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!!

Leaving Africa--only physically!!!!

This will be my last post from Africa! Wow, my time here has gone by so quickly. It will be hard to leave these precious friends I have made. It was worth my time to come to Africa just to meet IDAH. How can I even begin to describe this incredible lady. She is the director of GFR in Uganda and she truly cares for the POOREST of the poor. She easily could have more than she does because she is quite a prominent citizen here; extremely well known and highly respected. But she chooses to 'walk among the poor' and do her business with the local people. She knows God's love is with the poor so that is where she focuses her attention. She is such an advocate for them and they know it. The lovingly call her MOMMY.
The Team 3 people have been wonderful. There are ups and downs whenever you throw "10 totally different" people together, but the bond that tied us together was our love for the Lord! It was my honor to develop a friendship with each of them. I wish Carleigh (and Derek) could have been here with me to meet 'my girls', Kaitlin, JJ, Ashley and Sarah!!! She would have loved them and fit right in!! And I know the girls would have loved Carleigh. Hopefully, they can all meet in the future. Each of these girls love the Lord and want to continue serving in Uganda in the near future!! Our fearless leaders, Renata and Silvia, did a wonderful job leading. Like I told Renata, it isn't easy "leading' because you are the one making tough decisions and others may not agree, but, someone has to be in charge. We did some incredible activities, all exhausting and exhilerating, and we had very competent leaders to thank!!! I found out pretty early in the trip that Michelle is from 'my neck of the woods' in Illinois. (Plymouth) She even knows where Warsaw and Basco are. This woman makes the most energetic missionary look lazy. Her mind is constantly in gear trying to figure out how she is going to raise her next $1,000 for some poor family!! It was my honor to share this time in Africa with Michelle. The men in our group varied in age, from 40-10!!! Peter and Allan proved to be a huge asset to our team. You have not heard prayer until you have heard Peter!!!! Plus, he was such a help to me while we spent the extra night in Nairobi at the airport. It was a scarey, intimidating experience, and I felt safe in Peter's presence. And ALAN was a good sport and part of my entertainment the entire trip. I never once heard him whine or complain about anything!!
And what can I say about my special missionary partner, Dianne!!!! This mission trip was made more special to me because of her. Dianne was crushed beyond words when she had to leave me in Nairobi with Peter. I could see her hurt in her eyes as we separated. Because I was the one who had initiated this trip through CCC, I knew she felt some discomfort leaving me at the airport (but I know it was a God thing) When we were finally reunited, I could feel and see her pain and love for me. That scene will forever play in my memory and I will cherish it. It was the most beautiful feeling to know the love that another frieind has for me. And that is the love that our Lord has for each of us. HE cries when we are hurting and smiles when we are joyful. Thank you, Dianne, for spending 2 weeks with me, doing God's work in Uganda. You made this trip fun, memorable and worth it!! PINCH ME, DIANNE!!! WE'RE REALLY IN UGANDA!!

In the jungle, the mighty jungle..

THERE ARE NO GOOD ROADS IN ALL OF UGANDA!!! We left Kampala at 5:00am to head to the Paraa Lodge for the safari. Even though most of us didn't have enough sleep the night before, it was next to impossible to try to 'catch up' on our rest!! I 'lion napped' for the first hour and then just gave up! We drove for about 6 hours through rough, rugged roads, admiring the changing landscapes as we went! The Murchison Falls was first on the agenda and what a breathtaking view that was. All of the Nile River flows together at this one point and then flows on northward. It really was a gorgeous view--plus the weather was fantastic!! We took many photos and prayed that none of us would get too close to the edge!!
After another long drive, we arrived at the Nile River edge where we waited for the ferry to take us across to Paraa Lodge. I hadn't been on a ferry for years when I used to cross the Mississippi River at Meyer, IL, with Mom and Dad. We were greeted by several huge elephants who were drinking water. Mama and baby seemed quite calm but we stayed our distance. We had a very informative guide, Sarah, who joined us for the safari and we headed off in our trusted bus. There were many beautiful specimens to see-elephants, deer of all kinds, water buffalo and many giraffe. Giraffes have always been my childhood favorites so I was most excited to see them. Dianne spotted them first, seeing their heads sticking out from a distance. Unless you have a scope, the pictures are that great, but we did manage to get a few photos--enough to prove to my family that I really was there! I have to admit that Dianne and I are both pinching ourselves to remind us where God has sent us!!! The beauty of this country is abundant; in the people as well as the animals. We are so fortunate that we responded to this call in our hearts to leave the comforts of our home in Illinois to experience this creation!! It will be hard to leave. We may physically leave, but part of our heart will stay with Uganda!!!
Speaking of leaving, I am uncertain as to my departure date. Possibly as early as Tuesday, but possibly the 20th. We'll be checking with the airlines tomorrow. I miss everyone at home. Later!!! God bless!!

