I used to like to dance. I even knew how. I grew up in Memphis and I think it just kinda came with the territory. My brother may not agree with that, but this little white boy could get down. However, as I grew up, I started dancing less. After an incident my freshman year involving a circle and some serious moves I realized I didn’t know the rules anymore and I hung up my dancing shoes. It was like I took some chains and put them on. It wasn’t as if I quit liking to dance. I still wanted to, but after that I felt like Princess Leia attached to Jabba the Hut, minus the bikini. There were times in my life I wanted to dance and celebrate, but it was if some big, fat force was pulling me back.
While I have been in Uganda we have spent time talking about chains. Most of the time, we talk about the boys being chained up from their past life. Maybe it was a situation at home or maybe it’s their life on the street. They are stuck and they can’t get out, chained up somewhere they don’t want to be and not even sure why. Every time they think they are getting away from their problems they are pulled back. Jabba just won’t let them go.
Truthfully, I was held back by all kinds of chains. It took a long time to realize that I was the one who put the chains on me. That sin in my life was just like Jabba. I was dancing, but it was for the wrong person and it was the wrong dance. Jabba, sin, the devil, whatever you want to call it was keeping me from dancing with freedom.
But, years ago, I was freed from those chains. My savior came and broke me free from them or at least yapped them like R2D2 did. Yet, like many people, I didn’t know what to do with the freedom. I had grown comfortable with the chains because it was what I knew. It is like taking the leash off a dog and watching him stand there because he is expecting to be stopped as soon as he gets his hopes for freedom up.
So I lived restrained in my own mind. One of the things that has become more real to me in my time here is that I am FREE! I can dance through the power of Christ’s love if I want to. Some of the reservations I have had are gone. I read the Bible and I know that power is available to me because Christ freed me. My sin has been demolished. Yes I know that I still fail, but God’s grace is so much bigger. This is not some big revelation. Most of us are completely aware of our chains and that we have been freed from them. The real question is are you still waiting for freedom or do you live as though it has already come? My faith, well, it doesn’t resemble the person waiting to be pulled back anymore. I believe it can be done, whatever it is, because my God is big enough. That is my story.
I wish it were everyone’s. Each day we still struggle to help the boys see that they are not the child on the street. They have been freed. They may live on the street, have lived a life full of shame, and done things to others that we can’t imagine, but that is not their identity. Christ freed them from that on the cross. Some days Jabba’s pull is stronger. They choose to revert to what they know. They would rather not live a redeemed life but one of no responsibility. They would rather struggle with life alone instead of having a dance partner. It’s not easy to walk away. If it were, everyone would do it. Instead we are cautious to run into freedom because we don’t know what will happen. Can we really trust God to do everything He says? I mean He is the maker of the universe. Why is He worried about me and what I do? It can become frustrating and that is just how I feel. I can’t imagine how God feels.
However, I read the end of the book. I know who wins. The force is with us. He will love us until we realize we are free. We don’t have to stay here, there, wherever anymore. God has freed you in Jesus to walk away. In the lyrics of some 80’s song “You can dance if you want to.” It’s true. Dance like David danced. He didn’t have any chains or clothes for that matter. So, whatever your chains WERE, I hope you realize Christ has done what’s needed for them to be gone. I pray you will walk, run, or dance the other way. I pray the boys will do the same and see the new creation they can become. I will choose2B a dancer. My moves aren’t as good as they once were, but they have a lot more passion now. I pray you will do the same, and “May the force be with you!”
Sunday, March 18, 2012
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
Loss
Loss - That is the way most people would describe this week for me. Saturday, I got an email informing me of some information about the family I was helping in Kigarama. Unfortunately, it was not good information. It led me to have to make the decision to walk away from them. It felt horrible, as though I was having to leave 9 of my friends on their own. However, I place that situation with God and trust His providence.
Sunday afternoon I learned that my oldest nephew had passed away in a car crash Saturday night. I immediately tried to verify what I was reading. Sure enough it was true. My thoughts immediately turned to my family and their pain. I paced around the house trying to find a comfortable place to sit and pray. Although my heart was aching, all I could do was thank God. I had the opportunity to get to know Dylan in a new way over the last two years. We had had the opportunity to write each other several times while I had been here. I had the opportunity to watch him grow and discover who he was in Christ. He reminded me a lot of myself; the rap music, the sports, a ladies man, OK well that was only true for him. I remember when he was young and we were opening presents at Christmas, Dylan opened his traditional package of underwear and cried. I remember the baseball games. I remember games in the yard. I remember arguing over who was better at sports. I remember the moment last year when he told me he was happy I was going back to Africa and how proud he was of the work I was doing. I AM PROUD OF HIM TOO. I know I may have lost his physical presence in my life, but I will always be able to carry on his memories and his spirit.
There is nothing wrong with felling loss or pain. However, there is no reason to let it hold you back. Those chains are not meant to hold us. I think about the disciples who were sitting around after Jesus had risen. They were not headed out, but rather they were sitting in the room with the door locked. Jesus comes through the locked doors though. HE DOESN’T DESIRE US TO BE HELD IN. So I celebrate the life and memory of Dylan. I praise God for the redemption of his life. I PRAISE God for the time we had together. I promise to move forward. Jesus said his leaving would only strengthen the disciples. I pray my losses do the same for me. I pray for all of you who have lost someone close to you. I pray you will throw those chains off, even if it is slowly, and move forward. I don’t know what lies ahead, but I know we weren’t meant to stay.
Sunday afternoon I learned that my oldest nephew had passed away in a car crash Saturday night. I immediately tried to verify what I was reading. Sure enough it was true. My thoughts immediately turned to my family and their pain. I paced around the house trying to find a comfortable place to sit and pray. Although my heart was aching, all I could do was thank God. I had the opportunity to get to know Dylan in a new way over the last two years. We had had the opportunity to write each other several times while I had been here. I had the opportunity to watch him grow and discover who he was in Christ. He reminded me a lot of myself; the rap music, the sports, a ladies man, OK well that was only true for him. I remember when he was young and we were opening presents at Christmas, Dylan opened his traditional package of underwear and cried. I remember the baseball games. I remember games in the yard. I remember arguing over who was better at sports. I remember the moment last year when he told me he was happy I was going back to Africa and how proud he was of the work I was doing. I AM PROUD OF HIM TOO. I know I may have lost his physical presence in my life, but I will always be able to carry on his memories and his spirit.
There is nothing wrong with felling loss or pain. However, there is no reason to let it hold you back. Those chains are not meant to hold us. I think about the disciples who were sitting around after Jesus had risen. They were not headed out, but rather they were sitting in the room with the door locked. Jesus comes through the locked doors though. HE DOESN’T DESIRE US TO BE HELD IN. So I celebrate the life and memory of Dylan. I praise God for the redemption of his life. I PRAISE God for the time we had together. I promise to move forward. Jesus said his leaving would only strengthen the disciples. I pray my losses do the same for me. I pray for all of you who have lost someone close to you. I pray you will throw those chains off, even if it is slowly, and move forward. I don’t know what lies ahead, but I know we weren’t meant to stay.
Monday, March 5, 2012
Before I came here I had not thought too much about the word “HOPE.” However, while I have been here I have thought about it most days. Sometimes it is out of my own volition, but other days it is because people talk about it or the lack of it a lot. 160 days ago, when I arrived, HOPE was hard to see. You may not know, but Uganda is having a power crisis. So the power goes out all the time. And when it does, it is dark. But we always find a light. There is always a source of light, even if it is just a flicker from a candle. Some days we have to fumble around in the dark to find it, but here lately the HOPE of my God has been turning the dark to light. As I sit here in the dark, by the light of the computer, I hear the song I’m listening to say “Bless the Lord, O my soul. O my soul. Worship His holy name. Sing like never before,
O my soul. I will worship your holy name.” My soul needs to my dance!
