Side Note

              This past week has been so full of finding joy in fellowship. Making friends in a new context is not easy. It was a flashback to college; when I moved out of my parent’s house and into an apartment close to UNC. I found a Christian group right away, but it is always uncomfortable when you first walk into a group of people you don’t know. The passing of time comes with the relationships and the slow process of becoming a part of the family. It takes perseverance, enduring awkwardness, friendliness of others, and coming up with questions to ask them. It has been an encouragement to know that “sticking around” the same people reaps a lasting family who care about you even if you are the outsider.

                Being around the directors and volunteers of the Compassion International center at the church on Kyambogo’s campus last week has left me feeling so blessed. God placed them in my life at the right time when I arrived on January 16^th, and they have cared for me since. I have helped a little with the elementary age students on Saturdays; singing songs, passing out chai and bowls of food, smiling with them, and keeping them occupied. This last week, though, was the program for the secondary students (middle school/high school) before they go off to school.

                Monday morning started off a routine for the whole week. I would go see my friend at the post office and she would give me my Luganda phrase for the day. Then I walked to the church, greeted the cooks, and then entered the Compassion office where I was directed to the same chair. My “brother” would tell me (not ask me) that I was going to have chai; he brought me tea and something to eat. Then we would travel up to the room were the students would be and the program would start. First devotions, then a conversation with questions to understand the world and see what the Bible has to say about that subject. Students would trickle in as the day progressed – there is no hurry in Africa, so it is difficult to get people in one place at one time – and eventually lunch would be served. There is a lot of rice or posho (like ugali – corn flour boiled until it has a playdough like consistency), cabbage, and this week they would have either beans or meat (beef or fish). Ugandans usually have one big meal at lunch time after a small breakfast and maybe followed by a light dinner. They eat a lot at lunch. We would joke about how small my stomach is as I struggled to finish my food. “Melissa, pray for faith enough to move that mountain from the plate to your stomach!” I am still treated like a visitor, so I pray that my relationships will grow enough to disappear that view. In time.

                Being with them has brought me much joy inside. They care for me and it shows. I was so privileged to be allowed to fellowship with them and build relationships with the young girls, answering their questions and encouraging them with every ounce I had. God also gave me great opportunities to encourage the staff/volunteers and express how blessed they have made me. They work hard for Compassion…to keep the older kids involved and the program running. Their dedication shows how much they love the kids and it spills over to the volunteers who have been there since they were young.

                This week, I will be again exploring the campus, finding a vegetable market, hopefully moving to my permanent apartment before another group occupies this guest house, and seeing what conversations God has in store for me each day. Compassion International is keeping me involved for now, but I know it is not the reason I am here. It is a great family foundation for me to hold on to as I start teaching for the year. It is a side note in my ministry that I have been abundantly blessed with.

Prayers:

                See the previous post.

                Also, for me to allow God to address those dry spots in my relationship with Him.

Highlights:

               - Had traditional Ugandan food for lunch all week.

               - Had Talappia three times – what?! Once in the form of fish and chips.

                -Gave my first “word” – sometimes you are just asked to give a little sermon or Bible lesson on the spot…without notice. Thankfully, I had hours to prep mine….this time.

                -Met my lizard friend in the house. He eats the bugs for me and keeps me company when I get lonely in the evenings.

                -Played Netball and football (soccer).

                -Made a cake without a recipe...and it worked!! Thank you, Mom for all of those cooking lessons!

                -Had a sleepover with my AIM Special Education team leader and two other girls working in the Kampala region under special education. Made delicious food, brownies, and went to church the next day together.

                -Traveled by taxi (14 ish passenger vans full of people, cheapest transport) to downtown Kampala to meet said team leader and girls. All. By. Myself. Felt pretty accomplished.

                -Must remember that God is the one making all of these highlights happen.

                

Language:

                Webale (thank you) 


Pictures: 

My bananas and my mango are better than yours... Sorry.

Some of the girls from Compassion International at the football match. 

Nothing beats that. Glory to God.