#givingtuesday

THE REASON TO GIVE...A HASH TAG?

Giving, do we do it just because of a hashtag? Is it only during this season we find ourselves giving? Today in the midst of all the FB posts, Instagram pics and charities that bombarded my inbox with the hashtag #givingtuesday. I found myself pondering the thought of giving. Really, what is it all about?

As people, we like to think that we are good at giving, but are we? We easily give advice, we generally give time to things, we might give affection or maybe a hug, and we can easily give someone a piece of our mind. But when we start talking about giving money, let’s be honest, it’s definitely not as easy as giving our opinion…

Yet, God has called us to give, and to be a blessing, not just in November or December. One of the things I love about our youth outreach group in Uganda, EYO is their theme verse. In Genesis 12 we find that God called Abram into a relationship of faith and right away expressed His intentions. It was to bless Abram, but not for what most of us think of when we consider being blessed. God intended to bless Abram in order to make him a blessing—can I say to be a giver? That’s EYO’s intention, to take the blessing God has given them and turn it to blessing others.

Maybe you are thinking, “Yes, I know and as soon as God really blesses me I will begin to give”…But that’s not how God intends it. Remember, when I talk about EYO, I am talking about Ugandan youth, orphans and children in need of sponsorship. The Bible tells us that if we can’t manage the world’s financial system then we will not experience true spiritual blessing (Luke 16:11). Look at the widow in Mark 12:41-44…be honest, which of you has ever dropped “a penny” into the offering? I am not talking about your guilt-driven emptying of your pockets of change because you forgot your check book, but a kind of giving when you gave all you had to give and it amounted to a penny. That is the kind of giving that gets Jesus’s attention, because it speaks of the heart condition of the giver. not Warren Buffett giving $100,000 to a charity…

The Apostle Paul knew what it was to give. He had learned how to be at peace and experience God’s blessing in all situations (Philippians 4:12). In Acts 20:35 he quotes Jesus (from another sermon that we don’t have recorded) on how much BETTER it is to give than receive. How could Paul say that and really what is God thinking by saying it’s better to GIVE than to receive? Isn’t receiving blessing the goal? CAN I JUST SAY, “NO!” 

Our giving is an opportunity for us to imitate the amazing God that we serve. You see, God is a giver and He gives more than “just enough.” God gives liberally (James 1:5) and lavishes his wealth (riches & grace) on His people. Even though James 1 doesn’t specifically talk about money, we know from Deuteronomy 8:18 that He is the one who gives the power to gain wealth. Now we’re talking! Gaining WEALTH! But, I am not really talking tonight about money, what I want to draw our attention to is our hearts. 

Where is your heart? Jesus, the revealer of what’s in our hearts, tells us that our treasures are directly connected to our hearts. In Matt 6:31 we see that our hearts are drawn to what we treasure. We seek after the things that are most important to us. How we approach giving is directly connected to our hearts. So, if you are like me tonight, let the thought be more about the state of your heart than which charity to give to. 

On this #givingtuesday don’t let your giving be compelled by a hash tag, but let God transform your heart and direct your giving according to His heart for this world. 

HP

Years ago (like 11 or so) a dear missionary family at New Hope Uganda hosted their fellow English friends for a visit. Word was the man of the couple had worked with HP for years. Anticipation and excitement settled in at the thought of receiving expert IT assistance in the days before our wireless “bush” internet was reality. Imagine my surprise when I learned he didn’t work at THAT HP, but another very familiar to our UK friends. His expertise was in HP Sauce. . . .an icon of British culture, named after London’s Houses of Parliament. 

As we’re on sabbatical I am often drawn back to our early years at New Hope while I work through the book, “Returning Well.” The above, and MANY other memories frequently overwhelm me at the years gone by, the challenges we faced, the victories we enjoyed and now, the unknown future. 