As you sit and read this you may not feel the same way. You might be in a very dark place. Our world is full of darkness, because it is fallen. So you would not be alone in those feelings. For the past 5 and a half months I have been “living in a land of the shadow of death.” Every day I see needs all around. I am not talking about wants, but real needs. I see boys and girls running around with clothes that hang off their bodies. They are dirty and the holes reveal more than I want to see. I see mothers with their heads down, worn out by life, and not producing any milk for their babies. I walk through communities where people dig through the trash for food and money because no one has a job, an education, or anywhere to go. I see 8, 9, and 10 year old boys sleeping in trash piles high on drugs. I pass teenage girls begging each passing car for money to feed the child they hold in their arms. I see adults stealing from children so they can survive. I see cuts and infections covered in flies and filled with puss. I see people wash their clothes and themselves in sewers filled with feces and every other form of trash. I see people rebuilding their cardboard house after a hard rain. I see people sleeping on the streets and the dogs licking their wounds. I see mothers so dehydrated they drink the tears of their crying baby. I live with a boy whose family told us they kicked him out and wished he would die. I see hurt, pain, shame, and loss. I see it all.
I have heard my share of stories from the street boys about losing HOPE. I have sat in the homes of villagers who have told me the same thing. People want to see some HOPE. They want to know there is a “way” out of their situation. They want to know that someone cares. They want HOPE. I have heard it said that when a person loses HOPE, they die. I don’t believe that is true, but I know it’s not far from it. I do know these people are dying inside.
However, as I prepare to leave this place for now, I don’t see much but the light shining brighter in the darkness. When you go spelunking people will tell you to get to a place where it is pitch black and turn off your headlamp so your eyes can adjust to the darkness. It is in the pitch black that our eyes are opened even wider, and when the light is turned on, it is so much brighter. My eyes are being opened to the HOPE that is in our God. I have seen that there is still HOPE for me. I have been rescued from walking down the path of lukewarm Christianity (that is an oxymoron by the way), and have been sent in the direction of the man God wants me to be. I have seen the HOPE my prayers produce and I see that not only is God winning the battle, but He has already won. All around me I see the light creeping in through the cracks. Won’t you look with me?
I have seen boys rescued from a life of hopelessness on the street to become secondary school graduates. I have seen street boys tell a room full of school kids that they were told they would never amount to anything, as they served as their counselors for the week. I have seen three 20 somethings give up their comfortable life in the US to pursue God’s kingdom around the world. I have seen a former street boy become an uncle in three different street ministries. I have seen people who don’t use a water line pay the bills for their neighbors who do because they know it will help them. I have seen a young Irish woman start a ministry in the slums and change the lives of the boys there. I have seen street boys attend church faithfully and put the money they get from collecting scrap into the offering plate. I have seen forgiveness in families where all there use to be was pain. I have seen an organization form to open doors for others. I have seen prayers answered for a drop in center in the worst slum in Uganda. I have seen teachers and counselors flock to work there too. I have seen boys hooked on drugs from their time on the street turn around and become volunteers in ministry at church. I have seen boys from the streets become the top students in their classes. I have seen orphans become doctors. I have seen two sixty somethings pay to volunteer 6 months of every year working in the villages. I have seen an uncle called out of discipling street kids to be a missionary where Christianity is illegal. I have seen former street boys proclaim that it would be an honor if they were a martyr for Christ. I have seen a homeless woman offered a job and walk away from her life on the streets. I have seen ministries spring up to help sex trafficked girls in the slums. I have seen headmasters reduce their fees so street children can get an education. I have seen a mother bring in 6 orphans only to sell all her land to try to pay for them to go to school. I have seen God provide sponsors for all 11 of her children to get educated. I have seen college students use their break from school to serve among the least and the lost. I have seen influential leaders pull strings to help others. I have seen new families form from necessity and stick closer than blood. I have seen different nationalities work together to bring clean water to thousands. I have seen a church start programs to help those without homes and food. I have seen young men move to Africa only to spend all their money on homes for others. I have seen people sleep on the streets just so they will know what their neighbors go through. I have seen demon possession conquered by the blood of Jesus. I have seen a boy with HIV shape the hearts of those who help him. I have seen a church stay in the slums and not build walls so the poor could use the building as a refuge. I have seen newlyweds spend their honeymoon working for others. I have seen schools built in communities that could not do it themselves. I have seen strangers pay for others to go to school. I have seen widows partnering together to provide income for each other to live. I have seen people healed overnight from death. I have seen water pour out of rocks and water a whole valley. I have seen tribes torn by war and death, celebrate new life. I have seen an intern turn their project into a passion. I hear praise songs to God play all night outside my window, tent, or wherever else I happen to be sleeping. I have seen an old man in poverty bring in orphans so they would at least have a family, and then I have watched as a bunch of street boys helped them both. I have seen hundreds hear the gospel from the mouths or kids beaten and abused. I have seen a marine heal the souls of the broken through a recovery program. I have seen Jesus RISE from the dead. I have seen His spirit glowing ever so bright.
I see God everywhere because he is our HOPE. I see Him working to save, redeem, heal, and restore this world, country, and city. He never left, but sometimes our eyes just aren’t ready to see the light. I know my vision has been adjusted. I know, “the people living in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has shined.” That light is Jesus our HOPE. I will choose2B a bringer of HOPE to those in need. I will let my little light shine and I pray you will do the same.
O my soul. I will worship your holy name.” My soul needs to my dance!
As you sit and read this you may not feel the same way. You might be in a very dark place. Our world is full of darkness, because it is fallen. So you would not be alone in those feelings. For the past 5 and a half months I have been “living in a land of the shadow of death.” Every day I see needs all around. I am not talking about wants, but real needs. I see boys and girls running around with clothes that hang off their bodies. They are dirty and the holes reveal more than I want to see. I see mothers with their heads down, worn out by life, and not producing any milk for their babies. I walk through communities where people dig through the trash for food and money because no one has a job, an education, or anywhere to go. I see 8, 9, and 10 year old boys sleeping in trash piles high on drugs. I pass teenage girls begging each passing car for money to feed the child they hold in their arms. I see adults stealing from children so they can survive. I see cuts and infections covered in flies and filled with puss. I see people wash their clothes and themselves in sewers filled with feces and every other form of trash. I see people rebuilding their cardboard house after a hard rain. I see people sleeping on the streets and the dogs licking their wounds. I see mothers so dehydrated they drink the tears of their crying baby. I live with a boy whose family told us they kicked him out and wished he would die. I see hurt, pain, shame, and loss. I see it all.
I have heard my share of stories from the street boys about losing HOPE. I have sat in the homes of villagers who have told me the same thing. People want to see some HOPE. They want to know there is a “way” out of their situation. They want to know that someone cares. They want HOPE. I have heard it said that when a person loses HOPE, they die. I don’t believe that is true, but I know it’s not far from it. I do know these people are dying inside.
However, as I prepare to leave this place for now, I don’t see much but the light shining brighter in the darkness. When you go spelunking people will tell you to get to a place where it is pitch black and turn off your headlamp so your eyes can adjust to the darkness. It is in the pitch black that our eyes are opened even wider, and when the light is turned on, it is so much brighter. My eyes are being opened to the HOPE that is in our God. I have seen that there is still HOPE for me. I have been rescued from walking down the path of lukewarm Christianity (that is an oxymoron by the way), and have been sent in the direction of the man God wants me to be. I have seen the HOPE my prayers produce and I see that not only is God winning the battle, but He has already won. All around me I see the light creeping in through the cracks. Won’t you look with me?
