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| The woman on the right is Gabriel's mother. |
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| The girl sitting up had been wobbling back and forth trying not to fall over as she dozed off to sleep. The little one in yellow obviously had the right idea. |
Saturday, June 11, 2011
People of Karamoja
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Leslie Learn's to Drive
Whoops, a car came speeding up behind me. Which side am I supposed to move to? I started to the right then realized the mistake and moved to the left. Yep, swerving all over the road trying to figure out how to get out of the way. Watchers might have thought I’d been sipping on the local brew…until they saw I was mzungu.
I think when you drive a taxi you’re supposed to have passengers. Well, they needed the exercise.
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| Closest first: Laura, Mark, Patrick (driver) |
The Back Way Home
Our trip to Kotido added a few hours to the very long return drive, but the view along the way was beautiful. Uganda is very mountainous, although a bit like the foot of the Ozarks rather than the Ozarks themselves. We watched the people go from being bone thin, wearing wraps, and walking with a staff to having just a bit of meat on their bones, wearing western-donated clothing (although literally falling apart at the seams), and sauntering down the roadside.
Two known dangers of taking photos along the road exist. Some people believe evil will come if their photo is captured and will become quite furious at passer’s by. Other people are happy to pose and then promptly put out their hand for payment. Most of the time they just love to see themselves on the camera and forget about demanding money. Sometimes, though, we end up speeding away.
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
A Dolly in Kotido
Mercy Uganda visited Kotido for the first time “on the way home” from Matany in Karamoja. Our objective was to meet with a family who was building an orphanage there to see if we might find ways to work together. I came across this proper little young lady who seemed the perfect size for a dolly. I love spreading these gifts far and wide across the vast African continent.
This young lady knew exactly what to do with her dolly. She carried the doll on her back like the other maamas do. She traipsed all around the compound with her doll on her front and on her back. All the children were curious but they politely left her to her games. She kept saying something to me with a big smile and those beautiful white teeth. Her father approached and easily translated that she was “appreciating me.” Awe, sweetie.A Dolly in Kayapath
For the first time ever, a dolly recipient (not shown in photos) rejected the gift, perhaps out of fear. Keep in mind that Kayapath is far away from the semi-developed parts of Karamoja and the concept of a doll or any man-made toy may have been quite foreign…let alone a very bright mzungu. The nearby men quickly moved the gift to another girl who took a while to warm to the thing.
The older children pulled at the doll wishing to have their turn to examine the odd creature. Of course, investigating underneath the dress was proper protocol. In the end this young girl wouldn’t surrender her doll for examination by anyone else.
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Matany to Kotido
The landscape changed from barren, dessert-like cover to occasional green bushes and then to full trees. The view was nothing like a forest, but it was certainly a more densely covered landscape resulting from semi-plentiful water.
The game preserve gave way to large garden plots where women and a few men plowed and tended the orderly crops. Why such a difference in the development of the garden between Kotido and Matany? Supposedly Kotido receives even less rain than Matany but even so the groups living in this region were a bit more advanced. An inquiry revealed that because the whites came and fed knowledge and money this area. It’s amazing what a little outside help can do to help (and hurt) a nation. Rain for Karamoja
Read more »
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| Typical landscape with a few watered crops from the new well. |
Green, green, green. Karamoja seldom gets rain…seldom as in a few days each year. This lack of rain causes starvation for the people in this region. Boarding schools send students home for weeks at a time because of a lack of food. But this week the rains came…and they came. The formerly brown and gray landscape became that lush, rich green so common to the southern part of the country.
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| Current lush landscape. |
The crops responded to the moisture by popping out of the barren ground in haphazard dots across the landscape. Some gardens were man-height, others baby-height. Whatever the case, the people are less familiar with how exactly to care for these crops because they seldom have enough water to see them through to harvest. Can you imagine?
