Se7en Wonders of The World

Se7en Wonders of the World

For the following quote, I cannot give credit where it is due because I don’t know where it originated (maybe in my brain, but it’s a bit too clever for that possibility!) 

Because these words are recorded in the notebook I keep in my purse for that “just in case I need it” moment, I assume I wrote it down along our many world travels out there somewhere. 

Maybe if I kept myself a bit more organized I’d know, but let’s not talk about organization. I am up to my eyeballs in organization exercises and all manner of matter is still creatively escaping my ability to fully categorize nine years of accumulation. Getting ready for furlough, they say, is a perfect time to organize and clean out--so it is, but the stuff seems to be winning at this point in the contest.

Ok, enough of that foray into my lack of domestic administrative prowess. As I was making a grocery list (a nod to my attempt to bring order) the other day I saw the true definition of the Seven Wonders of the World neatly sketched on the last page of the notebook. 

7 Wonders of The World
To See
Hear
Taste
Touch
Feel
Laugh
Love

I read them and I paused. I needed to be reminded of this truth especially because our fast-paced days have been swept along with the swirl of end-of-year events, special meals with friends, extra meetings, Christmas pantomimes, graduations, school closings and the packing, cleaning and boxing up I’ve already mentioned. In addition, the end of this particular year is seemingly culminating a season of good-byes we’ve had to say over the past few months. We said good-bye to the Anderson’s this morning and last week we said good-bye at our staff party to other fellow servants that are moving to other ministry/educational opportunities. There was a special good-bye to Aunt Constance during the church service this morning. And we will say more in the next few days.

Kevin, Tiegan, Toby and Kynan as the Anderson's left this morning

The older kids caught some laughs together before the Anderson's left.

Kynan and Kevin getting in some final goofing around.

The older, older kids: Tal, Keith Geoff and Tim

And so, in this very busy, emotional period, I hope to daily harness these seven wonders.

Millie Akoth receives a certificate of recognition at the S4 banquet

To see the wonders of God in the people around me: the secondary 4 level girls who descended upon our house Friday morning as they gussied themselves up for their graduation banquet--where has the time flown? Some of them used to run around our compound singing and playing, others have been seen in my kitchen numerous times over the years making messes which turned into cakes. Now they are the new Investment Year class and soon they will fly off to University or other courses.

Toby, Wilbur and Joel share in the joy of Wilbur finishing S4

To Hear the Okoth kids next door as they sing at the VERY top of their lungs for the hundredth time, “Bless the Lord, O My Soul!” To hear the young David Family kids returning from Sunday school with excitement, or coming over to call our kids for a jackfruit feast. To Hear the discos, that seem to be rampant during the holiday season blaring boom-boom-boom at 3 a.m. . . . oh, wait, that’s not good auditory stimulus . . .

To Taste and savor lovingly prepared matooke, g-nut sauce, meat, rice, chapatis, irish potatoes and Stoney soda almost everyday this past week as we’ve walked through numerous special events together. Realizing that though we might have eaten the same thing everyday, at least we ATE which is more than many in the world can say. And, in just two and a half weeks these foods will not be available for my taste buds to experience until the end of next summer! Also, pineapples and mangoes are coming back into season and we ate our first mango of the season this morning. mmmmmm

To Touch with loving embrace those who have served here with us. To Touch Jaaja’s grandkids and Sam’s niece and nephew who run to us with arms wide open and a broad smile. To Touch the widower who is missing his wife, and the single, very tired mom of eight with another on the way, to Touch Elizabeth, the 3-year-old prayer warrior who prayed for me everyday I was gone in California for treatment and now says every time I see her, “Aunt Mary, hold me now,” to which I reply with open arms, so thankful to be healed and able to pick her up! Yes, don’t forget to touch.

To Feel the tears begin to roll when thinking about how life brings changes we never expected. So, yes, in a sad way to feel, but also the tears of joy when older kids in David Family receive the awards for being the best representatives of manhood and womanhood among all the kids in the schools and families.

Ronald receives his certificate for being the best representative of manhood among the students 

Sam receives a certificate of recognition for being a prefect at the school

To Laugh until it hurts with good friends. That is a definite wonder--how can a simple gut laugh feel SOOOoooooo good? I don’t know, but thanks God for thinking that up and creating it perfectly!

