Hello everyone. We have arrived safely in the US. I have been back for a good week now. I apologize for the delay in this last post. Things have been a bit crazy with jet lag, catching up with family and I recovering from another African infection.
It's very strange to be back here. Everything is so clean and bright. There are so many choices and the pace of life is much faster. Uganda seems very distant, almost dream-like. There aren't many things here that are similar to Uganda, so its hard to make it seem real.
The last week in Bundibugyo was difficult. On one hand, we were anxious to get back, but on the other hand, it was difficult to say goodbye to the friends that we had made. Goodbyes are difficult in the first place. But to say goodbye and not know if you'll ever see your friend again on this earth is even more difficult.
The last day of teaching at Christ School was very special. We had about 20 minutes of chemistry lesson, then I told them my students a story about vision and the importance of setting goals and praying to God for them. So many of the students are talented and have great goals. I believe one of the primary problems in Africa is a lack of strong leadership. I pray my students see that God has blessed them to become Christian leaders among their people. After we talked about vision, some of my students stood up to thank me. Their words were really encouraging. One of my students, Betty, said that even though the students disrespected me at times, I came back and was still kind to them. She said that in this way, I showed them God's love. I've been thinking about that. I think about how disciplining students is one of my weak areas as a teacher. Yet, God loves to use our weaknesses as strengths. Though I often lack the firm authority as a teacher, God used this as an opportunity to show love and grace. Its only because I know the love and forgiveness of Jesus, that I was able to show this to my students. I'm really thankful to have been used in this way.
There are many of girls at Christ School that I would love to stay in contact with. There are also a handful of girls that would like pen pals from America. If anyone is interested in this, you can email me at weibelam1@gcc.edu.
This summer as been truly remarkable. I have seen God work in my heart and the hearts of others. I thank you for sending me, supporting me, and upholding me in prayer. I truly believe that God's kingdom has been advanced as more people know Jesus in a deeper way. Thank you and be blessed.
Monday, August 6, 2007
Saturday, July 14, 2007
Another Week in Bundibugyo
July 9th, 2007
Today was an exciting day in Bundibugyo. It was the dedication of the new pediatric and maternity ward at Nyahuka medical clinic. The ceremony lasted several hours and included lots of traditional dancing, Ugandan food, and Celine Dion music. Yeah, don’t ask. God answered our prayer in that it was a beautiful sunny day. The featured speaker at the ceremony was the US Ambassador to Uganda. He stopped by Christ School for a brief assembly in the morning, then spoke at the medical clinic. Aside from the excitement of talking to the ambassador over a coca cola and accompanying him at the airstrip (along with Ugandan guards armed with rocket propelled launders), I really enjoyed his message at the dedication. He said he wasn’t here representing the American government, but rather the American people. This was because a large part of the medical clinic and mission here is funded by churches, families and individuals that comprise the American people. He spoke of how each year the US government gives $500 million in aid to Uganda. For each dollar that is funded by our government, $3 is given by the American people to the nation of Uganda. This money is channeled to serve underprivileged people through various missions organizations, NGOs and non profits. He emphasized that the individual does make a difference. He spoke of how several years ago, three American university students went through Uganda in search of a story to capture on film. They produced a documentary that opened America’s eyes to the twenty year long war involving child soldiers in northern Uganda. That was the Invisible Children DVD. It’s because I viewed that DVD, that my eyes were opened to Uganda, missions opportunities, and overall just having a bigger view of the world, its people, problems, and my role in the midst of it all. I really enjoyed the ambassador’s message because it’s easy for us to sit back and feel overwhelmed by the enormity of the world’s problems. Because of this, we fall into the faulty mentality that the individual can’t make a difference. But that just isn’t true. Call me an idealist, but if one life is touched from just one dollar or one prayer or one short term missions trip, it’s worth it. Change is being brought about by individuals and small groups of people. Global poverty and hunger may continue to exist, but apathy isn’t the answer.
July 14th
The beginning of this week started off pretty rough in my classroom. The students were disrespectful to me on Monday. I left the classroom feeling very discouraged. We prayed about it a lot with the team here. Disciplining students is not one of my strong points. Especially here in Africa, when things are a bit more intimidating as a foreigner. Fortunately, my head teacher, Master Peter, was able to exchange words with them. I reinforced these words the next day in class. As soon as we threatened discipline (slashing the grass), they behaved like angels. I hope that my last week of school here can be marked by learning and good behavior and fun.
Towards the end of the week, I tried doing my first laboratory experiment with my classes. The experiment was a simple neutralization reaction, aiming to produce a soluble salt. They had never performed an experiment like this before, I believe they have only watched demonstrations. Although the reaction was simple, I was a bit fearful, given that we were working with a strong acid, and open flame, and the day before they had asked to make an atomic bomb. Also, the class size, with forty students is a bit daunting. I prayed a lot about how the lab would go, for safety, for good learning, for obedience. It went so well! It was great to hear cheers of excitement after the lab groups had successfully produced a salt. Everyone was so excited about learning, which is a contrast to their indifference expressions when we lecture in the classroom.
We only have about nine days left here in Bundibugyo. We leave here the 24th, spend 2 days in Kampala, then fly out. Some times I feel like these 2 months have gone so fast, other times so slow. Pray for good reflection and debriefing time as the team prepares to leave and go back to a very different world.
