Everything is Spiritual

Greetings to you all from the beautiful pearl of Africa, where the people greet you warmly with big smiles, the rain comes quickly (I’ve gotten stuck in it a few times!), my feet are almost always dirty, laughter abounds in the midst of hardships and relationships take priority.  I have been here for three months now. Time is flying by, but God is good and I feel so blessed to have had this opportunity and for all that has happened thus far. Thank you for your prayers.

Life has been busy, which has been really good, but also a challenge at times.  I have had a difficult time balancing being intentional with relationships, learning (which can be constant), ministry work, and time for myself. There have been times where I’ve felt overwhelmed with how to prioritize things, and have not been allowing time for myself as much as I probably need. This has made me vulnerable prey for the enemy. I have struggled with balancing being present in the moment, and planning/praying for the future. I want to be wise and seek God and what He has for me. I am praying for wisdom and insight about what is next for me, and how what I am learning and experiencing now is connected to that.  It makes me dizzy at times to think about all the possibilities, but I know that as I seek the Lord, He will reveal His will for me to me. I am learning how to care for myself so that I can care better for others. But I have loved the feeling that life is full-not just my schedule but more so feeling that I am where God wants me and He is the one that sustains me and keeps me. I have had such peace about being here, and that is all to the glory of God. Several weeks ago, on a drive home at sunset after a joy-filled day in the community, I got emotional just thinking about my love for this place, the people and a deep gratitude that I get to live among and learn from them. I felt sure that this is where God wants me, despite different struggles I may have or being people-sick for family and friends back home. I worry less here. Usually I worry often-am I doing the right thing, what will the future be like, will I ever get married etc.  But since being here I worry less and try to take things a day at a time, as they come.  I trust that God is with me and is for me, and therefore I shall not fear. He is my light and my salvation (Psalm 27:1).

Nabweye, one of the first communities that M:MM has worked in, is a beautiful testimony to the work God is doing through this ministry. I was fortunate to be able to go to a meeting with some of this community’s leaders, and hear how their lives have changed. The environment looks completely different-crops are growing well, trees are in plenty, homes are kept well, etc.  Spiritually many people have come to know the Lord and are attending Bible studies regularly, and members are eager to read Scripture, especially in Lumasaaba (getting Lumasaaba bibles has been a big challenge).  One woman shared how many more people would probably be dead from diarrheal diseases, but because of the knowledge they acquired from M:MM about pit latrines, those diseases are virtually non-existent in the community. Praise God! I met with “the originals”-some older men that are the first that M:MM worked with, and it was so neat to see how two more generations have come out because they were faithful to this work and desired to share the knowledge so that others may reach their potential as well. I am humbled to see and hear how God is moving, and honored to be a part of this amazing ministry.

An idea that I have been learning and have been challenged in is this: what isn’t spiritual? God is the creator and sustainer of ALL things, and Jesus came to redeem all things, back to their former glory.  We pray, “Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on Earth as it is in Heaven” but what does this mean?  God cares deeply about each and every thing; He desires to redeem every nook and cranny in me, but also wants to redeem my home, family, environment, community, neighbors etc. This is a foundational concept of M:MM’s work, but it is something I’ve really been thinking and processing through this month.  I have also been learning more about the importance of meeting people where they are at, coming from their perspective and honoring the way they process things.  This includes preaching the gospel-it needs to be presented in a way that people understand, so that they may take more ownership and have a deeper understanding of the Grace that has been freely given to them.

Here are some pictures and summaries of other things I’ve learned/done/seen:

This Easter I learned and was reminded how I don’t need to hold onto things that have hurt me, because Jesus finished them, and desires for me to walk in the Light, along His perfect and pleasing will. 

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I have loved staying with my coworkers-both Papa Solomon and Papa John have opened their homes to me and Shannon, and conversations with them have really filled me and allowed me to know their stories more. I’ve learned that relationships don’t have to be hard, and have enjoyed stopping by places in town to greet friends I’ve met there, and learning more about them. 

These are leaders in Busiu, one of the newer communities that M:MM is working in. I asked my Papa here, the director of M:MM, what the biggest change is in this area and he shared how there used to be much poisoning of others, witchcraft and idol worship, but now people are coming to trust in Jesus instead of those things. It gives me goosebumps! Praise God! 

I ate ants! The taste wasn’t bad, but I couldn’t get the idea that I was eating bugs out of my head. White ants are a delicacy for the Bamasaaba (the people group that I’m living among) and so I wanted to try. Not pictured is me eating a grasshopper, a delicacy of the Baganda (a different group).