To Love. To love so much that it hurts a LOT when you say good-bye. Because when you don’t give into love there is a numbness that takes over instead of a cleansing cry. Teach us to LOVE MORE, our Father. Teach us.  

The Muwanguzi and Britton kids laughing together after our Pizza feast!

The Muwanguzi and Britton heads enjoying the time together at our Pizza feast!

An impending furlough always brings contemplation on where we’ve been and where we’re going; whom we’ve served with and who is moving on; what we’ve done and what the future holds. 

After dinner games included Bananagrams and Pictureka

I hope to keep a heightened awareness of the 7 Wonders of the World and engage them. 

Lots of gut laughs on the banangrams side of the table!

A tradition we are happy to uphold is getting together with the Muwanguzi family before we venture off on a furlough. They were our first neighbors here at New Hope and we always have huge laughs and great fun when we're together. We had our usual Pizza Feast again this year!!! It could be said that making enough pizza for this crowd is the 8th wonder!!!!!

I am reminded of Augustine’s God-given wisdom which mused, “Men go abroad to wonder at the heights of mountains, at the huge waves of the sea, at the long courses of the rivers, at the vast compass of the ocean, at the circular motion of the stars, and they pass by themselves without wondering.”

Might I add that we also pass by each other without wonder. Forgive us Lord. Enrich our days as we choose to live in daily engagement of the 7 wonders you have instilled in us. 

"You are loved."

I have been in California, and more significantly, not in Uganda for 21 days. "They" say that if you wish to establish a new habit, give it 21 days and it will be yours.

 I'm thinking I like the habit of: convenience--what do I need or want? It is nearby, usually within walking distance; understanding everything people are saying as they pass me by (for the most part); drinking frequent cups of amazing coffee and other sweet beverages😉; laughing with my sisters and mom, eating oodles of Mexican fare; driving, in which the majority of fellow traffic participants are following the rules, or at least staying in the lines (!)--there are lines on the road, hallelujah!; taking walks every morning on a lengthy path accompanied by fall colors, towering trees, turkeys, winding streams, woodpeckers and birdsong; and last, but most important, receiving numerous chiropractic treatments which are aiding me in the healing process. Yes, I could get used to this!!!!

BUT, and everybody has a big . . . No, I won't say it.

But, I have all of these wonderful, habit-forming treats without my family. And that, my friends, is an overwhelming drawback.

I am surrounded by people, but I get lonely. I am smiling as I receive my grande decaf americano, but feeling sad that I am not sipping it with MY people. It is impossible to thoroughly enjoy that masterpiece of a burger without my 14 year-old Toby who would be going on and on about how it is the BEST burger he ever had. Shopping is not as enjoyable without my 12 year-old Acacia. She has a knack for finding gorgeous, hot pink shoes. Odd instances are missing Kevin's added take on the event, complete with funny voices and facial expressions. It is silent in my evenings without Sam talking about basketball or something else from his day. And mostly I miss Geoff. I guess this is one of those "worse" times in the "for better or worse" I confessed before hundreds.

However, I won't lie to you. I was ready for a break. A break from Uganda, from the seemingly relentless demands. Not sure I could accurately analyze why, but I was BEYOND ready.

Was it the chronic pain of the last few months? Walking the long and difficult cancer care road with Ketty? The stress and stolen time from our lives due to others' pungent discontent? Observing how the process of adoption for three different and all very dear friends hits road block after road block? The extra steps it takes there just to live daily life? The increase in good-byes that we've said lately to so many?

Yes. All of the above and certainly more that lurk below my radar.

Not too long after I arrived in Roseville for treatment, I was walking on the trail near the house where I am staying. I had walked about a mile and was contemplating many of the things I mentioned above. I was trying, but failing, to not let sadness overcome me.

The rising sun burned my eyes as I attempted to view the tree tops, so I turned my gaze to the path. A very tangible reminder of why I am blessed, even in all these things, was chalked onto the trail in front of me. "You are loved."

My God loves me. My family loves me. My friends love me. And God Himself had orchestrated for me this time in Roseville.

