Predictably Unpredictable

At times living in Uganda can be an adventure.

Among other things, "adventure" can be defined as "an exciting or unexpected event or course of events." This post focuses on the latter - an "unexpected event or course of events."
 
As I rode home from a village yesterday evening, I thought about this aspect of Uganda that I find sometimes interesting, sometimes humorous, sometimes frustrating.

Circumstances, events and schedules can be "predictably unpredictable." Don't set your plans or ideas in stone as they are apt to be adjusted, rearranged, broken, or entirely canceled.

For instance, yesterday I escorted a young island boy, Geoffrey, up to school. In my planning this morning I imagined it would be a simple affair. Take a boat from the island, buy the few things he needs in town, like soap and sugar, board a taxi to the village, meet up with the contact, go to the school, get the boy settled, and return to Jinja by perhaps 3 or 4 in the afternoon. However, things did not go as smoothly as my "best -laid plans."

After my morning chore of sweeping and mopping, I realized I had only a few minutes before the time the public boat would arrive to take  us off the island. I quickly showered, packed my things in my backpack, grabbed breakfast (instant coffee and a protein bar) and quickly headed to the lake shore. Near the shore, I was relieved to realize I had not missed the boat and in fact would be taking a different private boat. So, I decided to reset my pace to "leisurely" and wait for the new departure time.

Some time later, on the way to Geoffrey's new school, we realized we didn't have all of his things - like a mattress, an essential for staying at a boarding school. We called the  former school's headmaster (principal), then the boy's older brother, then the headmaster again trying to figure out where his things were being stored. When we arrived at the old school to pick up his belongings we found it locked as tight as a drum, with not a soul on the premises.

Realizing we would not easily get the items back and seeing Geoffrey needed something to sleep on that night, we ventured into the "trading center" of the village. After visiting four different shops, we bought what he needed (spending more than I anticipated) just as it began to rain.

Geoffrey at his new school.

We were graciously welcomed at the new school, but as Headmaster Alan checked the boy's things, he noted some items were missing - pencils, brooms, toilet paper, a mathematical set. Okay, so maybe Geoffrey wasn't as ready as I had thought.
By this time it was after 2 p.m. and none of our group had eaten lunch. But it was also now pouring down rain. After debating whether or not to wait out the storm, our hungry stomachs won out and we dashed to the car. It took careful navigation for the driver to move the vehicle along the narrow roads (paths) that were now quite muddy and flooding in some parts. After picking up some other hungry folks, we ventured back to the trading center for lunch at a small cafe.

After a nice meal, we made our way back to the office of the organization with which I was working to get Geoffrey into his new school. I was told there would be a 15-30 minute wait until we headed back to Jinja, about a 30-40 minute drive away. I didn't track the time, but my guess was that the 30-minute wait s t r e t c h e d into longer. (Which is why I have learned to carry a book with me.)

Finally at about 6 p.m. I arrived back home in Jinja - only two or three hours after originally planned. Although my "plans" were not executed as I had envisioned, there were the unexpected blessings as well, like protection on the journey and from the rain, sunshine on the boat ride, help from friends, a nice lunch and a free ride back to Jinja.

While I would call America a structured and orderly society, Uganda is definitely "fluid."You can't set your clock by hardly anything, which is one reason I don't wear a watch. Store hours, power, water, Internet, cellphone networks, boat and taxi services, meetings, activities, the weather, what is available in the supermarket and more are all fairly flexible and apt to change at any time.

A boat may depart at 5:30 a.m. or several hours later at 8 a.m. You may find your favorite coffee in the supermarket, or you may not. (However, you may find Pringles or Oreos that weren't there the week before. ; ) That rainstorm may last several minutes or several hours, and will likely severely delay or sabotage any plans. The power might be off for a few minutes, a few hours or even a few days. You may show up "late" to the meeting, and wait an hour or two more for it to begin. You may find your water supply is lessened or not there at all. Your favorite shop may be closed in the middle of the day, perhaps for lack of power or because the owner decided to take a break. You may have forewarning about a speaking engagement or other commitment, or you may not. Many Ugandans do not live by the clock.

For someone who likes and even thrives in a structured environment, Uganda's fluidity and "predictable unpredictability" has taken me some getting used to. But God is using it to teach me flexibility, patience and is providing the nearly constant reminder that He  is still in control, despite circumstances often out of my control.

And, honestly, I actually miss this type of "adventure" when I visit home in the states. Structure can be predictable and even boring. ; )

One Ugandan "predictability" - breathtaking sunsets.

A Namiti Adventure

Fishermen doing some morning work on Lake Victoria

It had been a year and a half since I last visited Namiti Island, so I was excited for what I might find there.

