The rains have started here in most places in Uganda. This is a crucial time for people to plant their gardens, as it is often their livelihood and their life. The M:MM office is closed for about 2 weeks each spring to give the staff time to plant and tend to their gardens. The office was closed most of last week, and part of the week before. This was not something I was aware of, but it has given me time to be still, go into town, spend time with the Soita's, and have some meetings to discuss expectations while I'm here.
Also, Sam and Anne were both diagnosed with typhoid about a week ago. They are improving thank God, and feeling better but still some fatigue and body aches. Be praying for them! I got to experience what a clinic is like here, and going there I was staring my privilege from the US in the face. Good healthcare is something I've just come to expect and take for granted. I selfishly had the thought, "I'm glad I have been vaccinated against typhoid" almost immediately. Anne was telling me how there is much corruption here, and often hospitals don't have medications, and a person is sent home and has to pick it up from a pharmacy. People go to clinics to get tested for things, and are often told they have multiple diseases they really don't, because the clinic needs money. This angered me. These people are in a vulnerable time, and are taken advantage of. Children often don't get care they need, because it is expensive, and often even getting to a clinic is too expensive so they only go in when they are gravely ill. Anne said people rely on God's mercies every day, and this has come to life more for me in living here. My privilege is something I'm grappling with; it reminds me of the verse, "much is expected from whom much is given."
Something that I wasn't expecting to effect me so much is being a minortiy. I am greeted with "mzungu!!!!" (White person) "Yes Irish!" Or "madam". I am not used to sticking out so much, and even more than that people being exuberant to see me. (Children will drop what they are doing to run and wave, greet me and touch my pale skin that has moles and blue veins). I love greeting them and sharing a smile and laugh, but it is an adjustment for sure. This week I have been feeling lonely and vulnerable, and inadequate. There are things I miss-being able to call a friend and not have to think about the time difference-or even just having someone that understands my background. I love the people around me, but am realizing that relationships take time, and I am starting from almost from scratch. I am grateful for time I've had with people though. Sam and Anne have been wonderful, and I think I just need to be honest with them. Above all, I pray that I will have time with Jesus each day, because my worth is in Him, no matter if I am feeling adequate or not. I am realizing, and some wise friends shared, that expectations I have for myself are from myself, and not those around me. No one is judging me or being critical of me. I likely AM inadequate, but I remember in 2 Corinthians 12 where Jesus says that His power is made perfect in weakness.
This is my coworker, Micah, working with the youth in Nabweye. Each Saturday, I go out with a few other staff to work with the youth. So far it has been great, I've loved being surrounded by all their laughter and seeing how eager they are to learn and become leaders. I've loved watching the staff and learning from them-they're so good at what they do. I am living in an oral culture, people share stories, and parables or stories is how M:MM does much of it's teaching. The staff uses guided discussion about a story to aid people to coming to conclusions and learning lessons on their own, without just providing the answer or stating a fact. This helps people have more ownership of something they've learned, and will provide longer lasting change. Sam told a story once about development that was an analogy of the sun and the wind in a contest about who was strongest, and were betting to see who could get a man to remove his coat. No matter how hard the wind blew, the man didn't remove his coat. The sun started to shine, and as the day went on, it grew warmer and warmer, until the man finally removed his coat. This shows that developement is a gradual process, and the change has to come from the inside not just be superficial. This is something I am trying to remind myself as well; my personal developement will take time, is a process, and not an instant thing.
The scenery is so beautiful here! I've loved taking it in. I wish my eyes were cameras, able to capture all the beauty around me.
Jackfruit! I can't think of a fruit like it in the states. It is somewhat sweet, and you eat the pods. It's been good trying new things!
The view on the walk back to the office from town. I've enjoyed going into town on my own, to get a lay of the land more. I've ridden a boda boda (motorcycle) a few times, which is also new for me!
I slaughtered a chicken! Can't say I enjoyed it, but am glad I did it and am sure I'll do it again. Hopefully by the end I'll be fearless!
Last weekend I went to a wedding introduction ceremony. I enjoyed learning more about the culture! It is a traditional ceremony where the groom is welcomed to the bride's family. During the presentation of the gifts, I was invited to help and excitedly handed the machete and axe!