Karamoja in June
Mbale and Soroti were the two short stops made along the 11.5 hour drive to Karamoja, in the way northern part of Uganda. I took off toward the OM Supermarket in Soroti as soon as we parked the taxi, never mind the squatty potty. I’d been looking forward to the treats the supermarket offers all week. As I exited the building I found Henry waiting at the door. Whoops…chaperone required.
The supermarket sells the best homemade banana bread, even by American standards. Moist bread is hard to come by here, which is surprising given the amount of oil used in their foods. I picked three individual sized cakes, one of which disappeared into an unknown hungry tummy along the way. This bread is hand made by a local woman who wholesales them to the supermarket. I’ll get a few more on the way home again. [Update: We didn’t go through Soroti on the return trip….waaaaa.]
Other than spotting a taxi loaded with live chickens dangling on the outside, the ride was uneventful. A few extra bruises on the knees and elbows are par for the course on these rough roads. Pastor Philip and his wife, Agnes, were waiting with their musical welcome as usual and the twins (Joy and Grace) seemed to remember me as they piled into my lap.Sunday, June 5, 2011
Reflections at Ban Cafe
Ban Café is a small coffee and pastry shop outside the Nakumatt Oasis (grocery store/mall). The team was scheduled to meet an American family living and working in Karamoja. We hoped to learn more about their ministry before we connected with them during our trip there.
As I sat alone on the wrought iron bench, the light began to wane. I pondered how exactly I’d gotten here. I don’t take these long, solitary moments often (perhaps not often enough), but in those quiet times I feel at peace. Sometimes sad, but always at peace.
I look at the people busily coming and going and wonder about their lives. What hurts and hopes do they have? How did they get here? Life is so very different in Uganda. Although it’s obvious that their paths are different from Americans, what isn’t as obvious is the difference in our responses to similar circumstances. And still, the people come and go. The hands on the clock at the tower in the center of the round-about go round-about. They never stop.
What will my life’s line look like in the end? If my life were somehow measured using a line graph – or perhaps a seismograph – what would my line look like? How much control do I have over what it looks like? How much control do I want?
New Car, Stuck Car
Upon backing up to allow the truck through, we ended up stuck over a man-made, dirt-bag curb and, yes, bottomed out the car. NO…I wasn’t driving (this time). Gabriel dug and dug to no avail. Eventually the School of Ministry guys and a few neighbors came and literally lifted the front end of the car back onto the road. Off we went.
Calvary Chapel Kajjansi
Henry invited us to his small Calvary Chapel church in Kajjansi on Sunday where we were surprised to learn that he was preaching that day. We were not, however, surprised given his oratory skills. Henry is a wonderful story teller and easily exhorts even the most unmotivated person to action.
His message was based on James 2:10, “Bl
essed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him” (NIV). And with that, James 2:2-3, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.”
Verse 11 is where I spent most of my pondering moments, “nor does he tempt anyone; but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed.” God doesn’t tempt us, he because he cannot be tempted (James 2: 13). Does this mean the same thing regarding trials? God does not try us because he cannot be tried. Somehow the text switches from trials to temptation and each term has as slightly different meaning.
I am of the view that God does not test/tempt/try us but the world and our own evil desires do that as a result of sin. What results from those tests/trials/temptations is perseverance so that we may receive the crown of life. What do you think?
Saturday, June 4, 2011
Website Development Workshop: Session 2
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| Back row: Ronnie, Eddie, Chris, Pastor Wilson Front Row: Vickie, Alozious Missing: Herbert |
All the equipment worked like a charm, thanks to the planning and provision of the Calvary Chapel Namulanda leaders. Although less than ideal for a computer-based workshop, my computer was used to illustrate and demonstrate the various features of Blogger, the interface the students are learning to use for what will eventually be their website. Take a look at the folks who have a small business for which they are creating sites. Herbert is missing so we’ll catch him next time.
A Dolly in Kyamagemule
Little Nakato, of course, was the next recipient of the now-famous dollies. She studied this dolly and refused to let go when the other children approached for inspection. By the time our welcome ceremony was finished, during which she sat skin-to-skin close to me on a small wooden bench, she could hardly control the yawning. 