I loved leading a Bible study with the youth in Nabweye on Psalm 8: 3-4 and how God is mindful of us among all creation. Even though there were some language barriers, it was a great reminder about how in heaven we will all be together, praising the same God.

                                                                             

The One who calls you is Faithful

Mwenayo balebe! (Greetings to you all!) Mureyna? (How are you?) Yesu asimibwe. (Jesus be thanked). Those are just some sample greetings that I have learned-I finally started my language lessons a few weeks ago, and have loved learning and being able to practice what I'm learning as I go into the field with M:MM. My tongue gets twisted at times, but I just have to keep practicing.

A lot has happened since my last update, but I'll try to summarize well! Thank you all for your prayers and encouragement! It has been great to be able to feel supported from you, and keep up with you as well.  I can happily say that Uganda is feeling more and more like home, and that this feels like my life; it isn't a dream and it isn't someone else's. I am still so happy to be here!

I have continued to love spending time with the Soita family, and there have been countless moments of laughter with them, and have really felt like I am a part of the family. I have loved seeing firsthand how they bless people, and have loved having deeper relationships form. This is a major answer to prayer.

Some verses that have become a new favorite for me since coming here are from 1 Thessalonians 5: 23-24, they say "May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The one Who calls you is faithful, and He will do it." This has become my daily reminder here, and I have been shown this in daily life here.  I am remembering over and over that God is the one that cleanses me. He has called me here, and while I have had some difficulties (pain and loneliness), He has been faithful to me, and is tangibly answering prayers. I also see this in the communities I am working in-life is really hard right now. Many people have died, there is famine and drought, few jobs, much illness, and there was a break-in in the M:MM office. These are serious hardships, but I have learned so much from the faith of those around me, that are truly relying on God and His mercies, and remembering His promises and that above all He is God. I am seeing how God cares so well for me, and looks out for us in very real ways.

The M:MM office has been up and running full time now since the 2.5 weeks it was closed for planting, and I have really loved being more involved and seeing how things are done. I have gone on multiple field meetings and home visits, where we see how community members are doing and checking in on their 14 points of a healthy home. The 14 points are a major teaching point of M:MM, and in doing these home visits I have seen their impact and heard testimonies of how people's lives have been changed through the work God is doing through M:MM. Some people I met with shared that they became Christians through attending M:MM meetings, their income is more stable, their health is improved, and their gardens are producing more yields. They have gained much knowledge about how every area of their lives are connected, and how their relationship with God is most important for those other relationships to flourish. They feel empowered and are then able to share what they're learning with their neighbors, and the blessings from this knowledge ripples out to bless the community. Some examples of the 14 points are a rubbish pit, clean compound, a pit latrine with a place to wash hands, a dish rack, drying line for clothes. These may seem like basic things, but together make a huge difference in the lives and health of people in the communities here.  The M:MM staff are so faithful to this work, and I have been encouraged to celebrate the small victories, because in development work those are big! I also attended a meeting in Muyembe, an area that M:MM has "phased out" of-they go there quarterly to check in on how things are going and hear what needs there may be and any praises/testimonies of what the Lord has done. The group in this community have now taken what they've learned and are going out to a different community called Namatiti, and using what they've learned from M:MM to help empower and bless those in that area. The sharing of knowledge is a big part of life here in Uganda-there is definitely a collectivist attitude, and no one is left behind. If one person learns something new, they teach their friends and family members so that others may be blessed and move forward too. This has been very encouraging to me.

There is another intern here, Shannon, that will be with M:MM through June. Together, we have started more course work with M:MM, learning more principles of community development work, and of the work M:MM does. An example that is applicable for this part of the world is Bible storying- as I've written before, Uganda has an oral culture, and people learn through stories. M:MM does devotions through Bible stories, because often the people they are going to see may not have a Bible. There a specific list of questions that go along with telling the story, to help guide learning and understanding. I am excited for all that I'm learning and will continue to learn, and to apply it to health teachings! I've learned everywhere is a classroom here, and have enjoyed asking questions about what is happening around me and learning every day.

Here are some pictures and summaries/stories of what else I've been up to-

This is Florence, and her granddaughter Wendy. Florence is one of the CDA's (community development agents) that M:MM is working with in Busabulo. She shared about how her faith has grown in working with M:MM and that she feels empowered to lead Bible studies. She also shared about how she has learned more about farming and that she has been able to generate more income by implementing some of the strategies about farming from M:MM.  She also invited me to stay with her, so that is something to look forward to as well. The generosity and hospitality of people here is such a beautiful picture and reminder of how we are to treat each other-serving and loving one another.