I have seen boys rescued from a life of hopelessness on the street to become secondary school graduates. I have seen street boys tell a room full of school kids that they were told they would never amount to anything, as they served as their counselors for the week. I have seen three 20 somethings give up their comfortable life in the US to pursue God’s kingdom around the world. I have seen a former street boy become an uncle in three different street ministries. I have seen people who don’t use a water line pay the bills for their neighbors who do because they know it will help them. I have seen a young Irish woman start a ministry in the slums and change the lives of the boys there. I have seen street boys attend church faithfully and put the money they get from collecting scrap into the offering plate. I have seen forgiveness in families where all there use to be was pain. I have seen an organization form to open doors for others. I have seen prayers answered for a drop in center in the worst slum in Uganda. I have seen teachers and counselors flock to work there too. I have seen boys hooked on drugs from their time on the street turn around and become volunteers in ministry at church. I have seen boys from the streets become the top students in their classes. I have seen orphans become doctors. I have seen two sixty somethings pay to volunteer 6 months of every year working in the villages. I have seen an uncle called out of discipling street kids to be a missionary where Christianity is illegal. I have seen former street boys proclaim that it would be an honor if they were a martyr for Christ. I have seen a homeless woman offered a job and walk away from her life on the streets. I have seen ministries spring up to help sex trafficked girls in the slums. I have seen headmasters reduce their fees so street children can get an education. I have seen a mother bring in 6 orphans only to sell all her land to try to pay for them to go to school. I have seen God provide sponsors for all 11 of her children to get educated. I have seen college students use their break from school to serve among the least and the lost. I have seen influential leaders pull strings to help others. I have seen new families form from necessity and stick closer than blood. I have seen different nationalities work together to bring clean water to thousands. I have seen a church start programs to help those without homes and food. I have seen young men move to Africa only to spend all their money on homes for others. I have seen people sleep on the streets just so they will know what their neighbors go through. I have seen demon possession conquered by the blood of Jesus. I have seen a boy with HIV shape the hearts of those who help him. I have seen a church stay in the slums and not build walls so the poor could use the building as a refuge. I have seen newlyweds spend their honeymoon working for others. I have seen schools built in communities that could not do it themselves. I have seen strangers pay for others to go to school. I have seen widows partnering together to provide income for each other to live. I have seen people healed overnight from death. I have seen water pour out of rocks and water a whole valley. I have seen tribes torn by war and death, celebrate new life. I have seen an intern turn their project into a passion. I hear praise songs to God play all night outside my window, tent, or wherever else I happen to be sleeping. I have seen an old man in poverty bring in orphans so they would at least have a family, and then I have watched as a bunch of street boys helped them both. I have seen hundreds hear the gospel from the mouths or kids beaten and abused. I have seen a marine heal the souls of the broken through a recovery program. I have seen Jesus RISE from the dead. I have seen His spirit glowing ever so bright.
I see God everywhere because he is our HOPE. I see Him working to save, redeem, heal, and restore this world, country, and city. He never left, but sometimes our eyes just aren’t ready to see the light. I know my vision has been adjusted. I know, “the people living in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has shined.” That light is Jesus our HOPE. I will choose2B a bringer of HOPE to those in need. I will let my little light shine and I pray you will do the same.
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Welcome "HOME"
Some of you may not be aware, but we have made a move in Uganda. We are no longer living in the guesthouse of Abaana, but rather we are in our own place. You may wonder why or how, and those would both be long stories that, believe it or not, I won’t tell. I will give you the easy, short version. Katie and Mallory have felt a call by God to start an organization called Doors. One of the many things Doors will be doing is removing boys from the street into a “home” not just a house. God lead Katie and Mallory to 8 boys and at the end of January they needed to be in school. 5 were going to boarding school and the other three would be home schooled. We knew we could save money by going ahead and getting a place for the last two month as a team and then the boys would also be off the streets. Unfortunately, our house hunting didn’t produce a place by the time Ryan and I left for ACTS.
It was up to Katie and Mallory to find this place to live. I remember getting the text message from Katie telling me they had found a place and they were so excited. I called her up and we talked about how to pay for it. You see these two women will be the mothers of these boys. They will be living here and helping grow them into disciples. Two of our Ugandan friends, Mark and David, are here to be the uncles and live with the boys. Then, there is me and how I fit into Doors. It was decided in an earlier meeting that I was like the Godfather. I am cool with that. However, lately the girls call me their Sugar Daddy since I will officially be raising money. None the less, I am excited to be a part of this venture, and I was pretty eager to come back and get involved after our time with ACTS.
Now, what I really want to relay through this blog is about our “HOME” not our “house” One thing the girls and I have talked about is how some of the other ministries we partner with here have homes. However, the boys still seem to live, behave, and act like street boys. They just happen to have been brought into a house to sleep. It was the girl’s intention to make this a family home and to leave the street behind. They say “Home is where the heart is.” I agree and I think it’s the amount of love in a place that makes it a “home” instead of a “house.” So I want to tell you a little about the structure we live in. Then I want to tell you about our strange family and why this IS home.
Our “home” is located just off one of the main roads leading out of Kampala. It has a little over an acre of land inside its walls. When you first enter the gate you will see banana trees and pumpkin vines near the front. This is half of our garden and around behind the buildings you will find its counterpart. There is a yard for the boys to play in, usually soccer. The main building has a garage, 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, living room, dining room, kitchen, and two storage closets. Presently, Mallory and Katie are in one bedroom, Ryan and I are in another, and the third is used as the prep area for school. The boy’s building is separated by a concrete courtyard. Their building has two bedrooms, 2 baths, and a living room.
Our family is beautiful. Katie is such an amazing woman of God filled with such reckless passion. Her emotions are always on her sleeve, and her country accent is usually heard since she likes to joke around. Mallory is equally as beautiful a woman of God as Katie. She is not near as loud, but she loves to talk too. Her spirit is calming and her laughs bring smiles to our faces. Uncle Ryan is looking more and more like Grizzly Adams. The beard is getting out of control along with the dreadlocks. He is good for an afternoon break from work for the boys. Uncle Mark is a handsome African male, although we tell him he looks Africa-American. His life was rough from its beginning and he learned what it means to struggle to survive. God has given him a passion to see boys come off the street and he has given him the patience to see it happen. Uncle David is quite a bit smaller, but can be quite feisty. God has placed the same passion for street boys into this former one himself. He loves to preach God’s word or ask me questions about it. As I mentioned 5 of the boys are in boarding school, and I’m sure things will be even funnier when they are home for breaks. Ivan is the oldest of the “home boys.” We believe he is around 16, but he has never been to school. He loves to make jokes and is an amazing cook. Even I like the way he makes beans. Sometimes it is hard to get him to be serious. Bwanika is an 80’s child. I think Kid and Play might have had a child with the Fresh Prince of Bel Air and named him Bwanika. He loves to laugh and be the center of attention. However, he loves to learn and wants more homework each day. Plus he loves to help out with whatever is going on. A great cook in his own right, you should try his fish. Finally there is baby Sam. The doctor says he is 12. That is hard to believe. He seems more like 8 or 9. He lost both of his parents to AIDS and is HIV positive himself. His medicine causes him to be tired during the day, so he is usually asleep in some weird places. He loves to break dance though and will give you a hug with no warning. Oh, there is also our mascot Peanut. Mallory gave him to Katie for Christmas. Our rescued dog from the slums was cute, but he is a terror now. I think he is going to move to some friends house shortly.