Following the ceremony and a quick check on the well, I hopped into the van to wait for another meeting to finish. Nakato stood at the foot of that van by my feet. She just stood there. No expectation, no puppy dog eyes, just stood close. How odd…why/how does a child sense something like this. Yes, of course… I couldn’t resist any longer (not that I tried very hard) and lifted the child to my lap where she promptly fell asleep and I fell into heaven.
Really…can I just have a “holding sleeping children who may never get warm, gentle touches at home” ministry?
Monday, May 30, 2011
Kyamagemule Meet Hawthorne
Martin, the headmaster at Covenant Junior School in Kyamagemule, is a very kind and helpful man. The teachers seem to respect him. When asked what the barriers to success might be in this very remote place, the teachers were quick to point out that their salaries were insufficient to even provide shelter. Why would teachers come this far from home for substandard salaries? Because they love the children and because they have a job. One teacher pointed out that several of them stay in one room in the village to avoid excessive transportation fees and because that is all they can afford.
After meeting with the teachers, I talked to the team about the Hawthorne effect and suggested we develop some simple skill-building workshops that could take place during the time others conduct child sponsorship updates. Among the team members, we have enough education and teaching experience to provide a little something that would encourage and give hope to these faithful teachers. Just knowing that we care about them, according to the Hawthorne effect, ought to raise their performance and morale.
Mercy Uganda is thinking about creating a teacher's conference for those teachers where we have sponsored students. Perhaps we create a teacher-to-teacher program where a teacher from the States mentors/sponsors a teacher from Kyamagemule. With only eight teachers, this may be possible. I’m thinking something like sending over your old books, tools, and maybe clothing (these teachers need real, practical help too) where your donation would go directly to a specific teacher that you chose to sponsor. You can correspond with this teacher, who may have questions or need suggestions. Still…we need to think more about this. Your ideas are quite welcome.
Homework in the Dark
The sponsorship update on one child in Kyamagemule revealed a lack of paraffin (oil) at Joyce’s home, which means that she cannot do her homework because the house is too dark. As American’s we simply want to provide the paraffin for her. Culturally, we expect the paraffin would be used by the father and/or mother for cooking or for purposes other than light for homework and so…what is the best way to correct this problem of darkness? Perhaps the answer is to provide enough paraffin to fuel all the household needs so that there is enough for the lamp. But this is only a short term solution.
In reality we need to equip these people to produce their own income for paraffin and pray that they use
this paraffin for light to do homework. Alternatively, we need to help them find alternative light sources or alternative routines. Educating and equipping people who live so very far from any real marketplace to get paraffin from that same very far away marketplace is no easy task. Pray that God reveals an alternative solution to which the family may agree.
Saturday, May 28, 2011
Kyamagemule Bubble Chasers
The children of Kyamagemule are familiar with me, but not so much with bubbles. Once Pastor George described the fun of bubbles, the children came swarming after me. Sticky bubble syrup was everywhere.
Roadside Bubble Chasers
Soapy, slippery, stunning. The bubble chasers of Kawuku took time to understand what the bubbles were, but the children along the roadside to Kyamagemule never quite caught on. I hopped out of the van to play with the kids while the others shopped for school requirements. Okay, the children were more watchful than playful.
Bubbles. What could be the purpose of this mzungu blowing until she’s light-headed? What are these weird things coming out of that yellow stick? Why do they sometimes go this way and sometimes that way? A neighbor boy joined us while his mother watched on with a smile. I have a feeling she didn’t really know what they were either, but realized they were intended as a harmless game for the children.
Oh the simple things in life!
Friday, May 27, 2011
Lake Flies
School Requirements
Many parents have the luxury and pleasure of sending their children to their first day of school with a new backpack, some unused crayons even though the old crayons are barely used, a set of markers…maybe the kind that change colors, pencils with Barbie printed on the outside, and a few fancily-designed folders to hold their papers. We might also send them to their first day in a new outfit. I don’t recall any of these items actually being required of the students, although today things may be slightly different.