When Geoff and I went to Uganda last month to attend both a wedding and graduation of young adults dear to us, we also spent two weeks visiting the children and staff of New Hope Uganda. It was a very rich time as we received beloved friends at our house on site and spent most lunches and suppers in the homes of friends. But, being there without the kids was hard. Seeing their friends without them brought so many emotions. Our hearts continually camp out in two areas of the world!!!

Geoff with dear friends, Paul and Keith

In the home of our first Ugandan neighbors, the Muwanguzi family!  

Prior to leaving for this visit, it had become very clear to us that staying in the Denver area, specifically with Geoff’s parents, is what we are to do for the foreseeable future. Being on the ground in Uganda in October enabled us to announce this decision to the staff and children of New Hope in person and to answer their questions regarding what the future might look like for us. 

The decision was a long time in coming, yet so difficult to make reality. James 4:17 urged us to get off the fence and state our commitment to remain in the Denver area for the next season. “He who knows what is right and does not do it, for him it is sin.” Squarely aimed at our hearts, this verse made reality what we knew was to be. It is right for us to stay here in the U.S., to live with Geoff’s parents and be here for them as needs arise. Also, it makes sense for the kids to be able to finish out their high school years at Front Range Christian School instead of after this year returning to Uganda for only one more year (Kevin and Acacia’s senior year) before then again returning back to the U.S. for university.

Acacia played on a volleyball team for the first time this year. She amazed everyone at her ability to pick up the sport quickly and be an asset to the team.

Kevin started cross country with a bang. It's a perfect sport for him and he improved with each race, including going with the team to State for the first time in FRCS history!

Toby fulfilled a lifelong dream of playing American football and learned a lot during the season.

In many ways we are content. In many other ways I search for contentment.

HP.  But, I am not talking about London’s Houses of Parliament. Recently, as I was again contemplating where we’ve been, where we are and where we’re going I got a little stressed. So, I began to pray. “May I trust Your hand, Lord, over all. May I not fret over House, Home, Place or Purpose. I lay it all at Your feet.”

HP. House, Home, Place and Purpose. Each one has occupied an area of prominence in my heart during the past few months.

House. Living in someone else’s house speaks to me of an unsettled state. It’s not the type of nomadism I long for. And when it seems to lean a bit more permanent, well then that is a whole different kind of animal. And yet, I know this is where we’re supposed to be. However, when we add in the reality that we honestly wouldn’t be able to afford another place right now, even if it wasn’t a time for us to be close at hand for Geoff’s parents, pressure begins to rise. Yet, God isn’t asking us to do anything about a house except for live here for the moment. And so, I need to rest in that directive rather than let what isn’t being asked of us gnaw at me.

Home. In its essence, home is much more than simply the place I physically live, but the overlap gets confusing. This house of Geoff’s parents isn’t mine, but I live here. It is not my home, but my people are here and so we ARE home. The longing for a place, a house to call our own and then to again build home with my people pulls at me. But, that is not where God has us right now.

Place. Oh, so closely related to all of the above!!!!! Place has been Uganda for the past 13 years. Denver feels so temporary, but still God calls us here. We’re trying to fit in, but some days we just don’t. My heart has intense loyalty to Uganda, but loving family IN-PERSON is a blessing we’ve missed while in East Africa. Be still my heart and be content where God has you. So many conflicting emotions!

Purpose. This one trumps all. Regardless of where the House is (or whose it is), or our ability to make where we are Home, or which Place we find ourselves, Purpose ideally directs us, giving solid design to each day. Clear understanding of purpose, real purpose, only comes from God Himself—our creator and designer. And in these months of sabbatical seeking His purpose for us has frequently been our focus. We’ve progressed in our understanding of how the past 13 years feed into the next season, but we still have so much to process. Not having a job to go to or a set schedule or demands on us by others in ministry has left us feeling aimless some days. But, knowing that this season is foundational to the next one helps alleviate creeping guilt over doing “nothing.” 

