Time is flying by these days. I can't believe another week has ended.
There is this annoying noise everywhere I go. It this beeping, it sounds like the game catch phrase if you've played it. None of us could figure it out until I finally asked one of the interns what that beeping is. It's a bird!! I couldn't believe it. It sounds exactly like the beeps on catch phrase. It's so annoying! I am gonna find a slingshot and start shooting them.
So this spider that was living in my bed decided it was lonely and needed a friend. Through a mosquito net and blankets, it managed to bring in a mosquito. I woke up in the middle of the night and my feet were itching like crazy. I had to climb out of bed and smother my feet in benedryl cream and put on socks. Thank the Lord for that stuff! I fell back asleep and the next morning had many more bites on my legs. I have a ridiculous amount of bites all over me. I seriously tried counting but it failed. I was able to count my left foot though- 22 bites. I seriously look like I have chicken pox.
I got to take my bath last night with a couple guest-- a dead gecko and a live cockroach. I did not take my eyes off that cockroach. I also electrocuted myself last night. At first I had no clue what was happening to me until I let go of the plug. I didn't want my family to know because they would have freaked out, so I had to act all cool. That's hard to do when you think you are gonna pass out. It ran all the way through my finger, up my arm, and to my body. I guess I learned my lesson. When plugging in my computer, I should not plug it into an outlet while touching the exposed prong.
I love my family here! I've never had a sister so it's kinda cool now that I have at least 3 or 4 or 5. I honestly don't even have a guess on how many brothers I have (some are tecnically cousins but in this culture they are brothers) everyone comes and goes and I don't know who I have met and who I haven't. I still haven't figured out this family, but I am getting closer. I know Judie and Rachel the best. I share a room with Judie and we have even started to "rough house." Just what I love...
Boarding school is very common here and holiday is ending soon. I am aware of one brother leaving, Simon. It will be very sad--he is one I know. He will be in Jinja and wants us to visit, so we will try since it's only an hour and a half drive.
I am gonna end with a really funny and embarrassing story. It happened my first week here but I had somehow forgotten about it until the other day.
So I had just woken up and I wasn't paying much attention. I went to the bathing room where there is usually a bucket of water so I can wash my face (don't forget i was tired and not paying attention). I started washing my face and half way through i realized the smell was not right, like awful. I looked down and realized I had been washing my face with PEE!! What happened is the pee bucket that is used at night (too dangerous to go to outside to the bathroom) somehow ended up where the water one usually is. And the worst part is, it wasn't even my urine!!! But, don't worry i thoroughly washed up after that.
I am gonna add an advertisement on here. I love getting mail and I know a few of you have asked for my address, so here it is. Padded envelopes or something similar gets here faster. I do enjoy getting drink mixes & toliet paper!
Michelle Welke
Uganda Studies Programme
Uganda Christian University
P.O. Box 4
Mukono, Uganda
Friday, January 30, 2009
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
The One That is not about my day.
I write this blog in response to a previous comment that read:
You are wise way beyond your years. As you study the world, you'll learn that all cultures have something in common with a belief in God. As you'll find, most peoples of the world are good people and profess their beliefs in God in different ways. There are truly no wrong religions, just people doing wrong things in the name of their religion.
In response:
Hmm. This is interesting and I appreciate this. First of all, let’s take the word religion out of this. Many people get stuck on the word because people who have a religion have hurt them and the definition of this word religion is so broad. In the end, all that matters is the fact that God sent His son Jesus to die on the cross for our sins because of the love God has for man, something we cannot begin to comprehend.
I was talking about God revealing Himself while you were mentioning the different beliefs in God. So, what about people who are atheist and think there is no such thing as a god? Also, what do you think about death… like, what happens once one dies? If there are those who deny He exists or don’t believe Jesus came to earth as man and died on the cross and rose again, what happens to them?
I wish this all could be simple and everyone could be saved, no matter their beliefs. But if you take a look at this world, you can see lots of love and good, but also lots of evil. The evil that fills this earth causes hate and confusion.
For this part, I am going to bring the word religion back in. But before I do, I want to give it a definition so we are talking the same. For now, I am going to go with what E. Darkheim defined religion as: A unified system, of beliefs and practices into unity. So, if there are no wrong religions how do you justify those that believe in destructive gods? Like the Aztecs or here in Uganda, some believe they must sacrifice children. To them, these horrible actions are the right things in their religion. Who gets to say when these are right or wrong actions? To them these actions are good and to us they are not.
Some Christians try to bring God down to the human level where He is not. They (including myself) like to pretend He is our neighbor or friend rather then someone to submit to. Even if one does more good than the next, this does not make one better than the other, not in the eyes of God. Because we all have sinned and have had done evil, having fallen short of the glory of God.
In this world, there is good and there is bad. Ever since evil first entered the world in Genesis, there must be good and there must be bad. God gave us the honor of making own decision of faith in Him and Satan takes advantage of this. The devil wants us to be confused and fall away from Christ so he can have control over us instead. Every time I sin, Satan gets a point but I already know what will happen in the end, God will win.
This whole discussion brings a curiosity upon me, is it easier to say peoples’ actions are wrong or right, than it is to say whether there is a good God who created this world and His Son died for us or that there is no god at all?
In the end, the one thing that matters is whether the individual believes in his heart that Jesus died on the cross for us. I do not have religion, nor am I “religious”. Rather, I have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ our Lord. Every day I struggle to turn completely away from sin, but God loves me no matter what. This must be a strong love because why would He still want me after the day is over and I disobeyed Him a countless number of times, and even for some time denied His existence? This is just a tiny glimpse of how vast His love really is. There is no way to fully understand this because I am merely human. I have to have the strength to turn towards His open arms and run away from the temptations that lie before me. I must turn daily back to Him and everyday He rejoices I am forever His! And I pray the same for you.
