Captured

I’m out on the beautiful deck of the KCM guesthouse, or Jesus House as it is otherwise termed… and it’s the cool of the evening and so beautiful. Whenever people think of Ugandan weather, I find they immediately think hot and sticky – almost unbearable temperatures – but it’s so far from that. Yes, we have our hot days – but near the capital, where we are based the temperature doesn’t stray far from 26 degrees at the hottest time of the day, and around 18 in the evening – and it’s a dry heat, the air isn’t as think as back home – just about perfect I would say. I don’t handle heat very well, then add in humidity like we have in our hot, stormy Australian summers - and it’s a licence to retreat to the nearest air-conditioned centre – or cool coffee shop by the beach (with a few exceptions that aren’t, namely: Rosie Blu and/or Indulge – mood depending;)).

So it’s been 2 weeks, almost to the day that I arrived in this fascinating country that has somehow captured me. Beware. If you dare travel to Africa, be prepared to never return complete. You’ll always leave a part of you here. I think… it’s just about impossible to travel here, doing the ‘tourist’ thing, or otherwise – and not be impacted. No, I’m not just talking about the crazy extremes in poverty and the dire lack of opportunities for Ugandans – even for those who are educated, or that backward governmental system which is only self-seeking and while trying to appear that it has a heart for the people it governs, it fails miserably. People can see right to the true motives. I’m not just talking about the crazy road system where potholes (craters) are norm, and the even crazier traffic situation – seriously, if there is any rule here, it is that there are none – and just expect the person driving straight  for you to swerve at the very last second, or that boda (motorbike) rider to pull out right in front of you – or that taxi (mini bus, with 14 seats and 21 people) to just pull to a stop in the main street, sit there for 5 minutes to let passengers out, and take on new ones – without any clear route around him – traffic backing up behind us, horns beeping. Yep, Ugandan traffic is something. And what is even crazier, is that there are actually rules. Yep. But these traffic police have no hope of keeping up. Kind of like when a riot that has just overpowered the riot police – where do they even start to gain back control? Seatbelts are rule – nobody wears them. Talking on mobile phones while driving is illegal, yet everyone does. Boda drivers have to wear helmets, yet you’ll be lucky to find one in the thousands.  Taxis are only allowed to carry 14 passengers, yet if the conductor can squeeze in just a few more – there’s no doubt he will. Seriously, we could have fun playing ‘corners’ in this country, but somehow I think the Ugandan seated next to me would understand what the ‘muzungu’s’ crazy point was…. I’ll just sit quietly and pray to get there safely instead.  I’m not talking about the mother and child sitting on the corner of the major shopping precinct, grubby, torn clothes, begging for money - people just walking by – probably confused at how to help them, I mean, really help them. Or the child, not older than 6 standing in the middle of a busy street begging for money in the jam of traffic – mum nowhere to be seen, but you just know that she is hiding on the sidelines ready to collect any money her adorable child brings in, only by tearing passers-by heartstrings, mostly foreigners – locals know better than to encourage such behaviour. Helping perhaps, but so temporarily – and definitely not encouraging the family out of the cycle of poverty. I heard of one doctor here who decided not just to walk by, but not just to offer money either – she picked up the very young child and began walking towards her clinic which was just close by – knowing that the mother would come running . When she did, the doctor purposed to talk to her, and ask her what she could do to ‘really’ help her and stop her from putting her child on the street. The mother was offered a job as a house maid to another doctor, and his family. Fairly paid, fairly treated. Clean, warm bed for her and her child. She lasted only a couple of weeks, and then left without a word – clearly, the street was more of a lucrative business. The risks of putting her child in the middle of the ridiculous Ugandan traffic, didn’t outweigh the benefits of a steady, safe income - in her mind. So sad. So, anyone  who travels here is encouraged not to give these children,  or adult beggars money – offer to give them water, food – transport back to their home – but don’t give them money. This only encourages them to stay on the street.

So tonight – I’m not talking about all these things that work together and snatch a part of you, preventing you returning ‘home’ the same. Tonight I speak of the people here who really imprint your heart. Full stop. No matter their situation, or background. They are blessings, when they don’t realise they even are. Their sense of fun, energy, their grace, humbleness, the girls’ sassiness – (they’re cute, and they know it;)), the guys’ humor, their friendliness, non-judgemental nature, resilience, faith in the face of hardships, every single person’s determination  - you see, these guys capture me, and I have no doubt, they would capture you too.  I am blessed because I have seen, and witnessed. Now I know... I will never be the same.

