A School Bag for Tiff from Suzanne

Wera, Tiff, and Sabila all got new shoes (not shown here) in
Tiff's school bag.

Tiff (Tief) has grown up so much this past few months. School has done wonders for his naughty behavior. This little Muslim boy isn’t as interested in reading the Bible as Faridah, but he’s quite happy to hear biblically based stories about the Berenstain Bears and to "shade" on Bible story coloring books. We continue to model walking in the way of love for Tiff and I hope and pray just a little bit of that modeling is absorbed by that lovable little monster and his siblings. Thank you for making it possible to love Tiff in a new way, Suzanne!

Update: Maama Tiff said Wera and Sabila sleep in their new shoes.

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A School Bag for Eme from Krissy

Eme is the most creative child in my neighborhood. She’s the one using every color in the pallet when “shading” on Saturday mornings. She’s also the most sneaky; peeking in my curtain-less windows to see if I’ll come out to play. I offered this gift to Eme because Krissy is creative too. A perfect match. Eme is now ready for school to start with her new school bag, sensible shoes, and a few requirements. It doesn’t seem like much but money spent on these supplies is probably more than a month’s wages for the families around my home. Thank you Krissy!

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Community Care

Red clay fills the gaps between tree branches that form the structure called Juliette’s home. The hot sun bakes that clay until it cracks and eventually returns to the earth. She and her two young daughters stay in this home, both of whom were too fearful of the muzungu to appear in the photo. Juliette uses a modified bicycle/wheelchair to navigate the hard clay earth. She is just one of many individuals Christ Fellowship International and Pastor Moses cares for. I was introduced to Juliette and asked for advice about how best to help her without creating dependencies.

Pastor Moses quickly caught on to applying what he learned in the workshops to offering Juliette aid. What skills does Juliette have? (tailoring) What can Juliette and her girls contribute to society as a way of “earning” gifts of food from the church? (sweeping, setting up chairs before service) How can the church assist Juliette in setting up a small business or working for someone in a small way so that she is actually earning what she is given (tailoring, grinding maze, storefront attendant). I look forward to seeing how Juliette’s life and the lives of those in the church are changed because of the way they see God in work.

Can you guess what this is? New Hope Nursery & Primary School operates in this “building” and its leader is a member of Christ Fellowship International church in Kamuli. During our lunch break, Pastor Moses showed me to this building and we met with the school director to discuss some advice on how to grow and develop the school. I’m constantly impressed by the big dreams people have for their children. So many people – Americans – wouldn’t even bother starting something if this was all they had. Instead passionate families come together to do at least SOMEthing for their children. Focus tends to be the main feedback offered in such situations as when spread too thin it’s hard to do everything well. An hour or so later, we returned to the church with a director who was energized about how to develop the school using the little resources he has. I look forward to seeing of any of the advice offered comes to fruition and actually impacts the school in a positive way.

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Dollies for Three from Nancy

Victor could not keep from peeking inside my bag. Most of its contents were my clothing but he sensed there was something more…and he was right. Three dollies – one of which happened to be a boy dolly – were nestled inside with just enough breathing room. Yes, even dollies must breathe. I felt the nudge of the Holy Spirit and soon that boy dolly was gripped tightly with both arms close to the chest of that small boy. As a matter of fact, I can’t recall seeing Victor without his new charge even once. Siblings were refused any hope of groping this treasure as well.

Because Victor is the pastor’s son, I spent more time with him and his siblings. During one waiting period, I decided to show them NOOMA Rain and have a little ministry time with them. What a blessing to talk to these children about their heavenly Father. A message, I’m sure, they’re not unfamiliar with. Yet, reinforcement from non-parental figures is always good.

Trina attended each workshop session with her maama and played quietly as most children do when instructed. Sometimes I’m amazed at the patience these children have while doing something entirely uninteresting and incomprehensible. What could a simple dolly do to help her pass the time. Though not quite sure how to answer that question, Trina gladly received her new love along with the message of Jesus’ love for her simple, tiny life and the prophecy that she would impact many nations.

Biakatunda was a squirmy girl. She hadn’t yet learned to be patient. Though when I held her, she simply leaned forward and put her forehead to mine. I think she was a bit pensive and this was the only way she knew to NOT see me so much. When she finally leaned back to have a look at this bright lady, she began the early stages of whimpering which normally leads to all out wailing. Back in her mother’s arms she was content to hold on to her dolly from afar.

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Christ Fellowship International

Sitting on a bench just out of the rain, Pastor Moses and I chatted for the first time. He told me about his idea for storing and transporting various produce and making them for sale in the off seasons as a means for supporting his family while continuing to pastor Christ Fellowship International in Kamuli. That one chat, along with the endorsement of several friends, led this man of God to invite Surprised by Hope to bring biblically-based business teaching to the church.

Pastor Fred – a former Kamuli resident – joined me in that small town as well. Pastor Fred is an excellent teacher and we’ve been working together for a while now. Pastor Fred is learning the content as well as developing that content more fully so that we can co-teach at least some of the various workshops in the Jinja area. My goal is that we can equip and empower Pastor Fred and leaders like him to facilitate either alongside or independently so as to expand the reach of the Gospel message with teachings applicable to practical everyday life.

