we arrived, the new roof was about done and the mud was nearly 'perfect'. We had brought sturdy work gloves to build a home of brick and stone, only to discover too late that they would not work for this project. However, the men were happy with their new gift! The bamboo frame will support the mud as it was packed tightly between the framework. We were shown by the professionals, then we began our adventure of MUDSLINGING. The piles of wet mud was packed,working bottom to top, in no particular order. Piles of mud were carried from the original mud hole by both men and women to our work area and we worked the mud into the frame.

The children surrounded us as we entertained them with our work. Many of the men knew English and we chatted as we worked and enjoyed the fellowship greatly as we developed a deeper relationship. At one point, we decided that the Ugandans were more efficient at packing the mud so our team made an assembly line to pass heaps of mud from the front to the back where the men were working. It certainly speeded up the process!!! When the mud was depleted from its original pile, WE WERE DONE!! Photos galore were taken throughout this process as we all agreed that this was the most special day we have experienced.

Again, we were able to hand out t-shirts to a few extra needy children. One young child gave us his tattered t-shirt as a trade-off of the new shirt. We are hoping that we can use this old shirt as a way to encourage others to join us in our excitement for missions in UGANDA!!! We gave candy to the kids which was a huge hit with them. One young lady who had probably been born with polio had been extremely shy with us the day before but was just joyous beyond words when I handed her a 'ring pop' candy. She squealed and hobbled away to show her friends. Not sure how she is accepted by people because of her obvious disability. Thank you God for showing me this dear woman who I was able to bless in such a tiny way. I wish I could go back with clothing for her as the one shirt I saw her wearing for 2 days exposed her breasts, which broke my heart.

Our drive back to the house was filled with brainstorming about how we might improved our efforts to serve God's people. I am filled with joy!! The time I'm spending with these friends from the states has also blessed me!!! Please continue your prayers for me and this team!!! SO MUCH MORE to come for us!!!

We're here!!!

Even though we have arrived in Uganda with absolutely no difficulties, my heart is saddened with the passing of our good friend, Joe. Joe was my small group leader for a number of years. I know that he is now free of his pain and is with our Lord, but the void we will all feel with his absence is overwhelming. He will be missed so very much.
We have gotten settled into our new home for the next 2 weeks and find it so comfortable. Herb and Ellen Cook are our host/hostess and have literally given us free rein of the house. We were told before we arrived that Harriet is an excellent cook (she even has her own cookbook for sale!!) and we will soon find out whether that is true tonight.
Unfortunately, our jet lag interfered with our enjoyment of the Women's Conference "RISE UP, AFRICA" that was organized by the honorable Idah Hamanje. Many dignitaries from 10 countries were present and all were introduced. Idah made sure to introduce our American team, saying that we were here to do missionary work with the poor. The problem became more evident when each speaker had to be translated by 2 or 3 people. It was difficult to stay focused. We did hear and enjoy the great worship music and even got on stage at one point to dance and sing during one of the traditional tunes. What fun!!!!
Tomorrow we visit our families so we'll be sorting through our bags of goodies to see how we can best bless everyone!!!
Keep us in prayer!! We have so many opportunities in the next weeks to bless many!

Blessed to be a blessing!!