I was in a coffee shop today. The power was off back home, and I had things I wanted to do on my laptop so went and hung out there for a few hours. They have wifi. As soon as I had arrived, a guy named ‘Emmanuel’ came and sat opposite me – and in fairly good English asked to have a few moments of my time. He was 23, and had been offered a full scholarship to a university in China – school fees, food, accommodation – everything for the entirety of his Engineering program. He came with his church’s recommendation and was just going from person to person with his story, appealing for help with his air ticket – the only thing between him and his scholarship. No air ticket, no scholarship. It seemed crazy to me. The price of an air ticket would determine his future. He was obviously highly motivated, yet humble at the same time – to be able to appeal to complete strangers for help. I helped as I could – but he still has a long way to go before he is on that plane to China. I just pray that he may find someone to sponsor his trip. There is no HECS system here – you pay as you go, or you don’t study. And if you’re parents cannot pay for your university fees, or your big brother – than simply, you don’t go to university. Students right out of school have no way of paying their own way through university – yet they are among the most motivated individuals I have ever met. This world is really not equitable. Emmanuel will do so well if  he can only get on that plane. Keep him in your prayers? I really hope he makes it.

Well, it’s the Kyampisi Children’s Christmas party tomorrow. We’ve bought a whole bunch of Christmas food, and sweets. We have Christmas shoeboxes to give out to the children – sent from a church in the US and we have enough sugar to keep these guys going well into the afternoon. Should be a good day, I’m definitely looking forward to it. So on that note, at 11.40pm – I will head to bed.

I have much more to write, and will soon. Much love to everyone back home.

Sula Bulungi (Good night)

x

Wide smiles, red dirt, cassava and beans - definitely back in Uganda!

Might be a bit of a surprise to some, it came around fairly quickly this time, and there were a few question marks as to whether I’d be able to make it this year – but things all fell in together and I’m here finally, it feels good. Kind of feels like home in a way. Silly, but I got a bit restless before I came. Not sure why exactly, but as I flew into Uganda and I was greeted with familiar faces, it was just like... ‘I’m home’. Any silly reservations I had went away, and I’m settling back in. Jetlagged perhaps, but I am definitely feeling more human today, after a bit more sleep last night.

This blog of thoughts has been a little quiet, well – it was never very rowdy to start with – but in the absence of updates - my mind has been overactive, and life has been busy. It’s been almost 18 months since I’ve been in Uganda, and it has been wonderful to be back in Australia - to be with family, and friends. To be back at work, and to be open to opportunities that have come along. But, my thoughts (as you could probably tell from my last blog) have been crowded with wanting to know God’s will in my life. Where my place truly is and how to get in the centre of His will –wanting to know how to live a Kingdom life. My great Aunty Edna,who was a missionary nurse in India with a leprosy mission for many years, once said, ‘There is no better place to be than in the centre of God’s will.’ I so believe this, and I so much want this for my life. As opportunities come, I’ve been waiting for God’s direction, for his peace in the plans and decisions that I make and he’s been teaching me patience while not revealing all the pieces of the puzzle at one time. Sometimes answering ‘just wait’, rather than ‘yes’ or ‘no’. Little by little, and thankfully I am content to wait as I know the plan God has is so far greater than any I could plan for myself. I know beyond anything, that I serve a faithful God. For the past 12 months, I’ve been working back as a Paediatric nurse in my hometown, and I’ve really enjoyed it. Kind of feels like I’ve had the opportunity to cement my skills and gain a bit more confidence in my abilities, and role. An opportunity came along for me to study midwifery in 2012. Something, that I’ve truly wanted to do since as long as I can remember. While employed as a Registered Nurse/Student Midwife, the position is linked with a university where I would study a full time postgraduate diploma in Midwifery for 12months. The practical component of the course is fulfilled by being employed as a student midwife, and the theoretical component is covered by university. I have heard the year is full on, but I think it’s well worth it. Just hang in there for 12 months, and I’m done. No more study for me. I was offered the position, and have accepted. I prayed that doors would be closed if I was not supposed to do this, but every door just stayed open and I believe it is where I am meant to be for next year. I can see having the skill and knowledge base midwifery would be valuable, wherever I may find myself in the world. So that’s next year sorted. From then, who knows?