Love,
Andrea
Today was an exciting day in Bundibugyo. It was the dedication of the new pediatric and maternity ward at Nyahuka medical clinic. The ceremony lasted several hours and included lots of traditional dancing, Ugandan food, and Celine Dion music. Yeah, don’t ask. God answered our prayer in that it was a beautiful sunny day. The featured speaker at the ceremony was the US Ambassador to Uganda. He stopped by Christ School for a brief assembly in the morning, then spoke at the medical clinic. Aside from the excitement of talking to the ambassador over a coca cola and accompanying him at the airstrip (along with Ugandan guards armed with rocket propelled launders), I really enjoyed his message at the dedication. He said he wasn’t here representing the American government, but rather the American people. This was because a large part of the medical clinic and mission here is funded by churches, families and individuals that comprise the American people. He spoke of how each year the US government gives $500 million in aid to Uganda. For each dollar that is funded by our government, $3 is given by the American people to the nation of Uganda. This money is channeled to serve underprivileged people through various missions organizations, NGOs and non profits. He emphasized that the individual does make a difference. He spoke of how several years ago, three American university students went through Uganda in search of a story to capture on film. They produced a documentary that opened America’s eyes to the twenty year long war involving child soldiers in northern Uganda. That was the Invisible Children DVD. It’s because I viewed that DVD, that my eyes were opened to Uganda, missions opportunities, and overall just having a bigger view of the world, its people, problems, and my role in the midst of it all. I really enjoyed the ambassador’s message because it’s easy for us to sit back and feel overwhelmed by the enormity of the world’s problems. Because of this, we fall into the faulty mentality that the individual can’t make a difference. But that just isn’t true. Call me an idealist, but if one life is touched from just one dollar or one prayer or one short term missions trip, it’s worth it. Change is being brought about by individuals and small groups of people. Global poverty and hunger may continue to exist, but apathy isn’t the answer.
July 14th
The beginning of this week started off pretty rough in my classroom. The students were disrespectful to me on Monday. I left the classroom feeling very discouraged. We prayed about it a lot with the team here. Disciplining students is not one of my strong points. Especially here in Africa, when things are a bit more intimidating as a foreigner. Fortunately, my head teacher, Master Peter, was able to exchange words with them. I reinforced these words the next day in class. As soon as we threatened discipline (slashing the grass), they behaved like angels. I hope that my last week of school here can be marked by learning and good behavior and fun.
Towards the end of the week, I tried doing my first laboratory experiment with my classes. The experiment was a simple neutralization reaction, aiming to produce a soluble salt. They had never performed an experiment like this before, I believe they have only watched demonstrations. Although the reaction was simple, I was a bit fearful, given that we were working with a strong acid, and open flame, and the day before they had asked to make an atomic bomb. Also, the class size, with forty students is a bit daunting. I prayed a lot about how the lab would go, for safety, for good learning, for obedience. It went so well! It was great to hear cheers of excitement after the lab groups had successfully produced a salt. Everyone was so excited about learning, which is a contrast to their indifference expressions when we lecture in the classroom.
We only have about nine days left here in Bundibugyo. We leave here the 24th, spend 2 days in Kampala, then fly out. Some times I feel like these 2 months have gone so fast, other times so slow. Pray for good reflection and debriefing time as the team prepares to leave and go back to a very different world.
Love,
Andrea
Sunday, July 8, 2007
This past week
July 6th, 2007
Hello everyone. Happy belated fourth of July. It was definitely different celebrating Independence Day in Uganda. July 4th was my first day back to teaching the S2 grade level. God really provided a wonderful day. Before classes started, I consulted my mentor teacher for advice in transitioning back to school. He suggested I spend some time talking with the students about their feelings on being back, and praying for them. It was such good advice. In talking with the students, I found out that some were angry that they had to leave school and their studies even though they were innocent. Others were angry that some of their classmates are expelled. Still some are frustrated with the rules that they have to follow. I listened to them, and offered some words of encouragement. Then God led me to Romans 8:28. I shared with them how this is one of God’s greatest promises to his children. If we love God and are called according to his purposes, which I believe many at Christ School are, he will work all situations together for good. They listened intently and I believe God comforted them with his word. We closed in prayer and then peacefully started our study on salts and solubility. Praise God! The last five minutes of class were spent in an interesting cultural exchange. We talked a bit about American Independence Day and compared it to Uganda’s Independence Day. Turns out we have a lot in common. We both celebrate Independence from England and we both celebrate by parades, food, and fireworks. At the request of my students, I sung our national anthem. It sounded hideous, but they didn’t care. J
In the past two weeks, Lydia and I have been teaching HIV prevention in a local Ugandan government school. We are not limited at all in what we can share. We are able to read from the Bible, pray with the girls, and share the gospel message. This is excellent, as this is an essential part to abstinence education. We work with our friend Annette, who is our translator. Please pray for the hearts of the girls, that they will receive the gift of faith to believe in Jesus and have a desire to live according to God’s word. The girls seem to listen and understand. Most of them are at least vaguely familiar with Christianity, but there are many cultural barriers that contradict a Biblical worldview (ie polygamy). We are trying to present the gospel and through God’s grace, work against such barriers. Here in Bundibugyo, it is common for women to be mistreated and looked down upon. They often perform the majority of physical labor and are not given equal opportunities for education. Women seem to receive their value from having children, so many girls have babies at young ages. It is also not uncommon for a girl to use sex in order to buy food or other supplies. Needless to say, the girls are hearing the truth from God’s word, but there are many real life messages they hear that contradict the Bible. God’s word is strong and powerful and does not return empty. Pray that the girls will be transformed by the working of the Holy Spirit.
That’s about it for now. I send you my love the whole 7000 mile journey across the Atlantic all the way to eastern PA.
Andrea
Do you not know?
Have you not heard?
The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom.
He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.
Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
Isaiah 40:28 to 31
Sunday, July 1, 2007
Recap of Last Week
June 29th, 2007
Recap of Last Week
Wesayo from Bundibugyo! We just arrived back into the district last evening. It was a long and very bumpy car ride from Fort Portal. It is so good to be back. It is amazing how I’ve only lived here for about three weeks, yet as we were driving back in to the Christ School complex, I felt like I was coming home.
The situation at Christ School is much better. Praise God. The students have been coming back by grade level at a staggered pace, every two days or so. They are arriving with their parents and having discussions with the teachers. So far, everything has been peaceful, which is a huge answer to prayer. In talking to some of the students, I’ve gathered that they are happy to be back and return to their studies, though some say that the rules will still be difficult to follow. Please continue to pray for peace as the students will still be coming back in waves until next week.