I can't help but believe that those words speak directly to me and so many others in the United States! We are blessed abundantly financially, in our health, relationships, families, etc. The list is long and filled with much to be joyous about. It is such a privilege to go out into the world to bless others. Yes, we should bless our neighbors and the people in our community. That's a given. Getting involved in community activities should be a priority for each of us. But sometimes, it's just not enough to stay home. From the first mission trip I went on with GROUP WORKCAMP,(thanks, Kirk!!!) I knew that God had created me to go out and help those who are in need. It was easy for me to do as I have summers off from my job at the high school. With each mission trip I went on, my spirits were lifted and I experienced true joy when I helped those who were less fortunate. My joy has increased exponentially as I have found myself venturing farther and farther to bless the poor. With this upcoming trip to Uganda, I pray that God will use me again to be a blessing. I have my bags stuffed with 100 pounds of "LOVE STUFF" for the many people we will meet along the way. I'm anxious to be the hands and feet of Jesus and just see what He has in store for me this time. I have some very specific goals but who knows if those goals will be met. I have a foam rubber sheet to help Antwon's family adapt the wheelchair that we bought him that is quite ill-fitting. Even if we aren't able to create this adaption 'on the spot', I will give instructions to the community facilitator who, hopefully, can assist the family with this task. Then he will be a blessing to Antwon's family!!!
I am so grateful to Scott Jamison for driving Dianne, Jessica and me to Chicago O'Hare Airport. It helps that he has a HUGE truck to get 3 additional people and 6 very large pieces of luggage in the back!!! Again, people from small group are much more than friends; they are family and each continue to be a blessing to me. I also can't thank my hubby John for all of his support for this trip. His financial donation for this trip has been substantial. All the little stuff purchased adds up to big money!! Thanks, honey!! Finally, I have a GRAND TOTAL of $1100 for medicines and other necessities for the people of Uganda!! This will certainly be a huge blessing for them!! Pray that God will provide the most needy people.
We have a very full itinerary planned and I hope to be able to write again once we have arrived in Kampala. As happened last year, the electricity sometimes goes off keeping us from journaling on our blogs. Hopefully, it won't be a problem this year.

Dreaming of Uganda's people

After I returned from Uganda in 2008, I started thinking about my next trip to that country. I had had an incredible experience and I could hardly think of anything else. Dreams of smiling brown faces frequented my mind and my heart quickened as I thought about the possiblity of returning. I attended the GENEROSITY CONFERENCE at CCC at the Yellow Box and got fired up about how I might "cut down on my spending" so I could save money for more meaningful investments in my life. I decided right away that I would use my own money from working at the high school to pay for my flight ticket instead of fundraising for it. (I would fundraise later for medicine and other items I knew would be helpful for the people we sponsored or met on this future trip) So, every month throughout the school year, I placed one of my paychecks in my Uganda Fund and the second check was for me. I also wanted to involve the students in the Alternative Program so they could see the value of helping people who are poverty stricken. I asked Jerome and Idah in Uganda to provide a student who needed help. They sent me a photo of 13 year old GLORIA who suffers from elephantitis. (Our team had actually met her during the 2008 trip.) I placed her photo in a prominent place in our classroom and told her story to the class. They responded with dismay about her physical condition but wondered what we could do in Ottawa to improve her life in Uganda. Since I like to bake and the students like to EAT, I began bringing in treats weekly for the students to purchase. Even peanut butter and jelly sandwiches showed up on the 'menu' and were eagerly purchased and devoured by the kids. The Uganda Jar began to fill quickly and at Christmas, we had raised $250 for Gloria's medicine. The students' enthusiasm for the project grew as our fund grew and I frequently heard them say, "keep the change for Gloria", or "I don't want anything today, but here's some money for Gloria". I was very proud of their desire to help a needy child they would never meet.
THEN, ON FEB 23, MY PERSONAL LIFE THE MOST UNBELIEVABLE THING HAPPENED! JOHN, MY HUSBAND, HAD A STROKE!!!! As I watched him leave Ottawa in the Life Flight helicopter, I was sure that our lives had been changed forever. We spent the next 2 weeks at Methodist Hospital in Peoria as John's brain stem healed and he began intense therapy. The good news is that he was able to return to work 2 months after the stroke and he is nearly 100% healed! Throughout those early weeks of recovery, I had decided that my mission trip to Uganda would have to wait until another year. John's health was much more important to me. But as God would have it, John experienced a speedy and miraculous recovery. And with John's encouragement, I began to believe again that Uganda was still an option for me.

The students at OHS continued to help fill the Uganda Jar and our final total amounted to $400 for Gloria! This will surely make a huge impact on her life! With additional fundraising at First Pres in Ottawa and other donations, Dianne, Jessica and I will be able to personally assist the 'poorest of the poor' in Uganda with bicycles, medicine, toys, clothes, and daily necessities. So as our departure day approaches, I just pray that God will protect our team and create a strong bond between us that will deepen our faith as Christians. I pray for safety, health, great joy in seeing the many orphans and our sponsored families, and unfailing strength in this 'old body' as we work to build a home. I also pray that all the people who have so unselfishly donated to this trip will be blessed abundantly!!