So that’s our family, and now why it’s “home.” The days begin with the uncles getting the boys up and on to their chores; sweeping the house and courtyard, washing the dishes, doing laundry, and staring breakfast. After breakfast, it’s time for school. The living room becomes the classroom. The day starts with Bible class. The boys listen intently as Mark or David translate the message from one of us. After Bible it’s on to the subject matters of the day, maybe geography, reading, math, or science in no particular order. I like to sit back and watch these two woman teach as though it is what they were schooled to do. Even if they aren’t trained to instruct, God has taught them to love and it is beautiful to watch and listen to them. Mark and David take turns explaining every last detail to the boys while the other makes sure lunch is cooking. Prior to lunch it’s time to work individually on their assignments. Each boy gets the attention they need to learn and ask questions. I never thought I would enjoy reading and teaching simple words or even sounds for hours until it was with these boys. Yes there is some frustration and they do like to goof off, but those times are usually ended with an apology or they are brought up during prayer requests at night. “God please help me pay attention and not want to disturb class.” How often do you hear that request. Lunch follows as we all sit on the floor and enjoy it together, after they argue over who will bless the food. The afternoons are filled with making jewelry that will be sold to help pay for all this and a game of soccer with the uncles. As dusk rolls around the boys are out the door singing praise songs as they go pick up the ingredients for the evening meal. As dinner is started and the sun begins to set, it is pretty normal to see and hear love being spread. Sometimes it’s the boys crawling into the hammock with Katie, other times its David worshipping in his room, and still other times it’s a wrestling match between everybody that ends in a group hug. Before supper it’s time for Bible study and worship. It is such a blessing to hear these boys who don’t speak much English sing songs of praise they have been taught. Long after the sun has gone down and the noises of the night have picked up out our window, we all sit down for our evening meal. It is usually pretty funny and is filled with laughter. The uncles then put the boys in bed and we all say sula bulungi (good night). Another day at “home” is done.
It is pretty amazing to live this life. To watch God’s spirit form new people each day, and I’m not just talking about the boys. I know why I was excited to get back and live with my new family, and I’m excited to watch it grow and change even more. I’m excited for the plans Doors is making and how God is providing for each of those steps. We would love for you to join us in making “homes” of love all over Uganda.
For now you can pray for these items for our home or if you would like to know how you can help just shoot me an email andrewkirk12@hotmail.com
Fridge, stove, bunk beds, table, charcoal stove, chairs (for old people like me), water filter tank, security guard, shelves, mirrors, silverware, and a few more odds and ends.
It was up to Katie and Mallory to find this place to live. I remember getting the text message from Katie telling me they had found a place and they were so excited. I called her up and we talked about how to pay for it. You see these two women will be the mothers of these boys. They will be living here and helping grow them into disciples. Two of our Ugandan friends, Mark and David, are here to be the uncles and live with the boys. Then, there is me and how I fit into Doors. It was decided in an earlier meeting that I was like the Godfather. I am cool with that. However, lately the girls call me their Sugar Daddy since I will officially be raising money. None the less, I am excited to be a part of this venture, and I was pretty eager to come back and get involved after our time with ACTS.
Now, what I really want to relay through this blog is about our “HOME” not our “house” One thing the girls and I have talked about is how some of the other ministries we partner with here have homes. However, the boys still seem to live, behave, and act like street boys. They just happen to have been brought into a house to sleep. It was the girl’s intention to make this a family home and to leave the street behind. They say “Home is where the heart is.” I agree and I think it’s the amount of love in a place that makes it a “home” instead of a “house.” So I want to tell you a little about the structure we live in. Then I want to tell you about our strange family and why this IS home.
Our “home” is located just off one of the main roads leading out of Kampala. It has a little over an acre of land inside its walls. When you first enter the gate you will see banana trees and pumpkin vines near the front. This is half of our garden and around behind the buildings you will find its counterpart. There is a yard for the boys to play in, usually soccer. The main building has a garage, 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, living room, dining room, kitchen, and two storage closets. Presently, Mallory and Katie are in one bedroom, Ryan and I are in another, and the third is used as the prep area for school. The boy’s building is separated by a concrete courtyard. Their building has two bedrooms, 2 baths, and a living room.
Our family is beautiful. Katie is such an amazing woman of God filled with such reckless passion. Her emotions are always on her sleeve, and her country accent is usually heard since she likes to joke around. Mallory is equally as beautiful a woman of God as Katie. She is not near as loud, but she loves to talk too. Her spirit is calming and her laughs bring smiles to our faces. Uncle Ryan is looking more and more like Grizzly Adams. The beard is getting out of control along with the dreadlocks. He is good for an afternoon break from work for the boys. Uncle Mark is a handsome African male, although we tell him he looks Africa-American. His life was rough from its beginning and he learned what it means to struggle to survive. God has given him a passion to see boys come off the street and he has given him the patience to see it happen. Uncle David is quite a bit smaller, but can be quite feisty. God has placed the same passion for street boys into this former one himself. He loves to preach God’s word or ask me questions about it. As I mentioned 5 of the boys are in boarding school, and I’m sure things will be even funnier when they are home for breaks. Ivan is the oldest of the “home boys.” We believe he is around 16, but he has never been to school. He loves to make jokes and is an amazing cook. Even I like the way he makes beans. Sometimes it is hard to get him to be serious. Bwanika is an 80’s child. I think Kid and Play might have had a child with the Fresh Prince of Bel Air and named him Bwanika. He loves to laugh and be the center of attention. However, he loves to learn and wants more homework each day. Plus he loves to help out with whatever is going on. A great cook in his own right, you should try his fish. Finally there is baby Sam. The doctor says he is 12. That is hard to believe. He seems more like 8 or 9. He lost both of his parents to AIDS and is HIV positive himself. His medicine causes him to be tired during the day, so he is usually asleep in some weird places. He loves to break dance though and will give you a hug with no warning. Oh, there is also our mascot Peanut. Mallory gave him to Katie for Christmas. Our rescued dog from the slums was cute, but he is a terror now. I think he is going to move to some friends house shortly.
So that’s our family, and now why it’s “home.” The days begin with the uncles getting the boys up and on to their chores; sweeping the house and courtyard, washing the dishes, doing laundry, and staring breakfast. After breakfast, it’s time for school. The living room becomes the classroom. The day starts with Bible class. The boys listen intently as Mark or David translate the message from one of us. After Bible it’s on to the subject matters of the day, maybe geography, reading, math, or science in no particular order. I like to sit back and watch these two woman teach as though it is what they were schooled to do. Even if they aren’t trained to instruct, God has taught them to love and it is beautiful to watch and listen to them. Mark and David take turns explaining every last detail to the boys while the other makes sure lunch is cooking. Prior to lunch it’s time to work individually on their assignments. Each boy gets the attention they need to learn and ask questions. I never thought I would enjoy reading and teaching simple words or even sounds for hours until it was with these boys. Yes there is some frustration and they do like to goof off, but those times are usually ended with an apology or they are brought up during prayer requests at night. “God please help me pay attention and not want to disturb class.” How often do you hear that request. Lunch follows as we all sit on the floor and enjoy it together, after they argue over who will bless the food. The afternoons are filled with making jewelry that will be sold to help pay for all this and a game of soccer with the uncles. As dusk rolls around the boys are out the door singing praise songs as they go pick up the ingredients for the evening meal. As dinner is started and the sun begins to set, it is pretty normal to see and hear love being spread. Sometimes it’s the boys crawling into the hammock with Katie, other times its David worshipping in his room, and still other times it’s a wrestling match between everybody that ends in a group hug. Before supper it’s time for Bible study and worship. It is such a blessing to hear these boys who don’t speak much English sing songs of praise they have been taught. Long after the sun has gone down and the noises of the night have picked up out our window, we all sit down for our evening meal. It is usually pretty funny and is filled with laughter. The uncles then put the boys in bed and we all say sula bulungi (good night). Another day at “home” is done.
