Glad Tidings of Great Joy!

Merry Merry Christmas!!! I hope your Christmas is filled with joy, peace, and loved ones.

Cam Karama maber!
(cham  ka-ra-ma  ma-bay [a as in art])
Merry Christmas!

Of Christmas ReBirths

Today in the village, we talked about what Christmas is and why we celebrate it. It was an interesting mix of kids - some new some regulars. Besides just the story, I shared why the coming of the Christ was important. I suggested that those that wanted more could talk to Nyamchika a little later, but when most of the class raised at least one hand, we decided now would be better. We have many new young siblings! Praises! Pray with me that they will grow in knowledge and faith and hunger for more of Him.

Class Update

Holidays Season Begins

The Ugandan school year follows the calendar year. At the end of November, the kids take their exams and, hopefully, move on to the next level. School starts again the beginning of February. So, school is in the process of coming to an end here. As such, my classes with the school have ended for the break and my other classes have an influx of school kids coming. During the break I will continue the classes that are not done through the school. I will be changing them up a bit to accommodate a different group in attendance. I also hope to develop some of the educational materials I have been wanting and focus on language learning. I find that while I can get to know basics and express a lot despite the language barrier, I need to have more language to be able to counsel and build deeper relationships.

Academics - The Report Card

Pece Bible Club -

It took me a while to get into this class. We started with some basics then started Bible Storytime. There is a pretty regular group that comes. When school is not in session, there are significantly more. I am planning to go topical for a while during the break.

TLC – Tegot Learning Club (sounds more positive than Unschooled Kids Class)

Slowly the kids are making progress. They can sing the whole alphabet but are still pretty spotty on recalling which is which. Writing skills are pretty low – as to be expected from kids with little to no exposure. Math has progressed a lot more – most are getting their numbers; we are beginning addition. There are many kids who have never attended school and many that are pretty young. I am focusing on the school-aged kids but allowing the young ones to try things out and get exposure to the concepts. I have 6 (esp. 3) that I have begun to pull out for some more advanced practice.

P1 &P2 @ Tegotatoo Primary School

This class has been challenging with so many students (over 200 tightly arranged on the floor of the classroom) but also a lot of fun. They have been moving forward quickly. I'm sure this is partly due to the support of their regular teachers. On their own they decided they wanted to be a part of the class too. I've enjoyed getting to know them. They are great!!! I had concern that since I was doing things differently and not according to curriculum, I may not be supported by the teachers. God gave me favor. They seemed to really appreciate the class and accept the lessons. The P1 teacher even decided to include parts of it on the exam!

P7

This class was also a challenge but good. These kids are various ages (all teens) in their last year of primary school. The school year ends a bit earlier for them than the rest of the school. Their exams are a pretty big deal here. The rest of the school is cancelled on those days; certain streets in town even closed to help create a quiet environment. So, for me, this class was also shortened. I have been asked to do it again next year. After my short trial run, I hope to be better prepared for next year. I'm really excited to create a fuller class and curriculum... grammar exercises, readers' theater, reading groups... get ready!!! I've been collecting some easier reading books (easier for English learners) but have yet to get a classroom set of anything (or find a book worth it). I miss book options!!!

Sponsored Kids

Its fun to have a class with students I have known for a long time and are secured into the class. I have split this class by level and am trying to teach everyone P1-P4. The P3-4 students recognize a few words but aren't really reading yet. We've been practicing sounding out words and making sentences. It is going well! They seem to be picking up on it. I am teaching reading in their language first. Acholi is so much easier to read! The vowels actually make consistent sense! It is interesting - phonics is not taught here. Reading can be slow at any age with a low literacy rate. Some educated people can read English but still struggle with Acholi!

***I was told the other day by an educated adult that they wished they had been taught this way (phonics). I've been told that before. “It builds a strong foundation”. I look forward to seeing the strength built up in these kids.

from a couple weeks ago

The children are making progress. Some are just beginning to recognize and recall letter sounds. In the P1 and P2 class as well as the sponsored kids class, we have begun sounding out words. We have a long way to go but some seem to be starting to pick up on it. We are Bible storytelling in Pece Bible Club. Last Monday a young boy was able to tell me all about the story from the week before – complete with details!

Home is becoming more like home. The place where I am living is becoming more and more like home. It is nice. I now have a roommate. We met on the bus one day when she was just arriving in Gulu. She didn't have a place to stay yet and I was wanting a roommate. God must have arranged it. She came home with me from the bus and has been there since. She is from Denmark and works with the Red Cross. It has been great to have a friend in the house!