Now, it’s your turn…what do you think? I would love to hear what you believe, not arguing, but merely having a conversation. All of you.
You are wise way beyond your years. As you study the world, you'll learn that all cultures have something in common with a belief in God. As you'll find, most peoples of the world are good people and profess their beliefs in God in different ways. There are truly no wrong religions, just people doing wrong things in the name of their religion.
In response:
Hmm. This is interesting and I appreciate this. First of all, let’s take the word religion out of this. Many people get stuck on the word because people who have a religion have hurt them and the definition of this word religion is so broad. In the end, all that matters is the fact that God sent His son Jesus to die on the cross for our sins because of the love God has for man, something we cannot begin to comprehend.
I was talking about God revealing Himself while you were mentioning the different beliefs in God. So, what about people who are atheist and think there is no such thing as a god? Also, what do you think about death… like, what happens once one dies? If there are those who deny He exists or don’t believe Jesus came to earth as man and died on the cross and rose again, what happens to them?
I wish this all could be simple and everyone could be saved, no matter their beliefs. But if you take a look at this world, you can see lots of love and good, but also lots of evil. The evil that fills this earth causes hate and confusion.
For this part, I am going to bring the word religion back in. But before I do, I want to give it a definition so we are talking the same. For now, I am going to go with what E. Darkheim defined religion as: A unified system, of beliefs and practices into unity. So, if there are no wrong religions how do you justify those that believe in destructive gods? Like the Aztecs or here in Uganda, some believe they must sacrifice children. To them, these horrible actions are the right things in their religion. Who gets to say when these are right or wrong actions? To them these actions are good and to us they are not.
Some Christians try to bring God down to the human level where He is not. They (including myself) like to pretend He is our neighbor or friend rather then someone to submit to. Even if one does more good than the next, this does not make one better than the other, not in the eyes of God. Because we all have sinned and have had done evil, having fallen short of the glory of God.
In this world, there is good and there is bad. Ever since evil first entered the world in Genesis, there must be good and there must be bad. God gave us the honor of making own decision of faith in Him and Satan takes advantage of this. The devil wants us to be confused and fall away from Christ so he can have control over us instead. Every time I sin, Satan gets a point but I already know what will happen in the end, God will win.
This whole discussion brings a curiosity upon me, is it easier to say peoples’ actions are wrong or right, than it is to say whether there is a good God who created this world and His Son died for us or that there is no god at all?
In the end, the one thing that matters is whether the individual believes in his heart that Jesus died on the cross for us. I do not have religion, nor am I “religious”. Rather, I have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ our Lord. Every day I struggle to turn completely away from sin, but God loves me no matter what. This must be a strong love because why would He still want me after the day is over and I disobeyed Him a countless number of times, and even for some time denied His existence? This is just a tiny glimpse of how vast His love really is. There is no way to fully understand this because I am merely human. I have to have the strength to turn towards His open arms and run away from the temptations that lie before me. I must turn daily back to Him and everyday He rejoices I am forever His! And I pray the same for you.
Now, it’s your turn…what do you think? I would love to hear what you believe, not arguing, but merely having a conversation. All of you.
The One With The Nile
Another weekend has come and gone and I had the opportunity to join the rest of the IMME students on a journey to Jinja- the Source of the Nile. We had the privilege of staying at a nice resort on Lake Victoria near the beginning of the Nile. We even got to take a boat from the resort to the Nile. In the picture, you can see the ripples/bubbles of water, this is said to be the exact spot where the Nile begins.Friday evening, some local missionaries came and talked with us about their ministry. They do a prison ministry with both of the local prisons (in the pic), which I could see across the lake from the resort. They also have other ministries but, they are not what their main reasons for coming to Uganda.
I learned so much about the ministry and even some of the way prison and court systems here work. I must say, it is all very corrupt. Basically, whoever has more money to pay someone off, wins. Example: A man is married to 2 wives (polygamy is still commonly practiced) and the husband dies of malaria. One wife accuses the other wife and her eldest son of killing him. They are both sent to prison and to be executed. The accuser wanted all his land and knew these 2 people would be in her way of inheriting everything. So she paid off the judge and just like that. The mother and son are both sent to jail for life. Sadly, this is a true story and the mother and son are still in prisons across the lake from one another. There are many innocent people in jail and many guilty not today. However, these missionaries have an amazing ministry and have really made an impact here. The prisons used to be really dangerous...they had 20 guards at a time and after 11 yrs of ministry, they are down to 2 because of the faith in Jesus Christ the prisoners are finding!! Praise Him! They told many stories but sadly I do not have the time nor the patience to sit here and type them.After the missionaries left, the 16 of us got out the guitar and sat by the pool praising the Lord for hours. As worship was being sung, a team of missionaries on The World Race (they go to 11 countries in 11 months) came up to us and began talking with us! It was an amazing time of worship and hearing about God working in their lives.
I understand why everyone stares when a Muzungu walks by, I stare when a white person I don't know walks by. It seems so strange. We always seem to say hi to one another too, it's quite funny.Saturday was an interesting day. We went to meet some other missionaries in Jinja and learned about their work in the country. One of the missionaries took us on a "tour" of Jinja. It was not the typical kind of tour one would go of a city. It was better, I learned about Jinja in a way you wouldn't know otherwise. It was a tour of God and culture. There were a total of 5 stops:
1) Stop #1: the Nile river. We looked over the river and talked about its' vastness and the use of it during Bible times. He read scripture and left us to contemplate it.
