A little bit from Matt:
I got a little break from the production unit this past week and spent my days in Kampala. Monday and Tuesday I had the opportunity to make my way to an area called Ntinda, an area I had not visited. There myself and two other workers from the shop installed some kitchen cabinets at a very nice Ugandan home. But my highlight from the week took place on Wednesday and Thursday as I had the wonderful opportunity of attending the Global Leadership Summit, Ugandan style. I was accompanied by my lovely wife, a friend of ours from Australia and one of my co-workers from the shop. For those of you who do not know what the Leadership Summit is, it is a leadership conference that was founded by Bill Hybles, the pastor of Willow Creek church in Chicago. This conference takes place in Chicago annually and is broadcast out to roughly 150 other churches across North America. This years speaking roster consisted of Bill Hybles, John Maxwell, Wayne Cordiero, Gary Haugen and Tony Blair, just to name a few. Uganda has hosted this conference once before and is truly passionate about raising up strong Christian leaders with hopes of turning their country around.
I was quite excited to attend the conference not only to receive some solid teaching on leadership but to expose my friend Frank, the head foreman from the production unit, to these teachings and to a side of Kampala that he has never been apart of. The conference was held in one of Kampala’s finest hotels complete with course material and meals. I fully expected the conference to be very North American in nature and after about thirty minutes in attendance realized that my expectations were way off. The conference as a whole, apart from the Mzungu speakers via DVD, was completely and utterly Ugandan. The praise and worship was in Lugandan, the technical side of things was a little shaky, the lunch was Ugandan dishes, the sessions rarely began as scheduled and the who’s who of Ugandan Protestantism was in attendance and introduced. It was definitely a cultural experience.
At the end of it all I enjoyed some wonderful teachings from some of the world’s top leaders and was truly challenged by what was taught. But most of all I was blessed to have shared the experience with Frank. He listened intently, he took notes, we discussed how what was taught could be used at the shop, he enjoyed the food (as any Ugandan would) and he received a certificate at the end. But what stuck me most was a comment he made. He told me that he had passed by that particular hotel a number of times and always thought that he had absolutely no reason to enter, as if it was out of his “league”. Frank was so excited and thankful that I asked him to come, that he finally entered that hotel and that he learned valuable lessons in leadership that he could take back to his work.
A little bit from SJ:
Within one day a nurse has the ability to have such drastically high moments and such drastically low moments – this past Saturday I experienced a high high followed so closely by a low low – I rest in the fact that our God is sovereign and His plans are best!
This past Sat. a few of us rented a car and drove out to Nakasongola for the day. Edith, one of the volunteers from Australia drove the rental care (Australians drive on the same side of the road as Ugandans☺). Edith did a great job at getting us there and back on some not so fantastic roads! We had only a few hours to spend with the kids and we had some things to finish for their sponsorship profiles. Another volunteer that is working with Watoto with us has so graciously volunteered to do the sponsorship profiles for the orphanage during her free time from Watoto – amazing! And we also brought with us the HIV testing kit so that we could finish what we had started a few weeks ago when we did full physicals on the kids. We tested each of the kids, gave them a colorful band aid (which they loved), a lollipop and then Edith prayed over them. I think the kids were very confused as to why these Mzungu’s whom they were coming to love would want to make them bleed and then put there blood on strips…weird concept if you have never had a blood test.
I was expecting the results of the test to be very disappointing. Many of these kids come from horrific backgrounds, from bad home situation, from living in a prison because the police took pitty on them from living on the streets, from homes where both parents and many siblings have died from AIDS. BUT God is soooo good! He is faithful…ALL of the kids were NEGATIVE!!!!! We had a little dance party to celebrate – thank you Jesus!!! It was sad to say good-bye to our precious friends, but what a treat of health!
While in Nakasongola I got a call from the Babies Home asking if on our way through the city we would stop by the home to give IV drugs to Harrison – our newest admit to the babies home. He was septic when he arrived to us and is nearing the end of his treatment and doing well! I said sure as I like to lay eyes on the sick babies at least once a day. When we got there Harrison was looking fantastic. I gave him his meds and then we were about to head back home when Zack arrived back from the surgery. Not to get into too much detail, but he looked terrible. Zack was our 6 week old 1.1kg malnourished little man. I saw him last on the Friday night – just 24 hours ago and I had made the comment to the nannies about how good he was looking and he was gaining weight nicely. Sat evening he looked bad, I assessed him and everytime I touched him I caused him pain. He was a sick little man. I called the bosses of the home to come in. We started his IV and antibiotics. A couple of hours later his breathing was very labored and he was having frequent episodes of apnea and his little heart rate would slow to less then 60 – it should have been above 100/min. We started Zack on all the proper meds, started him on CPAP which gave him temporarily respiratory relief and he even seemed to be on the up swing. Matt and I finally left the home at about 12:20am. Des, the nurse in charge of all Watoto spent the night with Zack. I told Zack before I left that heaven was a great place and not to stay on earth for our sake – Zack’s earth was so full of hurt, pain and neglect for his 6 weeks of life. I didn’t sleep well at all and finally at 6am I got the call saying that Zack had died. Des said that he was doing great – and then just suddenly his little heart just stopped…it was his time to go to Jesus…Zack will never feel hurt, pain or neglect again. We were able to love Zack for the two weeks we shared, but he has never experienced love like he is experiencing now!
