Christmas is coming soon. Be the first to get all your shopping done and help underprivileged people in East Africa at the same time. You'll hear about the self-sustainability plan we're working on for the Konoweka ladies and you might get a sneak peek at the girly dresses I'm making to help with that project.
Even if you only want to visit, please come. I hope to see you at the party on Saturday,...
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Saturday, September 24, 2011
Field Ministry Reflections
As I reflect on my time in East Africa, I am surprised by the number of instances when God opened doors for ministry. Why? Why am I surprised that he goes before me to arrange the places, provisions, and people with the goal of accomplishing his purposes? Perhaps the reason for my constant surprise is that, from my perspective, we live in a world between faith and the fall and sometimes I expect to experience more of the fall than of the faith. In short, I sometimes under expect what God can and...
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Baby Ricky is Two Months Old
Two whole months have passed since baby Ricky was born. He’s growing like a weed. The next time I return he’ll probably be ready for college. I’ll miss some important days with this adorable child but I know he’s in good hands.
His parents and I discussed the likely personality this child would have, given their quiet demeanor. I reminded them how important it was to have me in his life so that...
A Dolly in the Slum
Being invited for a meal at a Ugandan’s home is not at all uncommon. Perhaps it’s simple hospitality, perhaps it has something to do with social status at having a mzungu visit your home, or perhaps for reasons that entirely escape me. Whatever the case, Thomas my Kampala boda man extended that invitation. Having spent enough time with him this past four months to feel safe in making the visit, and...
A Dolly at Church
One spirited little girl at church definitely needed a dolly to keep her busy. This tiny one helps preach the word each week by clinging to the pastor’s leg. She keeps the roosters who venture into the “sanctuary” busy. She tries on the shoes of all the nearby adults and clomp, comps with them on her bitty feet. Such personality attracts me to this young thing. With all that daring and charisma,...
Games with Olivia
The wind howled and the single, rusty iron sheet covering the small family-filled apartment lifted so that the dark clouds could be seen outside before returning to its resting place on top of the cement walls. The air pressure changed; I wondered about tornados in Africa. The wind began churning the debris outside and the roof threatened some more. Just as we closed the door to keep out all types...
Entrepreneurship: School of Ministry
The second group of students to complete the Entrepreneurship course finished this week. This group of pastors-in-training, teachers…and Andy (Lauren’s husband) spent the last four weeks learning how to create a business plan for use in business-related decision making, for use in supporting funding proposals, and to guide them in actually starting their businesses.
Some of the material was...
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Kampala Jam
Malaria-ridden Lobu came running up the street at 11:30 pm to escort me safely home. All the boda-boda men had long since said good night. The taxi dropped me at Kennedy stage after six and a half hours of carefully negotiating a way home.
Rush hour traffic can mean the difference of more than an hour when it comes to riding the taxi home. Among about 100 people, I began my journey at Entebbe...
Saturday, September 3, 2011
Nakasero Market
Another place requiring mastery navigation is Nakasero Market. Nakasero is known for its fresh fruits and veggies and, although much smaller than the taxi park, Nakasero requires an air of confidence too. The foods prepared as a result of Nakasero are typically delicious. I never knew fruits and vegetables to be so richly flavorful. Nakasero is also where the best prices can be had (as long as you’re...
Kampala Taxi Park
The Kampala taxi park – better known as the new taxi park (although why new, I have no idea) – is a place filled with all manner of taxis heading to various destinations throughout the country. This is where I can board a taxi to head down Entebbe Road toward home…if I can find the right taxi. The rush hour crush is literally that. Taxis vying for space along the narrow roads of Kampala.
I’m proud...
Friday, September 2, 2011
East African Artisans Party: October 1, 2011
You're Invited
You are invited to make a difference in the lives of people in East Africa!
Come see some old favorites as well as some all new handcrafts made by the women of Jacaranda Creations (scarves, stockings, ornaments, and more) as well as some new-to-you crafts from the women of Kenya and Uganda including hand-painted ceramic jewelry, baskets, and so much more.
Every day the men and women of Africa use their God-given skills and talents to craft products made available...
Bibles in Bugembe
The children who surround me with hugs when I arrive at Robert’s house received their gift of pocket size New Testament Bibles during my last stay. We blew bubbles, ate Cheese Nips, and generally said good-bye…although I doubt they realized I would not be back for some time. I wonder…did they miss me the next wee...
Last Class Celebration in Buwenge
With mixed emotions I handed over money for preparing a final course day celebration. I had thought preparing food for the children in the area would be a better way to spend the money. However, I also felt that sharing a meal with the first group to complete the Entrepreneurship course was important. Praise God, the leaders agreed and the meal prepared for our enjoyment also fed the many children...
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