It is pretty amazing to live this life. To watch God’s spirit form new people each day, and I’m not just talking about the boys. I know why I was excited to get back and live with my new family, and I’m excited to watch it grow and change even more. I’m excited for the plans Doors is making and how God is providing for each of those steps. We would love for you to join us in making “homes” of love all over Uganda.
For now you can pray for these items for our home or if you would like to know how you can help just shoot me an email andrewkirk12@hotmail.com
Fridge, stove, bunk beds, table, charcoal stove, chairs (for old people like me), water filter tank, security guard, shelves, mirrors, silverware, and a few more odds and ends.
An Update
I am sorry I have not written in a while. When you drop your computer and break the monitor, it makes it hard to write. That is because you have to wait to use someone else’s. Anyway, there has been quite a lot happen since I last wrote.
First, as we continued to meet the kids from Kigarama, we learned that the story was not as simple as it was first described. Therefore we, Athens and I, have been investigating to try to find out as much as possible. We did visit all of the secondary kids and interview them. We have been trying to piece together how they fit as a family. As best as I can figure, there have been deaths from 4 parents, inherited children, and inherited wives to make up the 12 kids. Until the investigation is over we will not know how many we will be able to support. I can say it has been a roller coaster of a ride. It was great meeting the kids and hearing their dreams for the future. So when everything gets settled you will get the whole story. Please pray that we make wise decisions as well.
Second, our time at ACTS has come to an end. Besides working to get the kids in school, my last two weeks there did not consist of much other than entering information into the computer. Therefore, I was able to treat the time as a spiritual retreat. It was great. I was able to have so much quiet time to read and pray. I was able to learn and discover so much. I finished studying I Kings, II Kings, Ezra, Nehemiah, Psalms, John, and I and II Thesolonians. I am so thankful for the opportunity to spend time resting in His presence. Our last day was Ryan’s birthday and so we had a wonderful night out. We even got to have pork, which we don’t get. Man, I love me some pig.
Third, Ryan and I have had some adventures as soon as we left ACTS. During the ride back to town a hose broke on the car so we sat on the side of the road for 3 hours. Construction slowed us down another hour and a half. We did eventually make it back after another traffic jam on the taxi to the new house. However, we did make the stop at the equator for the tourist photo.
On Monday, Ryan and I went to Jinja to get our visas extended. We had heard it would be easier than in Kampala. We also were planning to spend some time enjoying the things to do there. We took the two hour taxi ride and a boda to get to immigration. We walked in at 1:30 and out at 1:32 because the officer had gone to Kampala for a meeting and would not be back. We had been told to eat on Main Street because there were some restaurants with western and European flare. We found our way into a café and each had a cheeseburger. We discussed our options and decided we should just find a cheap place to stay and spend time enjoying ourselves. Our visas expired the next day and the fine is pretty heavy if you are late. The next 3 hours were spent hiking around Jinja looking for cheap places in our budget. Our second stop at the tourist information center sent us toward the cheapest place they knew of. We couldn’t find it, but we did see another guesthouse. The side of the building even mentioned massage, spa, and saunas. They showed us a room and gave us a price cheaper than we were told would be the cheapest. We were both tired from walking but feeling better that we had a place to stay. It had taken us so long to get things settled that we didn’t have anything else to do but go to Main Street and get some more food. We tried to take as much time as we could but found ourselves back at the guesthouse by 6:30. The accommodations were pretty meager but what could you expect. We spent about an hour splicing wires to the TV and trying to find a channel. We got one to come in through the fuzz but no sound. No biggie. I fell asleep by 10:30 thinking everything would be alright. I woke up at 1:30. Mosquitoes were everywhere. We didn’t have a net and these things were vicious. They knew exactly where your ears were. By 2:30 Ryan and I were both wide awake hiding with our heads under the covers, miserable. Next we hear someone trying to open our door very slowly. YEAH, pretty much wasn’t going to sleep after that. I spent a lot of time praying. After the next 4 hours with everything under the covers for protection, we realized that we had gotten the sauna for free. Dripping with sweat we got up and left as soon as we could. It was the worst night I have had in Uganda. We ate breakfast, you guessed it, on Main Street. As soon as 9 am arrived we were in the immigration office. They told us we needed a photo copy, back to Main Street. Photocopy in hand, back to Immigration. Come back at 11 was what they told us next. We didn’t really have anywhere to go so they we just sat outside. Eventually they told us to come in and fill out more papers. At 10:30 we took a seat on the bench. The officer was not there. At 11 he said he was coming, at 12 he was close, at 12:45 he was getting closer. Finally, at 1:30, he arrived. Getting into their office isn’t the chore it’s getting them to stamp your visa. We were worried that we would still have a lot of work to do and probably a bribe or fine to pay. Instead, he opened our passports and stamped them in less than two minutes. So we went to Main Street to get some food and then make our way through the rain to the taxi park for the ride home. When we made it back we were both worn out and very tired.
Now you know more than you wanted to know as usual.
First, as we continued to meet the kids from Kigarama, we learned that the story was not as simple as it was first described. Therefore we, Athens and I, have been investigating to try to find out as much as possible. We did visit all of the secondary kids and interview them. We have been trying to piece together how they fit as a family. As best as I can figure, there have been deaths from 4 parents, inherited children, and inherited wives to make up the 12 kids. Until the investigation is over we will not know how many we will be able to support. I can say it has been a roller coaster of a ride. It was great meeting the kids and hearing their dreams for the future. So when everything gets settled you will get the whole story. Please pray that we make wise decisions as well.
Second, our time at ACTS has come to an end. Besides working to get the kids in school, my last two weeks there did not consist of much other than entering information into the computer. Therefore, I was able to treat the time as a spiritual retreat. It was great. I was able to have so much quiet time to read and pray. I was able to learn and discover so much. I finished studying I Kings, II Kings, Ezra, Nehemiah, Psalms, John, and I and II Thesolonians. I am so thankful for the opportunity to spend time resting in His presence. Our last day was Ryan’s birthday and so we had a wonderful night out. We even got to have pork, which we don’t get. Man, I love me some pig.
Third, Ryan and I have had some adventures as soon as we left ACTS. During the ride back to town a hose broke on the car so we sat on the side of the road for 3 hours. Construction slowed us down another hour and a half. We did eventually make it back after another traffic jam on the taxi to the new house. However, we did make the stop at the equator for the tourist photo.
