Life Lesson from Africa #2

I CHOOSE TO LAY MY LIFE DOWN

Choosing to change the world is neither glamorous nor easy. We decided to take on the Santa Claus occupation; we brought Christmas to the orphans. We came laden with boxes of toys – dolls, airplanes, cars, jump ropes, shirts, both kitchen and doctor play sets. We came prepared with the entire Christmas experience to the kids, including hot chocolate, popcorn and Christmas movies. We also came armed with my DVD Player and Projector, as well as a video screen and gasoline for the generator. Then hooked it into their ancient sound system and the kids all gathered with their hot chocolate to watch Polar Express and The Nativity. Many fell asleep in their chairs and on the cement floors, but, a faithful few (around 50) lasted all the way to the end of the night at 1am.

But, to be truly honest, this is a story of which the telling of is much more fun than the living of. Out on a beautiful lake on a gorgeous sunny day, reaching almost 95 degrees, SEEMS like a lavish holiday to those digging there cars out of piles of snow and ice all around the States. However, we had to sweep out and kill no less than 30 spiders from our little hut/room. Those were only the ones we could see with our flashlight, near the floor, we didn’t even want to disturb the one’s above our heads. Before climbing into bed, I brushed off a pile of poo dropping that were resting there. Then I brought my bags and shoes into my bed with me, tucked in my mosquito net tightly into my mattress, and slept fully clothed, praying that I wouldn’t be attacked by something in the middle of the night and that morning would come soon. When I woke up early the next morning, and cocked my head as I focused in on the “poo droppings” resting on top my mosquito net. Turns out that, that scratching I heard all night above me was the BAT that lives in that particular hut. I was happy to not go to bed with that knowledge; then my dreams all night which were full of creepy-crawling things, would have included creepy-flying things as well. And like I said, the telling of this adventure is more fun then the living of it, since my ideal Christmas doesn’t usually include peeing out behind a tree on Christmas morning. In my journeys here in Africa, I have discovered that I can stand almost any “third-world” setting…….but, please just give me a toilet! But, to see how much fun these 200 kids had, was worth it. This is the only toy that these kids will get this entire year and I made a mindful decision not to ask, if they had ever gotten a gift on Christmas before. I didn’t think I would be able to take the answer. It’s not really until looking back on my pictures that I can see the true joy, we got to be a part of on Christmas day

Life Lesson from Africa #1

EVERY CHALLENGE IS AN OPPORTUNITY

In Africa, I’ve learned that every Challenge is an Opportunity. Let me give an example. To the dismay of all Americans who are native to the North West United States, lattes do not exist in Uganda. At best, you can get a poor quality cappuccino. However, they do have the actual espresso machines; they just don’t know how to use them! One day, we had guests in from the US and they were so desperate for an Iced Latte that I asked the “bartender” if he would allow me to make a “special drink” using just ice, milk and his espresso machine. He was happy to comply and even thrilled to learn how. It was at that moment that I realized that no lattes means a potential business. Since that day I have considering offering my expertise as a barista to the few large hotels in the city. By helping them expand their drink menu they can cater to the western crowds, which pretty much are the only people that can afford to stay there. The bartender I taught continues to serve patrons at that hotel the Iced Latte I taught him to make. Zero access to lattes is not a challenge, rather a great opportunity.

For another, more personal example; since we were a ways out of the city and with the language barrier, cultural and financial barriers, building close relationships can be difficult. So I spend more time alone in Africa than I would ever in the United States. But, I’ve learned that isolation just means more quality time with God. What could feel like a real challenge is just another opportunity. I have never had that much time to read my bible, listen to sermons or pray more than this season in Uganda and that is an opportunity that I may never get again.