I have begun attending a local church I like so far. It is using the same building where I used to attend a different congregation in 2009. It's nearby – about a 15 minute walk from the house. Now there is a church headed by a Texan who talks about having faith and not just for the sake of material “blessings”. It is refreshing. There is a small to medium group of people who attend and are growing in faith.

I have developed a list of educational activities I have decided to make. While I am excited to use them in the class, they take a while to put together. Thankfully, I like craft time. I just need to find enough time to complete them.

A break from school is coming. Ugandan schools are set up in three terms. Final exams occur in November and kids start the next grade in February. My classes attached to the school will end. I am excited to be able to regroup my thoughts and prepare to have a full year with them. My other classes will continue but will have to change. There is no way to keep schooled kids from coming to unschooled kids class. It completely changes the dynamic. I would love to have the schooled tutor the unschooled but I don't think it would happen well. Perhaps I'll try it. I think I am either going to have to give out several activities at once to occupy all, or take a break from academics and do something else. Besides putting together educational materials, I think I will use this time to work on my language skills. I have heard of a couple tutors who may help.

Fireworks

Cricket season entering my house + my roommate with an electric bug swatter = an entertaining firework show

Monkey Trousers

     Today I was reminded to enjoy the little things in life. The last few days I've been tired, inexplicably lacking energy. By noon today I was ready to lay down with a book – for those that know me and my relationship to reading books for pleasure at home during daylight hours, you probably think I must be sick. I doubt it, but I picked up some malaria cure at the pharmacy today just in case. Its good to keep it on hand.

     There are times we are full of energy and times we lack. At Bible study last night we discussed how occasional unexplained exhaustion seems to be a part of living here. “I get moody and tired – I'm not usually like that,” explained a friend. I'm not alone. We decided to blame the climate.

     It is in these times of struggle that God shows us the little things to remind us of the beauty, joy, and hilarity of life. Perhaps they are always there, we just pay more attention to grasp a hold of them. Living cross culturally can bring up an extra dose.

     As I trudged through the heat, seeking a place to sit with coffee, internet, and electricity (power is out again), I saw two men preparing to mount the back of a boda-boda (motorcycle taxi). Normally, this wouldn't catch my eye. Today is a holiday - one of the men was rather elderly and wearing the Muslim ankle-length tunic. Curiosity caught me as to if he was going to have to have to ride “like a woman” (side-saddle). I should have known better. As he lifted the tunic slightly to get onto the cycle (like a man), my eyes were delighted to find he was wearing monkey trousers. Many things travel to the markets here and get reused in a variety of ways. Why not wear monkey pajama pants under your tunic? I mean no disrespect. I think its great, just delightfully unexpected.

     On days we are tired or struggling, may we remember that God is with us. He may bring us reminders in different ways- a flower, a breeze, or monkey trousers. May we not be too busy or serious to take notice.

Ringing the School Bells

When I left the states, I had three programs in mind.

1-Tutoring the sponsored kids

2- Teaching basic skills to kids in Tegotatoo who can't afford school fees

3- “School-wide” Literacy Program at Tegot Atoo Primary School

Then, I learned of a Bible club that had been started just outside my house for the neighborhood kids. Teamed with some Ugandan friends, I was asked to continue this class. Then what about the girls at the Zion Project that I grew to love in 2009. They are reading and speaking English now but are struggling in math... might I tutor them sometimes too? Time is easy to fill. Slowly and carefully I am trying to plan out these programs.

TegotAtoo Primary School (Levels 1-7)

     Much has improved since I last saw this school. Right before I left in 2009, they got a new headmaster. They have gotten some more teachers, have somewhat of a library (with ECM help), and have made general school improvements. The teachers now have accommodations at the school so they don't have to commute – teacher attendance has gone up. Some things haven't changed. P1 (level one) had over 150 kids during first term; it has fallen to just over a hundred. While the P1 teacher is great, she is only one person. P2 has just under 90 students. I've enjoyed getting to know these teachers – I pray I can keep a positive relationship with them as I try to supplement with some methods different than what is in their curriculum.

Starting Small – Leaving room for growth

Sponsorship Tutoring

     Many of the sponsored kids are struggling in school (this is not just sponsored kids but reflected in non-sponsored kids as well). Their report cards reflect their difficulties. During “Saturday Club” the older kids have begun receiving help. Last Saturday, I began taking the lower levels (1-4). Day one- introduction and assessment. All but three can write their name. Some have a grasp on letters. Only one could read a simple sentence. A good start, I'm looking forward to seeing their growth.

Unschooled Kids Class

     I have not started this class but have begun making arrangements. I have spoken with the pastor of the local church and have gotten permission to use the building during the week. This Sunday I will go pray with them (attend church service) and make an announcement to the parents both inviting their kids and explaining the purpose of the class. Maintaining that just because I want to get to know you, does not mean I can pay the school fees for your entire family, can be difficult.