Ups and downs…Jesus is in charge of all of them! And so we go on…resting in the fact that our God is sovereign and that we are to be His hands and feet, but he is in control. And I smile when I think of Zack – pain free and loved! And we go back to work – because there are 65 more beautiful lives that need love and care!
I am thankful for the opportunities that God is blessing Matt and I with! May we be faithful to Him in and through all things!
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
November 15, 2009
Last weekend I really got a taste of the poverty that plagues the city of Kampala, the country of Uganda and the continent of Africa, and realized just how complex a problem it is. On the evening of November 8th I accompanied Roger, from New Beginnings, into the downtown slums of Kampala. These slums are home to thousands of men, women and teenagers many of whom struggle with addictions. It is also home to Joshua and Joseph, two young men whom Roger has befriended over the years. Earlier that evening Roger asked me if I was interested in visiting Joshua, Joseph and the many other young residents of the slums and if I would “give them a word”. Unsure of what giving them a word meant and even more unsure of what I was going to say I agreed without hesitation trusting God would give me something intelligent to say.
We arrived after dark and the streets were busy with vendors, avid football (soccer) fans and people seeking an evening meal. The dirt “roads” were eerily lit by candles, kerosene lanterns and the odd street light; hardly a place appealing of an evening visit. With that being said I felt perfectly safe during my visit and even welcome.
We eventually found Joshua and Joseph; rather they found us, as it is not an easy task finding a Ugandan in the dark. I was quickly bombarded by names, handshakes and questions. After a meeting and greeting nearly twenty young men Roger told them all to sit and listen to what the pastor, me, had to say. They quickly sat and were ready to hear whatever it was that I had to say. Roger wanted me to mention that the streets were no place for them to live but other than that it was up to me. I started out with who I was and why I was in Uganda and then proceeded to tell them that the God who loved me and brought me to Uganda also loved them and had a plan for their life. I also encouraged those who had families to go home as the streets were only going to bring them harm.
I am not sure if anything I said that night sunk in but I trust God has a great plan for their lives and that he used me to play a small part in getting them on track. I did however come to the realization that getting people off the streets and pursuing something productive is no easy task. You cannot simply throw money at the situation, as they will most likely spend foolishly. You cannot tell them to get a job as few, if any, posses any type of training or education. And you cannot tell them to go to school as most secondary schools in Uganda cost money, money that they do not have or cannot keep. So how does one begin to find a solution to this problem? The only answer that I can think of is to develop friendships. To spend time with them, learn about them, earn their trust and love on them. That in my opinion would be a good start.
Things at the babies home, and specifically in the premie room have been busy the last little while. Last week Sarah received Zack, a 6 week old, 1.1kg term baby who is severely malnourished. We ask that you would all pray that Zack would begin to gain weight and strength so that he may enjoy a normal life. For those of you wondering how Meg is doing, she took her first bottle this past week and is making Sarah very proud. It was a measly 18ml but a huge step for Meg. Outside the babies home Sarah treated herself to a new African hairstyle. Pictures are available on Facebook.
Life at the shop is as busy as always and a little more stressful as Gerry is on a much deserved leave visiting family and friends back in Ohio. While my goal is still to get to know the people that I am working with, much of my time has been spent constructing kitchen cabinets for a job in Kampala. They turned out not too bad if I do say so myself. Those of you interested in the timber kiln…It is currently on its maiden voyage and so far so good. While the sun has not been out much at all the last little while, the timber is drying slowly but surly. With all of the building going on within Watoto much furniture will need to be constructed in the next few months. I am looking forward to learning much. Please pray for continued safety at the shop (God gave us 10 finders and we would like to keep in that way), that my relationships would continue to deepen and that God would give me opportunity to encourage and minister to my new friends.
We arrived after dark and the streets were busy with vendors, avid football (soccer) fans and people seeking an evening meal. The dirt “roads” were eerily lit by candles, kerosene lanterns and the odd street light; hardly a place appealing of an evening visit. With that being said I felt perfectly safe during my visit and even welcome.
We eventually found Joshua and Joseph; rather they found us, as it is not an easy task finding a Ugandan in the dark. I was quickly bombarded by names, handshakes and questions. After a meeting and greeting nearly twenty young men Roger told them all to sit and listen to what the pastor, me, had to say. They quickly sat and were ready to hear whatever it was that I had to say. Roger wanted me to mention that the streets were no place for them to live but other than that it was up to me. I started out with who I was and why I was in Uganda and then proceeded to tell them that the God who loved me and brought me to Uganda also loved them and had a plan for their life. I also encouraged those who had families to go home as the streets were only going to bring them harm.