One day this past week I freaked out about money and starting searching for registered nurse refresher courses. I thought, “I HAVE to do something to contribute!” But, as quick as I got on the computer and looked around, even sending out an email requesting info about a course, God reminded me it is not time yet to be off of sabbatical—I need to trust Him with timing, money and complete provision.

Regardless of the acronyms or the times of perceived “aimlessness” in our lives, God remains present and is faithful to us, His children. He is the author and finisher of our faith. These truths lead me.

Thanks for your prayers on our behalf. We need them. Sometimes I just want sabbatical to be over, but deep down I know He’s not finished with me yet in this season. 

"Stronger Than Death"

Since August Geoff and I have been on sabbatical from the ministry at New Hope Uganda. One of the books we’re utilizing during this time is Returning Well, a book which helps us to analyze our thirteen years in Uganda and brings us into an understanding of who we are in the midst of what has been and what will be. I’ve continued to not only work through Returning Well, but also read other books. Having time to read and complete a book is glorious! 

In my desire to devour inspiring works, I was pleased to be able to receive an early copy of a new book, Stronger Than Death: How Annalena Tonelli Defied Terror and Tuberculosis in the Horn of Africa, written by Rachel Pieh Jones, a missionary currently serving with her family in Djibouti.

My emotional response to the life of Annalena Tonelli was visceral: painful, disturbing, gripping and gut-wrenching conviction gave way to strained facial expressions; I didn’t realize I was holding my breath until many sentences into paragraphs. The author, Rachel Pieh Jones, fantastically tells the story of this unusual (extreme understatement!) Italian woman as revealed to her by many who walked alongside Annalena in Italy, Kenya, Somalia and Somaliland.

The life and actions of Annalena Tonelli are underserved by the descriptor, “passionate”.  I not only unknowingly held my breath, but gasped at retellings of her life choices and subsequent challenging situations. Truthfully, Annalena would not call them challenging, but simply explain her behavior and choices as “normal” life experienced while truly loving and serving the poor. As Jones points out Annalena would NOT want to be likened to Mother Teresa, but in the reading of her life story one can’t help when the mind wanders to comparison. Indeed, much to her friends’ and family’s dismay she is frequently termed the “Mother Teresa of Africa”.

For me, in a sabbatical time of personal and professional evaluation, this book draws me deeper into the emotional and analytical discoveries of who I am and have been and what we’ve done in Uganda these past thirteen years. It was almost unbearable to read the quotes from Annalena—I felt so judged. It was consoling to read Jones’s take; like minds find comfort together. As I read I expected to find a deeper level of acceptance of myself, my work, my struggles, and an ability to reframe my victories. And though I was significantly on edge at times during the reading, I was not disappointed. 

In 2003, Jones herself lived just minutes from where Annalena’s life came to an end in Somaliland. That intersection of her life and Annalena’s eventually took her on a journey of discovery of not only Annalena, but of herself. It is a narrative you must read! 

Through Annalena’s story and Jones’s telling of it I found my thirteen years of “sacrifice” to be not just vindicated, but celebrated in my own heart. For a few weeks now I have been revisiting my failures, weaknesses, mistakes and regrets. To have both real success and real failure side by side where only God can heal my lack of ability to honestly and realistically process it all is what I long for.  Reading Stronger Than Death served as a piece of the healing process God is taking me through as we evaluate where we’ve been and where we’re going.

Stronger Than Death squeezed my heart as I read. I felt amped up reading this recount of Annalena’s life. It was almost exhausting and yet to say that is embarrassing given that I read it while sitting in a comfortable chair, in a beautiful house, far from war, starvation, conflict and disease. However, the truth remains that to read this story is to be drawn into the stress and tension that many who worked tirelessly alongside Annalena felt daily.

However, Jones has a way of breaking up the consuming tension. Amidst the story of death, destruction, violations and desperation, she ably intermixes events which allow a laugh of release to penetrate taut muscles, giving way to exhalation.