Our vacation was wonderful! We had time to rest, study God’s word, have fellowship, and enjoy God’s creation. The first day was spent hiking 14 miles over the Rwenzori Mountains. The journey was difficult as many parts were steep and very muddy from the rainy season. However, the view from the top was breath taking and made it totally worthwhile. We made a friend along the way, a Ugandan national. Though we didn’t speak his language, he was helpful in finding us all walking sticks and just being an encouraging, cheerful presence. It is amazing that many Ugandans live high up on the mountain and travel it weekly, if not daily. They really put us to shame. We were passed by many children, a herd of goats, a boy carrying a chicken, and my favorite, an old woman carrying about 50 pounds of sticks on her back.
The next two days were spent in Fort Portal where we did a Sonship discipleship course. It was great to take time away from our busy schedules to really meditate on the Bible and search our hearts. I left the retreat more thankful for God’s grace and resting in his promise that I am his child. God really worked to bring unity to build his church in this time. Oh, and the hot showers were nice too. J
The final portion of our journey was spent on safari. We were blessed to see many elephants, warthogs, water buffalo, water buck, hippos, crocodiles, and impala. My favorite was the lion. It was absolutely stunning. Just to see the way it walks with such authority. It’s astounding.
Today was a big day for the church in Bundibugyo. We had the dedication of the book of Acts, which was just translated into Lubwisi. The ceremony at the church lasted for about seven hours and was marked by much joy and excitement. Many members from the Wycliffe translating team were there to celebrate the accomplishment. The people in the church waited eagerly to purchase a copy. Many started reading as soon as they received it. It made me think of the years in my life where my Bible sat collecting dust in my room. And here is this group of Christians that for years have gone without the Word of God in their native tongue. It’s a pretty sickening thought for me. However, God is gracious and has given me a love for his word. And he is equipping translators to bring his word to the Babwisi in Bundibugyo. Praise Him! We pray that the Holy Spirit will move in power to build the church here in Bundibugyo, just as he did in the early 1st century church.
Please be in prayer for this week of transition. Pray that I will be able to direct my students back into school mode and continue to pour out love and grace to them, while maintaining authority. Also, please pray for my health. I have an infection on my face. It is not painful, just hideous looking. Despite the fact that my eye was swollen shut yesterday, it is fun to joke about my ogre eye. The Myhres are taking good care of me and I am on antibiotics, so the infection is going away. It just seems that any open wound here in Africa will most likely get infected, so it is easy to get sick.
Well, I think that’s about it for now. Thank you so much for your support, and encouraging messages. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Love,
Andrea, AKA Quasimoto
Thursday, June 21, 2007
School Turmoil, Please Pray
Everything is okay, I am safe. But Christ School, the school I am teaching
at has gone through some turmoil in the past day. I went to go to the staff
discipleship meeting yesterday morning, but found out we were having a
school wide assembly instead. Apparently, some of the students have been
throwing stones at faculty and their houses for the past couple of nights.
The purpose of the assembly was to figure out what the students were upset
about. Hours of dialogue went on between faculty and students, all mediated
by a student negotiation group. There were many complaints from the
students. Some of them reasonable, like having more meat in their diet, a
call box to phone, and complaints about the lack of electricity. Other
complaints, the ones they were more serious about, were absolutely
unreasonable. They wanted to have complete freedom to leave the compound on
weekends (a priviledge that once existed until trust was continuously
betrayed). They even voiced that they wanted to have the discipline master
(Peter, my coop teacher) removed. Pretty much they wanted rules and
discipline removed. They demanded immediate action. We think that there
were only about 10 key leaders to this revolution; however, when the
students met together, hundreds of them were cheering in unison. It was
pretty scary. Riots at Ugandan schools are pretty common. Christ School
has never had one, but neighboring schools have. Much damage of buildings
can occur. So after these hours of mediation, no peace agreement was
reached. The student negotiation group said that the students would riot.
Since we are living in the Christ School compound, the missionaries
evacuated us to spend the night at the mission. Kevin Bartkovich, the
headmaster, met with faculty to decide to close school indefinitely. So all
of the students left last night to avoid a riot. Soldiers were called in to
patrol. Everyone left peaceably.
So school is out for at least two weeks. All of the students are at their
homes. I'm out of commission with my teaching job. I'm sad about that. I
really loved it. But there's plenty of other ways I can serve around here.
I'll probably assist some of the missionaries or do HIV prevention education
in the government primary schools. I'm requesting that you pray for the
board of directors and faculty as they figure out how to move forward in
this situation. Pray for God's wisdom, pray that the parents of the
students will side with Christ school, pray that the school will be
preserved, that the Holy Spirit will convict the hearts of students and lead
them to repentance, that we can move on in peace. I'll actually be gone
from Saturday the 23rd to Thursday the 28th. We'll be hiking the Rwenzoris,
doing a discipleship class and spending a couple days on safari. So
hopefully by the time we get back, peace will be achieved and we can get
back to school. That is what we are hoping and praying for.
Thanks so much for reading this and for battling in prayer.
at has gone through some turmoil in the past day. I went to go to the staff
discipleship meeting yesterday morning, but found out we were having a
school wide assembly instead. Apparently, some of the students have been
throwing stones at faculty and their houses for the past couple of nights.
The purpose of the assembly was to figure out what the students were upset
about. Hours of dialogue went on between faculty and students, all mediated
by a student negotiation group. There were many complaints from the
students. Some of them reasonable, like having more meat in their diet, a
call box to phone, and complaints about the lack of electricity. Other
complaints, the ones they were more serious about, were absolutely
unreasonable. They wanted to have complete freedom to leave the compound on
weekends (a priviledge that once existed until trust was continuously
betrayed). They even voiced that they wanted to have the discipline master
(Peter, my coop teacher) removed. Pretty much they wanted rules and
discipline removed. They demanded immediate action. We think that there
were only about 10 key leaders to this revolution; however, when the
students met together, hundreds of them were cheering in unison. It was
pretty scary. Riots at Ugandan schools are pretty common. Christ School
has never had one, but neighboring schools have. Much damage of buildings
can occur. So after these hours of mediation, no peace agreement was
reached. The student negotiation group said that the students would riot.