School-wide Literacy

     I had a meeting with the headmaster. I wanted to offer myself as help but give room for the school to tell me what they needed and what they wanted it to look like. My parameters were that I do not want to take the place of anything they are already doing – only to supplement it; and as such, I don't plan on following their syllabus. I let him know that my “specialty” is with the younger kids. I am starting small here too, which is good because it is nearing the end of their school year (think calendar year with 3 terms). We can revisit my role in a few months. The headmaster was seemingly quick to decide that I would teach P1&2 on Wednesdays and P7 on Saturdays. I have had one class for each so far.

     P1&2... Almost 200 kids! Unfortunately the teachers were not informed of the decision made by the headmaster and I caught them a bit by surprise yesterday. They adjusted and told their kids to come back after lunch. Usually these kids have a shorter day than the rest of the school so I am technically meeting them after school. They were excited to see what class with the “munu”, “white person”, was going to be like. After lunch we crammed into a classroom with no desks. Their regular teachers stayed to help – likely also out of curiosity. It seemed to go well and pray that my relationship with these teachers remains positive. We can learn from each other. The Ugandan curriculum does not teach the alphabet in whole or do much with phonics. We'll see how this goes!

     P7... (You want me to teach what?! But they're teenagers!) Ok, so this class made me a bit nervous. We had a short first class during which I spoke to a silent group of teens staring at me until I gave them an assignment. I got a writing sample from them. It seems that we will be working on their English. The more I think about it, the more I get excited for this class. Reading groups, role play, grammar time... Yay! Hope they're ready for this.

Pece Bible Club

     I live in Gulu in an area called Pece (Pech-eh) in a neighborhood called African Quarters. Here, under a mango tree, some African friends and I will be meeting the neighborhood kids on Mondays at 4. We met together for a short time to make the announcement, sing songs, and play games. I am excited to be ministering directly in the area where I live. These kids can be pretty “stubborn” and their constant demands tiresome, pray for us as we meet!

Reuniting

     I have been in Gulu for one week now. I spent much of the week cleaning, fixing, and settling into my new home. I am in the same house where I lived in 2009 - The same landlord, same local night-guard, and many of the same neighbors. It was nice to visit with friends and meet the new ones. Sarah is still in Gulu until November. She has introduced me to many new people and shown me the new places.

On Wednesday, I visited the ZION Project Girls' Home. I was met with hugs and excitement. It was so wonderful to see them again. I am so proud of how they have grown. The now are reading very well and speaking English! I spent some time listening to them recite the Scripture they were memorizing and reading with them.

     Saturday I visited the camp where the sponsored children were gathered. The staff had me hide in the van so that I could surprise them with my presence. I came in while they were seated and singing a song. They were excited. I said some words then the staff encouraged them to line up and give me a hug one by one. The funny thing, is that hugging is not really done in this culture. The younger ones who were familiar with us from our class in 2009 were eager to come up and greet me. There were some, the older boys and ones I had never met, who this was extremely awkward for. But that is what they had been instructed to do, so, one by one I gave (and sometimes received) a hug to the 70 sponsored kids. After that we had some more songs and I was overwhelmed with love for them. I knew once again that while it will be difficult to maintain everything I have plans for, this is where I am supposed to be. I have so much love for those kids. I cannot explain it – only that God has filled me with it for a purpose. It re-energized me for the work ahead. It's gonna be good.

Travelling Mercies

Day 1: Denver to Washington DC. 2: DC towards Africa 3: Arrive in Ethiopia then fly to Entebbe, Uganda take a hire to Kampala 4: A Day in Kampala 5: Post Bus to Gulu and the great reunion...

God met me in my travels in so many ways. Some wonderful friends helped me leave. My connections with the airline allowed me to travel for a fraction of what it would normally cost – this meant that I had to travel all the way Standby (a word that had begun to describe my whole life). I had no troubles getting on the flights – there was room all the way. On my longest flight I was seated in the middle of the center row, but I was in between a Kenyan pastor living in Atlanta and a government official from South Sudan. It made for some very interesting conversations. The 13 hour flight seemed to go by easily enough. I met a girl going to Kampala who I ended up sharing a ride with and staying with in Kampala. It was nice to have some company along the way and hear about her experiences with Ugandan adoption. I met a man in the hotel who took me to a church where I met some great missionaries and contacts in the educational field. The traveling went well, I got to visit some friends, and I made it safely along to Gulu. It seemed there were little miracles everyday.  