2) An area of town that was the Ugandan Hollywood in the 50's. Indians came here with money and began strong businesses, they were making a great living. A previous ruler of Uganda was racist and decided they could not live i
n his country. They were killed or kicked out and their homes were abandoned and are very run down now. When the Indians left, the economy suffered severely and it is still not back to what it was. The picture is of a house that was left behind and raided, now there are 20 Ugandan families living in it. The entire area looked like this. It was kind if eery. The millions of bats flying around in the daytime added to that. He read a verse for us to contemplate on for a while b
efore we went to the next stop.3)The next stop took us to a fishing village on the Nile. It was a slum. It was dirt poor and right next door, literealy, was a yacht club where people keep boats that cost more than these people will ever make. To enter the yacht club, you drive right down the path through these peoples homes. The village has the work of the devil amoung them. Almost every woman and child is abused. The village is in chaos at the moment. The missionaries are trying to slowly start working in there but the presence of evil is over-powering at the moment. Pray. Soon they will come to know Jesus. If you can see in the picture with all the kids, there are 2 choking one another. This is a pit of sand that the kids don't just play around in. They were actually fighting. They were very rough with one another. Many kids were crying.
4) We went to an area where they make objects out of metal. It was really cool. The guy who took us on the tour knows these guys pretty well. The locals tried to buy all the women and 1 man tried to sell me an auto car that he put together. Yeah right. Like I am gonna wanna buy a car some dude randomly made.
5) The Jinja hospital. This was a hard place. He had us each go into a different ward and pray over patients. This is nothing like a hospital in America. It's a room with beds crammed closely together. Basically, if you know what a war hospital looks like in the movies then you can imagine this one. There are no machines for the patients and it smells awful. They have to have someone bring them food if they want to eat b/c the hospital won't. If you want to see a doctor alomst immediately than you have to bribe the doctor, there are only 4 for the main hospital of the town. The missionary had a friend in there recntly who waited 26 days before seeing a doctor. There were many patients in there who I could cure with the money in my pocket. When I first entered the ward, I talked with the nurses to make sure it was ok (there were 2 nurses for 50-60 patients). They were thrilled and asked me to pray over them first. I was honored. Because of time, I only had enough of it to walk down one wing and pray over it. As I was leaving the nurses where worried about me not going down the other wing, so I said screw time, I am praying for these people. So I did, people were intrigued and I had the privilege to talk with families. It was hard leaving. I could have spent all day there.
We had free time once we got back to the hotel, many people swam and took HOT SHOWERS! We all went out to dinner and had a debate/opinion/reflection time about the day. Dinner was amazing-- I had garlic bread and pizza!!! After 2 meals a day for 2 weeks eating rice, matooka (smashed, cooked non-sweet bannanas), goat fat, and beans. Of course, my intestines did not enjoy it the next day. Oh, how fast bodies adapt.
The following Sunday, we were able to visit a Baptist church. The 3 hours of fellowship flew by and was amazing! One lady shared her testimony, quite spectacular as well. And 3 people accepted the Lord Jesus Christ into their hearts!!! We also had a time to talk with the pastors and staff after the service to learn more about their ministry in the town and surrounding villages. It was quite amazing!!
The Church of Uganda is depending less and less on foreign aid. They are starting to take over. I pray they continue on with this strength and no leaders with a corrupted heart get in there.
We came home and 5 of us climbed monkey hill which is partially on campus. There were monkeys everywhere!! I will hopefully post pictures of them soon. Monday morning 5 of us climbed it again to watch the sun rise, but it ended up raining and was cloudy. Eventhough we didn't get to see the sun come up, God allowed us to see a sweet lightning storm and have a blast with one another.
I have to get going now. Hopefully I write more later this week. I am gonna post some more random pictures from the weekend later too.
Peace.
Sunday, January 25, 2009
The One with Faith and Action.
I am back from my weekend trip to Jinja, but I am not gonna blog about that until tomorrow. Today, I want to focus on something different. The following are some realizations I had last week. Some are from a class I found interesting.
- I under estimate the spiritual aspect of this world. The devil and God are both at work under the surface. It's amazing how much I have not, and still do not realize this.
-God WILL fight for me. He is a jealous God.
-God's revelation is not complete without Africa or any other culture.
- The greatness of God cannot be grasped.
-I have brought Him down to my level and that is not where He belongs. He is not my friend, He is my God.
-God has been revealed in every culture but not necessarily the same revealing. The entire truth cannot be known until Heaven. It is our decision to see His little piece of truth we have the privilege to see.
-As he is slowly revelaing more about Him; we know so much more now than they did 2000 yrs ago.
-There is no possible way to fully understand God.
-There is a line that needs to drawm in todays American culture and I must stand firm on my feet. I cannot get hazy in where I stand!
-Now is the time to repent becasue tomorrow could be too late.
-If you are ruthless in religion, you are going to be ruthless with everything. Even in secular societies, religion is ingrained. God is ingrained.
-If I am not uncomfortable, than I am not fully opening up to God. There has to be a willingness for the messy stuff or growth cannot be possible.
So, these are just a few things that have struck me. I don't have much time but perhaps I will get more tomorrow.
- I under estimate the spiritual aspect of this world. The devil and God are both at work under the surface. It's amazing how much I have not, and still do not realize this.
-God WILL fight for me. He is a jealous God.
-God's revelation is not complete without Africa or any other culture.
- The greatness of God cannot be grasped.
-I have brought Him down to my level and that is not where He belongs. He is not my friend, He is my God.
-God has been revealed in every culture but not necessarily the same revealing. The entire truth cannot be known until Heaven. It is our decision to see His little piece of truth we have the privilege to see.