On the days when the pain is intense, I remember, I am loved. He is good, all the time. Even now when I get lonely and sad, or cry because the pain isn't completely gone yet, I am comforted by remembering that I am loved.

And He added blessing upon blessing for me this past weekend.

Last Wednesday I left Roseville and drove 20 minutes north to Lincoln where I spent time with my dear, dear friend Pat. She had flown out from Texas to visit me and two other friends. I have know her for 33 years. We talked and talked, prayed and laughed and shared previously untold stories from our lives. Her friend in Lincoln turned out to be the mother of someone who was in my same class at Pepperdine, and I had met her a number of times before. We fell easily into conversation.

On Thursday Pat and I drove two more hours north to the small town of Magalia, where we stayed with her good friends of more than 50 years! I also knew the wife of this couple as she had hosted Geoff and I for a private tour and wine tasting at Mondavi vineyards years ago when we were first dating. The weekend was rich with conversation, good food, laughter, encouragement and perspective. While I was with these ladies I celebrated my 52nd birthday away from my family, but I was not alone. Their love and wisdom, stories and friendship filled me and reminded me again that I am loved.

There was a sign placed in the bathroom Pat and I shared, "write your hurts in the sand, carve your blessings in stone." I'll never forget that, but might fail to follow through with its instruction. I hope that even through my current and future pains I will let the hurts go and make monuments to every blessing.

I have another 10 days before I see Geoff and the kids again. I also have 9 days to swim in my recently reacquired habits, and I intend to thoroughly soak in as much as possible.

As you remember, please pray for my healing, and more importantly my attitude during the process. I tend toward impatience and discouragement. Pray for Geoff who is holding down the entire fort and then some. Pray for the kids as they navigate days without mom's presence. Thanks.

"You are loved."

It seems that all we do is party!

Today Nabukeera made the long journey back to her high school about four hours from New Hope. Tomorrow she begins her final term before the national exams in November. The exams are weeks long and will decide the course of study she may take next year.

As a family we gathered together at Jajja's house for a final special meal together. The plan was that we would all cook together and then sit down together to share.  But, due to Geoff's schedule, a worship team retreat Toby was on, and other daily responsibilities, it ended up being only Nabukeera and I who did the cooking.  

When I first arrived the place was completely void of activity save for the blaring of a radio program coming from inside the small house. I noticed Jajja asleep on the mat outside the kitchen, as if she was guarding it, maybe she was!

I stepped over Jajja to enter the kitchen where I found the fire to be mostly cold.

Looking over to the house I noticed a pile of shoes outside and assumed their owners were inside napping.

My suspicions were confirmed on entry.

I decided I better get the fired stoked again and start the cooking.

Nabukeera soon entered the kitchen, surprised that I'd gotten started without her, but even more surprised that she and Jajja had slept through my moving around them. She checked my work and approved my fire!

Mmmmm, meat and vegetables cooked over the open fire!

Soon we had all our sauces going and waited for Lydia, Sam and Nabukeera's older sister to arrive from her trip to the bore hole.

For "Team Britton" who helped to build this kitchen I took a couple of photos to show you how the rest of the kitchen space is used. There is enough space for food stuffs, water jerry cans, shoes, clothes and even 

 . . . a place for a nesting mother hen!!!!! With some of the extra money left from the building project, Lydia bought hens. We added a rooster a couple of weeks later and voila! we have a healthy poultry family!!!

Shortly after Lydia arrived from the bore hole, the local vet showed up to give the pigs injections.  And then, while Nabukeera and I minded the food, Lydia washed the laundry seen here piled in the foreground.

Once the rest of the family arrived they got busy repairing things around the house that needed attention. Sam steadied himself to position the gutter according to Geoff's direction.

Jajja, awake now, got ready to enjoy the visit and the meal.

Everyone was ready to eat!

And after we finished, Kevin thanked Jajja for a very nice time together.

The day before our "last supper" we had gone into town for a special poetry event. Earlier this year Nabukeera had submitted a poem and it was chosen for publishing in a poetry anthology. She was invited to recite her piece at the poetry event. In this photo I am coaching her on dramatic reading and she practiced for us. But, little did we know that the next day it was not just the reading we were invited to!! We arrived on Friday and were ushered into a master class and then out onto the lawn where they divided into groups and participated in dramatic exercises and dance instruction! This set the tone for the lunch time reading event in which Nabukeera presented. She did so with fervor, passion and truly engaged her audience. 