Parent sending their children to school in Uganda are given an arms-length list of requirements for each of three terms in school. In addition to the items we’d consider to be school supplies (paper, pencils, etc.) and clothing (uniforms, shoes, casual wear, etc.), children are expected to bring with them: two containers of black shoe polish, four rolls of toilet paper, mopping rags, laundry soap, a broom with a handle, two local brooms, three kilos of sugar, and so much more. Not only are students required to bring these items they’re also required to surrender them to the dispensary for general school and student use.
Those cute pencils sponsors purchase for children make their way to the dispensary and may never be used by the child herself. That sugar is sold to children who are given pocket money to make their food taste a little better. This means that a child is required to bring three kilos of sugar and may never get to eat that sugar because she spent all her money on the sugar in the first place and thus has no pocket money to purchase the sugar for her meals a second time.
Many parents cannot afford these requirements let alone tuition fees so their children stay home until the money is collected. A child may begin the term two or three weeks in, which expectedly hinders their studies. Mission emphasis seems lacking when schools send children home for lack of requirements.
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Grasshoppers
Vickie told me that the grasshoppers are only available for harvest during the end of May and beginning of June, and the end of November and beginning of December. Pull the wings off, snap the head off, twist the legs off. She says that when well seasoned the grasshoppers are delicious. I’m not inclined to believe her.
Gizzards, grasshoppers…what’s next?
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Website Development Workshop: Session 1
That they arrived well before the 9:00 starting time was hard to believe. Perhaps African time is not for all Africans. Six people attended the workshop as we worked through the introduction to web design and the planning process.
1. How are websites used?
2. What are important qualities of websites?
3. What websites do you like and why?
4. What challenges do you personally face when creating a website?
These questions may seem mundane but truly the questions prompted the students to think about web design and content on a deeper level. They began transferring what they knew about websites they’ve visited to how they want their website to function and what they want it to look like.
1. What will your website be used for?
2. What do you want to name your site?
3. What categories of information do you want to include?
4. What gadgets do you want to use?
5. What layout will work best for your site?
Again, simple questions when it comes to website planning but when you’ve never done the work before you don’t know what questions to ask in beginning the project.
Of course I assigned homework. The next session will be a technology overview and practice application – building the site each student planned. The final session will be a one-on-one application to finalize and make functional the site desired by each student. The student will drive the content of this session, which is designed to simply be support as he or she builds. The overall objective is to create independent web developers (at a very basic level).
Monday, May 23, 2011
Lunch with Anna
Sheets of green upholstery fabric with a small flower print hung from a nylon cord. The fabric was used to disguise the bunk beds shared by Anna and Emmanuel. The main room (2.5 x 2 meters) housed a love seat and small table atop a hand woven mat. All the furniture was covered with crocheted yarn doilies.
Anna is one of the many women attending the weekly Bible study with Konoweka Orphans and Widows Hut. Last week she invited me to visit her home (which typically means food) in Banda 9. She is originally from Soroti, a small town we’ll pass through just before reaching Karamoja. I remember Soroti for two things: toilets and banana bread. By the time we reach Soroti, I can’t hold it any longer and the banana bread there is so moist and yummy compared to most other breads in Uganda.
Anna picked Emmanuel out of the gutter not long ago and has taken him to be her son. Together this lonely old woman – whose husband died in 1995 and whose daughter has gone off to college – and this tiny tot are the perfect picture of completion and happiness.
Rice, irishes (potatoes), chicken stew (whole pieces of bone-in chicken in a broth soup), coleslaw, beans, chipati…Anna is a wonderful cook. I don’t tend to have the same size appetite here as at home, not for lack of good food, but I managed to stuff myself anyhow. Just as I had finished my bowl I was informed by Pastor Gideon that the guest must eat the best part of the chicken. Gulp…and what might that be? He said that, according to culture, if the guest didn’t eat that best part the husband would beat the wife because the guests did not like her cooking. Although Anna has no husband, I reluctantly accepted this mangled piece of something.