-As he is slowly revelaing more about Him; we know so much more now than they did 2000 yrs ago.
-There is no possible way to fully understand God.
-There is a line that needs to drawm in todays American culture and I must stand firm on my feet. I cannot get hazy in where I stand!
-Now is the time to repent becasue tomorrow could be too late.
-If you are ruthless in religion, you are going to be ruthless with everything. Even in secular societies, religion is ingrained. God is ingrained.
-If I am not uncomfortable, than I am not fully opening up to God. There has to be a willingness for the messy stuff or growth cannot be possible.
So, these are just a few things that have struck me. I don't have much time but perhaps I will get more tomorrow.
Friday, January 23, 2009
The One with Night Dancers
I think this will be a longer installment on the life of Michelle in Uganda.
All the IMME students are going to Jinja this weekend to experience prison ministry and stuff. Jinja is near the source of the Nile and Lake Victoria so we will do that stuff perhaps as well.
So, I think a spider has decided to make his home in my bed. For the past few mornings, I have been waking up with many bites on my feet. They are so itchy. Speaking of itchy, I got my hair plated this week and it took 11 hours. But it was not all in one sitting, thank goodness. They did the fist half of my hair on Tuesday for 5 hours, 5 hours on Wednesday, and 1 hour Thursday morning. I had to go to a dinner Wednesday so it was a bummer they still had 1 more hour of work, I went to the dinner with this random chunk on the top of my hair not done. I looked quite funny and my father felt I should leave it because it was a fashion statement.
Well the election was on Tuesday, I don’t know much about what went on, but I did hear some of it, as well as interviews on the radio. From the interviews, I basically heard 2 different sides. People were disappointed and un-impressed with Obama’s speech or they thought he would solve every world problem and come to the rescue of the poorer nations. They wanted Obama to be Jesus Christ and make everything perfect. It was interesting being in an African country at the time the first black president of America took office. People were more mixed over here then I expected and more not sure what to think. Many people I have talked to say they will have to wait and see. Not optimistic, but not pessimistic. My father here was trying to convince me to run for presidency in America and then he changed to Uganda. It was a very funny conversation. I eventually pointed out that I wasn’t born in Uganda to be president here. So we decided we would go find a native Muzungu (white man) to run for presidency.
There are some basic, but important rules here. We have a curfew of 7pm, yes this seems early but there is a very good reason for this, that is when the sun sets and when the darkness comes so does danger. In fact, once the house has been locked up, I am not allowed to go to the bathroom in the squatty potty even though we have walls surrounding the little court yard I have to walk through to get there and 2 guard dogs, who are awesome by the way. Apparently, it’s so dangerous outside the family makes everyone go to the bathroom in a bucket at night. I have never had to, but there is something about the thought of that I don’t like. It’s a common problem that people will kill you if someone pays them to do and other reasons like that.
The week started out pretty normal but something on Tuesday happened to one of my fellow IMME students. On her walk to school, she was mugged, punched in the face 5 times, and lost her entire bag of stuff including her credit cards, cell phone, iPod, money, random things, but her most valued item was her journal. She had spent a month in Kenya before coming here so that’s the one thing she really wants back. Her face is bruised, swollen, and cut. The reason she was jumped was because she was walking alone in the early morning when the sun had not fully risen and she was passing a notorious corner for danger. Of course she didn’t know this until after the fact, but she should not have been out yet. It was still too dark to be allowed out, but she had been coming early to run since last week so she didn’t think it was a problem. They think the guy had watched her walk by on previous days. They filed a report with the police and they are going to try and track the guy with the cell phone calls. I pray they catch him. The girl has been amazing through all this. She is strong and in fact, she was praying for the man who jumped her – that he would read her journal and see her faith. She has to decide if she is going to continue the semester or go home by Tuesday, her parents want her to come home but she is not yet sure. Please pray for her as she makes this decision.
I am in a health and wholeness class; while it’s stuff I have known since 1st grade so far, I find it interesting not b/c of the material but because of the culture. The simplest things many are just learning for the first time, such as the Heimlich maneuver. One student told a story of how she wished she had known it last year because her 4 yr old nephew was choking and no one knew what to do. They had to watch the little boy suffocate to death. This breaks my heart. I cannot imagine watching this. I didn’t realize what an issue this topic is here, like I knew it but it didn’t register with me until this class.
I love going home at the end of the day. There is this feeling I can’t describe. I love being greeted by my brothers and sisters and parents. They are all so friendly and welcoming! We always enjoy one another’s company. Many evenings are spent outside talking under the stars, learning of each other cultures and telling stories, or we play cards. The other night, I taught the boys, who are around my age, about the atmosphere and clouds, and stars, and even pointed out Mars. They were so excited about this. They told me about the ‘Night Dancers’ who go into dark corners and dance. They are also cannibals. Very interesting. They told me they could point out where one lives. I told them I am better off not knowing.
I walked home with Sarah yesterday and some guy followed us. We passed him on the trail, he was walking slowly and then sped up to walk right behind us the rest of the way. Kinda awkward.
Well we are leaving in 15 minutes for Jinja so I have to go now. I will try and update on Sunday or Monday again.
All the IMME students are going to Jinja this weekend to experience prison ministry and stuff. Jinja is near the source of the Nile and Lake Victoria so we will do that stuff perhaps as well.
So, I think a spider has decided to make his home in my bed. For the past few mornings, I have been waking up with many bites on my feet. They are so itchy. Speaking of itchy, I got my hair plated this week and it took 11 hours. But it was not all in one sitting, thank goodness. They did the fist half of my hair on Tuesday for 5 hours, 5 hours on Wednesday, and 1 hour Thursday morning. I had to go to a dinner Wednesday so it was a bummer they still had 1 more hour of work, I went to the dinner with this random chunk on the top of my hair not done. I looked quite funny and my father felt I should leave it because it was a fashion statement.