Her analysis of Annalena’s faith is stretching; Jones’s conclusions are not always mine. Jones’s retelling interspersed with her own take-away of Annalena’s life is more than just a challenging read. It is a crucible upon which you are forced to dissect your own faith.

I found myself in disagreement with some of Annalena’s choices, yet, I could not dismiss her strength of conviction and execution of her faith. There were times that I believed Jones to be too generous with her conclusion of Annalena’s underlying motivation.  I was disturbed by some of the seeming emphasis on applauding Annalena’s love of people to the exclusion of what I believe to be the ultimate act of love and service which is to lead them to the only one true God who ultimately and completely saves. In Annalena’s words we find her firmly fixed on the poor first and then to her Christian faith. Jones exposes how she did not seek to convert her Islamic patients or coworkers to Christianity, but to simply love them. Of course, to love people unconditionally is tremendous. She undisputedly accomplished great and heroic things in the midst of disaster and war to heal and care for the poor, but lack of leading them to attend to their greatest need, Christ himself, unsettled me. God IS Love; there can be no real love without God, so to elevate the human need and the subsequent desire to serve the human need above the place of faith in the One who gives the real, true strength to carry out any action of real love is to work at a skewed pace and focus.  These kind of strong reactions typified my reading of Stronger Than Death. Despite disagreement with either Annalena or Jones’s take on Annalena’s working out of her faith and love, there is an intense and consistent draw to continue reading.

There is no denying that Annalena’s life and work reveal a unique approach to service and ministry. For instance, there is a retelling by one of her former coworkers describing how Annalena bent over to work with patients. From their hard physical labor with the patients back issues developed, yet Annalena never complained, she just continued working. 

At this I thought of all of our talk at New Hope Uganda and in the missionary community at large about “rest” and “self-care” and me, being one intimately acquainted with back problems and ongoing pain which I have addressed with care by doing exercises and refusing to lift or carry heavy items, I felt a bit guilty when I read this account, but also a little angry at Annalena for being “successful” at extreme self-sacrifice when I have sought to care for myself in tandem with serving others. The dichotomous tension forced me to analyze my own approach to both self-sacrifice and self-care and to ultimately refuse to either beat up myself or give myself a blue ribbon of commendation.

Jones transcends the misunderstood descriptions others have written or supposed and presents a picture of this woman who will challenge you to the very core of who you think you are at your very best. I found Annalena to be a woman who is not married to only one idea, but is able to do whatever it takes to serve the poor.

In addition, this story reveals the multi-faceted attention to culture that must be addressed when serving the poor cross-culturally. Of course that seems obvious, but the valuable cultural understandings gained while reading Jones’s account reminds me of our own cross-cultural discoveries these past thirteen years. As I read of Annalena’s life I see a reflection of mistakes made and victories gained in a culture foreign to us as we relationally worked alongside our Ugandan friends. And yet, I cringe at any reflection that seems to place me alongside her—I am tempted to say I don’t measure up. Yet, I am reminded to not compare myself to her. I am so very different than Annalena, not better or less.

To be honest, I struggled with some of Jones’s own rendering regarding the extreme nature of Annalena’s faith, love and service to the poor. But, I urge you to read the book and draw your own conclusions as God speaks to you through this biographical piece. It was released on October 1st and can be found on Amazon. 

On Wednesday of this week Geoff and I will fly to Uganda for a brief two and a half week visit to attend a wedding and graduation as well as fully involve ourselves relationally with our Ugandan and expat friends. As we leave the kids behind in Denver with Geoff’s parents, and to get themselves to and from school and sporting events, I wonder about the timing of the visit. The kids are sad that they are not able to go. Please pray for us as we travel, pray for the kids as they miss their friends and this opportunity to see them, and pray for all of us to be a blessing to all we meet along the way. 

Taking Stock

Geoff and I are home alone tonight.