Once I was informed that I would be eating the gizzard I relaxed a bit. Mom used to fry gizzards at home and I think I even liked them…if you don’t mind chewing on a mouth full of rubber bands. Okay…I could do this. Into my mouth went this most tender piece of meat I’ve ever tasted. I’m not sure how she did it but this gizzard tasted nothing like the rubber bands I remember.
Emmanuel cried when I arrived for fear of that glowing mzungu and he cried when I left because he missed his new friend. After the Bible study was finished, Anna gave me what I have come to learn (from another Anna…huh) is the Pentecostal handshake. She padded my hand with a shilling bill, one that I knew she could not afford to give. Oh the tenderness of this beautiful lady. I am so blessed.
Sunday, May 22, 2011
Film Ministry: NOOMA Rain
Cultural studies show that keeping time differs among countries, sometimes by hours. Mzungu and African’s know this, but sometimes reconciling the two can be a challenge. Observations of the lifestyle here reveal why this is so. Life isn’t driven by appointments but instead by relationships. What does the woman working in the field to plant and harvest cassava need with appointments? Or, if guests stay a little longer than expected, your next agenda appointment will wait. All this to say that at the beginning of the first film showing, about 30 people were seated. At the end of the evening closer to 50 people presented themselves.
Calvary Chapel Namulanda recently received its first coat of paint and, although I felt like I was at the bottom of a swimming pool, the color was pretty close to NOOMA blue. We strung up the film screen (made from a giant piece of banner-like material with grommets) and tested the sound system and film projector. Surprisingly, everything tested perfectly. NOOMA Rain |001began at 6:30 and my computer cut out (quit, stopped, shut down) half way through the film. Yes, I audibly gasped. No, this doesn’t normally happen. As I held my breath, I was reminded that I should really have a backup of my hard drive on some external source. I attributed the failure to the generators and potentially some power surge, but praise God the computer restarted without event.
Chris translated as the film progressed, which interrupted the flow of the story but was very necessary to ensure the message was understood. Following the film we broke into four small groups. Each of the ministry leaders was equipped with the discussion guide and led the men and women through the questions to help ensure they understood the film and had an opportunity to present their hearts before God. Alozious and I led a group together and, not surprisingly, the men were most open to discussing their observations and applications while the women were more quiet and reserved. Although, when called on, the women began opening up.
While no earth-shattering stories were revealed during this time, I believe God is using NOOMA Rain to soften the hearts of the people as they ponder its content throughout the week. And, I believe attendance will double for next week’s showing.
Thank you to Pastor Wilson for partnering with me by sharing your church, your equipment, and your ministry leaders. Thank you to Pastor, Chris, Alex, and Alozious for your participation as ministry leaders…together we make a great team!
Saturday, May 21, 2011
Ssese Islands: Three Businesses Part 3
The three jjajjas on Bugala Island will get another visit just because they are absolutely the most precious women I’ve ever met. I have the third blanket to deliver to the youngest jjajja, as last time only two were available.
Opportunity #3
Vickie inquired about developing a website for the jjajjas because they too have handcrafts available for sale and she felt their goods would fit well in the mix of artisans currently posted on the Surprised by Hope website. I asked Vickie what they might want/need by way of gifts and she had a small list: sugar, soap, rice, and paraffin (oil for the lamp). Can you imagine asking for these kinds of gifts and having them be such treasures? Three 80+ year old ladies living on an island without access to such “luxuries.” I am so privileged to be the hands that get to deliver such cargo to ladies who deserve so much more.
About $25 will purchase a small supply of these goods for one jjajja to last about a month. Would you like to help too? Make a tax deductible donation and then watch the blog for the story of their safe delivery.