Well the election was on Tuesday, I don’t know much about what went on, but I did hear some of it, as well as interviews on the radio. From the interviews, I basically heard 2 different sides. People were disappointed and un-impressed with Obama’s speech or they thought he would solve every world problem and come to the rescue of the poorer nations. They wanted Obama to be Jesus Christ and make everything perfect. It was interesting being in an African country at the time the first black president of America took office. People were more mixed over here then I expected and more not sure what to think. Many people I have talked to say they will have to wait and see. Not optimistic, but not pessimistic. My father here was trying to convince me to run for presidency in America and then he changed to Uganda. It was a very funny conversation. I eventually pointed out that I wasn’t born in Uganda to be president here. So we decided we would go find a native Muzungu (white man) to run for presidency.
There are some basic, but important rules here. We have a curfew of 7pm, yes this seems early but there is a very good reason for this, that is when the sun sets and when the darkness comes so does danger. In fact, once the house has been locked up, I am not allowed to go to the bathroom in the squatty potty even though we have walls surrounding the little court yard I have to walk through to get there and 2 guard dogs, who are awesome by the way. Apparently, it’s so dangerous outside the family makes everyone go to the bathroom in a bucket at night. I have never had to, but there is something about the thought of that I don’t like. It’s a common problem that people will kill you if someone pays them to do and other reasons like that.
The week started out pretty normal but something on Tuesday happened to one of my fellow IMME students. On her walk to school, she was mugged, punched in the face 5 times, and lost her entire bag of stuff including her credit cards, cell phone, iPod, money, random things, but her most valued item was her journal. She had spent a month in Kenya before coming here so that’s the one thing she really wants back. Her face is bruised, swollen, and cut. The reason she was jumped was because she was walking alone in the early morning when the sun had not fully risen and she was passing a notorious corner for danger. Of course she didn’t know this until after the fact, but she should not have been out yet. It was still too dark to be allowed out, but she had been coming early to run since last week so she didn’t think it was a problem. They think the guy had watched her walk by on previous days. They filed a report with the police and they are going to try and track the guy with the cell phone calls. I pray they catch him. The girl has been amazing through all this. She is strong and in fact, she was praying for the man who jumped her – that he would read her journal and see her faith. She has to decide if she is going to continue the semester or go home by Tuesday, her parents want her to come home but she is not yet sure. Please pray for her as she makes this decision.
I am in a health and wholeness class; while it’s stuff I have known since 1st grade so far, I find it interesting not b/c of the material but because of the culture. The simplest things many are just learning for the first time, such as the Heimlich maneuver. One student told a story of how she wished she had known it last year because her 4 yr old nephew was choking and no one knew what to do. They had to watch the little boy suffocate to death. This breaks my heart. I cannot imagine watching this. I didn’t realize what an issue this topic is here, like I knew it but it didn’t register with me until this class.
I love going home at the end of the day. There is this feeling I can’t describe. I love being greeted by my brothers and sisters and parents. They are all so friendly and welcoming! We always enjoy one another’s company. Many evenings are spent outside talking under the stars, learning of each other cultures and telling stories, or we play cards. The other night, I taught the boys, who are around my age, about the atmosphere and clouds, and stars, and even pointed out Mars. They were so excited about this. They told me about the ‘Night Dancers’ who go into dark corners and dance. They are also cannibals. Very interesting. They told me they could point out where one lives. I told them I am better off not knowing.
I walked home with Sarah yesterday and some guy followed us. We passed him on the trail, he was walking slowly and then sped up to walk right behind us the rest of the way. Kinda awkward.
Well we are leaving in 15 minutes for Jinja so I have to go now. I will try and update on Sunday or Monday again.
Monday, January 19, 2009
The One Where I put up Pictures
The laundry I am not yet allowed to do.
The Potty!
The house
Some of our yard!
My room that I share with 2 other people and a toddler.
The shower
In Kampla
My Chickens!!!
A building on campus
I love the sky! especially sunsets!
I found this sign amusing.
The One where I fall
So it' been almost a week since I last updated and lots has happened. Time got away from me so I will try my best to give a decently detailed update. There is no specific order to this, it will be whatever comes to my head- so kinda random.
So I have this issue with falling. Today, I managed to fall down a hill, I wish I could say it was huge, but it takes about 3 steps to get to the bottom. The point of this story is I twisted the ankle I am scheduled to have surgery on this summer and I heard a pop. It's swollen now. But I think I should be able to walk it off. The 30 minute walk home should do it. Nothing to worry about. I kinda wish I woulda brought a brace with. Oh well, too bad for me.
I came home last Tuesday and there was a random 2 yr old hanging around and she sleeps in my room. I couldn't figure out where she came from for 3 days. I finally asked and it turns out she is the granddaughter. I have finally been allowed to start learning and helping around the house. I think my favorite chore is collecting chicken eggs. They have about 700 chickens so it's like going on a big easter egg hunt 4 times a day. The first time I went in there I could have sworn all the chickens were conspiring against me to attack me. My brother Mike thought it was hilarious. My second favorite chore is making passion fruit juice from scratch. I think it's fun! I also help sweep, do the dishes, cook a little and other random things. I am not yet allowed to do laundry, I don't know why.