Earlier this week we invited a bunch of people over for a surprise "good-bye" for Kate and Mary, our neighbors who are now in England. Kate had been working on paperwork for a visa for Mary to travel to England. It has been a LONG process and it was quite a victory that she was able to secure the visa. 

Kate was definitely surprised! I had told her she and I would have a final tea before she flew, which we did for about 10 minutes before everyone else showed up and the cake was placed in front of her!!!

And the evening before that we celebrated with Brian, one of our co-workers who is leaving temporarily to pursue further schooling. We honored him by sharing appreciative words and praying a blessing on him as he goes.

Much of our life here is spent in the social realm. Constant interaction and fellowship make up our days. We are in need of your prayer for our stamina and the ability to joyfully engage our neighbors, fellow staff and children of New Hope. It is a privilege to walk with the young people here in discipleship and mentoring as well as work alongside national staff who share our desire to raise up a generation who knows and loves God.

Guest Blog by Dwight!!!!!!

TEAM BRITTON
L to R Front to Back Rows: Ruth, Kevin, Acacia, Marilyn.
Abbie, Toby, Mary, Shelby.
Mary, Geoff, Dwight, Amanda

My daughter Amanda and I along with 5 other team members recently returned from Uganda.  The following are 25 things that we did or learned during our trip. 

1. We ate really interesting/good Indian food ... in Africa!? 

2. Really enjoyed "Stoney" soda (a Coke product).  It tasted like a spicy ginger-ale. 

3. Saw more machine guns then I have seen in my whole life. 

4. Avoided the caterpillars.  Apparently they are like porcupines and can do real damage. 
   
   
   

5. Built a mud hut/kitchen for a widow with young children in her care. 

   

   Marilyn helped tie sticks for the kitchen structure.

   
   

   

   The girls learned that mudding can be LOTS of fun!

   
   
   
   

   

   Ruth expertly places the mud!

   
   
   

   

   Three days in the mud pit! Such fun, and HARD work!

   
   
   

   

   Dwight and Amanda inside the completed structure

   
   

   

   Jajja enters her new kitchen for the first time.

   
   

   

   In front of the finished kitchen. Not bad for three days work!

   
   

6. Amanda tutored in the New Hope primary school, mostly math.  The kids used pens instead of pencils.  I guess they don't make mistakes. She also oversaw the class for a time when the teacher wasn't feeling well and had to step out.
   
   
   
   
   

7. I taught students with little or no experience what a computer was used for.  There were some that had computers and, for the most part, were self taught. Tried to fit 6 months of college level Word and Excel into 2.5 hours.  Found out it really is not possible! 
   
   
   
   
   

8. Met the Loutt family from Harvey N.D.  Mrs. Loutt knew Vickie, my sister.  Small world. 

   

   It was a real treat for the whole team to meet the Loutt family. Mom is flanked here with her two daughters (both in turquoise shirts).

   
   
   
   

9. Took cold showers for two weeks.  It took my breath away every evening. 

10. Really slowed down and learn to relate to people outside of our culture. 

    

    We enjoyed spending time with the David Family in devotions each Wednesday. 

11. Saw how a good friend and missionary has to make huge life and death decisions every day.  During one evening at the Britton house, guests dropped in to discuss the fate of an infant born at Kiwoko Hospital with "hydro spina something " and the potential for human trafficking issues of one of their IY (Investment Year) students.  OK, the decisions that I make are not in that league! 

12. Amanda harvested G-nuts (ground nuts or peanuts) and almost killed a chicken, she "chickened" out, so helped clean it instead. 

    

    Ruth, amanda, Lucy and Nancy harvesting g-nuts

    
    
    

    

    Amanda, Acacia, Toby give Bubbly a bath

    
    

    

    Amanda giving her best on part of the chicken slaughter

13. Met some really incredible people that put me to shame spiritually and intellectually. 

14. The kids taught us how to play "Look out for the Bear".  I didn't think there were bears in Africa.  Oddly enough, I did not see any either, but I was looking out for them. 

