Only Comfort

Be still, my soul: the waves and winds still know/His voice who ruled them while he dwelt below.
- Be Still, My Soul (old hymn)

                A thing that I was reminded of this week can be tagged under the theme of entitlement. As Americans, we seem to think we are entitled to a lot of things:

Ex: (1) It has been a bad, frustrating day-I deserve a glass of wine and ice cream. (2) I paid for ______, so only I can use it. (3) The waitress did not__________, so I won’t tip her. (4) I waited so long for ______. I should get something free. (5) Independence and freedom to do what we want. (6) I worked hard all week, I deserve a day of video games.

                I hope you are beginning to see how our culture is and that there is a lot of attention on “self”. I am reminded of it every day and am convicted as I observe how life is here in Uganda. In this communal life, everything is shared even if you don’t have much of anything. There is no lingering presence of entitlement.

The house I moved to on Thursday (temporary-the guest house was needed for some other visitors), was filthy, but it has been cleaned and I have the basics. My shower doesn’t work, but I have water at my fingertips. There is no lighting inside, but I have a flashlight and extra batteries. My water jug can’t be filled without a hose, but I can get water from the sink even so. The stove is old, but one hotplate works. I am not in the apartment I was promised, and won’t be for a while, but I have a place to sleep, cook, and bathe until my permanent place is ready. All of those things together are more than most people have. I am not entitled to anything…except what we should all have; Jesus. He is worth more than any of the comforts known to us.

The guest house I lived in for a couple weeks gave me comfort. It was safe with the watchman always around. The bugs wouldn’t show their buggy eyes unless food was on the counter. I left most of the windows open at night. I fell sound asleep without nerves or concerns. I could come “home” after a full day of being with people and have some nice time to myself – cooking, cleaning, showering, reading, writing, etc. All in a safe house. I never realized how much value and a sense of entitlement I gave to that. I deserve that, right?

Friday brought many things. It was my first time to meet all the teachers I will be working with for the next year, and the house was still being cleaned and prepared. After school, I went straight to the house to meet the cleaning lady and busied myself while she washed floors and walls. She took the curtains off the kitchen windows before she left to wash them so she could bring them back the following day. Not only could someone see my glowing white skin in the kitchen, but there were also no outside lights (security lights) on that side of the house. Unfortunately, it gave opportunity for someone to come to the window and scare me while I was cooking dinner with my flashlight. I was frightened and managed to call my friend, the watchman from the guest house, to come and check things out. The now angry and protective watchman, circled the house, checked my doors and windows, and sat patiently at the table while I finished cooking my burned potatoes and rice dinner. Only after he assured me that I would be safe did he leave with a promise to come check on me in the morning. Regardless, I didn’t sleep well.

After I had calmed down a little, I remembered the words found in Pslams 91 (a passage I learned as a song): a chapter brimming with the promises that God will be our protector and refuge in times of trouble. “No evil shall befall you, nor shall any plague come near your dwelling. For He shall give His angels charge over you to keep you in all your ways.” Much thanksgiving was felt for the watchman and the comforting passage of scripture that was brought to mind as I tried to fall asleep.

I am entitled to comfort. The comfort found only in the Most High God. Not in a big, four bedroom house on the Kyambogo University campus in Kampala, Uganda. Not even in the ranch-style house on my grandfather’s farm in Broomfield, Colorado, U.S.A.
                Chances are this will probably happen again. I will be startled and feel unsafe at times – living alone. It is a normalcy for many here in Uganda. That is the reality. This world is corrupted and evil is lurking, but I said “yes” to what God called me to do. And that “yes” was even for discomfort and fear at times; even at home. The amazing thing: He has already provided for me with my watchman – someone who doesn’t feel entitled to gain anything for his effort and care for my benefit. That is pretty rare, don’t you think?

Where does my comfort truly lie?

P.S. I now have curtains and security lights at the back of the house. ;)

Prayer:

                Safety and continued reliance on God

                Permanent housing soon

                Relationships with teachers and students as school starts tomorrow

                Continued learning        

Highlights:

                Received a few hugs from Ugandan friends (hugs are reserved for good friends).

                Continue to be connected with a Wednesday afternoon fellowship group that is outreach focused.

                Connected personally with some of the children during the Compassion program on Saturday.

                Went to the local market for the first time.

                Found a safe, trustworthy Boda (motorcycle taxi) driver to use from now on.

                Spent a lot of time sitting and learning.

                Met some friends at a school for the disabled in a nearby town.  

                Had many friends greet me as I walked around campus. I am easily recognized, and it feels so good to know people!

                Saw another muzungu (white person) on campus… Not the only one anymore!

Luganda:

                Tugende (let’s go)

Photos:

                None this week. Sorry!