I have been reading the local newspaper daily. It's very interesting. They have such different issues and perspectives on global isssues. I have seen many articles about Obama and America, there are some articles basically saying we will see about Obama. I find this interesting becasue there are many Africans here that think his presidency is the best thing that has happened since Jesus. I like the fact that the news isn't biased towards one side like in America. In my journal, I have been writing down some articles, here are a few just to show the issues Uganda is dealing with:
-6 yrs ago a grandmother sold her then 4 yr old granddaughter to a couple in the US and the father of the child just found out and took her to the police.
-The government spent 6 billion shillings (roughly 3-4 million dollars) on medicines that have dissappeared.
-There was an article about how Obama can learn a few things from Castro.
- Many articles about corruption in Uganda
-The problem of Child sacrificing
-Uganda ranks 2nd in the world for most traffic deaths
-The problems of children who are forced to fend for themselves after parents have abandoned them
-Murders, elections, and refugees in W. Uganda
-A 2 yr old child was in jail for 76 days
-A countless number of articles on HIV/AIDS
These are just few I have added to my journal. The problems of Uganda is heart breaking, I hope these few issues will encourage you to pray for the people here.
Today on campus they are doing HIV testing. It's kinda like when the Blood Center comes in a van to get people to donate blood, only they don't really want that much blood from you and they def. don't want to give it to others.
I taught the neighbor girl and my brother how to play solitare, war, poker, and BS. Went to the capital city, Kampala on Friday. The Muslims had a big riot going on about Israel. Didn't really scare me, but I was def more aware since some people had guns in their hands. Maybe I shoulnd't tell all of this. Some people may fear for me. You really shouldn't. I have never felt like I was in danger. I know the Lord is with me and He is protecting me. Whatever happens, happens.
Water is a major problem. My family ran out over the weekend. Luckily, the university gave me an emergency supply so I was able to share that with my family. We made it last until we were able to get water again. When I came to school today, I went to fill my Nalgene from the drinkning water and there wasn't any there either.
My malaria medicine has been giving me wacky dreams every night. I kinda like it though. I took a nap on the front porch yesterday, it was quite amazing!! It had a perfect breeze and was oddly very comfy, I even got to wake up to the neighbor kids staring at me saying "Muzungu" over and over again. The only part about the nap I did not enjoy was I got my first bug bites- 3 right in a row on my lower back. Not very fun.
I'm not really sure what else to update about so I think I will type something from my journal:
It's almost dinner time and I am sitting on the couch with my feet up looking at the open sores; the popped blisters, the blisters still growing, the wound where I stepped on glass and it entered my skin opening a large gash and even the places where my shoes have rubbed off the skin, I know I cannnot even think about complaining. Having been here only a week, I have learned and grown more than I thought was possible. Humility. Humility. Humility. My brother shuts the back door and I wonder why (this is not usually done due to heat) until I hear it. The tin roof sheilds us, bouncing the beads off. I did not expect hail. It's 10:30pm and it's time for dinner. All the girls, including myself, fill the little "kitchen" and finish preparing the meal. We bring it to the family room, someone prays, and everyone digs in, and I mean digs in. Everyone is smiling and seems to have the same energy they had this morning at 7, yet it's almost 11pm. Papa tells of his long, tiring day and the ladies do not need to tell of their day because we all know what it mainly consisted of. They cooked over a "campfire" and did dishes. They collected eggs from 700 chickens, washed clothes by hand, and boiled water for drinkning They swept and mopped the floors inside and outside, and even swept the grass. And who knows what else they did. All the while I went to 2 hours of class and spent 5 hours wondering around Kampala. I walk 3 miles to school and 3 miles home. I help out when I am home, but not enough. I feel exhausted and it's pathetic. They all tell me to go to bed after dinner b/c I am tired, they did more than I did today and yet tell me I am tired. I help clean up anyways.
Why do Americans complain so easily? Why do people have to park as close to the building they are going into as possible? What's wrong with walking an extra 100 feet? Why do Americans feel depressed when they have so much and don't do nearly as much manual labor as other cultures? Maybe that's the problem, they need to get off their behinds and do actual work. I could go on and on complainng about the American culture, but that is not my purpose here. My purpose here is to learn and grow in knowledge and in the Lord.
I am not sure what you guys want to hear, so suggestions/questions would be great. I hope you all have a wonderful monday!! [I shall try and upload pictures].
So I have this issue with falling. Today, I managed to fall down a hill, I wish I could say it was huge, but it takes about 3 steps to get to the bottom. The point of this story is I twisted the ankle I am scheduled to have surgery on this summer and I heard a pop. It's swollen now. But I think I should be able to walk it off. The 30 minute walk home should do it. Nothing to worry about. I kinda wish I woulda brought a brace with. Oh well, too bad for me.
I came home last Tuesday and there was a random 2 yr old hanging around and she sleeps in my room. I couldn't figure out where she came from for 3 days. I finally asked and it turns out she is the granddaughter. I have finally been allowed to start learning and helping around the house. I think my favorite chore is collecting chicken eggs. They have about 700 chickens so it's like going on a big easter egg hunt 4 times a day. The first time I went in there I could have sworn all the chickens were conspiring against me to attack me. My brother Mike thought it was hilarious. My second favorite chore is making passion fruit juice from scratch. I think it's fun! I also help sweep, do the dishes, cook a little and other random things. I am not yet allowed to do laundry, I don't know why.
I have been reading the local newspaper daily. It's very interesting. They have such different issues and perspectives on global isssues. I have seen many articles about Obama and America, there are some articles basically saying we will see about Obama. I find this interesting becasue there are many Africans here that think his presidency is the best thing that has happened since Jesus. I like the fact that the news isn't biased towards one side like in America. In my journal, I have been writing down some articles, here are a few just to show the issues Uganda is dealing with:
-6 yrs ago a grandmother sold her then 4 yr old granddaughter to a couple in the US and the father of the child just found out and took her to the police.