Liz's Thoughts on Ethiopia

My dear friend, Liz was suppose to come join me in Uganda, but because of the situation surrounding the building of our medical clinic (see earlier blog), she ended up going to Ethiopia for six months. She is an American registered nurse, who has walked away from her job her to give medical care to the impoverished in Ethiopia. Below are some of her thoughts that she is sending back home. Some are so close to my personal experience that I just had to include them in my blog, because it felt like me talking about Africa, but also some of her experiences are very unlike Uganda that I thought it might be interesting to reveal the culture diversity that is found in Africa.... so enjoy!

Learning to Say No
7 million…. I honestly do not know how anyone would do a census around here – with the amount of people who are jobless, homeless, or in makeshift shacks – it’s not like they have some sort of tax ID, or an address, or have their kids registered in school. Everywhere I go, people are begging – I see cripples, people with massive deformities, kids with continual eye and nose boogars (sorry, you all are going to get the real story here – from a nurse who’s fascinated with the gross stuff). The beggars here are different – far more aggressive than home. It makes me wish for the homeless man on the corner who politely holds a sign and quietly waits back home. It’s easier to “look the other way” and think, “Oh God, please help that man, as I get a green light and drive off”. Here the beggars here come up to your car window, put their hands on your window, stare at you with well rehearsed puppy eyes and speak with a minimal voice of someone who is in survival mode. And when you notion with your hands and head that you don’t have anything –which let’s face it, we all have something – after the empty hand gesture – they get even more puppy eyed and more aggressive. I began to get frustrated – within 8 days of being here, I had a meltdown. I came here to say “yes” – not to repeatedly tell people no. The problem of poverty is huge – I could be completely broke in a day giving all my money out to the poor- and the next day, it would be the same problem. Handing out money is not the means to and end, but it puts a bandaid on it for maybe an hour or two? In Uganda, the beggars are not near as aggressive as Liz describes. So, instead of kids begging for money, you have vendors trying to selling all sorts of crazy things to cars stuck in traffic. You can buy anything from toothpaste, a newspaper, and phone time, to posters, chairs and clothes! However, learning that you can't possibly meet every need that you see, is one of the very first realizations that comes to you in Africa. You could be out of money in a week and never accomplish the purpose that you were sent to do if you can't learn how to say "no", despite how hard it really is and the internal conflict it creates inside of you.

Got Power?
I do not have electricity at least 2 days a week. The government is rationing out the power. I guess the power runs off a hydroelectric system and Ethiopia did not get as much rain earlier on this year – as indicated by the famine in the south – it’s gotten significantly bad, people are starving down south. Some days I do not have running water until afternoon – and I do not quite understand that one. And the 2 days a week are variable… so you never know! It like the feeling of Christmas morning… it’s somewhat a magical cloud as you wake full of anticipation and run down to check out the presents under the tree – that is the same feeling that embraces my heart as I approach the light switch to assess if it’s a day full of power. Rather goosebumpy, my palms get sweaty just reaching for that little switch. So, you can imagine how my heart drops when nothing happens as I flicker the switch back and forth… ahhhh yes, the trials of the mission field. I know, you feel sorry for me. I understand the feeling of anticipation or dispointment based on your access to electricity. In Uganda, we never had power on Sunday morning (so no looking nice for church) and we never had power after a lightening storm other than that, it was just as unpredictable. Though we didn't have electricity for days on end sometimes and when we do so many people are illegally tapping into the lines that its so weak, the lights cast a sickly glow that isn't all great.

Plans; Organization; Yeah Right!
There are certain things one needs to know and attempt to understand about Africa. Nothing is quite what you think, nothing goes as quick as you’d like, and nobody cares that you are in a hurry and they’rre not!! I’m laughing right now. So the clinic has not been running – it’s been an idea that’s been running that somehow was communicated to me as an actual tangible activity. So, I’m working on getting it up and going. I’m in the process of purchasing supplies, organizing paperwork – yea, I’m going kill some trees, but there is no organization here! And, in order for us to get accredited through the government, there needs to be documentation for the people we see. There is some medical care going on. The Entoto team has been buying prescriptions for these patients with HIV, and some minimal supplies from a pharmacy – as needed, not kept at hand. I have a designated room in this community center – and now I’m going to fill it! LOL. I told you Liz! When you told me that they had this clinic fully functioning, I was impressed, but had my doubts. And, you're right, all you can do is laugh out loud!