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Ssese Islands: Three Businesses Part 2
One of the beautiful and influential women of Vickie’s life was her Aunt Robina. Aunt Robina, you may recall from a previous post, is the woman who started Ssese Island Honey with several other women on the island of Kalangala. I was quite impressed by the business planning and strategy skills of Aunt Robina…not to mention the delicious honey. The simple website we developed will serve as a reference for mainland businesses and as a communication tool for them to place orders. Truly, you must try this honey.
Opportunity #2
We’ll be meeting with Aunt Robina to watch the honey harvest and to develop a mainland distribution strategy for her small business. Likely the work will require Aunt Robina and Vickie to make contacts on the mainland at various restaurants and small tourist shops where the honey will be in demand. We also hope to develop a financial model by which the equipment needed to take the business to the next phase can be obtained. Aunt Robina is a keen business strategist and I look forward to learning more about her current business plan.
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Ssese Islands: Three Businesses Part 1
Meeting Vickie and traveling with her to the Ssese Islands earlier this year opened the door to many wonderful opportunities. Planning for our return in July, with a more familiar frame of reference, is certain to further develop what we started and possibly create many new opportunities.
Opportunity #1
Our initial trip resulted in enrolling her first wave of children into the sponsorship program established by VKids Trust Uganda. We met families and gathered child-related information. We also began developing a website to give interested sponsors a place to learn more about the kids. Our return trip is designed to deepen the relationships with the families of these children so that they trust Vickie and her hopes for these kids. We’ll also spend time with the kids as a group playing learning games and fun games and just generally enjoying one another. We want the families and the children to become familiar with Vickie and to welcome her into their homes without fearing her motives.
Vickie suggested that bringing gifts would be a culturally appropriate and also a very helpful thing to do. She suggested sugar, rice, soap, and some clothing and shoes for the children. She also suggested getting some small prizes or sweets for the children’s games. About $50 would purchase enough of these supplies for one family and clothing for the enrolled but not yet sponsored child. Ten children are enrolled. Would you like to help too? Make a tax deductible donation and then watch the blog for the story of their safe delivery.
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Konoweka Welcome
“Hello Leslie,” said Pastor Gideon who met me along the path as I was traveling toward the church in Banda. Pastor Gideon is Pastor Jessica’s husband and has occasionally observes quietly from a rear bench during our Bible study and business teaching time with the ladies of Konoweka Orphans and Widows Hut. What a nice surprise to find him there.
Women were gathered in the church as I snuck in the back way. Once they realized I’d arrived, the race toward me with open arms began. This kind of free behavior is not typical of the normally reserved Ugandan women. I LOVED it. Hugs and blessings all around. As always we began with worship but this time the ladies prepared a welcome song just for me. I tried to post the video but it ate up all my data and never quite seemed to finish. Sorry.
The group was a bit smaller than normal, probably because spreading the word about date and time isn’t easy here. So many familiar faces and so many faces of women who joined later during our last study together were here again. How encouraging! Another wonderful encouragement were the testimonies from women who applied what they’ve learned in previous studies and teachings and found spiritual and economic prosperity. Praise the Lord, that kind of compliment is the best I could hope for.
Few places do I come away feeling so loved. I can almost physically feel the Holy Spirit when I meet with these women. The ongoing, long-term investment in these women creates relationships I would not exchange for anything in the world.
Sunday, May 15, 2011
Video Ministry Meeting
“I can hear his voice saying, ‘I love you Alozious.’ When God speaks to you, you feel you can finish the day.” This response flowed from one team member following a preview of the film NOOMA Rain |001. At one point in the film, Rob says to his son – as a metaphor to how God is close to us in the storms of life – “I love you buddy. We’re gonna make it.” Can you hear his voice too? Can you hear him saying, “I love you [insert your name here]. We’re going to make it.”
The ministry team from Calvary Chapel, among others, shared their first experience with the NOOMA films this morning. As a God-shaped bonus to this semi-formal presentation, each person came away with some new insights about the character of God.