Debbie and Dianne are shown with their sponsored women, Justine and Robin. Debbie will help Justine purchase fabric for a new dress and Robin, who sews for an income, will make the dress for her. Robin will earn money and Justine will have a new dress that she can wear to church!!! EVERYBODY WINS!!!

Debbie meets Cissy and delivers the money that Trevor, Riley and Liza Buhr sent her. Cissy will use the money to buy healthy food for her three children!! Children helping children!!!

MEETING GOD'S PEOPLE

This is my second attempt at this blog. We're in Uganda and things don't always go as smoothly as anticipated. Yesterday, we had an amazing time meeting God's people here in Kampala's neighborhoods!!! Cissy was our first stop. Many of you know her already. She is the lady who was beaten by her ex-husband and she became blind. I had the honor to present her with money that had been given to me by Trevor, Riley and Liza Buhr. Cissy kept saying 'Praise God'. She will buy healthy food for her THREE children who don't often eat well.
Our next stop was to a family of 3 children who are orphaned. Their drunken father has often threatened the children and wants to take their money from their sponsored family. They are afraid of him. The twelve year old girl is 'the head of the household' which is unconscionable to me. A very kind neighbor lady, Mary, has become their official caregiver. Mary has her own unbelievable set of circumstances and it's quite a selfless act for her to raise these children. Mary is quite 'entrepreneurial' as she makes plans to install a tank to collect water to sell for income (in addition to her tiny restaurant!!) I'm awed at these incredible women!!!
Our final visit yesterday was to an elderly woman who is also raising orphaned grandchildren. She lost her home to a severe thunderstorm last NOVEMBER and they have not be able to repair it. She is hoping for a sponsor. She is destitute but is confident God will send her the money for the repairs. She is the sole worker on this major project. Having an immediate need for nails, Dianne and I combined our money and gave it to her. Kissing and hugging like you've never seen proceeded!!! What a small gesture that was appreciated so much!!!
TODAY was amazing for me!!! We visited Namyoya and the church. We provided a clinic for the children and women which I participated in, cleaning wounds etc. But later, I decided to take our vaseline and wipe the legs and feet of the women. THEY WERE SO EXCITED!! They were lining up on the ground just waiting for me to get to them with my gloved hands. Each thanked me in their own language, except for a few who knew some English, "Thank you, mama" It was a humbling act that nearly brought me to tears as I rubbed their sore, callused, swollen, cracked dirty feet. GOD is so good!! I love these precious people so much. They are so appreciative of everything. Later, JJ and I entertained them with dance and song and we all laughed together!! I wouldn't have missed this trip for all the tea in Uganda!!!! And I wouldn't trade this mission for a sunny day on a beach in Hawai'i. It's what God has planned for me. God bless each one of you!!!!

Debbie and Dianne give medicine to men and women suffering from Elephantitis. They were so grateful!

Antwon meets Debbie...Love at first sight!!

I haven't had any time to blog because we have been out visiting the various villages outside of Kampala. What an AMAZING 2 days this has been. (The drive there has been another type of experience altogether!!!!---THINK HEART ATTACK!! We have been greeted by the children and women at each stop and made to feel so important. It's interesting that we have come to bless them, and yet, we have been overwhelmed by their LOVE and AFFECTION. Each child and woman are beautiful beyond words, big eyes and smiles that brighten even the brightest African day!! There are so many needs that I am excited to brainstorm with others on how to earn extra money. I was most excited to meet a few special needs children. Those children would have been my students had I been a teacher in Uganda!!! I'm already thinking how I can help Antwon get the wheelchair he will obviously need in a few years. SOOOOOOO, I have that to think about.
Dianne and I were given LOTS of money by First Presbyterian Church mission committee and various friends. We have had numerous opportunities to bless some very ill and needy people. One young man in particular is Joseph, 18, who has elephantitis (sp??) and it has affected his genitalia. He is extremely embarrassed about his condition and doesn't want to go out in public. We have given him medicine and others will help him with surgery in the near future. Idah, GFR Uganda Director, has helped us purchase boxes and boxes of medicine which we had delivered to the poorest of the poor. HOW HUMBLING IT IS TO KNOW THAT WE ARE IMPACTING THE LIVES OF THESE PEOPLE. There were so many more that we couldn't help.
On a different topic, we saw the baboons!! What a hoot!! They literally 'patrol' the road we were on and 'raided' the bus!! The DO NOT FEED THE ANIMALS sign must not have been meant for us, because they quickly devoured bananas during their photo shoot!!!
Well, we more great challenges ahead for the weekend. I'll write again whenever I have the opportunity. Sorry for the long blog!!