World Impact Church

Thanks to everyone that came out for the Origin Worship Night! We had the great pleasure of hearing the heart of Royce Iverson and how God motivated him to get out of the church pew and onto the mission field. Royce, and his wife Elizabeth, with their two kids have been City Bible Church’s missionaries in Uganda, East Africa for one year now and is who I have been working directly with over the last year as well.

But, the vision is so much bigger than them or me. City Bible Church sent its first Missionaries to Uganda in the 1980’s. Since then Portland, Oregon and Kampala, Uganda have been divinely intertwined. The vision from the very beginning was for a Church, a Bible Institute, Primary School, Medical Clinic and Orphanage. The current Pastors, Wilfred & Deborah Kaweesa, (born and raised in Kampala) were even educated at our very own Portland Bible College in 1995-1997. Over the last 20 years through regular support and numerous missionaries sacrificially going out from City Bible, Uganda has a thriving church of over 500 people, a Primary school with 90 students a year and has graduated over 400 pastors. Now Royce & Elizabeth Iverson are the next generation that has stepped up to add to this big vision, that is now called Hope Village.

In case you are newer to City Bible Church , you might not realize that the church you call home is a world impacting church. The focus on missions and humanitarian causes around the world has been part of our heritage for over 50 years. And even though you don’t hear about it every weekend, City Bible has church plants and ministries in South Africa, Cambodia, Laos, Romania, Japan, China, Spain, Brazil, Mexico, just to name a few. In 2007, over a half a million dollars went out of City Bible Church’s doors into other countries for the building of churches, outreach programs and humanitarian causes.

But, the giving is all in vain, without the workers. The amazing fruit that is in Uganda, and around the world, are from many unsung heroes that got out of the pew. Not for accolades; in fact many names have been forgotten, but to do something great for God. We are lucky generation, to be building on the backs of such great men and women that have called City Bible Church their home before us.

For more information about Uganda, check out the website at www.hopevillageuganda.com and you can read more about other City Bible Missionaries all around the world at http://www.citybiblechurch.org/p/12862/Default.aspx

Goodbye Africa - Until Next Time

While I am excited to return home (the land of milk and honey does have its appeal), I am almost sad to see Africa go primarily because of the fodder it has provided for writing. Such great learning experiences have inspired such great thoughts, that for the first time in my life I felt that they were thoughts worth sharing. And I am hoping that others did to.

Nevertheless, up to this point in my life, I had never considered myself a writer. Having the time and wealth of stimuli has opened me up to what I hope to be a lifetime habit of writing. I can only hope that this new mental exercise will lend me to see the patterns in the States that will even still inspire thoughts worth sharing.

Medical Clinic Update

One of my main responsibilities while in Uganda was to get the Medical Clinic started. No, I do not have any specific medical training or background, however God knew that wasn’t what was needed at the beginning. Establishing such a clinic in Uganda, requires networking with ten different government departments, international agencies, local non-profits and non-governmental organizations. The process is both convoluted and bureaucratic. So my government training became the desired expertise at that moment. So we were speeding along in the process, and it “seemed” as if the medical clinic would be our first building to go up.