Namiti is like a second home for Shepherd's Heart. Last June we "officially" re-opened a medical clinic in this very rural place. Also, a couple of members have made their homes there, raised their families and invested many hours on Namiti and the surrounding islands through various ministry outreaches.

Folks like Pastor Samson and Oraygi are from elsewhere in Uganda (like the eastern part), but feel called to serve the islands as "missionaries."

Namiti is a "southern" island in the Buvuma group and one crosses the equator from north to south to reach it, if traveling from Jinja or Lingira Island. Unfortunately, I am not sure where that equator "line" is since we are traveling on the water.

Our original departure time from Jinja on Tuesday was delayed by a storm and as we waited in the boat to leave, the sky seemed to only darken. Yet, we set off. Five hours later and after much "rockin' and rollin'" through heavy winds and waves, we landed wet and tired at Namiti Island. (Sorry, no photos of the trip there!)

One of the few trees on "Namiti" - the "tree island."

"Namiti" means "tree" in Luganda, yet it really doesn't have many, since most were cut for firewood and other purposes some time ago. It is rather sparsely vegetated and flat, too. Yet, it has its own unique beauty in the people and surroundings.

My purpose for visiting Namiti was to meet with sponsored students and their parents, and if possible also visit the students in their homes. The group meeting went well, though as usual, started about an hour after it was planned. :) (Meetings or other activities rarely start on time here, mostly because people trickle in slowly by slowly.)

Namiti Clinic Collage: (from top left clockwise) immunization day; visiting Nurse Bambi (an RN and midwife) talks with expectant island mothers; Nurse Alex attends to a patient; children on the clinic's veranda; immunizing a young patient; a view of the front of the clinic.

After lunch, and time for photos and a bit of reading, I was taken by a student into the village to visit. I so enjoyed meeting students' families, "impressing" them with my little Luganda, and seeing more of my students' world.

Some village homes are as small as an American bedroom, with mud walls and floors, thatched roofs or the occasional tin roof. Narrow, meandering "streets" or "alleys" separate the homes in the village, with some huts so close together that you could stand at your doorway and touch your neighbors' abode.

The sun was setting as I entered my last home for the day - Fauza's house.

Fauza, who is nearly 18, has become quite dear to me. I met her in 2010 - the year I came to Uganda to work with SHIM on Lingira Island, and the year she started studying at Lingira Living Hope. Last year I began one-on-one discipleship with her as I sensed her genuine desire to walk with Christ and to know Him more. She is coming out of her shy, reserved shell - even now singing in the school choir and wanting to gain more boldness as a Christian.

I watched as amazement as Fauza laughed and talked freely with her family and friends as I sat in their small home, enjoying orange soda, matoke (cooked bananas), peanut sauce, cassava and fish, prepared for me as a "visitor."

Fauza is the only born-again Christian in her home, with a Catholic mother, Muslim step-father, and siblings who align themselves with either of those two faiths. Yet, Fauza's quiet walk with Christ is strong and growing. Despite her reserved personality, her love for Jesus is becoming clearer and more evident.

Student Betty, right, and her lovely mom standing in the door of their home.

In our time on Namiti, myself and the others I traveled with, enjoyed the hospitality of Pastor Samson's wife, Joyce or "Joy," whose name fits her in so many ways. A warm, welcoming woman, she is also an excellent cook. :) Amazingly, she can take virtually the same ingredients, but make the rice, potatoes and other dishes taste wonderfully different and good. Samson and Joy also have a "choir" in their home - six children. The oldest, Emmanuel, a boy, is followed by five, sometimes spunky, younger sisters. Some of the children even sang and danced for us while were there!

We awoke before dawn on Thursday morning to catch the boat, which we were told left at 6 a.m. After a couple of hours of patient (or sometimes impatient) waiting at the shore, we boarded our boat at 8 a.m. and headed back to Jinja. We were grateful for bright, sunny skies and smooth waters - much different weather than our journey to Namiti.

Fishing boats at the shore

All around I felt blessed by this trip. I saw and experienced God's protection and peace on the journey, had a chance to share the Gospel on the boat with a young man who had walked away from his faith, observed the clinic nurses and other healthcare workers busy providing services to many needy patients, enjoyed visits with students and their families in their home environment, and once again came to the realization that God is very much at work - even in remote and rural places, like Namiti, somewhere just south of the equator.

Note the phone number on the side of the boat.

Fisherman takes in the lake

Sanyu ("Joy"), a little cousin of one of my students. (Isn't she adorable?)

Island woman carrying basin of small fish

Scattering the small fish for drying

Our "bus" coming in for the ride back to Jinja.

Clouds over Lake Victoria. I love the clouds here!

Looking back on the Namiti shore.

Mama Joy with three of her girls

Fishing boat on the lake

P.S. If you would like to see more photos of this trip, take a look at my Facebook album, found here.