-The government spent 6 billion shillings (roughly 3-4 million dollars) on medicines that have dissappeared.
-There was an article about how Obama can learn a few things from Castro.
- Many articles about corruption in Uganda
-The problem of Child sacrificing
-Uganda ranks 2nd in the world for most traffic deaths
-The problems of children who are forced to fend for themselves after parents have abandoned them
-Murders, elections, and refugees in W. Uganda
-A 2 yr old child was in jail for 76 days
-A countless number of articles on HIV/AIDS
These are just few I have added to my journal. The problems of Uganda is heart breaking, I hope these few issues will encourage you to pray for the people here.
Today on campus they are doing HIV testing. It's kinda like when the Blood Center comes in a van to get people to donate blood, only they don't really want that much blood from you and they def. don't want to give it to others.
I taught the neighbor girl and my brother how to play solitare, war, poker, and BS. Went to the capital city, Kampala on Friday. The Muslims had a big riot going on about Israel. Didn't really scare me, but I was def more aware since some people had guns in their hands. Maybe I shoulnd't tell all of this. Some people may fear for me. You really shouldn't. I have never felt like I was in danger. I know the Lord is with me and He is protecting me. Whatever happens, happens.
Water is a major problem. My family ran out over the weekend. Luckily, the university gave me an emergency supply so I was able to share that with my family. We made it last until we were able to get water again. When I came to school today, I went to fill my Nalgene from the drinkning water and there wasn't any there either.
My malaria medicine has been giving me wacky dreams every night. I kinda like it though. I took a nap on the front porch yesterday, it was quite amazing!! It had a perfect breeze and was oddly very comfy, I even got to wake up to the neighbor kids staring at me saying "Muzungu" over and over again. The only part about the nap I did not enjoy was I got my first bug bites- 3 right in a row on my lower back. Not very fun.
I'm not really sure what else to update about so I think I will type something from my journal:
It's almost dinner time and I am sitting on the couch with my feet up looking at the open sores; the popped blisters, the blisters still growing, the wound where I stepped on glass and it entered my skin opening a large gash and even the places where my shoes have rubbed off the skin, I know I cannnot even think about complaining. Having been here only a week, I have learned and grown more than I thought was possible. Humility. Humility. Humility. My brother shuts the back door and I wonder why (this is not usually done due to heat) until I hear it. The tin roof sheilds us, bouncing the beads off. I did not expect hail. It's 10:30pm and it's time for dinner. All the girls, including myself, fill the little "kitchen" and finish preparing the meal. We bring it to the family room, someone prays, and everyone digs in, and I mean digs in. Everyone is smiling and seems to have the same energy they had this morning at 7, yet it's almost 11pm. Papa tells of his long, tiring day and the ladies do not need to tell of their day because we all know what it mainly consisted of. They cooked over a "campfire" and did dishes. They collected eggs from 700 chickens, washed clothes by hand, and boiled water for drinkning They swept and mopped the floors inside and outside, and even swept the grass. And who knows what else they did. All the while I went to 2 hours of class and spent 5 hours wondering around Kampala. I walk 3 miles to school and 3 miles home. I help out when I am home, but not enough. I feel exhausted and it's pathetic. They all tell me to go to bed after dinner b/c I am tired, they did more than I did today and yet tell me I am tired. I help clean up anyways.
Why do Americans complain so easily? Why do people have to park as close to the building they are going into as possible? What's wrong with walking an extra 100 feet? Why do Americans feel depressed when they have so much and don't do nearly as much manual labor as other cultures? Maybe that's the problem, they need to get off their behinds and do actual work. I could go on and on complainng about the American culture, but that is not my purpose here. My purpose here is to learn and grow in knowledge and in the Lord.
I am not sure what you guys want to hear, so suggestions/questions would be great. I hope you all have a wonderful monday!! [I shall try and upload pictures].
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
The One with Red Dirt.
So this is going to be a quick update due to several factors.
- I updated quite a bit yesterday
- Power and internet seems to be an issue for the past 24 hours.
- I have a class project thing at 4
- and I should be writing a paper that is due tomorrow.
I have some very good news. I got my bag yesterday!!!!! I think my sister was more excited than me, she wanted me to get more clothes. Apparently, you are supposed to change everyday...
Classes are good. Should be interesting. I have already had a class canceled b/c the prof didn't know he was teaching. But that does surprise me b/c it's the way things go here. Someone who is from here gave me a good example: You have work at 9, you show up at 10:30, take an hour for lunch and leave around 3:30 instead of 5. All this without getting fired, in fact the boss is the same.
I have made many new friends, both part of the Uganda Studies Program and natives.
I also got proposed to today. The guy turned around in CHAPEL and asked me to finish my studies and marry him. That was funny. I told him we will have to wait and see what God's plan is. Haha.
I cannot explain how much I love this place. I will post pictures as soon as I take some...
- I updated quite a bit yesterday
- Power and internet seems to be an issue for the past 24 hours.
- I have a class project thing at 4
- and I should be writing a paper that is due tomorrow.
I have some very good news. I got my bag yesterday!!!!! I think my sister was more excited than me, she wanted me to get more clothes. Apparently, you are supposed to change everyday...
Classes are good. Should be interesting. I have already had a class canceled b/c the prof didn't know he was teaching. But that does surprise me b/c it's the way things go here. Someone who is from here gave me a good example: You have work at 9, you show up at 10:30, take an hour for lunch and leave around 3:30 instead of 5. All this without getting fired, in fact the boss is the same.
I have made many new friends, both part of the Uganda Studies Program and natives.