The kids have gone overnight camping down on the farm with some friends. (Hoping they don’t have any pythons, cobras, safari ants or any other unique creature disturb them.) Geoff is preaching on Sunday so we settled into a night of preparation by study and reflection.

Shortly after we cleaned up the dinner dishes he asked me to name my favorite part of the past two weeks. 

I had no idea. 

It wasn’t that my brain couldn’t choose, it was flat blank.

I commented that I’d have to check the calendar to even know what we did. 

And so have been our days, so full we collapse into bed at night. Though he and I attack the pillows differently—he snoozes DEEPLY within moments and I struggle to get any shut eye for more than an hour, the days are indeed packed.

When I took stock in answer to his question I was floored at all that had gone on in and around us!

At a time in our life when we are endeavoring to prepare for a very long furlough, our emotions are at constant ebb and flow. Some moments are manageable and some are overwhelming.

A quick synopsis of recent events reveals we haven’t sat still. And yet, in it all, we are thankful! God has given us sooooo much: friends, material goods, children, beauty of creation, abundant ministry opportunities and His rich presence. Instead of being overcome by stress at all there is to do, we are striving to remain thankful at all we have in Him. Indeed, we are rich!!!!!

Just two weeks ago we welcomed one of my friends from Pepperdine, along with his wife. It was a whirlwind visit starting on Sunday morning when I picked up Joanie, my friend’s wife, from Entebbe airport and enjoyed a full day of visiting together along with another missionary we’ve come to know who works in western Uganda, and our dear daughter Nabukeera. It was an eclectic group and quite enjoyable to talk with poolside in Entebbe. In the evening we retrieved from the airport Joanie’s husband, David as he arrived from a week of ministry in Ethiopia. While on the way back to Kasana Joanie decided it would be nice to have a skirt made of local materials so I called Geoff’s colleague, Deborah, who is one of the staff that I mentor. She is also a tailor and agreed to make a skirt that evening. When we arrived home at 10 p.m. Geoff and the kids had a nice supper ready for us, which we enjoyed while continuing to catch up. I think we got to bed around midnight.  The next day we gave them a quick but thorough tour of the Kasana site of New Hope Uganda. Joanie also received her skirt in the morning and, after alterations, was able to take it with her as they left site later that afternoon to return to Entebbe.

Carothers and Britton families

We have had few personal visitors these past 13 years, but this was David’s second visit and Joanie’s first. How blessed to be able to show them the ministry here and share in learning about their ministry!

The rest of that week was quite packed! Sam arrived on Wednesday from having taught primary school in Kampala the first term of this school year. Then on Thursday we all traveled together to Kampala where Geoff and I had a number of doctor appointments—all with good results! (It is SOOOO much cheaper here to do well doctor visits!!!) On Saturday Toby took the SAT and Saturday evening we shared a fantastic three hours with dear, longtime friends at their home in Kampala. This was a major part of us preparing to leave well! Laughing, sharing memories and prayers for the future filled our evening which culminated with their presentation of a unique gift of Ugandan art. As Geoff and I enjoyed our former co-workers the kids whooped it up with their friends. It was a great night, but a difficult goodbye! 

Serunkuma and Britton families

And speaking of goodbyes, one of our foreign staff families left for a five month furlough the same Sunday I was in Entebbe. 

Then, a week ago Tuesday Geoff’s Early Adulthood staff came together at Deborah’s house for an amazing meal she had planned and prepared to both celebrate the Passover season and to appreciate our family.

Britton family and the Early Adulthood staff

On Wednesday the childcare department staff met to honor Geoff for the years of service he has given to the ministry. Though we were blessed to hear appreciation given, it was a bit uncomfortable to be the center of attention!! The next Wednesday we hosted all the foreign staff at our house for fellowship and a meal catered by Aunt Lucy, our David Family mother. (That Wednesday was WILD as Geoff had gone to Jinja at 4:30 a.m. (4 hours away) on a public taxi and returned just 10 minutes before the foreign staff arrived!)