Naturally

Preparing to leave the states is a funny thing. So many mixed emotions. Getting rid of what you own; trying to pack up what you think you may need in the unknown future; excitement for where you are going; sadness for who you are leaving; mind in a million directions at once; closing accounts; unknowns. I wanted to leave well but was stuck with the fading time and practical tasks. I kept waiting for it to hit me that I was leaving. You know that feeling when you know in your head that you are going but sometimes it takes some time to believe. I figured it would hit me late and I would panic perhaps at the airport. I knew I was leaving but I could not shake that I would not be coming back in a few days. It just seemed I was unusually sad to be leaving people. The sadness was real, but otherwise I was going through the logical motions of leaving. Perhaps I have flown too much while working for the airline that I got too used to packing and going for short trips. I have waited for so long to come back to Uganda. I have poured out my passion time and time again; cried to God to let me end the waiting. Why was it that I could not grasp that it was finally here?

It did not hit me while I packed. It did not hit me at the airport; not as I waited in DC, in Ethiopia, nor during my 18 hours in the air. I simply arrived. Still I waited for some kind of natural response to having left everything I know to live indefinitely in another culture far away. I have now been here some time and I still feel as natural as any other day. I am sad and miss people in the US, but it seems so natural to be here. Of course I am here. Did God not tell me I would come back? I knew I would return and was waiting for it for so long. So here I am, finally, in the place God called me to years ago. It is time to begin. Here I am, somehow, naturally.

Art show... thank you!

Wow was May a busy month!!! Work, moving, and putting together an art show!!! Last night (June 1) was my first art show! It was a lot of fun even if I was a little exhausted. I sold some pieces with all the money going towards ministry in Uganda. I can't wait to get back. It is late and I should be sleeping but I wanted to thank everyone (if you happen to check this blog) for coming. I felt very blessed to have so many people show up to support me, my art, the gallery, and Uganda! I hope and plan to post more soon. God has been so good.

:)

Something has budged. I am so excited... blessed... Pray for the next several months while I am pushing forward in fund raising and hopefully GOING BACK!!!

Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen.
      -  Eph 3:20-21


The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it. 1 Thessalonians 5:24


Lord God, where are you? You put this in me. You called me to this. Lord I know you are faithful and my timing is not yours. But God, where are you? I trust you God. You are the only one who has never failed. You ARE Faithfulness. But God, where are you? I feel dim and dark and weak. Others have given up and I have held on believing you to come through. Where are you? Two years I have been suspended. I have poured out the passion you gave me; over and over to indifference, laughter, and superficial credits. I need to see you. I need you to come through. Not for me but for your glory. You began this. You said you would finish. Do not delay any longer. Please God, I pray for movement. I don't know what to do anymore. 


God. This is yours. Whatcha gonna do with it?

Thoughts while driving a bit ago

January 7th

I was driving. I love a good drive. It was a beautiful day - warm for being winter. Something about movement that allows me a good think time. I started thinking about where I was. It was my second visit since I had moved away. I thought about my time, where I was, where I am, and the why's associated. Thankfulness. Both for my time there and that God gave me a way out. I was not in a good place there. It is not a bad place, but it wasn't good for me. Like a mental and spiritual fog. God has purposes though. As much as I didn't like it, I am thankful I was there for a time and thankful to have left. God, again, was teaching me how to be alone - a lesson it makes me nervous to think what for... but I am thankful.

In everything may we be thankful. May we flourish in His purposes. May we continue to be light when we don't understand the why's of life.

I am toothpaste.

I... am toothpaste.

I am toothpaste in a tube. I don't claim to disinfect, prevent cavities, clean, or cleanse and would be horrified to be told that I whiten. Like toothpaste, I am destined to serve in the field; though I currently live in a tube. Needing something I cannot accomplish on my own, I wait to be sent.

Reunion of friends - fire strengthens fire

Today I got to see my friend Sarah (uganda-journey.blogspot.com - she is a much better writer than me). We worked together while in Uganda. She has since gotten to go back. We talked about Uganda and she shared news from the field:
Gulu has grown... they now have a market chain from the south that carries bacon and dr. pepper.
The kids have grown
There isn't an afterschool program much anymore (the one we started and I want to continue) - my classroom awaits me.
Corruption hasn't ceased. The hardest thing (at least for me) to deal with in Uganda is corruption and lying. It seems it is extremely difficult to fully trust anyone as lying to a "friend's" face is appallingly common.
There are some more foreigners (some from US ) working out of Gulu.
My kids still ask about me.

I am both glad and sad to hear about them. Glad because I love them and care about how they are doing. Sad because I am still here. There is work to be done.

Pray for the kids. Pray for their country. Pray for me. Pray for movement.

new year

Happy new year!!! Hope you enjoyed its coming.
I pray the new year is blessed. May we see them with eyes renewed.