Since we are living in the Christ School compound, the missionaries
evacuated us to spend the night at the mission. Kevin Bartkovich, the
headmaster, met with faculty to decide to close school indefinitely. So all
of the students left last night to avoid a riot. Soldiers were called in to
patrol. Everyone left peaceably.
So school is out for at least two weeks. All of the students are at their
homes. I'm out of commission with my teaching job. I'm sad about that. I
really loved it. But there's plenty of other ways I can serve around here.
I'll probably assist some of the missionaries or do HIV prevention education
in the government primary schools. I'm requesting that you pray for the
board of directors and faculty as they figure out how to move forward in
this situation. Pray for God's wisdom, pray that the parents of the
students will side with Christ school, pray that the school will be
preserved, that the Holy Spirit will convict the hearts of students and lead
them to repentance, that we can move on in peace. I'll actually be gone
from Saturday the 23rd to Thursday the 28th. We'll be hiking the Rwenzoris,
doing a discipleship class and spending a couple days on safari. So
hopefully by the time we get back, peace will be achieved and we can get
back to school. That is what we are hoping and praying for.
Thanks so much for reading this and for battling in prayer.
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
Lots to Share from this Week
Silence
6/13/07
Today, Wednesday, was chapel day. After the message given in chapel at Christ School, the students break up into Bible study groups, called cell groups. I am leading a cell group with my prayer partner Amy. Last week at cell group, things went well. Amy and I shared our testimonies and we had time for group prayer. The girls seemed responsive, their prayers were beautiful, and it went real well, especially for the first week.
This week was a much different experience. The girls didn’t speak a single word the whole 40 minutes we met. Amy and I sat there, asking questions, reading God’s word, and talking to them. But nobody uttered a single word the entire time. Ugandans are generally way more comfortable with silence than Americans. So, this is a cultural difference that I am getting used to; however, this was not just a cultural difference. Amy and I are pretty sure that the girls had taken some vow of silence. We figured they were angry that we did not take them to the market last Saturday and they were repaying us by not speaking. It was so awkward and frustrating.
The lesson that we were supposed to focus on was God’s unconditional love for us. During the awkward silence, Amy and I were convicted that we needed to model God’s unconditional love to them, despite their disrespect. For that is what unconditional love is all about. I did tell them how I was hurt by their silence, for the reason I came to Uganda was to build relationships with them and tell them about God and show them his love. I envisioned them weeping repentant tears, as the VonTrapp children did after Maria’s pinecone experience. That didn’t happen. I guess even though things were awkward and one sided, we were still able to love them, show God’s love, and start building relationships with them. We prayed for them. We asked the Holy Spirit to convict us all and bring unity and openness to the group. We claimed God’s promise from Isaiah 55:11. God’s word goes out from his mouth and does not return empty, but it accomplishes what God desires to achieve his purposes. I know God has a purpose for the words that the girls heard. Amy and I just need faith to know that it will happen, even though we may not see it in our timing. I think about how I was at the age of fifteen or so. Many people prayed for me and spoke God’s word to me, but I was so indifferent towards it. They must have been frustrated. Even though I didn’t respond to God’s word immediately, God accomplished his purposes in my life later on.
Please be in prayer for our cell group. Pray that Amy and I will be able to unconditionally love these girls so we can give them a better picture of our Father’s love. Pray for good soil in their hearts and a hunger for God and his word. Pray that the Holy Spirit would lead Amy and I to ask good questions and know how to minister to the girls.
In Christ Alone?
6/14/07
Since coming to Africa, I have met several people who have gone through Job like trials. Despite all that they have lost, they testify that they only get through it by their relationship with Christ. Yesterday I was talking with a Christ School girl on the porch. She asked me if I was a born again Christian. I said yes and asked her if she was. She said yes, she had accepted Jesus in 1999. She went on to say it was a very good thing, because just the year before, her father died in an accident (probably a motor vehicle accident as they are very common here). The death of her father left a very bleak looking situation for her mother and four other siblings. She joyfully said that God has provided for her and her family. We had dinner with a Ugandan couple last night. They have been married for 15 years and have seen three children die. They too, testified that they only were able to make it because of their relationship with God through Jesus. It made me think about how in America, we have so many things that blur our vision as to how much we need God. We have our health, we have our wealth and possessions. Here in Africa, many people don’t have that. So when someone says, the only way I make it through my life is by God’s grace and provision, it is an immensely powerful statement. In Africa, the needs are so great. It is tempting to think that if they just had enough money to get good food and healthcare and education, then things would be great. However, these material things aren’t nearly enough. Only the eternal hope and peace brought by the gospel of Jesus is enough.
Fear of Darkness
6/14/07
Several nights ago I was awakened by a frightening dream. Things here are scary enough at night with the complete darkness, noises, and all of the nightly critters. But this dream was so real, it was beyond the typical scariness. I was up for an hour, paralyzed by fear, hearing noises and feeling a strange breath against my skin. I kept praying and saying God’s word, but I was fumbling. This went on for a while until I fell back asleep, but there was definitely a presence of evil. We are continually reminded here that there is a spiritual battle going on. A battle that is not of fleshly, visible things, but against Satan and evil in the heavenly realms (Ephesians 6:12). Since then, me and the girls have been a bit afraid of night time. Psalm 91 is read every night as we pray a hedge of protection around our minds. We really don’t have anything to fear.
He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God in whom I trust.” Surely he will save you form the fowler’s snare and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart. You will not fear the terror of the night nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday. A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you. You will only observe with your eyes and see the punishment of the wicked. If you make the Most High your dwelling, even the Lord, who is my refuge, then no harm will befall you, no disaster will come near your tent. For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone. You will tread upon the lion and the cobra; you will trample the great lion and the serpent. “Because he loves me,” says the Lord, “I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name. He will call upon me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him. With long life will I satisfy him and show him my salvation.”