But, then Culture stepped in. We had put $5,000 on an extra 5 acres of property adjacent to the 20acres we currently own to put the Medical Clinic on and the new Primary School since both would be to serve the entire community at large and not just those living at Hope Village. Nevertheless, with money down and contracts signed, the owner, Mr. Ben, changed his mind. Why? Because his 20+ kids began fighting among themselves about whose inheritance he was selling off. They claimed that he was pulling property from the wrong wife. He has four wives and obviously he was not treating them all equally and his kids would not have it. As a result, he changed the property to some other land that was not adjacent to our current property, which was completely unacceptable from both a transportation and security standpoint. Mr. Ben could not give the money back because he had already spent it! He was selling the property because he needed the money for something unknown to us. Unfortunately, property rights are pretty much nil in Uganda and without the actual title to the property we had no claim (even with the contract). This is something that would NEVER happen in the United States; from the involvement of four different wives to the breaking of a signed contract. Nevertheless, this debate carried on for another three months while our team had to meet with each immediate family group that Mr. Ben had. However, I am happy to say that as of last week, Hope Village is now 100% owners of that extra 5 acres and are ready to see what God will do with it!

Intercultural Communication

Learning to communicate in a cultural context can often be difficult. And if you are not especially conscience of the difference in how you live, then the point you are trying to communicate might never be understood. In one of my sermons at a Youth Camp in Entebbe, I was talking about how the key to releasing the potential that God has put in you is your environment. In other words, that one’s environment has a profound affect on who we become and what we do with our lives. The analogy I had written in my notes was of a boy who had a pet Gold Fish. One day, this little boy (lets call him Tommy) decides that he wants to play Lego’s with his Gold Fish. So he takes him out of his bowl and puts him next to him. Well, a little time goes by and soon Tommy notices that his favorite pet isn’t looking to well, so he carries him to his mom and asks if the gold fish is sick. Of course, we all know that Mr. Gold Fish can’t survive very long out of his water habitat and perished playing Lego’s. Well, you as an American probably totally catch the point about the affect of the environment on our lives. Nevertheless right before I began to tell that story, it dawned on me that this story was terribly wrong for a Uganda audience. First, Ugandans do NOT have pets. They do not see animals that way at all. And, in fact, they laugh at white people who pet, play and protect their dogs. Dogs are suppose to protect you….. And, secondly, fish are meant to be eaten! Why in the world would you even bother with a fish that is that small! The idea of keeping a fish in a clear bowel would be such a foreign thought to the Ugandan that they would miss the point of the message completely. I was lucky to have the Holy Spirit there with me to reveal this before I blundered into a intercultural Faux Pas.

The Crazy Man

On our trip to the Equator, we met a crazy man. Unfortunately, in African countries, there is no place for those that no longer maintain full facilities “upstairs.” He was sitting on the porch of the little “restaurant” we had taken a break at, before headed back to Kampala. He was harming anyone, but he was obviously carrying on a conversation with himself. The trouble didn’t start until the police officer walked up. The military police officer asked what he was doing and the Crazy man responded that Museveni told him that he could be there… (Musevini is the President of all of Uganda). This response hardly helped the man’s claim to be there, nevertheless the confrontation escalated quickly because of the rifle that the officer was waving around.

The end result was nothing short of shocking. When a couple more soldiers came over and joined their friend and with stick began to beat him off of the porch. They were joined with two other “civilians” joined them, one of which had just served us coffee. See, now that the initial officer needs to “save face.” He can’t just walk away and let this man be because we as Muzungu (white people) have just seen his failed attempt to exert his authority. So this group of Ugandan’s beat this poor man all the way down the street. A slow, brutal, excruciating, retreat of a crazy man, who I will never know what the ultimate result was.

My heart truly broke. Here is a child of God; made by God; loved by God, and here are men beating him, because he was in a place they didn’t want him. I wanted to intervene; to stand between the soldier and this poor man. And to be honest, what was more scary then the “crazy man” was the military police officer that caused the whole “intervention;” waving his gun around. We could all see the image of a stray bullet killing an innocent bystander. We all exited the porch not because of the insane actions of the mentally disabled, but rather the of a egotistical man with a gun. So I guess in the end, who really turned out to be the “lunatic?”