Here I am planting beans with Sam. Sam's extended family has some shared land, and I enjoyed meeting more of his family, including a sister as well as Anne's aunt and mother, Margaret. The scenery was beautiful here as well, and and I enjoyed learning something new. I look forward to continuing to learn about agriculture and farming, as I know virtually nothing!

This is the M:MM staff! They are each so kind, welcoming, and faithful to the work that God has called them to. I have been blessed to know them and learn from them.

This is me with Hope, the grand daughter to one of my coworkers, Solomon. I was able to spend a few days at his home, and loved getting to know his family and seeing where he comes from. His daughter, Birah, is a nurse too and has become a friend. I look forward to staying with them again.

This is me with Phiona, the wife of Seth Soita and Shannon.These girls are tangible answers to prayer in my life, as I had been missing girlfriends. We have really enjoyed spending time together, dancing, laughing, talking and preparing food/eating. Shannon is from Atlanta. We are very similar, and have already become good friends. God is good! 

                                                             

Greetings, from Mbale! The past two weeks have flown by, and I have learned and seen a lot, so I thought it was time for another post to process through some of the things that have happened. :)

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! 

Mulembe! (Hello!) Greetings to you from Mbale, Uganda! I have been here for a little over a week, but it feels like a lot longer. It was a long journey from Minnesota, two full days of travel and a day of driving to Mbale, but I arrived Monday evening the 20th safely.  It was a beautiful journey and gave me time to think and soak up my surroundings and the fact that I am actually here!

My time so far has been filled with adjusting and beginning time at the M:MM office. The staff have greeted me very warmly, and I am so excited to learn from them this year and become more and more involved as time goes on. Something I love that the staff does is a devotional every morning, after taking tea of course. I'm learning that every time is tea time, and have averaged 2-3 cups a day. But I have loved getting in the Word with the staff and sharing and hearing their insights. We pray as a staff every day as well, sharing praises or "testimonies" and prayer requests. One thing I didn't realize or think about until coming here is that people pray about or for rain every day here; whether they need it to come or to hold off so that they may plant their gardens. People come to God with everything each and every day, and rely on Him and trust Him to provide.

I think I could write and write about things I've done, seen or learned but will make a list of observations (some on the lighter side and some more insightful-well, I hope!)

-"Now" doesn't usually mean "now" and "soon" is very relative, depending on who you are speaking to. I've learned that I usually have more time than I think, and I'm hopeful this will give me more time to converse with those around me, and to not feel like any time is "wasted.”Because of this, we are often “chasing time”or “time is really running”

-I am coming from a very individualistic and performance based society, and this has been hard to mesh with a relational society on days when I feel like I haven't "done" anything. This is also a struggle for me, as much of my identity is wrapped up in doing things for others

-I am learning a lot about humility and grace, as I am used to doing things for myself and am at a place where I depend a lot on others. I also need to give myself and others grace as I adjust (and probably make many blunders) to the culture akround me and get more into my role at M:MM

-I need to celebrate the little victories-like learning to say, “I am glad to see you” (but need to be careful not to say it slightly different, or I will tell someone that I have urinated on them!)

-Ugandans are incredibly hard working, and there is not a lot of time set aside for rest or fun, so you enjoy those around you and soak up time and conversation with them

-Laughter should be easy. I have been surrounded by a lot of laughter, and even though I am not always sure what people are saying, I love listening to them laugh

Papa Sam making chapatti; I have enjoyed spending time cooking with him and Anne talking, laughing and singing. Sam has a“chapatti song”that he sings that means “Jesus has called me to serve Him”and says that even in making chapatti, he is serving the Lord. While this may seem like a stretch to some, I really admire this mindset and hope to think this way as well

Here I am making chapatti (I am covered in flour but you just can't see!) Not pictured: me helping to “prepare”(dissect) the chicken for dinner. They tell me that I am an African now, and that next time I will help with the slaughter. When in Africa!