 

We found one another in front of the Kamuli Supermarket as I purchased the props needed for illustrating lessons about creative and critical thinking as well as asset-based development. And then we found eager students waiting for us at the church. Our time together passed quickly but certainly not without many moments of realization. I love helping people see God in everyday life and helping them come to terms with their identity in Christ. This realization – that they are created in the image of God and ought to be imitators of Christ – changes the way they look at business. Imagine…if we can influence the way people conduct themselves for Jesus through daily transactions in the marketplace because they understand God’s economy according to Scripture…we can do anything with the help of Jesus.

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Teaching Children About Missions

“Muzungu,” some tiny voices shouted from inside the small bedroom where those tiny voices were supposed to be sleeping. The adult caretakers and teachers came running to the door to greet me too. I love the family that is The Sanctuary Babies Home in part because of that freedom of expression and also because the children don’t fear but instead warmly love those who are caring for them.

That Box from My Grandbabies certainly had some goodies inside. I had the privilege of bringing those goodies to these kids and they almost devoured the package. Toothbrushes, toothpastes, crayons, and coloring books. All the things we love to do together – well…we don’t brush our teeth together.

LoHire is still such a tiny thing.
She lacks the proper nutrition to become strong.

The idea, though, is that American children (who just happen to be my grandchildren) learn about and understand what it means to live with less and have need of the simple things…and to reach out and share what little they can. Yet, also understand that we love the same Jesus way across the planet in an entirely different world. I’m so thankful to be the conduit for all of these kids who are so precious to me.

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Mother's Day Giftgiving

Paper Craft Africa is an organization dedicated to making paper products by hand using natural fibers such as banana leaf, pineapple tops, and elephant grass. The employees are excited about what God has done in this small business to expand its reach into more areas than ever.

Part of this expansion includes developing a product line that encompasses more than just greeting cards. Stationary sets, handmade soap sets, and journals are just a few of the beautiful items available through this organization…items made with head, heart, and hands.

What a wonderful way to surprise your mother this Mother’s Day.

Writing Set	$15.00
Cards (5 pk sm)	$6.00
Soap (2) and Loofa	$10.00
Soap (singles)	$2.00
Journal	$15.00
Cards (single gift)	$3.00

 

Handmade soap and loofa with a handmade paper box - $10.00

Handmade mini-card set of five - $6.00
Regular size gift cares are just like these and sold in singles - $3.00

Handmade paper journal - $15.00

Handmade paper stationary set - $15.00

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The "I Love You" Box

Colored on top of the box waiting for me at Posta Uganda was the purple outline of two tiny hands labeled with “Addie’s” name. Hmm, one hand looked different. Wait, she used sign language to tell me she loves me. Awe, I miss that little one. One year out of a three-year-old's life is a LOT. I spied a fish swimming across the top of that box too, and I’m thinking he was the work of Lucah. Hmm, what might I find on the reverse side of the box? A picture of what could be me or what could be Noah. Blond hair, blue eyes, and a purple shirt. Adorable.

While it’s pretty stupid how much the US Post Office makes you pay for such a box, I have to admit it was worth every penny (coming from the one who did not have to pay for it). While I gushed over the drawing on the outside of the box, the customs agent didn’t even bother to check inside. Now we know the secret. Send boxes with child-drawn pictures and have gushy grandmas pick them up so as to avoid inspection.

The inside of that box contained three “we miss you” cards (sniffle) colored by the three box decorators and some personal surprises. Becky knew exactly what to get me. Peanut Butter, trail mix, and blue nail polish. So thoughtful, truly,…she reminds me of her father. The real reason for the box was to send along some gifts for the children at The Sanctuary Babies Home and to help the three grandchildren learn about giving and missions.

Lucah, Noah, and Addie – you did great! The tooth brushes and toothpastes, as well as several boxes of crayons, are so needed. The kids we are just your ages will find it hard to understand that there are three little ones half way across the world who are thinking about and praying for them. Thank you, you make me proud!

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School Requirements for Faridah from Alane

A small part of Owino market where shoes and supplies are purchased.

A beautiful lady in America wanted to help raise support for Surprised by Hope and joined with a small group to make school bags for the children in East Africa. Another beautiful lady in America sponsored one of those school bags so that a child can have what she needs when returning to school. And…another young lady is on holiday (school is out between terms) and tromped over to my house with her toes peeking out the ends of her close-toed shoes.

 

Off to Owino Market I went in search of the “requirements” needed before a child is allowed through the doorway each new term. Books, pens, pencils, and more filled my shopping bag. Shoes, though, shoes must be on that list. School children are required to wear black shoes with stockings or they are sent home from school. Shoes it is.

Sheffar, Sherit, Faridah, and Ramah with their new shoes.

I laid out all the goodies that go in the new school bag for Faridah – who consistently scores at the top of her class – and she simply could not believe her eyes. I stretched the budget a bit so that she AND her siblings could put on their new shoes.

My neighborhood families are so precious and I see them working hard every day to meet their basic needs. None of them asks me for money as so many other people do and so helping them in some small way is such a joy.

Tief and his sisters need school supplies and shoes too
 (so does Eme and her brother, not pictured).

The problem comes when I realize that there is NO POSSIBLE WAY to give this gift to one family while the children from two other families look on and receive nothing. So, um, would you like to sponsor a school bag with requirements for Tief and shoes for the three children? Or perhaps you’d like to sponsor a school bag for Eme and her little brother? Just $25 is all it takes to sponsor one bag so that the Tief and Eme can be ready for the next school term.

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