Pastor Wilson said, “There are people who don’t know they’re in the bosom of Jesus Christ.”
Alozious said, “Everyone, including men, can cry out for God. In the Bible they cry out for God. It’s okay for men to cry out too.”
Herbert said, “We tend to think that God is only for those who are well off and that someone who is hurting, who is hungry, who is lacking has no God. Even those who are hurting think they are rejected. I’ve learned in a new way that this isn’t true.”
The real purpose of our get-together was to determine whether or not these films might be useful as a video ministry. Without question, the answer was a resounding “yes.” At about the time we were wrapping up, Chris hopefully asked, “Can we watch another one?”
Needless to say, the video ministry was warmly welcomed and the church ministry leaders are filled with ideas about how best to make this outreach a success both inside and outside the church. I am so thankful for them and that God is allowing us all to work together to make this a life-changing experience for people who need to know God in a new way.
Saturday, May 14, 2011
Silvann Interent Cafe
Under the metal canopy of a tiny restaurant in Namulanda, Ronnie spread a few chairs so that I’d be protected from the sun as we met. Ronnie is the young man who was working to find a job last time I was here; jobs are still scarce. With a few used computers collected from friends, and a little startup money from a random project, Ronnie opened a small internet café. Having formerly worked in such a café, he is well equipped to operate such a business. 
For example, Ronnie has the MTN store load 1G of internet data on his modem. Data is the only way to purchase internet access except as noted above. Then he uses the 1G modem in the internet café and can only charge based on 20 minute blocks of time. This standard hurts all internet cafes, but without industry unity one café cannot break out of this pricing model. Customers then come to the café to do the expensive downloading rather than use their own data bundle.
To help Ronnie increase his business income, and to meet the needs of people who regularly ask me to develop a website for them, we began making plans. We talked about teaching people how to build websites and/or blogs for themselves using a workshop format. From there, those wishing to actually build can do so at Ronnie’s internet café with his help. I’ll give Ronnie extra training and support so that he becomes the local expert in a field of high demand.
Air movement was scarce under this metal canopy as we discussed possible workshop meeting locations, how to market the workshop, and additional logistics related to making the event a success. As we talked, Gabriel, Frank, Herbert, and Eddie arrived and the meeting turned into a friendship gathering. What a wonderful day.
Lest your American imagery of the term "internet cafe" take you to a view of Starbucks, the photos show an increasingly widened view of the small cafe. Notice the building on the left with the metal roof, as this is where we met.
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Slow Going
Adjusting to the slower pace of life in Uganda is…well…challenging for me. All that might be accomplished in a day in the comfort of my basement office in Michigan takes a week or more in Uganda. Part of the reason for this seeming lack of progress is that the pace in Uganda is much slower. People don’t feel a sense of urgency or anxiousness about getting things done or checked off a list, but they know things will come together eventually and that this “eventually” is perfect timing. I adore this mindset and know that I can adjust again, it just takes time.
Another reason for this sense of slow going is that I depend on so many people to share their wisdom and help to ensure the best plan emerges. Not everyone is available according to my schedule, which is as it should be, and so making meeting arrangements takes time as well. This dependence is really a good thing. I love that I have this sense of hesitation to move until my advisors are in agreement. Collaboration has an all together different nuance in a collectivist culture like East Africa than in the individualist culture of the United States.
So…I feel anxious to give you a report on very specific ministry plans and arrangements, but I also understand that the planning process is moving at exactly the proper pace for all that will be accomplished here in God’s good timing.