This was taken at Bulago-the hometown of Ronald, who is on staff here. The last Friday of every month, the staff fasts and spends extended time in the Word and prayer, while visiting the home of one of the staff members, getting a tour and checking that all “14 points of a healthy home”(a major directive of M:MM) are in place. This place was beautiful up in the hills, and I was overcome with the glory of God and thankful to worship together

On Waiting

The past few weeks have been very different from what I was planning. My departure date for Uganda was to be January 11th. Life leading up to that time was filled with excitement, anxiety, some fear, happiness-many things; it was a rollercoaster of emotions that I was not quite prepared for. For over a year now, I've been dealing with abdominal pain that hasn't been explained fully-I've had many tests done and told that I have IBS, as this is a diagnosis of exclusion and my tests have come back "normal." In the few weeks before my departure, my pain got increasingly worse, and was worse than it had ever been. It was hard for me to discern if it was from stress, or something else. My family (especially my parents!) were uneasy about me jetting off to another continent with worsened and unexplained pain. They advised me to call my doctor, just to see what else I could do. I did, and was told that I should have some additional testing done, to diagnose or rule anything else out. Completing the tests meant that I would have to delay my departure. I made the difficult decision to stay, and had 3 more tests done, and was started on some new medicine. The tests came back normal, which is a major praise! It was really hard for me to decide to stay a little longer, because going to Uganda has been my dream for four years, and to me it felt like now or never. However, I am glad that I can go to Uganda now with peace of mind, and can jump into life there without fear of this pain that I have. I knew that God had a purpose for this time, even if it felt like giant steps backwards.

I have had to be honest about what I've been thinking and feeling in this time. I have been angry at God because I felt like he was taking my dream from me; it felt unfair. I felt confusion about the timing-I have always been healthy, and why right before this dream He's given me coming true, do I have pain? I have felt a bit lost at sea-what am I supposed to do now? But, there has been a lot of good too. I have seen some friends and loved ones that I wouldn't have had the chance to before. My disappointment has been a further confirmation of my desire to go. I am very antsy! I have been able to keep in touch with Sam at M:MM and he has encouraged me that it will all work out in God's timing, which is perfect. I have been able to see that often times, I turn to fear when unexpected things happen. It has shown me that nothing is guaranteed, but God is present and He is faithful. Even if it hasn't always felt like it, I know that God sees me and cares for me. He is my Healer. He does work all things together for good. I don't understand why this delay has happened, but I trust that God will continue showing it to me. I want to follow God like a child holding her Father's hand.

I am still incredibly excited for the opportunity to go to Uganda, and learn from His people there! I am now going to be leaving on February 18th. I am counting down the days! I pray that I would be present where I am, and make the most of this time. I pray that I would be present when I am in Uganda, and will be a sponge, soaking up all the goodness that God has for me there. I saw a phrase online somewhere "Grow where you're planted." It may be cheesy, but it resonated with me. I don't want to waste time waiting for "my adventure to begin" because God has me here, and He will bring me there. But He is everywhere, and nothing is wasted for Him. I am excited to be in Uganda, and one thing I know-it is worth the wait.

Another bonus of waiting-getting to spend time with our new kitty-Jet

 Spending time with friend Lisa at the St. Paul winter carnival

TWO WEEKS!!!!

It is crazy to think that I am only two short weeks away from departing for Uganda for the year! It has been a bit surreal to me that it is actually happening. I still have a lot to do before I leave, but also feel relaxed in a way. I think I just have peace that this is the right thing for me, and am trusting the Lord that everything will come together.

I have been enjoying time with family, especially for the holidays. It is neat to think that next Christmas I will likely be celebrating in Uganda. I am really excited to spend more time in Uganda, and learn different traditions that they have, and share traditions with those I get to know. I know that the next year will look a lot different for me, but can't wait to see what it has in store.

Please be praying as I continue to get things ready, that things will come together smoothly. Also pray that I will let go of control a bit; I tend to think of myself as a flexible person, but this experience will put flexibility into a whole new perspective. I will be stretched and pulled, but am eager to see what I am shaped into. I know that the Lord has good for me in Uganda, and I've already been shown a lot of good in preparation.

The count down is on! If you are reading this and want to get email updates from me, send me a message. Also, I still have support that needs to be raised, and you can go here to donate!

http://globalhz.org/mission-moving-mountains-associate/

A first entry!

Hello! I decided to start a blog! I am not very tech savvy, so I really don't know if I've done it correctly, but here is a trial run! I am very excited to be preparing for my upcoming year in Uganda! Thanks to all that have encouraged and supported me in this transition time! Hard to believe I'll be there in two months! I am so excited and eager to see what the Lord will do and all that I will experience!

Hopefully this will be a way for people to keep up with me during my time in Uganda and for me to put into words and process some of the things I am experiencing and learning. I am not sure yet how often I will be able to update it but hopefully on a regular basis. I think it will be fun! You all can come along with me in a way!

I pray that God will be glorified through my time there, and that those I meet will be blessed. I know that I will be very blessed by their stories and welcoming nature to me. I hope to be a sponge.

Ok, have a happy day!