Where is the Water?

In Exodus 17:1-8 the Israelites are complaining that God had brought them out into the desert and not provided for them. This is not an unusual scene. However, if you look back you find God’s provision all around them. In chapter 15 they complain about bitter water, so God fixes the problem and makes it sweet. In chapter 16 they are yelling that they should just go back to Egypt and be slaves because at least they could eat. God then provides manna for them every day. They are doing no work and are doing nothing to receive these gifts, yet they keep complaining. In chapter 17 when they complain about not having water, God causes water to flow from out of a rock. God is providing everything these people need and where is their thankfulness?

Here at ACTS we are trying to provide water to help these people survive. Right now we are working a repair project for a water line that was put in in 1999. The line is supposed to provide water to 7000 people through its 46 taps. Presently there are only 8 taps working. I am a part of a survey team that interviews people to see how their lives were before, during, and after the project. We ask all kinds of questions concerning where they get their water, whether they are happy with it, sickness in the family, how the children are progressing in school, and anything associated with their home. During the interview process we can see how effective the water line was based on school performance, increased activity time, less sickness and a better quality of life. However, many of the people are not as thankful as you might think. They are very disappointed that the water system is not operating. Maybe they don’t like to walk the distance to get to the tap and instead drink dirty water that hurts them. Maybe they are mad because the free gift they have been given isn’t available now. The reasons the water line is not working however all comes back to their own care of the gift. Children have broken the taps, others have abused the lines, and some have taken peoples 20 cents a month for maintenance and used it for themselves.

Don’t get me wrong there are those we interview who adored having the water taps. They smile about how clean the water was and how their children aren’t late for school. They tell us they are more than willing to pay the 20 cents a month and would even pay extra to make sure it stays operational.

My question is not why are some people so ungrateful, but rather why am I so ungrateful? Am I just like those who complain about walking too far to get good water? Is it too much for God to ask me to work harder for what is better? Am I like the Israelites? Did the living manna come down from heaven so I could live, but instead I complain that it’s not enough? I know there are days when my human nature can take over and I start to complain. However, I am learning to appreciate the gift. We call it grace. It’s there whether I want it or not. Each day I am learning that I want it, more and more of it. In fact I am learning to give it away even more. It is such a blessing to be here. Each morning I ask for wisdom in showing that grace and love of God to each family. Each morning I ask for more water, living water that is. I am humbled each day as my prayers are answered. On the second day, I felt God tell me to talk and pray with each household when we finished the interviews. That time of sharing is what excites me about going for a 45 minute interview in another language. It has also provided me with the opportunity to be God’s reminder that He is still with them in the wilderness. They may not like the food now, but the promised land is coming. It may not be flowing with milk and honey, which really doesn’t sound too appetizing anyway, but it will be flowing with water. And for that we are all thankful.

I choose2B a giver of grace as I receive it from God. May you choose2 do the same!
Bonus: Here are some moments that have taken place since arriving worth mentioning

I love taking warm showers in our outdoor shower as the sun goes down. Very nice!

I am ready for something other than rice and beans. My favorite meals believe it or not are breakfast and afternoon tea. At breakfast I get a mix between a scone and a roll, 2 bananas, a piece of bread, a hard boiled egg, and hot tea. One banana is smashed in the scone/roll thingy or is put on the piece of bread if we are lucky enough to have peanut butter. If jelly is available it goes on all bread products. PB and J may have also come down from heaven. I never ate hard boiled eggs before coming to Uganda because they were gross. Now I eat them last because they are the best part of the meal and I look forward to them. I would not drink tea unless forced and would never have hot tea. Well that was before the school camps and a lot of sugar. SO now I enjoy hot tea. Afternoon tea is pineapple, as much as I can get without looking greedy, two pieces of bread, and prayers for PB or J, and a cup of water.

It is quite cool at night, similar to a good fall evening. Perfect for camping, unless you packed for 6 months in Equatorial Africa and only to work with street kids. Praise God for marmot jacket in the morning and those two heavy blankets at night.

I have had such a wonderful time praying with people this week and I know that is probably the reason I am here.

Today we found cookies in the trading center for 7 cents. They contain 10 grams of protein in them. Therefore we have found a way to get protein. Score! Guess I won’t have to eat as many beans.

Finally, I wish you could all pray for Felix. I met him yesterday while doing interviews. He is 9 years old and contacted hydrocephalus when he was 5. He was able to get treatment for a year but have been without it for 3 years. This is also known as big head disease as their heads swell to huge proportions as it fills with fluid. Most people are born with it and it is rare to get it later on. The survival period with it is not long and Felix has been very fortunate up to this point. He cannot get up and has to just lie on his side all day and night. His body is just down to its bones while his head is twice the size of a full adult. He did speak when we said hello but he can’t do much else as his eyes are swollen shut. Unfortunately ACTS does not have money to assist the family. I am trying to learn more to find out if there is something I can personally do to help this family. They are very impoverished and very sad. The mother had no joy in her. I do believe God hears our prayers and I believe in the one I prayed over him in his room. I also believe God hears our persistent prayers and so I am asking you to join me in lifting up Felix to God’s plan. Thank you!