Saturday, May 7, 2011
Ten Steps to Getting Settled
Arriving in Uganda necessitates completing a fixed routine of tasks before you’re really prepared to do much of anything (except take a nap). Follow this order to ensure the best possible results:
1. Brush your teeth. They get a bit furry after 36+ hours of traveling.
2. Check for sufficient toilet paper on the roll (Lauren has a little habit).
3. Girl talk until way late the night you arrive.
4. Sleep way less than you should.
5. Skip breakfast because you weren’t there to shop the day before.
6. Visit Gabriel’s house to see the progress since last visit.
7. Change money at ForEx Bureau (unless some is left from last time) in Kampala.
8. Buy internet data bundle from the cram-packed MTN store in Kampala.
9. Find bottled water that hasn’t been repackaged.
10. Pick up mephaquin (malaria medicine) at the pharmacy.
11. Purchase Warid airtime for the phone from the guy across Entebbe Road.
12. Shop for the day’s food (especially pineapple) at the Kawuku market. Try not to pay Mzungu prices.
13. Clean up the kitchen from the previous week’s dishes (another little habit we won’t discuss here).
14. Enjoy Lauren’s rendition of carrots and green beans for dinner (YUM).
15. Praise God throughout the day for the many friends that find you just to say “welcome home.”
I know, you’re wondering about a shower. Well…it’s best not to ask.
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Customs
Three beautiful black Plano boxes, if they pass the initial checkpoint at the Delta counter in Grand Rapids, clunk their way down the conveyor belt painted with Coca-Cola advertisements in the Entebbe airport. These three boxes, with their “Airport Approved” labels still affixed, look an awful lot like something a wholesaler might use to transport goods for sale…goods requiring customs duty. Given that three such boxes and only a carryon that looks like normal luggage made their way across the ocean, the wholesaler idea could raise questions in the minds of customs officials.
Nothing in the three boxes I’m bringing could be considered dutiable, everything is my personal effects. The content is all just a bunch of used stuff from home. Thing is…almost everything for sale in Uganda is second hand so this defense may not work. One of the boxes is overstuffed with toddler and baby clothing, but a friend is having a baby soon…it’s true. Three computers? Well, one is for at home, one is for when I travel, and one is a gift…really.
Try not to tippy toe to see over the top of the third box on the luggage cart, don’t take the corners too fast, and avoid running over any pedestrians. I suppose I could hope that one piece is delayed (not lost, just delayed) so that I can simply exit with two boxes thus drawing less attention to my luggage.
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Luggage
Suitcases are inefficient. That’s right, they’re only good for casing suits. Three giant black Plano storage boxes consume most of the available floor space in my living room along with the content they will eventually contain. They may exceed the allowable dimensions for airline travel…on the outside. I figure measuring from the inside and subtracting the angles should count. After all, that’s the only space I get to use.
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| Notice the yellow sticker on this stock photo. My boxes don't contain a tackle box or extension cord, although at some point I may wish they did. |
The boxes came with a bright yellow “Airline Approved” sticker that made me think the airline would approve the boxes without charging me $200 for being oversize. After measuring, I decided to contact the company and ask exactly what “Airline Approved” meant. They said the sticker indicated that a lock could be put on the box. Really? This revelation raises questions in my mind about “low fat” labels. Perhaps they really mean skinny animals were used to make the food. I left that yellow sticker in place in hopes the person at the Delta counter would think the same thing I did.
Carryon luggage is another story. I bought a carryon suitcase to use for hauling the video projector, speakers, screen, films, computer, and other related paraphernalia around East Africa. Until I arrive, though, this carryon will serve as my…carryon. Travel advisors recommend including a change of clothes, a toothbrush, and other essential items just in case the checked luggage doesn’t make it. Airline attendants don’t question the content of such bags based on that premise alone. Since I have those things in Uganda already, I have a different strategy.
My carryon contains all of the heaviest non-liquid items slated for travel. 24 Business Plan in a Day books, 14 Surprised by Hope books, a small pile of books needed for teaching, and some of the heaviest miscellaneous items to fill in the cracks. Okay so the bag is STUFFED. Thing is…it weighs almost 60 pounds. I don’t plan on putting this bag in the overhead compartment; I couldn’t lift this bag for a flight of steps let alone get it above my waist. All I need to do now is try not to grunt when lifting the bag to the security conveyor belt.
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