15. Taught the Britton kids how to go really fast on a merry-go-round using Physics. 

16. Went on a safari.  And saw hippos, lions, giraffes, baboons, monkeys, elephants, pythons, and many more animals you could find in the San Diego zoo!  

17. We experienced the receiving end of an angry mob.  One less thing for my bucket list. 

18. Got to know what it was like to be racially in the minority and relatively speaking, excessively rich. The average person earned something like $15 per week. 

19. Bartered for a shirt and did not end up at a higher price than where we started like I did in Peru.  Amanda bartered for some things and did better than me! 

20. I was wet and I asked my friends why, they said I had jumped into the river, I disagreed, I was in De-Nile. 

21. Definitely renewed old friendships and made new ones. 

    

    Dwight and Kakande

22. Did not take malaria medication so we are waiting 14 days to see if we got it.  We also get to take de-worming meds! 

23. Amanda would disappear with the Britton kids after work and reappear at dinner time.  I am not sure where they went or what they did but she always came back with a smile or was laughing about something. 

    

    Amanda goes off on an explore with Toby and Kevin!

    
    

    

    Acacia and Amanda enjoying Brandy the cat

24. Re-learned that ALL of us are called to missions regardless of race, nationality, social or economic position.  The "great commission" is for everyone.   

25. Geoff Britton said that "New Hope honestly had more to offer us then we had to offer it."  He was right. 

Things that I learned about the Britton family: 

1. Learned that Geoff and Mary are really good at giving and really bad at receiving.  Lets see if this makes it past Mary's editing! (I let it stand, it is TRUE!)

2. The Britton house is on a major walking route through the center.  Small wonder they have no privacy. 

   

   The girls, Mary, Abbie and Shelby spent time most evenings talking via iPad to their families.

   
   
   

   

   Not only is their house busy, but we also went visiting to other's houses! Here we are with Sam and Irene Onyait in Kiwoko. Irene is due to have their third child this month and team members bought and carried baby clothes and items for them.

   
   

   

   One proper way to give a "Thank You!" in Uganda is with a live chicken. Here the two Abbie's are holding the gift, given by Abby Onyait and received by Abbie Bryan.

3. Toby, Acacia and Kevin are great workers.  I gave them all kinds of crazy things to do and they actually did them and liked it!  Such trusting souls.  ("Here Acacia, mix this mud with your head").   

4.  I am concerned about Mary's health.  The meds she was taking for her back made her loopy.  While this could be quite entertaining at times, it was not easy to watch her deal with the pain as she walked. (Update: I took a major turn for the better this week. My pain meds are mostly not needed anymore, the exercises are finally making a difference, and I can sit for longer periods of time without problems when I get up to move around! Thanks for your prayers as it seems the excruciating level of pain has subsided.)

5. Geoff has ignored his last two cancer checkups. I think a good email campaign is in order.(Ok, true we skipped some check-ups in the past 2 years sometimes due to machines not working anymore or being down on the day we had scheduled, but he did have a CT and lab work this Spring which gave an "all-clear" and we have plans to get the last and final CT and lab work requested by the oncologist in September. Maybe a good prayer campaign is needed so that machines are in good working order on the day we go to Kampala!!!)
   
   
   THANKS Dwight for sharing your insights on your experiences here in Uganda. We were blessed with the presence of "Team Britton'" and look forward to your next visit! 
   
   
   OUR last night together before team members started to fly away was spent together at our house in honor of Shelby's 19th birthday! Spending the time laughing, eating local food and finishing the meal off with birthday cake helped us to forget for a little while that soon we'd be having to say good-bye. 
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   Dwight and Bogere spend some time visiting at the dinner table.

   

   Shelby was elated to have her favorite cake, along with Spiderman decorations which all were sent in secret by her mom and hidden in Abbie's suitcase--well, the cake MIX, not the finished cake! It was fun to surprise her! Acacia and Mary decorated and Abbie tried to keep Shelby away from the house that last afternoon for as long as she could, but Shelby kept wanting to come over to visit! I am so glad that she enjoyed her birthday!

   
   

   

   The kids and Kakande had a lot of fun!

   
   

   

   Happy Birthday Shelby!

   
   

   

   The kids' table plus Junior!
   
   COME BACK SOON TEAM BRITTON!!!!!!!