A Plea to the Maker of Young Hearts

Some of Uganda's young people

I scan their faces and wonder what they are thinking. Are they hearing? I study their eyes. Do I see a gleam of understanding, of receptivity? Are they just taking in words, or are they grasping what is being communicated in heartfelt tones?

When I find myself facing a group of students in church or in a school assembly here, I often have such thoughts.

At times tears come to my eyes as I wish with all my heart they knew the depth of their Creator's love for them. I pray they someday grasp how great a plan their Heavenly Father has for each of their lives. I long that they know Jesus as a Savior, Friend, Refuge, Confidant and Guide.

Sometimes the Ugandan youth remind me of teenagers elsewhere. They live for today, but many often don't consider how today's choices will alter their tomorrows. Messages of purity, abstinence, standing strong, staying in school, etc. are repeated over and over again. I wonder if they become weary of these familiar themes and tune them out?

We exhort them to get good grades, respect their authorities, don't bully others, consider your neighbors, etc. Yes, these are among the messages we tell the island youth. Sound familiar, huh, to what might be shared with an American adolescent or teenager?

I believe young people around the world have dreams, passions, fears, and insecurities that follow the same veins. They want to be valued, listened to, appreciated, respected. Yet, their culture, backgrounds, family relations, poverty level, status, etc. are as diverse as their appearances, surroundings and locations on planet Earth.

I find myself sometimes stumped by how to reach these kids. Am I just spouting off streams of words that vaporize before they enter their heads and hearts? Or spinning my wheels as I teach, mentor, disciple, befriend?

Only God knows. And only He knows what will actually penetrate these young and impressionable lives to bring true transformation according to His  purposes. After all, He designed them, formed them and wrote out their days before they were born (Psalm 139). 

Heavenly Father, please give me grace, wisdom, discernment, patience and divine understanding as I work with the youth of Uganda. Grant me vision to see them as You do. Help me to be a vessel to show them Who You are and who they are because of Your love, grace and forgiveness. Amen.

(I very much covet your prayers as I pray, plan and prepare for the coming second term and the months ahead. I have run dry of creative ideas and energy and really need God's leading and inspiration. Thanks so much!)

"Live Out Loud"

I'd rather blend into a crowd, than stand out in one.

But you and I are called to STAND out, to be different, to be set..........apart, to not blend in.

This song inspires me to do just that - to "Live Out Loud" for my Savior.

Some of my favorite lines are:

"Think about this
If we really have been given the gift
of life that will never end
And if we have been filled with living
hope, we're gonna overflow
And if God's love is burning in our
hearts, we're gonna glow
There's just no way to keep it in"

"Every corner of creation is a living declaration
Come join the song we were made to sing."

Are you a "living declaration" in your "corner of creation"? 
I encourage you to be so!

Agony - Destiny - Triumph

 "The agony in Gethsemane is the agony of the Son of God in fulfilling His destiny as the Saviour of the world.  The veil is drawn aside to reveal all it cost Him to make it possible for us to become sons of God. 

"His agony is the basis of the simplicity of our salvation.

"The Cross of Christ is a triumph for the Son of Man.  It was not only a sign that Our Lord had triumphed, but that He had triumphed to save the human race.  

"Every human being can get through into the presence of God now because of what the Son of Man went through."

- Oswald Chambers, My Utmost for His Highest, April 5th entry

The Working Out of God's Vision

Over the past week or so my mind and heart have been swirling. Emotions of homesickness, loneliness, doubts, fears, etc. have been surfacing. Then yesterday I learned of a sudden and tragic death that hit my pastor's family and church family very hard. And I hurt for them deeply. I feel helpless being so far away.

Over and over, I come to the realization that life is not static. People and circumstances change. Life at home is not "paused" as the people there experience births, deaths, joys and sadness - same as here.

And then sometimes I wish for "changes" in my own life. "God," I pray, "I feel stuck."

The monotony is getting to me, as well as the constant battles against dirt, bugs, my own lack of cultural understanding and the almost constant reminders of my weaknesses and sin. The surrounding needs are great and often overwhelming. And "my" resources are limited and shallow. Speaking of needs, "God," I plead, "I need a home, family and children."

"When will they come?"

Then this morning I read:

"God gives us the vision, then He takes us down to the valley to batter us into the shape of the vision, and it is in the valley that so many of us faint and give way. Every vision will be made real if we will have patience." - Oswald Chambers, My Utmost for His Highest

In my Bible reading, I am traveling through the Old Testament and am frequently amazed at how God takes His time to tell His story. Twenty-five years to give a son to Abraham and Sarah. Ten plus years for Joseph to be made right with his brothers and for the truth to be revealed. Forty years in the wilderness before God called Moses from the burning bush to rescue His people who had been enslaved in Egypt for so many years. Lord, why so long?

