Being a Learner

                Sometimes those who look at the African continent see only destitution, famine, anger, hurt, HIV/AIDS, Malaria, dry desert, and primitive people living primitive lives, sheltered from the Western world. It is not hard to do. I understand. I was there too. With “feed children” commercials, news stations proclaiming the happenings of war and riots, disease, bombings… It is true. There are parts that are not good. But when that is all people understand about this continent, it makes me a little sad. Africa has much more to offer. It can teach us in more ways than I can even understand. It is still teaching me.

               Africa. My new home. After spending time here, I have seen the ugly and the beautiful. This Africa. The slow life lived in community. People always having time for people. Conversations all around. Laughter heard from each corner. Never in a rush – always time for people. Greetings. Handshakes. Always asking “how are you”. Family taking care of family. Joyful faces of people who have to walk many kilometers for water and to try and save for school fees. Beautiful scenery. Hopeful faces of those without families. Hospitality, giving most of what they have to everyone who comes to the front door. Songs of praise being lifted up to God for the one meal received that day. Just “being”.

               Now, living here as a very single, very white, very womanly woman, there many things and people I have to guard myself against. However, I have seen that showing I am willing to learn from the people here and to just “be” with them in community, it can bridge some cultural barriers. Relationships. That is what I am learning as God is shaping my perception on missions. Loving people. Being in relationship with them. Shouldn’t we all being doing that wherever we are? That is how we are a light; illuminating Jesus by the way we are “being” with people and learning from them.

               Just yesterday, I was wandering around Kyambogo campus, waiting for someone to catch my eye so I can greet them with my new Luganda phrase. A girl my age immediately stopped, greeted me back, and proceeded to tell me about how pleased she was that I was trying to learn the language. She blessed me head to foot as she encouraged me and loved me with her words. God knows exactly what I need.

                Being in my temporary housing (the guesthouse) alone, it has been a bit lonely.  I have been craving community, and God has placed many opportunities in my lap. My goal for each day is to learn one phrase of Luganda and to get out of the house twice. Those have been so helpful as it gives me a purpose each morning. I have met some lovely people and I know where to find them. Unexpectedly, my unit leader and I came across a Compassion International center at the church on campus. Compassion is based out of Colorado Springs and they deal with child sponsorships all around the world; helping many children get through school and learn about Jesus. I have built relationships with the volunteers and the director; already learning a lot from them about their program and Ugandan culture. Each Saturday they have worship, classes, and food for the kindergarten/elementary school aged children, and this week they are working with the high school aged youth before the school term begins next week. Because I won’t have much to do before term starts, I am able to help a little with both of those programs, thus fighting off the feelings of loneliness. God has surely blessed me with this little “side note” in my ministry. I have been able to abide in Him and in fellowship with people who already care for me as a sister, and with people who continue teaching me many things each day.

Prayers:

                Permanent housing – unknown when I can move in, lots of things need to happen before and we are on a time crunch.

                Praise God for the fellowship I have stepped into, but pray that I continue building relationships with others…that I will use the time before schools starts wisely.

                Protection in general. Close walk with Jesus.

                Peace about housing and about my teaching situation (handling a special education program that is not well developed is a little daunting).

                Practice with Luganda and culture – that I will work through the times I am overwhelmed.

Luganda phrase:

                Greetings are so important. The general greeting in Luganda is:

Oli otya (how are you)

Bulungi (fine)

               

Photos:

Spent first couple days at Matoke guest house.

Matoke (bananas).

Looking over Kampala.

City streets.

Chai = Love

My view of the Kyambogo campus from the guest house.

Kyambogo guest house - my home for a couple weeks.

Laundry day.