So, right now I’m here in Uganda… to be available basically. I had annual leave banked up and before I begin my new job in January, I wanted to spend my time in Uganda – with the busyness of next year, I am not sure (although I hope) that I will have a chance to come back until 2013. I’ve learned since arriving that I will be helping with a child nutrition research project, linked with a local organisation here. I’m still learning about the structure of the project, but will meet with the organisation soon and try to get it up and running. I have very limited information at this stage, as I learn more, I’ll update everyone on the details. Hopefully we will be able to get in and finalise the groundwork before I leave in a few weeks’ time. Last time I was in Uganda, we did a child health and sanitation survey of Kyampisi and the findings were quite insightful. It was our first attempt at this sort of survey, so this time around we will have that experience behind us – knowing what worked well, what didn’t. The information that can be gained from research is so helpful in initiating change, for writing proposals. Without understanding of the situations we are dealing with, we are not able to target effective programs that will bring real change. So, I am really looking forward to this project, but more so, what may come from it. I’ll keep you guys posted.

Being back in Uganda is a good feeling. It’s so hard to describe the feeling to somebody that hasn’t been here, but, I believe Uganda just has God’s favour on it, as does Kyampisi. In a big way. I think it would be hard to find somebody who could come here and not be touchednand challenged. How can one see, but not do anything I guess? Once we have seen, we have a responsibility – but it’s even beyond that. It’s not a chore or a burden (although yes, sometimes it really hurts, it’s hard, it stretches us), but in it, you find joy. I am privileged to have seen, definitely challenged and I want to do what I can to help. It's humbling to be back here.

Yesterday we travelled to Kyampisi. I had a chance to see the new children’s church, Alan’s house and 2 new protected water sources that have come since I was here last. It was so amazing to see! Last time I was here, there were NO functioning protected wells/bore holes, and this time I drank straight from a protected well – the water was so clean and fresh and 24hours later – I have no belly ache. What a blessing! I met with a jajja (grandmother) who lives just up from a new protected bore hole, and all she could do was raise her hands in praise to God for the new watering hole that was established just behind where she lives – she doesn’t have to walk for miles with a 20litre jerry can any longer. We talked with her for a time, and then as we were leaving she brought over handful after handful of fresh ‘gnuts’ (groundnuts), or peanuts as we know them. She filled my handbag with nuts, and my friend, Robert's pockets full! This morning I woke to find a trail off ants out of my bag, and all I could do was smile. What a generous heart this jajja has. These people barely have anything, but without hesitation – give to overflowing. This perhaps is the single thing that challenges my heart the most. So many of these people have, by the western world's standards, nothing - but they truly seem to have everything. It is amazing to witness. By the way, the nuts were fine. The ants didn’t get into too many, and we have plans to roast them :) Freshest nuts I’ve ever had, that’s for certain. We had the midweek service at the church after then, with the children’s choir singing praise and a message. It was so good to be back with everyone in Kyampisi again. The children are growing; they are even speaking more English! New babies have been born, and new families are coming along to the church. What a great first day back in Uganda! Today, we went into the city to get my phone sorted with a new sim and a few other things. We stopped in briefly at a café called ‘Café Jaava’s’ and had our first coffee since leaving Australia. It was so good. Recharged, and back home now. I have a chance to sit and write. I’ve got little Mukisa George on my lap just watching what I’m up to, while eating a piece of fried cassava. Definitely in love with this place.

Just some encouragement I found this morning as I was doing my morning devotion today - I came across the passage in 1 Corinthians 12:12 titled 'One Body, Many Parts' . It just reminded me how everyone has been gifted in different ways, and it is because of that we can work together to achieve a common goal. One is an arm, one a leg - one an eye, one an ear - while one is even the sole of a foot. One, cannot function fully (as it should) without the other, and each part has equal importance - whether that be in an obvious role like the hand, or not so obvious as the sole of a foot. If we can all work harmoniously together - at whatever it is we have our mind set to - we can really achieve great things! Challenge accepted.

Well, blog one written. There will be more. I am determined this time to update more regularly, to keep everyone update on what’s happening here. I will forgo sleep to write an update (if it comes to that... hopefully not:/). So keep posted. Thanks for all your encouragement and prayers while I am away. I have seen God move in incredible ways – even being away for these past 18months, and returning – I can see how face KCM has come, and still have so far to go – but hearts are willing and ready to go there. What a ride.

Night all.
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