Crafting a thing of beauty, substance and worth takes time. And God is willing to take the time with you.

"The vision is not a castle in the air, but a vision of what God wants you to be. Let Him put you on His wheel and whirl you as He likes, and as sure as God is God and you are you, you will turn out exactly in accordance with the vision. Don't lose heart in the process. If you have ever had the vision of God, you may try as you like to be satisfied on a lower level, but God will never let you." - Oswald Chambers, My Utmost for His Highest

One of my favorite passages of Scripture is Ephesians 3:14-21, a prayer Paul prayed from his prison cell for the Ephesus believers. This is God's vision for us:

"For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom his whole family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of his glorious riches He may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. 

"And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.

"Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen." 

Whatever you may be passing through, hang on to the Master Potter as He patiently works out His vision in you.

Images Source: Microsoft Office Clipart

One at a Time

When I become discouraged or weary, God gives me a glimpse of the work He is doing here. 

Let me share just a few recent stories…

His eyes are full of light as he tells of the deep changes he is experiencing. David has just finished the first month of the six months of a Discipleship Training School (DTS) he is doing at a local YWAM base here.

What David is gaining is more than a greater knowledge of God’s Word or a more intellectual understanding of Christian truths - he is experiencing a true transformation of his heart and mind as he yields to the Holy Spirit’s work in his life. 

Although raised in a Christian home under the loving care of God-fearing parents, David is beginning to understand that Christ desires truth in his inward parts. Cutting away old ties and affections is not easy, but David has caught sight of the freedom that Christ brings to lives yielded to Him.

Pray for David in the coming months, that God would continue the incredible work He has begun in this young man.

Without Abandoning Her Faith

“God has done great things in my life” says an exuberant Halima, with her eyes and smile beaming. A student at the island school, Halima has shared her struggles with me in the past – such as being the Christian daughter of a staunch Muslim father. 

Oftentimes after listening to her hardships, the primary being to pay school fees, I would admit I didn’t have the answers, but suggested we take her concerns to the Lord. So we bowed our heads in prayer, admitting our own weaknesses and inadequacies, but pleading for God’s wisdom and provision.

In this, her first term of her final year at the school, God performed a miracle. Halima’s father has refused to pay her tuition since sometime in her primary (elementary) years. He told her that would only change if she converted back to Islam. I and others encouraged her to remain strong in her faith in Christ, promising that God would make a way. With joy, Halima shared that her father paid this term’s fees – without her abandoning her Christian faith.

She attests to a fact that I can see is true – her faith has grown, and her desire to serve God her Provider has intensified.

Providence Amid Broken Promises

Kenyan born, Benjamin came to the islands of Uganda on the wings of hope. But instead he found challenges and broken promises. His uncle, a fisherman on a nearby island, struggles to care for his own four children, let alone his nephew, whom he invited to study in Uganda.

Last school year, Benjamin could not afford to board at the school, so he lived in the nearby village of Kyoya. Sometimes he was late for classes or skipped days entirely as he looked for money to pay his fees and buy food. Showing mercy, the school teachers began helping him to eat. This term, he again paid the day student fee, but was permitted to board.

Last year he came to me asking for help, such as in the form of sponsorship. After telling him I was unable to offer help at the time, I suggested we pray. This year when one of our sponsors offered to help more students, Benjamin’s name came to mind. And the choice was confirmed when the school administration spoke of the boy’s good behavior and work ethic.

Words of heartfelt gratitude poured from Benjamin’s lips as I sat with him last week to learn more about his background. As he told his story, I asked when he became a Christian. Born a Catholic, Benjamin’s interest in Christianity was piqued when he came to the Christ-based Lingira Living Hope Secondary School. In the second term last year, he confessed Christ and since then has seen Jesus changing his life.

“I used to be lazy,” he says, but now is eager to read his schoolbooks and seeks out work around the school to earn extra money. Indeed it was his strong work ethic that caused Benjamin to stand out from the other students who could have received the sponsorship.

His countenance exudes joy and gratitude. His eyes sparkle with joy, and his voice is rich with it. In his childlike faith, Benjamin trusted God, and saw God answer in a remarkable way.

Faith in God’s Promises

I am awed as I witness God working in the lives of David, Halima, Benjamin and others like them. Yes, God loves the whole world, but He is in the business of changing lives one at a time.

God began his work on the Buvuma Islands long before any missionary reached there. Those of us serving here are just joining a work the Holy Spirit has already begun.

God does not need my help or your efforts, but He invites us to be part of the greatest and most magnificent story of redemption and restoration.

Don’t doubt God is at work in your life, in the lives of your family or friends, or those for whom you feel a burden. Trust. Pray. Have faith. And believe God will continue and complete the work He has begun. He promised to do so.

“For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 1:6

Photo: Cross atop Lingira Island, Uganda