And all this activity of celebration, welcomes and goodbyes, oozes alongside the house presenting itself as a thing to be packed and cleaned sometime in the next three weeks!!!

Goodbyes are a thing in this season of our life—who are we kiddin? Good-byes are frequent in all seasons for us missionaries!! However, there are some welcome goodbyes . . .that kind was heavily celebrated by our kids recently——goodbye to the 10th and 11th grades!!! Kevin and Acacia finished up by May 4th and Toby May 12th. I celebrated today as I finished up their portfolios after completing grade reports and transcripts earlier in the week. Since late last week I have been cleaning out the school banda; I am almost finished, but the emotions keep welling up as I sort through old papers and projects. This could very well have been my last homeschool year with my kids. I am gripped by juxtaposing emotions. Honestly, I am tired and truly looking forward to them experiencing a larger Christian school this fall. But, not being with the three of them all day long everyday while enjoying their learning journey will be a major adjustment. Prayers are appreciated in this regard!

Last Tuesday Susanna, a fellow foreign staff member, was a part of our family dinner table, followed by games. Unfortunately, one of our David Family staff members suffered a second seizure episode that evening, which sent us running to attend to him, (he had collapsed earlier in the day as well). He is recovering fairly well so far. Prayers are appreciated for his health and well being. 

On Wednesday we showed one of Louis Giglio’s talks on God’s creation with the David Family (“Indescribable”). They loved hearing about God’s power and creativity! This week we will share with them his piece called, “Symphony,” in which he shows us how the universe audibly declares the glory of God.  

Yes, it has been a busy, busy two+ weeks! 

But, you know what? My favorite thing of the past two weeks has carried me through all the different activities and interactions I’ve just shared. But, it is not an event or a person. 

I have discovered a music compilation by Shane and Shane. The worship they inspire with clear, resonant and soothing voices accompanied by emotive music has kept me focused on God Himself. The way they sing of His power, love, justice, beauty, goodness, compassion and Lordship have consistently evoked deep devotion and appreciation for God the creator, redeemer and sustainer.

There is NO WAY we can move through this season, or any life season, without Him. I have been drawn into worship of God and humbled when I reflect on His goodness toward us. 

His presence and His hand on us these past 13 years is beyond our understanding. 

This next season I expect the same. His hand. His love. His power. His plan. His people.

We are thankful!

Our dog's unassuming talent has made her "village famous"

Geoff and I take a walk every morning and often in the evenings. Rarely is the dog, Bubbly, not an accompaniment to the routine. She may temporarily disappear into the morning darkness to investigate a smell, but she always rejoins the well-worn route, frequently just as we engage the turn toward home.

In the evenings she remains closer to us, and especially keeps a keen visual on my whereabouts as we meander sometimes off New Hope Uganda property near village dwellings. Apparently, our predictable path has created a love/hate curiosity in the village children. The simple talent of my dog to provide timid, dog-fearing children with a giggle and the urge to run out of their houses or gardens shouting, “Bubb-boo-lee, Bubb-boo-lee, Bubb-boo-lee” got me thinking. If that black, smelly, furry, four-legged creature offers such a sweet diversion from the mundane nature of life, what do I offer those around me? Which got me thinking further...I live among extremely talented people. 

Here at New Hope Uganda, Geoff and I have the rare privilege of working while living alongside our more than 170 staff members. Only 20 of the staff members are non-Ugandan. Who are these non-Ugandans who have left their home countries to immerse themselves in another culture offering themselves and their talents to others? Of course, we’ve all come to minister to the children of New Hope Uganda in one way or another, but most of us add “side-talents” to the mix.