Psalm 91
Lots of Firsts…
6/16/07
Last night we had the village sleep out. This is where each of the mission interns goes with their prayer partner to sleep at a house in a nearby village. Amy and I went to one of my student’s houses. Her name is Esther. It was probably the most amazing experience I’ve had in my life. Here are some of the highlights:
*10 miles of hiking through Ugandan wilderness.
*Experiencing an earthquake of magnitude 5.9 while singing worship songs. It was amazing to see God’s power on display. It reminded me of the song “Did you feel the mountains tremble? Did you hear the oceans roar? When the lost began to sing of Jesus Christ the risen one.”
*Being followed by about 50 Ugandan children all because they are fascinated with “muzungus” or “white people”.
*Spending the night with a polygamy practicing family.
*Eating a rooster that we had just seen alive hours before.
*Sleeping in a mud hut.
*Chewing on sugar cane straight from the plant.
*Eating cocoa beans straight from the fruit.
*Receiving a goat as a welcoming present. If you know anything about the value of goats in Africa, you will realize that this is a ridiculously generous gift. None of the missionaries that have been here for over a decade have ever received a goat.
Needless to say this was an eye opening, incredible experience. There were many times where I found myself saying, “okay Andrea, this is really happening”. I am amazed at how you can spend enjoyable time getting to know people and not speak their language. By the time we left Esther’s house, we had many new friends. I am also amazed at their overwhelming generosity. Here is this Ugandan family giving us their best bed, preparing a feast, and sending us home with fruit and a goat! They give so much from their hearts and they don’t even have much to give. God, give me a heart like that!
God has been so good through this trip so far. He has provided safety, good health, and is opening doors to share his love through relationships. I am becoming friends with many of the Christ School girls, mostly through class, soccer, and porch talks and prayers. I gave my first chemistry quiz on Friday. I was a bit fearful as to how the students would do. Ugandans don’t really affirm you with nonverbal or verbal communication, so up until the quiz I wasn’t sure how well they understood me. Fortunately, most of the grades were great. It is neat to see how God is using my desires and calling as a teacher to show his love and share the gospel in a totally different culture.
Laughter
6/18/07
Today in class, we had a couple of minutes remaining when I came to a good place to stop in the notes. I decided to play “heads up seven up” with my students. I hesitated to do so for I remember my middle school days when we would manipulate substitute teachers into letting us play that game. However, the students are doing very well on their quizzes, they are respectful, and there were only a couple of minutes left in the class. Plus, there is not much time in their schedule for fun and laughter. The students are in school from 7:30 to 4, then wash clothes, eat dinner, or play futbol until 7, and then study until the electricity runs out at 10. Needless to say, this is how I justified the 10 minute long game at the end of class. It was glorious. They didn’t follow all of the rules, as many kids wanted to push down more than one thumb, but they loved it! It was so wonderful to hear them laughing. Ugandans laugh a lot here and I often don’t understand what they are laughing at. Today I understood. They laughed because they were having fun.
“A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.” Proverbs 17:22
“A cheerful look brings joy to the heart, and good new gives health to the bones.” Proverbs 15:30
Although my primary job is to make sure my students learn chemistry, I realize that outlawing fun in the classroom is not the best tactic. Not many students initiate smiling here. So, I’m the initiator. It’s so rewarding to smile at someone until they smile back. It seriously makes my day. I try to feed them with smiles. When they smile in return, they usually quickly look away. There is one boy that is the exception. He sits in the back of the class and smiles and makes googily eyes at me several times throughout the class. Some times I can’t help from laughing. I really enjoy my students.
Today they wanted to know all about New York City. I told them about how Paul is moving there, the skyscrapers, the traffic, taxis, streets and Broadway. That led to the Lion King and they requested to hear me sing a song in Swahili from The Lion King. I refused knowing my “Maaaahhhshhaweeeennnnna, hagabikigaba” translated to absolutely nothing in Swahili. Next I started to tell them the twin towers and 911. Not many had heard about this. I told them about the terrorism and two girls in the front started to laugh. I was shocked. Then I remembered talking to one of the missionaries about how some people laugh at very sad things simply because so many things here are sad and they don’t want to cry. I’m beginning to see how all of the death and darkness here causes people to respond differently to grief.
I was reading Isaiah 32 today where God speaks about how his redeemed people will be: “Each man will be like a shelter from the wind and a refuge from the storm, like streams of water in the desert and the shadow of a great rock in a thirsty land.” This is what knowing Jesus is like. This is what I want to be like to my students. The people here know both physical and spiritual thirst. I pray that because I know Jesus, I can reflect him, his love, his joy, his hope and peace to my students.
We will soon leave to hike through the Rwenzori Mountains. We will be doing a discipleship course and spend a couple of days on safari. Because of this, I may not be able to update for about a week. Thank you for your support! God bless!
6/13/07
Today, Wednesday, was chapel day. After the message given in chapel at Christ School, the students break up into Bible study groups, called cell groups. I am leading a cell group with my prayer partner Amy. Last week at cell group, things went well. Amy and I shared our testimonies and we had time for group prayer. The girls seemed responsive, their prayers were beautiful, and it went real well, especially for the first week.
This week was a much different experience. The girls didn’t speak a single word the whole 40 minutes we met. Amy and I sat there, asking questions, reading God’s word, and talking to them. But nobody uttered a single word the entire time. Ugandans are generally way more comfortable with silence than Americans. So, this is a cultural difference that I am getting used to; however, this was not just a cultural difference. Amy and I are pretty sure that the girls had taken some vow of silence. We figured they were angry that we did not take them to the market last Saturday and they were repaying us by not speaking. It was so awkward and frustrating.