I also got proposed to today. The guy turned around in CHAPEL and asked me to finish my studies and marry him. That was funny. I told him we will have to wait and see what God's plan is. Haha.
I cannot explain how much I love this place. I will post pictures as soon as I take some...
Monday, January 12, 2009
Muzungu
Well, I have made it to Mukono. We landed in Entebbe late Friday night and when we went to collect luggage, only one of my bags managed to make it. One other girl in the group was missing a bag as well. We went to file a claim and were told they would come in on Air Kenya sometime this weekend, which is weird because we are in Uganda. I have yet to receive it. Luckily, I had a few starter clothes in the bag I did have. Once we got through customs, all 39 of us loaded a bus and drive 2 hours to the UCU campus in Mukono. It's gorgeous!! All IMME students, that's me, stayed in guest housing on campus that night. When I woke up Saturday morning, I seriously felt like I was in paradise. I opened my eyes, looked through the mosquito net and out the rustic, balcony doors and saw lucious green trees, and some kind of tucon chiling on the balcony railing. Before we had to go meet everyone, I took in the moment with a book on the balcony and made friends with all the passing Ugandans.
Later we went to orientation and it was blah. We took a tour of the campus and around 4 we were taken to our families homes. I will be living with them for the remaining time I am here. There is another IMME student staying at my house so it is kind of nice learning together- to help one another. I love my new family!! My papa is very talkative and funny, while my mama is quiet, she talks only when we talk to her. I don't even know how many brothers I have. I have not met them all, I have met Michael, Brian, and Simon. I have a sister my age, her name is Judie. We share a room and she is very sweet- we get along great! I have another sister Mary, she is shy. And a grandmother and I don't know who else. I see new faces all the time. Most speak english, minus the older generations. We have many chickens, a cat, the cutest kittens, and 2 dogs.
Papa is the headmaster of the high school, it is private so they are well off. We have a car and nice home with electricity, a computer and a TV. However, they do not have any plumbing, so I get to bathe out of a bucket and squat to go the bathroom. I enjoy it oddly enough. They cook great food, but the same thing for every meal. They do have a large silo thing with water in it, but it has been dry here so the pump does not work. We have to go to town for water. We have tea time every day which is just great! Dinner is not until 9-10pm and they go to bed late-like 3 or 4am. There are no ceilings so sound travels in the house. They wake up around 6:30. I don't know how they have energy for all the manual labor they do.
I begin school today, I don't have class till 2. It is a 30 minute walk to the campus, but papa drops us off in the mornings so we arn't sweaty and full of the red dirt by the time we get here. We walk home though. Today I have already walked to and from the house becasue I forgot my keys and every child says 'Muzungu- Hi!, Bye!' which means white person. It makes me laugh. In a 30 minute walk in a town of many people, that's a lot of kids. The roads I take, like most roads, are not paved so its bumpy and the red dirt gets everywhere. Most Ugandans shower 2 times a day and especially at the university they must look sharp. I have no idea how they all look so clean and sharp. I have already learned some Luganda (their laguage), my family is impressed; and me too.
Well, I am going to sign off now. I absolutely love this culture and my new family. After 2 hours of being in their home, I already felt like I was part of the family. Good luck getting me to leave after the semester is over.
P.S. I have a Ugandan cell phone, the number is [ 011 256 77 57651 38 ]
You can get a decent priced calling card at http://www.uniontelecard.com/
Later we went to orientation and it was blah. We took a tour of the campus and around 4 we were taken to our families homes. I will be living with them for the remaining time I am here. There is another IMME student staying at my house so it is kind of nice learning together- to help one another. I love my new family!! My papa is very talkative and funny, while my mama is quiet, she talks only when we talk to her. I don't even know how many brothers I have. I have not met them all, I have met Michael, Brian, and Simon. I have a sister my age, her name is Judie. We share a room and she is very sweet- we get along great! I have another sister Mary, she is shy. And a grandmother and I don't know who else. I see new faces all the time. Most speak english, minus the older generations. We have many chickens, a cat, the cutest kittens, and 2 dogs.
Papa is the headmaster of the high school, it is private so they are well off. We have a car and nice home with electricity, a computer and a TV. However, they do not have any plumbing, so I get to bathe out of a bucket and squat to go the bathroom. I enjoy it oddly enough. They cook great food, but the same thing for every meal. They do have a large silo thing with water in it, but it has been dry here so the pump does not work. We have to go to town for water. We have tea time every day which is just great! Dinner is not until 9-10pm and they go to bed late-like 3 or 4am. There are no ceilings so sound travels in the house. They wake up around 6:30. I don't know how they have energy for all the manual labor they do.
I begin school today, I don't have class till 2. It is a 30 minute walk to the campus, but papa drops us off in the mornings so we arn't sweaty and full of the red dirt by the time we get here. We walk home though. Today I have already walked to and from the house becasue I forgot my keys and every child says 'Muzungu- Hi!, Bye!' which means white person. It makes me laugh. In a 30 minute walk in a town of many people, that's a lot of kids. The roads I take, like most roads, are not paved so its bumpy and the red dirt gets everywhere. Most Ugandans shower 2 times a day and especially at the university they must look sharp. I have no idea how they all look so clean and sharp. I have already learned some Luganda (their laguage), my family is impressed; and me too.
Well, I am going to sign off now. I absolutely love this culture and my new family. After 2 hours of being in their home, I already felt like I was part of the family. Good luck getting me to leave after the semester is over.
P.S. I have a Ugandan cell phone, the number is [ 011 256 77 57651 38 ]
You can get a decent priced calling card at http://www.uniontelecard.com/
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