On Monday, Ryan and I went to Jinja to get our visas extended. We had heard it would be easier than in Kampala. We also were planning to spend some time enjoying the things to do there. We took the two hour taxi ride and a boda to get to immigration. We walked in at 1:30 and out at 1:32 because the officer had gone to Kampala for a meeting and would not be back. We had been told to eat on Main Street because there were some restaurants with western and European flare. We found our way into a café and each had a cheeseburger. We discussed our options and decided we should just find a cheap place to stay and spend time enjoying ourselves. Our visas expired the next day and the fine is pretty heavy if you are late. The next 3 hours were spent hiking around Jinja looking for cheap places in our budget. Our second stop at the tourist information center sent us toward the cheapest place they knew of. We couldn’t find it, but we did see another guesthouse. The side of the building even mentioned massage, spa, and saunas. They showed us a room and gave us a price cheaper than we were told would be the cheapest. We were both tired from walking but feeling better that we had a place to stay. It had taken us so long to get things settled that we didn’t have anything else to do but go to Main Street and get some more food. We tried to take as much time as we could but found ourselves back at the guesthouse by 6:30. The accommodations were pretty meager but what could you expect. We spent about an hour splicing wires to the TV and trying to find a channel. We got one to come in through the fuzz but no sound. No biggie. I fell asleep by 10:30 thinking everything would be alright. I woke up at 1:30. Mosquitoes were everywhere. We didn’t have a net and these things were vicious. They knew exactly where your ears were. By 2:30 Ryan and I were both wide awake hiding with our heads under the covers, miserable. Next we hear someone trying to open our door very slowly. YEAH, pretty much wasn’t going to sleep after that. I spent a lot of time praying. After the next 4 hours with everything under the covers for protection, we realized that we had gotten the sauna for free. Dripping with sweat we got up and left as soon as we could. It was the worst night I have had in Uganda. We ate breakfast, you guessed it, on Main Street. As soon as 9 am arrived we were in the immigration office. They told us we needed a photo copy, back to Main Street. Photocopy in hand, back to Immigration. Come back at 11 was what they told us next. We didn’t really have anywhere to go so they we just sat outside. Eventually they told us to come in and fill out more papers. At 10:30 we took a seat on the bench. The officer was not there. At 11 he said he was coming, at 12 he was close, at 12:45 he was getting closer. Finally, at 1:30, he arrived. Getting into their office isn’t the chore it’s getting them to stamp your visa. We were worried that we would still have a lot of work to do and probably a bribe or fine to pay. Instead, he opened our passports and stamped them in less than two minutes. So we went to Main Street to get some food and then make our way through the rain to the taxi park for the ride home. When we made it back we were both worn out and very tired.
Now you know more than you wanted to know as usual.
Thursday, February 16, 2012
The Scariest Thing in Uganda
It was Tuesday morning and I wasn’t really sure what I was going to do for the day. I went over and sat by Bern while I ate my banana, piece of bread, and my boiled egg. While we were talking he asked me what my plans were. Of course I didn’t know. So Bern invited me to join the engineers in going to the new source that had been found and try to map it out. Then he told me I could join the construction crew in the afternoon while they found breaks in the pipes and repaired them. I was pretty excited to go and do both. It seemed better than going to a meeting about health education in another language. As we headed down the road in the Muzungu Mobile, the affectionate name for the jeep the engineers ride in, the construction crew pulled off to the side of the road and motioned for Bern. We heard that the others had run off the road and into a ditch. When we got there we found the truck hanging off the road over the creek while a fence post was keeping it from rolling over.
Now I have been in Uganda for 4 and a half months now. I have been in a lot of places that others might consider scary. I have slept on the streets of Kampala. I have walked through and worked in the worst parts of the city. I have camped out in the villages. I have ridden through town on taxis. I have ridden everywhere on bodas (bodas are considered the most dangerous part of Uganda). For some, it is following where God has led me. However the scariest thing I have done in Uganda is to ride in a vehicle driven by an everyday Ugandan, not one who gets paid to drive. Every day my life is at risk when we pile into the seats and take off down the road. I spend most of the time praying. This is not an exaggeration. Luckily no one was hurt. On any other day that would have been my ride.
We tried pulling the truck out with the others, but it did not work. So, we found a tree and waited for the tow truck to come from and hour and a half away. While we were waiting I got a surprise call from Athens. She wanted to know if I wanted to meet her and take the primary kids to school. I jumped at the chance. She said she would meet me at noon at their house.
I got Bern to drop me off in the village while I hiked to the house. It was about 11:45 when I arrived at the house. I was hoping Athens would be there since I don’t speak their language. Unfortunately she wasn’t. I didn’t know if I should yell since I didn’t find anyone in the front room, but I decided to walk around back since I heard some noise. There is nothing better than sneaking around people’s houses in Uganda. It’s still not as scary as riding with them. As I was coming to the last corner, Elia walked by and saw me. He smiled, screamed a little, and then ran away to grab the others. Beteth was the next to come over with big smile and a hug. The rest of the children followed with a hug as well. Beteth told me to follow her into the house. She had me sit down and then joined me. I wasn’t sure how this was going to go since neither one of us can understand the other. We smiled at each other many times and then she just went for it. She just kept talking to me and smiling. I simply smiled back. After what seemed like an awkward 5 minutes Paul walked in. Since Paul is heading into P5, I knew he could speak some English, and so he became my translator. Beteth left the room and sent Elia in with a gift of avocadoes for me.
Before long, Paul was beginning to open up to me. Janet was sitting on my leg. Elia was hanging on my arm. Obeth was sitting beside me. Unfortunately Esther was doing the dishes and so she wasn’t around. Paul brought me his notebook of school work and his exams. As I went through Paul’s work I noticed he was ranked first out of 21 in his class. I already felt a strong connection to these kids and so there was a little pride in this discovery. Later, Esther brought me her exams and I noticed she was ranked 8th out of 32. After a little while Paul disappeared again. He came out of the other room with the photo album. All the kids grabbed a seat on my lap or crowded around me to tell me who everyone was in the photos. It was great to have them sharing their memories with me. After we had gone through the second album, I pulled out my camera and showed them some of the pictures and videos of what I had been doing in Uganda. They were excited to see the chimps and see the other cities. It was now after one and still no Athens, but I was happy that she was late because of the opportunity it had given me to bond with the kids. Well, all but one. Ason, the one year old, still screams if I get too close and runs to his mother while everyone laughs. Finally, Athens arrived and we all headed out the door and met up with our car to drive us to the school, about 45 minutes away. So into the small Toyota poured the driver, Athens, an uncle, Obeth, Paul, Elia, Esther, Ason, Beteth, Janet, and me. It was the first time most of them had ever ridden in a car and they were very excited.
We pulled into Mother Care Primary school and all fell out. Athens and I went to meet with the headmaster to settle accounts and let him know that we would only be in charge of the finances and he should contact the parents with any other issues. Mother Care was a great school. I have found myself in quite a few since arriving in this country and this was the nicest. The facilities were nice, and the staff was very well educated and well spoken. They informed us that the goal of their school was to get 100% of their students into level 1 for secondary school. Last year it was 91%. Another way to look at the levels is for level 1 to be A’s, level 2 B’s, and so forth. Paul, Esther, and Obeth were soon taking their entrance exams for placement in class, while Athens and I went outside to sort all the supplies she had bought to get them into schools. Boarding schools are very strict with what they want. She had not been able to find all of the supplies at the market and so I gave her a hard time about having to buy all the items from the school bookstore until they didn’t have anything left.
Before long the kids began to finish their exams. Obeth finished first. The headmaster called us aside to give us the scores. This is where you understand how good a school we were getting them into, and the difference between a government school in the villages and a good private school. We decided that Obeth would repeat P1. Esther also did not score high enough to move forward and so she will be entering P3. I had high hopes for Paul after seeing his papers, even though the headmaster told me he didn’t think he had a chance to pass since they were all coming from the same schools. While they were grading Paul’s exam, we headed into the market to get them all the black dress shoes they needed. Shoes shopping is no fun, enough said. As we were heading back to the school it hit me that this might be the last time I would see these kids, not just now, but maybe ever. As I sat upfront with little Janet on my lap, my eyes began to get teary. They had stolen my heart and had become my kids so quickly. I gave little Janet a little squeeze and thanked God for His plans. When we returned the headmaster told us that Paul had passed. He was really excited, and so was I.