The lesson that we were supposed to focus on was God’s unconditional love for us. During the awkward silence, Amy and I were convicted that we needed to model God’s unconditional love to them, despite their disrespect. For that is what unconditional love is all about. I did tell them how I was hurt by their silence, for the reason I came to Uganda was to build relationships with them and tell them about God and show them his love. I envisioned them weeping repentant tears, as the VonTrapp children did after Maria’s pinecone experience. That didn’t happen. I guess even though things were awkward and one sided, we were still able to love them, show God’s love, and start building relationships with them. We prayed for them. We asked the Holy Spirit to convict us all and bring unity and openness to the group. We claimed God’s promise from Isaiah 55:11. God’s word goes out from his mouth and does not return empty, but it accomplishes what God desires to achieve his purposes. I know God has a purpose for the words that the girls heard. Amy and I just need faith to know that it will happen, even though we may not see it in our timing. I think about how I was at the age of fifteen or so. Many people prayed for me and spoke God’s word to me, but I was so indifferent towards it. They must have been frustrated. Even though I didn’t respond to God’s word immediately, God accomplished his purposes in my life later on.
Please be in prayer for our cell group. Pray that Amy and I will be able to unconditionally love these girls so we can give them a better picture of our Father’s love. Pray for good soil in their hearts and a hunger for God and his word. Pray that the Holy Spirit would lead Amy and I to ask good questions and know how to minister to the girls.
In Christ Alone?
6/14/07
Since coming to Africa, I have met several people who have gone through Job like trials. Despite all that they have lost, they testify that they only get through it by their relationship with Christ. Yesterday I was talking with a Christ School girl on the porch. She asked me if I was a born again Christian. I said yes and asked her if she was. She said yes, she had accepted Jesus in 1999. She went on to say it was a very good thing, because just the year before, her father died in an accident (probably a motor vehicle accident as they are very common here). The death of her father left a very bleak looking situation for her mother and four other siblings. She joyfully said that God has provided for her and her family. We had dinner with a Ugandan couple last night. They have been married for 15 years and have seen three children die. They too, testified that they only were able to make it because of their relationship with God through Jesus. It made me think about how in America, we have so many things that blur our vision as to how much we need God. We have our health, we have our wealth and possessions. Here in Africa, many people don’t have that. So when someone says, the only way I make it through my life is by God’s grace and provision, it is an immensely powerful statement. In Africa, the needs are so great. It is tempting to think that if they just had enough money to get good food and healthcare and education, then things would be great. However, these material things aren’t nearly enough. Only the eternal hope and peace brought by the gospel of Jesus is enough.
Fear of Darkness
6/14/07
Several nights ago I was awakened by a frightening dream. Things here are scary enough at night with the complete darkness, noises, and all of the nightly critters. But this dream was so real, it was beyond the typical scariness. I was up for an hour, paralyzed by fear, hearing noises and feeling a strange breath against my skin. I kept praying and saying God’s word, but I was fumbling. This went on for a while until I fell back asleep, but there was definitely a presence of evil. We are continually reminded here that there is a spiritual battle going on. A battle that is not of fleshly, visible things, but against Satan and evil in the heavenly realms (Ephesians 6:12). Since then, me and the girls have been a bit afraid of night time. Psalm 91 is read every night as we pray a hedge of protection around our minds. We really don’t have anything to fear.
He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God in whom I trust.” Surely he will save you form the fowler’s snare and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart. You will not fear the terror of the night nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday. A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you. You will only observe with your eyes and see the punishment of the wicked. If you make the Most High your dwelling, even the Lord, who is my refuge, then no harm will befall you, no disaster will come near your tent. For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone. You will tread upon the lion and the cobra; you will trample the great lion and the serpent. “Because he loves me,” says the Lord, “I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name. He will call upon me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him. With long life will I satisfy him and show him my salvation.”
Psalm 91
Lots of Firsts…
6/16/07
Last night we had the village sleep out. This is where each of the mission interns goes with their prayer partner to sleep at a house in a nearby village. Amy and I went to one of my student’s houses. Her name is Esther. It was probably the most amazing experience I’ve had in my life. Here are some of the highlights:
*10 miles of hiking through Ugandan wilderness.
*Experiencing an earthquake of magnitude 5.9 while singing worship songs. It was amazing to see God’s power on display. It reminded me of the song “Did you feel the mountains tremble? Did you hear the oceans roar? When the lost began to sing of Jesus Christ the risen one.”
*Being followed by about 50 Ugandan children all because they are fascinated with “muzungus” or “white people”.
*Spending the night with a polygamy practicing family.
*Eating a rooster that we had just seen alive hours before.
*Sleeping in a mud hut.
*Chewing on sugar cane straight from the plant.
*Eating cocoa beans straight from the fruit.
*Receiving a goat as a welcoming present. If you know anything about the value of goats in Africa, you will realize that this is a ridiculously generous gift. None of the missionaries that have been here for over a decade have ever received a goat.
Needless to say this was an eye opening, incredible experience. There were many times where I found myself saying, “okay Andrea, this is really happening”. I am amazed at how you can spend enjoyable time getting to know people and not speak their language. By the time we left Esther’s house, we had many new friends. I am also amazed at their overwhelming generosity. Here is this Ugandan family giving us their best bed, preparing a feast, and sending us home with fruit and a goat! They give so much from their hearts and they don’t even have much to give. God, give me a heart like that!
God has been so good through this trip so far. He has provided safety, good health, and is opening doors to share his love through relationships. I am becoming friends with many of the Christ School girls, mostly through class, soccer, and porch talks and prayers. I gave my first chemistry quiz on Friday. I was a bit fearful as to how the students would do. Ugandans don’t really affirm you with nonverbal or verbal communication, so up until the quiz I wasn’t sure how well they understood me. Fortunately, most of the grades were great. It is neat to see how God is using my desires and calling as a teacher to show his love and share the gospel in a totally different culture.