In our small group of Foreign Staff we have a cosmetologist who has kept us cut, dyed, frosted, highlighted and coiffed for almost 15 years. And to add to her line up of talent she has recently been sought out by the plethora of New Hope Uganda delivering mamas as a very helpful and able doula. Plus, if one HAS to prepare something gluten free, she can help the product result in something exquisite.

Another of our missionary mamas is an accomplished, homespun-nutritionist for all your gluten free, dairy free and dye free needs. And, if you develop a hankering for homemade cheese, she’s the expert to seek.

There is an artist who has designed, painted, decorated and sweetened the environment of our primary school classrooms in the last two years, as well as created our beautiful annual themed banners for our church structure each year for more than 14 years. 

We have a theologian delivering well-studied gems on God’s character and truth to both small groups and the church at large. He is also a published author on the topic of orphan ministry.

And speaking of authors and speakers one of us is working on her second publication even as she excels in bringing the message of true womanhood to myriads of our children and Staff at New Hope Uganda, and also to many across Uganda. 

An accomplished physical therapist has found numerous designs for “useless” cardboard. She makes countless implements which function as utilitarian tools for the kids and staff in our Special Needs ministry. She is also VERY adept at giving periodic help and suggestions for exercises to alleviate various aches and pains! I am thankful to have personally benefitted from her expertise!!!!

Imagine having to remember all the details of upper level high school math as you homeschool your older teenager. I can leave fretting behind now that we have a missionary math guru who is willing to fill in the gaps for Toby as he tackles the more abstract mathematical concepts. Not only that, but she has provided an afternoon diversion for Acacia as they work together in the NHU Academy library. Praise God for those who instill unique blessings into our kids’ lives!

An expert administrator might not be the first thing thought of when ruminating on the talents of your friends, but one of our American Staff could pretty much revamp Chip and Jo’s well-oiled Magnolia Market métier eliciting a hearty, “Thanks for taking care of the mishmash! We  hadn’t thought of that approach!” 

Another has the uncanny knack to advance, above expected pace, numerous committee group meetings. Doesn’t everyone love meetings????? Well, with him at the helm it is not the usual death trap.

Hungry for something you wouldn’t expect to eat while in the remote bush of Uganda? A long time missionary has seen it all in her 30+ years on the field. She has learned to work with little, yet has garnered the talent for laying a table with amazingly scrumptious creations on short notice with limited resources. No matter how rushed she might be before you arrive she has the ability to promote a sense of calm and welcome unmatched anywhere else I’ve experienced.

Hmmmmm, a sense of calm, isn’t there an essential oil promising such? We have someone who knows the answer to that question! She keeps a healthy supply of oils for most ailments and generously shares. 

Or, if you desire, you may seek the more traditional approach with our own medical doctor who recently came on staff with us. What a blessing to be able to consult with a friend on site when in the past we might have had to travel almost two hours into town. In fact, the other day I stopped to talk casually with even another medical doctor who is serving here for just a few weeks. I quickly shot off a volley of questions just as if we were shooting the breeze, as I hung out our van window, having interrupted his short walk to another location in the ministry. These are not things we take for granted out here in the bush!!!!

And the children in our care also benefit in other diverse, perhaps more seemingly minute, but still important ways from the missionaries serving with us. A good example is a sort of bicycle shop taken up residence next door as the newest addition to our teaching staff can be seen most Saturdays on her porch repairing the many bicycles of nearby children. 

And last, but by any means never least, is the one accomplished at listening intensively even amidst the chaos of numerous children shouting and running amuck nearby. I do not think I have ever left her presence without her gently placing her hands on my shoulder or back as she sincerely prays for God’s hand to move in my life. Immediately there is a feeling of peace which floods my being. 

My dear friend, this community is unique and we are grateful to have spent the last thirteen years among those who employ their God-given talents to bring life and joy to those with whom they share a small piece of Ugandan dirt.

And speaking of dirt, I need to finish this up and go reroute my talented, “village famous” dog from the cavernous hole she’s currently digging to China as I have the unfortunate talent of stumbling in her works of art.