It was getting pretty late so we told Beteth it was time to go. I walked around and gave each one of them a hug, and blessing. I pray I get the chance to see them again. As we were leaving Janet, the four year old became upset. I don’t blame her. The headmaster picked her up and held her in his arms as we pulled away. I pray God will do the same with these little blessings. I know He will. The ride to drop us off to get bodas back was about 10 minutes. As we were driving I hear Beteth talking hurriedly in the back. Athens got my attention and said, “Andrew, she wants to pick you up. She wants to pick you up and give you a hug for helping them.” Beteth just laughed. As we got out of the car to get on our bodas and head different directions, I thanked them and told them I would see them again. God was continuing to use this family to teach me about His love and I was so thankful. As I rode back to camp I sang songs of praise to God. I know Beteth was doing the same.
As I said earlier, some people think following where God leads is the scariest thing I have done here. I strongly disagree. There is no better place to be than in His hands and in His plans. I will Choose2B follower no matter where it takes me. If I didn’t then these types of things would never happen. Thanks be to God for being Jehovah Roi (The Lord my shepherd).
Now I have been in Uganda for 4 and a half months now. I have been in a lot of places that others might consider scary. I have slept on the streets of Kampala. I have walked through and worked in the worst parts of the city. I have camped out in the villages. I have ridden through town on taxis. I have ridden everywhere on bodas (bodas are considered the most dangerous part of Uganda). For some, it is following where God has led me. However the scariest thing I have done in Uganda is to ride in a vehicle driven by an everyday Ugandan, not one who gets paid to drive. Every day my life is at risk when we pile into the seats and take off down the road. I spend most of the time praying. This is not an exaggeration. Luckily no one was hurt. On any other day that would have been my ride.
We tried pulling the truck out with the others, but it did not work. So, we found a tree and waited for the tow truck to come from and hour and a half away. While we were waiting I got a surprise call from Athens. She wanted to know if I wanted to meet her and take the primary kids to school. I jumped at the chance. She said she would meet me at noon at their house.
I got Bern to drop me off in the village while I hiked to the house. It was about 11:45 when I arrived at the house. I was hoping Athens would be there since I don’t speak their language. Unfortunately she wasn’t. I didn’t know if I should yell since I didn’t find anyone in the front room, but I decided to walk around back since I heard some noise. There is nothing better than sneaking around people’s houses in Uganda. It’s still not as scary as riding with them. As I was coming to the last corner, Elia walked by and saw me. He smiled, screamed a little, and then ran away to grab the others. Beteth was the next to come over with big smile and a hug. The rest of the children followed with a hug as well. Beteth told me to follow her into the house. She had me sit down and then joined me. I wasn’t sure how this was going to go since neither one of us can understand the other. We smiled at each other many times and then she just went for it. She just kept talking to me and smiling. I simply smiled back. After what seemed like an awkward 5 minutes Paul walked in. Since Paul is heading into P5, I knew he could speak some English, and so he became my translator. Beteth left the room and sent Elia in with a gift of avocadoes for me.
Before long, Paul was beginning to open up to me. Janet was sitting on my leg. Elia was hanging on my arm. Obeth was sitting beside me. Unfortunately Esther was doing the dishes and so she wasn’t around. Paul brought me his notebook of school work and his exams. As I went through Paul’s work I noticed he was ranked first out of 21 in his class. I already felt a strong connection to these kids and so there was a little pride in this discovery. Later, Esther brought me her exams and I noticed she was ranked 8th out of 32. After a little while Paul disappeared again. He came out of the other room with the photo album. All the kids grabbed a seat on my lap or crowded around me to tell me who everyone was in the photos. It was great to have them sharing their memories with me. After we had gone through the second album, I pulled out my camera and showed them some of the pictures and videos of what I had been doing in Uganda. They were excited to see the chimps and see the other cities. It was now after one and still no Athens, but I was happy that she was late because of the opportunity it had given me to bond with the kids. Well, all but one. Ason, the one year old, still screams if I get too close and runs to his mother while everyone laughs. Finally, Athens arrived and we all headed out the door and met up with our car to drive us to the school, about 45 minutes away. So into the small Toyota poured the driver, Athens, an uncle, Obeth, Paul, Elia, Esther, Ason, Beteth, Janet, and me. It was the first time most of them had ever ridden in a car and they were very excited.
We pulled into Mother Care Primary school and all fell out. Athens and I went to meet with the headmaster to settle accounts and let him know that we would only be in charge of the finances and he should contact the parents with any other issues. Mother Care was a great school. I have found myself in quite a few since arriving in this country and this was the nicest. The facilities were nice, and the staff was very well educated and well spoken. They informed us that the goal of their school was to get 100% of their students into level 1 for secondary school. Last year it was 91%. Another way to look at the levels is for level 1 to be A’s, level 2 B’s, and so forth. Paul, Esther, and Obeth were soon taking their entrance exams for placement in class, while Athens and I went outside to sort all the supplies she had bought to get them into schools. Boarding schools are very strict with what they want. She had not been able to find all of the supplies at the market and so I gave her a hard time about having to buy all the items from the school bookstore until they didn’t have anything left.
Before long the kids began to finish their exams. Obeth finished first. The headmaster called us aside to give us the scores. This is where you understand how good a school we were getting them into, and the difference between a government school in the villages and a good private school. We decided that Obeth would repeat P1. Esther also did not score high enough to move forward and so she will be entering P3. I had high hopes for Paul after seeing his papers, even though the headmaster told me he didn’t think he had a chance to pass since they were all coming from the same schools. While they were grading Paul’s exam, we headed into the market to get them all the black dress shoes they needed. Shoes shopping is no fun, enough said. As we were heading back to the school it hit me that this might be the last time I would see these kids, not just now, but maybe ever. As I sat upfront with little Janet on my lap, my eyes began to get teary. They had stolen my heart and had become my kids so quickly. I gave little Janet a little squeeze and thanked God for His plans. When we returned the headmaster told us that Paul had passed. He was really excited, and so was I.
It was getting pretty late so we told Beteth it was time to go. I walked around and gave each one of them a hug, and blessing. I pray I get the chance to see them again. As we were leaving Janet, the four year old became upset. I don’t blame her. The headmaster picked her up and held her in his arms as we pulled away. I pray God will do the same with these little blessings. I know He will. The ride to drop us off to get bodas back was about 10 minutes. As we were driving I hear Beteth talking hurriedly in the back. Athens got my attention and said, “Andrew, she wants to pick you up. She wants to pick you up and give you a hug for helping them.” Beteth just laughed. As we got out of the car to get on our bodas and head different directions, I thanked them and told them I would see them again. God was continuing to use this family to teach me about His love and I was so thankful. As I rode back to camp I sang songs of praise to God. I know Beteth was doing the same.
As I said earlier, some people think following where God leads is the scariest thing I have done here. I strongly disagree. There is no better place to be than in His hands and in His plans. I will Choose2B follower no matter where it takes me. If I didn’t then these types of things would never happen. Thanks be to God for being Jehovah Roi (The Lord my shepherd).
House 6 Cont...
Thursday morning I spent time working with Nancy. She helps Athens with ACTS’s child sponsorship. She actually works with an organization called Urban Systems out of Canada along with the work she does for ACTS. She does their child sponsorship. Nancy and her husband Bern (Bernard) volunteer 6 months a year to ACTS and are basically second in command. So Nancy is the person to talk to about kids and schools. We sat down and talked through the whole situation. She gave me stats on test scores at the schools the secondary kids were at and scores of other secondary schools in the area. Interestingly enough, Mbrara and Ntungamo, the two closet towns or city for Mbrara, have extremely good private schools. She told me that ACTS had just recently made a deal with Ntungamo High School. They were willing to accept ACTS sponsored kids as long as there was room. Ntungamo High has scored very well on their tests. One of the 6 secondary kids, Mariat, was already enrolled there. We decided that we would try to move all of the kids to Ntungamo at the start of next term, since this term had just started, except Junior. We wanted to get all of them to the same school. My education on Uganda schools continued as we went through fee structure, levels, and divisions. Test scores of level 1 are a pretty big deal here. Junior was already enrolled at a school that produced 96% of its students at level 1, making it one of the top five in the country. The school is alma mater of more VIPs in Uganda than any other school, and is the school where the current president of Uganda and Rwanda graduated. Needless to say it is extremely impressive for him to even be enrolled there much less doing as well as he is. Of course the fees for him to be there are much higher.