Laughter
6/18/07
Today in class, we had a couple of minutes remaining when I came to a good place to stop in the notes. I decided to play “heads up seven up” with my students. I hesitated to do so for I remember my middle school days when we would manipulate substitute teachers into letting us play that game. However, the students are doing very well on their quizzes, they are respectful, and there were only a couple of minutes left in the class. Plus, there is not much time in their schedule for fun and laughter. The students are in school from 7:30 to 4, then wash clothes, eat dinner, or play futbol until 7, and then study until the electricity runs out at 10. Needless to say, this is how I justified the 10 minute long game at the end of class. It was glorious. They didn’t follow all of the rules, as many kids wanted to push down more than one thumb, but they loved it! It was so wonderful to hear them laughing. Ugandans laugh a lot here and I often don’t understand what they are laughing at. Today I understood. They laughed because they were having fun.
“A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.” Proverbs 17:22
“A cheerful look brings joy to the heart, and good new gives health to the bones.” Proverbs 15:30
Although my primary job is to make sure my students learn chemistry, I realize that outlawing fun in the classroom is not the best tactic. Not many students initiate smiling here. So, I’m the initiator. It’s so rewarding to smile at someone until they smile back. It seriously makes my day. I try to feed them with smiles. When they smile in return, they usually quickly look away. There is one boy that is the exception. He sits in the back of the class and smiles and makes googily eyes at me several times throughout the class. Some times I can’t help from laughing. I really enjoy my students.
Today they wanted to know all about New York City. I told them about how Paul is moving there, the skyscrapers, the traffic, taxis, streets and Broadway. That led to the Lion King and they requested to hear me sing a song in Swahili from The Lion King. I refused knowing my “Maaaahhhshhaweeeennnnna, hagabikigaba” translated to absolutely nothing in Swahili. Next I started to tell them the twin towers and 911. Not many had heard about this. I told them about the terrorism and two girls in the front started to laugh. I was shocked. Then I remembered talking to one of the missionaries about how some people laugh at very sad things simply because so many things here are sad and they don’t want to cry. I’m beginning to see how all of the death and darkness here causes people to respond differently to grief.
I was reading Isaiah 32 today where God speaks about how his redeemed people will be: “Each man will be like a shelter from the wind and a refuge from the storm, like streams of water in the desert and the shadow of a great rock in a thirsty land.” This is what knowing Jesus is like. This is what I want to be like to my students. The people here know both physical and spiritual thirst. I pray that because I know Jesus, I can reflect him, his love, his joy, his hope and peace to my students.
We will soon leave to hike through the Rwenzori Mountains. We will be doing a discipleship course and spend a couple of days on safari. Because of this, I may not be able to update for about a week. Thank you for your support! God bless!
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
Wesayo from Bundibugyo
Wesayo from Bundibugyo! Travel was long, but we arrived safely on Saturday. The last leg of our journey was on a very small plan from Entebbe to Bundibugyo. The flight was gorgeous and led us to worship our Creator. We were welcomed by a very large crowd of both missionaries and nationals at the air strip. At least a hundred came. It was wonderful. The first couple of days have been spent getting to know the missionaries, the mission, praying, learning the language, and just adjusting overall.
Yesterday was very eye opening. We got a tour around the whole mission. The medical clinic is bigger than I thought. It is crazy to think how peculiar we are about sanitation and sterility in the US hospitals. This clinic is filthy and yet still people are treated and healed. Crowds of people were laying on the floors with children, lots of expectant mothers. We got to the room for sick newborns. Dr. Jennifer pointed out two very sick babies. One was just sick with anemia, a pretty non serious condition in the US. Nothing like aids of malaria. We walked around for a couple more minutes then heard wailing and crying from lots of women. Jennifer went to investigate then came back and said that the anemic baby had just died. It was alive about 2 minutes ago when we saw it. It was so sad. Just a simple blood transfusion would have saved this babies life, but they lack that here. We were told about how a couple of months ago someone was sick and needed an ambulance to Kampala. An ambulance was called, but a politician was in town and paid off the ambulance driver to use the ambulance as a taxi out of here. The sick person died. Such sickness and corruption is sad. But the clinic is doing amazing things. Every day lives are saved and living conditions are improved by it.
We also got a tour around Christ School, where I’ll be teaching. I met my head teacher, Peter Kussima, he teaches chemistry. I observe today and tomorrow, then start teaching on Thursday. He’ll be with me for a week, then I have the class all to myself! I’m teaching S2, which is equivalent to about 8th grade. I just met with him to look at the lesson plans. It is nearing the end of the school year here, there are only 10 weeks left. I will teach about nine of them. The two main topics that I will cover are bases and the periodic table. I teach two classes each day, they are both 45 minutes long, but each class has an extra period each week for lab. Each class has about 40 to 45 students in it! The classroom is so tiny and they don’t have their own textbooks. Fortunately, I have a good textbook that I’ll be able to use to devise the lessons. I want to be a good teacher and I want for them to learn. Peter told me I will have to speak slowly and repeat myself often. Pray for learning to occur and relationships to be built as a tool for ministering.
Yesterday we hung out with the kids from school from 4:30 to six. We do that every day of the week. I wanted to just sit on my porch and chat with the girls, but they recruited me to play soccer. It was a lot of fun, but let me just tell you that a full hour of soccer with Ugandans right on the equator is not easy. I ended up playing goalie for the second half I was so tired. I found out later that they aren’t supposed to have a goalie because the goals are so small, they’re only about 3 feet across using two sticks. The cross country team ran around the field while we played. My they are fast! I got a nice breeze every time they passed. It was a great way to get to know some of the students and start building relationships with them on the first day. I am thankful for that. Towards the end of the game, I was all hot and sweaty and one of the girls said to me, “Madame, (that’s what they call me) the sun is eating you.” I thought it was hilarious. There are a lot of girls here, all with their own stories and needs. It’s a bit overwhelming for in my heart I want to be able to minister to all of them. I pray that I can touch many lives, but also hope and pray that God will draw certain individuals to me to minister to. That’s what Jesus did. Many of the girls here feel pressure to marry and have children at young ages such as 14 or 15. Large families are common and men have multiple wives. Sexual purity is an issue here at Christ school. Please pray that God will use the relationships that are built as a platform to share about healing through Christ, as there are a lot of physical, spiritual, and emotional wounds.