Return Delayed to Africa

So as always God has His own plans. And I’m learning to just go along for the ride! I had planned to be in Uganda for a total of nine months (October – June), But, Unfortunately, I am unable to return to Uganda for May/June as previously planned. This is extremely disappointing to me, but it is in the best interest of my health.

However, I am excited to share that with much prayer and discussion with the Elders at City Bible Church and the Pastors at the church in Uganda, I have decided to return to Uganda again for another six months next year (2009), departing February 17^th and returning in August 2009!

My time there will probably take on another purpose than my first six months. Beginning next year, Hope Village will be under major building projects and will need several Operation Policies and Procedures in place in order to function well and be a good steward of the investment made there be so many people.

Not being in Africa does not mean that I am not staying busy with Hope Village projects. In fact, it has particularly beneficial to have my first hand experience to add to our videos and print materials currently being designed for other fundraising projects. Furthermore, I am busy working with CBC and a few lawyers on establishing a Governing Constitution for Hope Village. In other words, who will be on the board, who will handle the money, and how policies and procedures will be established. Not too exciting, but important for a strong organization.

Finally, God has also provided me with work already here in the US! So, ultimately, in all of these things, you can see that God’s timing is always perfect.

I Never Us To Cry

God has taken me through several seasons of Brokeness. Over the last four years, I have had all these seasons back to back and in this order; Expectations Dashed, Hope Deferred, Alienation, Attack on Reputation, Failure, Lack of Purpose, Isolation, and Attack on Health. Maybe I was so hard or so prideful or so self-reliant that He knew it would take several seasons and not just one, like many tell of. And, I’m not sure this trend of seasons that are conduits for brokenness have quite ended yet. In fact, maybe it is a life-long process – the seasons of brokenness never end until we are whole again with Christ.

One perfect symptom of this state of brokenness for me is I always cry. I Never Use To Cry….. Ever. I never use to cry…..and in actuality I had a bit of pride in this fact. I liked such words as “Stoic” and “Strong” and therefore like when they were associated with me. Movies moved me, but not a single tear would escape, but now the simplest of speeches will move me to tears. A profound quote in a book, insightful song and literally every time I walk into the presence of God cause me to “well-up”. I don’t think that it’s that I’ve just now discovered my “feminine side.” No. It’s that God has broken me…..

It’s funny; here in Africa most of my sermons to young people have been about the fact that we are vessels of potential. Potential that does not go away even when we have been damaged or wounded, failed or ignored. However, I think that God has given me a new revelation of how to truly release the potential that God has put into each one of us. That answer is brokenness. True potential cannot be released until you are broken. Here is the example that comes to mind. You know the piggy bank we had when we were little, that had no cork hidden in the bottom, but instead the only way to gain access to the money you had been saving was to physically break the piggy. This simple truth would cause you to think twice before accessing the worth that was inside. Sometimes, I think God uses life that way on us. The potential that God has put inside of us is valuable. He uses “life” to break us in order to get at what is valuable. Yet, not only does brokenness physically release the potential within us, but it provides a second revelation. Just as the action of breaking the piggy bank demonstrates that the contents of the bank are more valuable than the bank itself. I honestly think that maybe part of the purpose of the breaking process is to reveal the true value that is within.... to ourselves. God sees us not as we are, but as we are supposed to be... He wants to help us to see the same.

God has broken me in order that my true potential can be released from within me. The good news amidst the brokenness… is that God promises to complete the work that he begun in us (Phil. 1:6). And in fact, like Paul in 2 Corinthians, we may be broken, yet we will not be crushed.

Many people might also be in their own seasons of brokenness, and are running from church service to church service seeking healing for their brokenness. I’m beginning to realize that my same attempts were the wrong response to brokenness. Rather, God is asking us to see what He is trying to do through our Brokenness. He is asking us to see what potential he is releasing from within us. And to remember in the end, “all these truly do work for good to those who love Him.” (Rom. 8:28)