Next we discussed the primary children. In case you have not picked up yet, most children who get a quality education attend boarding school. It is something parents here desire for their children. It is a hard concept for us to get used to, letting your 5, 6, 7, 10, or 12 year old leave your home and go live at school. However, it is the way of things here. One reason is they get the best education, and it is cheaper to pay for them to be at boarding school than to take care of them at home. We decided that we would give Beteth the option for her younger children. If she wanted to move all, part, or none then we would do it. We again had a connection with an awesome school in Ntungamo that Athens had worked with. Now, we had a plan. I was excited for Athens to come Friday morning and for us to show up and tell Beteth that her prayers had been answered. Rose had sent word through someone else in the village, that we would be coming for a visit, but she did not know why.
Friday morning we hooped in the truck and drove to the village. I was pretty excited as we made the walk through the banana trees. I had had a great morning of worship with God and was excited for him to be praised through this whole ordeal. As we were walking we ran into Beteth who had become excited and started looking for us. As we entered the house we introduced her to Athens. Athens then went through recording all the information on all the kids, name, age, school, and level. I could tell Beteth was confused as Rose and I had done this two days before. After we got the official information, Rose and Athens looked at me and said, “Well I think it’s time to tell her the good news.” As Rose got her attention I said, “Well Beteth, God has opened the door for us to pay to put all of your children in school.” (I am laughing now because as I am writing this listening to music “Mighty to Save” has started playing. I like that about God.) The confusion in her face was flushed out as Rose translated. Her eyes got big and a huge smile spread across her face. She jumped up and began to thank each one of us in the room. I told her that God was who deserved the thanks for what was happening and she shouted, “Webale Jesu” (Thank you Jesus).
After she settled down and returned to her seat from hugging her children, Athens took over. She explained all of the details of the sponsorship program. She shared how they must maintain good grades, good behavior, provide supplies for terms 2 and 3 during the year, how they should handle requests, and how the sponsorships could be renewed. After telling her kids they better be listening, she agreed to the terms.
Athens then shared our plan for the secondary students. She was very happy to know they would be together. She then told her that we would take the primary kids to boarding school if she wanted. I thought she had been excited the first time, but shouts of praise to God poured forth from her mouth. It was like living many of the Psalms where David would proclaim that praise would pour forth. Shouts were not the only thing that poured either, as her eyes welled up with tears. She was having a chance to release all the concern, uneasiness, pain, uncertainty, struggle, and thanks at one moment. This time she came around and looked each one of us in the face and slowly said thank you. It is the moments such as this that I always wonder WHY? Why would God ever choose to use someone like me. However, I am learning to quit asking the question, be thankful, keep following, and praise Him along the way.
We went outside and took some photos for the sponsors that are to come. The kids laughed and shyly hid behind their mom or around the corner. As we were leaving, Paul, the oldest primary child was returning from taking an exam. He had no idea who we were or why his mom was so excited. She yelled for him to pose for pictures. As I took the pictures he quietly thanked me not really knowing why. It seemed appropriate. So many times I think we thank God without truly knowing why. We forget all he has done; on the cross, at creation, all those times we fail, all the times he forgives, all the times he redeems, and all the times he uses us so that he might receive the praise due His name.
Webale Jesu for including us in your plan. May your praise pour forth from my mouth in all circumstances because I remember what you have done, are doing, and will do. I will Choose2B a reflector of your goodness and glory. Yesterday, we took the primary kids to school. Yeah the story is coming and so is the video for sponsorship. Can you continue something twice? Regardless their story continues to be written just like God’s.
Next we discussed the primary children. In case you have not picked up yet, most children who get a quality education attend boarding school. It is something parents here desire for their children. It is a hard concept for us to get used to, letting your 5, 6, 7, 10, or 12 year old leave your home and go live at school. However, it is the way of things here. One reason is they get the best education, and it is cheaper to pay for them to be at boarding school than to take care of them at home. We decided that we would give Beteth the option for her younger children. If she wanted to move all, part, or none then we would do it. We again had a connection with an awesome school in Ntungamo that Athens had worked with. Now, we had a plan. I was excited for Athens to come Friday morning and for us to show up and tell Beteth that her prayers had been answered. Rose had sent word through someone else in the village, that we would be coming for a visit, but she did not know why.
Friday morning we hooped in the truck and drove to the village. I was pretty excited as we made the walk through the banana trees. I had had a great morning of worship with God and was excited for him to be praised through this whole ordeal. As we were walking we ran into Beteth who had become excited and started looking for us. As we entered the house we introduced her to Athens. Athens then went through recording all the information on all the kids, name, age, school, and level. I could tell Beteth was confused as Rose and I had done this two days before. After we got the official information, Rose and Athens looked at me and said, “Well I think it’s time to tell her the good news.” As Rose got her attention I said, “Well Beteth, God has opened the door for us to pay to put all of your children in school.” (I am laughing now because as I am writing this listening to music “Mighty to Save” has started playing. I like that about God.) The confusion in her face was flushed out as Rose translated. Her eyes got big and a huge smile spread across her face. She jumped up and began to thank each one of us in the room. I told her that God was who deserved the thanks for what was happening and she shouted, “Webale Jesu” (Thank you Jesus).
After she settled down and returned to her seat from hugging her children, Athens took over. She explained all of the details of the sponsorship program. She shared how they must maintain good grades, good behavior, provide supplies for terms 2 and 3 during the year, how they should handle requests, and how the sponsorships could be renewed. After telling her kids they better be listening, she agreed to the terms.
Athens then shared our plan for the secondary students. She was very happy to know they would be together. She then told her that we would take the primary kids to boarding school if she wanted. I thought she had been excited the first time, but shouts of praise to God poured forth from her mouth. It was like living many of the Psalms where David would proclaim that praise would pour forth. Shouts were not the only thing that poured either, as her eyes welled up with tears. She was having a chance to release all the concern, uneasiness, pain, uncertainty, struggle, and thanks at one moment. This time she came around and looked each one of us in the face and slowly said thank you. It is the moments such as this that I always wonder WHY? Why would God ever choose to use someone like me. However, I am learning to quit asking the question, be thankful, keep following, and praise Him along the way.
We went outside and took some photos for the sponsors that are to come. The kids laughed and shyly hid behind their mom or around the corner. As we were leaving, Paul, the oldest primary child was returning from taking an exam. He had no idea who we were or why his mom was so excited. She yelled for him to pose for pictures. As I took the pictures he quietly thanked me not really knowing why. It seemed appropriate. So many times I think we thank God without truly knowing why. We forget all he has done; on the cross, at creation, all those times we fail, all the times he forgives, all the times he redeems, and all the times he uses us so that he might receive the praise due His name.
Webale Jesu for including us in your plan. May your praise pour forth from my mouth in all circumstances because I remember what you have done, are doing, and will do. I will Choose2B a reflector of your goodness and glory. Yesterday, we took the primary kids to school. Yeah the story is coming and so is the video for sponsorship. Can you continue something twice? Regardless their story continues to be written just like God’s.
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