A Change of Course

This morning I drove to kiwoko to meet a friend whom I mentor, but before I even left the front gate I picked up a passenger. (Not unusual) One of the aunties who works in the childcare department needed to go to Kiwoko to check on some of our children, so instead of her waiting for a motorbike ride we went together. On arrival she announced that she was visiting someone who lived directly next to where I needed to stop. 

Shortly after greeting my friend at her place of business, a former staff member of New Hope Uganda arrived and we were all blessed to catch up on the news of his family. 

I was unable to meet with my friend because she was very busy working alone due to a sick coworker. When she described how sick he was I got worried. We had recently lost someone in our community due to a sickness that sounded very similar to what she was describing. Just then a young man came to help her in the shop, but I asked if he could go with me to check on the coworker, whom she said was not wanting to go get medical care.

We arrived at the sick coworker's house, after making only one wrong turn and found his children playing outside and his wife cooking. When we asked about him she went inside to get him. As I waited, I didn’t know what to expect, but thankfully he looked better than had been described. He agreed to let us take him to our clinic where he received care very quickly and was soon ready to go back home.

I am soooo thankful we checked on him! We have lost too many people in our community over the years due to failure to receive medical care—for many reasons. Here is a smattering of  scenarios—they don’t want to spend the money (often they don't have enough), they try the witch doctor first and never follow-up at a clinic, they fear hospitals, they lack money for transport, or the family tries to treat with local herbs.

Once he finished at the clinic I accompanied him back to his home with Sam driving. It has been awhile since Sam had a crack at driving, so I figured this to be a perfect opportunity. I am glad he practiced driving today because once back at our house he heard from his future employer that they need him to report to work this coming Monday!

Sam will be teaching primary school for the next few months until his laboratory technician course commences around late July or August. At lunch we all realized that with us leaving for the U.S. in June we will not have Sam in our house anymore starting Monday except for the occasional visit! I am excited for him, but the changes produce deep emotions for all of us!

This afternoon he played a local game with our neighbor, Mercy. 

The other three enjoyed sitting out in the sunshine listening to music and playing a board game. Kevin is entertaining the younger neighbors now on the side porch.

I will miss the days when they are all around the house!

Airport Bathroom scented hand sanitizer

We are a family of Americans living in a country far away from our birth places. The kids have grown up here--we arrived more than 12 years ago when they were ages 2, 3 and 4. In all of our travels, adjustments to foreign culture and experiences with differing world views, the things we consider comforting can be a bit ODD! 

At lunch recently the kids lamented about things passed by during our Christmas shopping trip a couple weeks ago that would have made good stocking stuffers. One was a three-pack of teeny, tiny bottles of hand sanitizer. This regret brought up a memory in another of our kids who complained that he’d had a small bottle of hand sanitizer hooked on the outside of his backpack, but it was recently finished off by an unknown user when he was in a public place. (Yes, no lie, these are the intensely intriguing lunch table discussions you can look forward to if you ever have the privilege of eating with us!)

Geoff commented that we had plenty of hand sanitizer around the house and we could simply refill the small vial. 

“But, Dad! I LIKED that one! It smelled like the airport bathroom.” Once we all had a loud laugh, he had to further defend his weird statement with, “Whaaaat?! It smelled good and it reminded me of our travels!”

I can see it now...an entirely new line of products created by third culture kids.

Toby and his TCK friends. We hosted a New Year holiday party out at our place. They enjoyed sleeping in a tent, exploring our site, playing ping pong and carpet ball, lots of sweets**, basketball, lots of sweets**, watching movies and YouTube videos, lots of sweets**, playing the games of "Things" and "Apples To Apples" and creating goofy photos.

**We had an overload of sweets given to us in Christmas packages by family members from the states. It was enough to last us a couple of years!!!!!! So, being able to share stateside sweet treats with these other bush-residing expats was a lot of fun!