Other than that, I must say that I love it here. There’s something exciting about killing cockroaches and being frightened by lizards. There are lots of livestock here. Lots and lots of goats and chickens. Also, the cows here have horns. Yesterday I was chased off the road by one. He came pretty close to butting me. It was funny. My mosquito net is a huge blessing, I feel safe at night. It’s also miracle that I completely adjusted to the 7 hour time change on my first day. Praise God! I am not tired, I am not sick. I love the food. The missionaries are loving and encouraging.
Travel here on the roads is dangerous. There aren’t many cars, but the cars that do drive drive pretty recklessly. Also, there are dangerous motorized bikes. Pray for language and cultural barriers. It is true that English is spoken here, but the accents are thick and their body language is not affirming like here in the US. Pray that these will not be barriers for presenting the gospel.
I read Habakkuk today and found myself crying out the same things that Habakkuk said to God. Why must I look at such evil? Why is justice perverted? I am finding that I really need eyes of faith to believe that God is working and is bringing healing to this land.
Please also pray for the spiritual battle that has been present in my mind, especially at night time. I have had some very real, very frightening dreams. Pray that I will have faith in God that casts out all fear.
Thank you for all of your support. Much love to you.
Andrea
PS sorry it took so long to update. The Internet here is reliable so I may not be able to update as much as I thought.
Yesterday was very eye opening. We got a tour around the whole mission. The medical clinic is bigger than I thought. It is crazy to think how peculiar we are about sanitation and sterility in the US hospitals. This clinic is filthy and yet still people are treated and healed. Crowds of people were laying on the floors with children, lots of expectant mothers. We got to the room for sick newborns. Dr. Jennifer pointed out two very sick babies. One was just sick with anemia, a pretty non serious condition in the US. Nothing like aids of malaria. We walked around for a couple more minutes then heard wailing and crying from lots of women. Jennifer went to investigate then came back and said that the anemic baby had just died. It was alive about 2 minutes ago when we saw it. It was so sad. Just a simple blood transfusion would have saved this babies life, but they lack that here. We were told about how a couple of months ago someone was sick and needed an ambulance to Kampala. An ambulance was called, but a politician was in town and paid off the ambulance driver to use the ambulance as a taxi out of here. The sick person died. Such sickness and corruption is sad. But the clinic is doing amazing things. Every day lives are saved and living conditions are improved by it.
We also got a tour around Christ School, where I’ll be teaching. I met my head teacher, Peter Kussima, he teaches chemistry. I observe today and tomorrow, then start teaching on Thursday. He’ll be with me for a week, then I have the class all to myself! I’m teaching S2, which is equivalent to about 8th grade. I just met with him to look at the lesson plans. It is nearing the end of the school year here, there are only 10 weeks left. I will teach about nine of them. The two main topics that I will cover are bases and the periodic table. I teach two classes each day, they are both 45 minutes long, but each class has an extra period each week for lab. Each class has about 40 to 45 students in it! The classroom is so tiny and they don’t have their own textbooks. Fortunately, I have a good textbook that I’ll be able to use to devise the lessons. I want to be a good teacher and I want for them to learn. Peter told me I will have to speak slowly and repeat myself often. Pray for learning to occur and relationships to be built as a tool for ministering.
Yesterday we hung out with the kids from school from 4:30 to six. We do that every day of the week. I wanted to just sit on my porch and chat with the girls, but they recruited me to play soccer. It was a lot of fun, but let me just tell you that a full hour of soccer with Ugandans right on the equator is not easy. I ended up playing goalie for the second half I was so tired. I found out later that they aren’t supposed to have a goalie because the goals are so small, they’re only about 3 feet across using two sticks. The cross country team ran around the field while we played. My they are fast! I got a nice breeze every time they passed. It was a great way to get to know some of the students and start building relationships with them on the first day. I am thankful for that. Towards the end of the game, I was all hot and sweaty and one of the girls said to me, “Madame, (that’s what they call me) the sun is eating you.” I thought it was hilarious. There are a lot of girls here, all with their own stories and needs. It’s a bit overwhelming for in my heart I want to be able to minister to all of them. I pray that I can touch many lives, but also hope and pray that God will draw certain individuals to me to minister to. That’s what Jesus did. Many of the girls here feel pressure to marry and have children at young ages such as 14 or 15. Large families are common and men have multiple wives. Sexual purity is an issue here at Christ school. Please pray that God will use the relationships that are built as a platform to share about healing through Christ, as there are a lot of physical, spiritual, and emotional wounds.
Other than that, I must say that I love it here. There’s something exciting about killing cockroaches and being frightened by lizards. There are lots of livestock here. Lots and lots of goats and chickens. Also, the cows here have horns. Yesterday I was chased off the road by one. He came pretty close to butting me. It was funny. My mosquito net is a huge blessing, I feel safe at night. It’s also miracle that I completely adjusted to the 7 hour time change on my first day. Praise God! I am not tired, I am not sick. I love the food. The missionaries are loving and encouraging.
Travel here on the roads is dangerous. There aren’t many cars, but the cars that do drive drive pretty recklessly. Also, there are dangerous motorized bikes. Pray for language and cultural barriers. It is true that English is spoken here, but the accents are thick and their body language is not affirming like here in the US. Pray that these will not be barriers for presenting the gospel.
I read Habakkuk today and found myself crying out the same things that Habakkuk said to God. Why must I look at such evil? Why is justice perverted? I am finding that I really need eyes of faith to believe that God is working and is bringing healing to this land.
Please also pray for the spiritual battle that has been present in my mind, especially at night time. I have had some very real, very frightening dreams. Pray that I will have faith in God that casts out all fear.
Thank you for all of your support. Much love to you.
Andrea
PS sorry it took so long to update. The Internet here is reliable so I may not be able to update as much as I thought.
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