I am not sure if anything I said that night sunk in but I trust God has a great plan for their lives and that he used me to play a small part in getting them on track. I did however come to the realization that getting people off the streets and pursuing something productive is no easy task. You cannot simply throw money at the situation, as they will most likely spend foolishly. You cannot tell them to get a job as few, if any, posses any type of training or education. And you cannot tell them to go to school as most secondary schools in Uganda cost money, money that they do not have or cannot keep. So how does one begin to find a solution to this problem? The only answer that I can think of is to develop friendships. To spend time with them, learn about them, earn their trust and love on them. That in my opinion would be a good start.
Things at the babies home, and specifically in the premie room have been busy the last little while. Last week Sarah received Zack, a 6 week old, 1.1kg term baby who is severely malnourished. We ask that you would all pray that Zack would begin to gain weight and strength so that he may enjoy a normal life. For those of you wondering how Meg is doing, she took her first bottle this past week and is making Sarah very proud. It was a measly 18ml but a huge step for Meg. Outside the babies home Sarah treated herself to a new African hairstyle. Pictures are available on Facebook.
Life at the shop is as busy as always and a little more stressful as Gerry is on a much deserved leave visiting family and friends back in Ohio. While my goal is still to get to know the people that I am working with, much of my time has been spent constructing kitchen cabinets for a job in Kampala. They turned out not too bad if I do say so myself. Those of you interested in the timber kiln…It is currently on its maiden voyage and so far so good. While the sun has not been out much at all the last little while, the timber is drying slowly but surly. With all of the building going on within Watoto much furniture will need to be constructed in the next few months. I am looking forward to learning much. Please pray for continued safety at the shop (God gave us 10 finders and we would like to keep in that way), that my relationships would continue to deepen and that God would give me opportunity to encourage and minister to my new friends.
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
November 3, 2009 – New Beginnings Orphanage
This past weekend we had the privilege of traveling three hours north of Kampala to an area called Nakasongola, which is home to an orphanage called “New Beginnings.” Roger, an Irish man, is the brains, passion and inspiration behind the orphanage. He came to Uganda, saw a need and is meeting that need. The orphanage is small with only 24 children, but is growing all too quickly. New Beginnings is currently under construction building their third dormitory. The kids were beautiful! They have nothing and yet they are FULL of joy! They were so excited to have visitors. Six of us traveled out and we were the first “team” that has come to visit. They treated us like royalty. People have so little and yet are so giving – many lessons to be learnt there!
Our two days were jam-packed!!! We did a lot of playing☺. Matt played hours worth of soccer in the hot sun with the young men of New Beginnings. Another nurse and myself did full physical assessments on the kids, which was their first. Roger was VERY grateful. I had also brought up HIV testing kits…but was sold the incorrect strips☹. I specifically asked questions so that this would not happen, but in Uganda anyone can open a pharmacy regardless of training or education. So the HIV tests will have to be done on our next trip! Auntie Michelle (one of our other team members) brought supplies to do a craft with the kids, which they loved. We had the 24 kids from New Beginnings and then others seemed to appear out of nowhere to craft it up!
On Saturday night after supper we had a dance party with the kids. We danced for about an hour with them and they dance for over two!! Ugandans are born with the innate ability to dance! After the dancing, Roger set up a white sheet in a hut and we sang along to some karaoke – good times!
Sunday we went to church. Real African bush church. We didn’t understand most of what was said, but they did translate the message for us. Summary of the message…get your act together cause we are all dying. They get right to the point here☺. After lunch Roger and the kids took us on a walk around the surrounding area. Uganda really is a beautiful country! The air was fresh and the bush so green and lush compared to the red soil. As we walked many people came out to the bush to greet the six white strangers☺. We saw “real” Africa, mud huts and naked babies! After our walk we were off! It was sad to leave as the kids ran after the van. They each stole a piece of our heart!
It was so nice to get out of Kampala and to the country. The people were SO grateful and appreciative of us. It was a humbling experience. Hopefully we will be able to see the kids again. Hopefully we will be able to get the right HIV tests next time, test the kids and get them on medication if needed. If you think about it, pray for Roger and these 24 kids. God is doing great things – we were so blessed to be apart of it! Also… One of the girls from our “team” is creating sponsorship profiles for the kids (wink wink, nudge nudge, say no more).
After reading over this post I have realized that it covers all of the facts from the weekend, but not all of the different emotions that we felt. I guess some thing’s are for the here and now. I hope that someday you all will be able to experience little pieces of heaven like we experienced this past weekend!
Our two days were jam-packed!!! We did a lot of playing☺. Matt played hours worth of soccer in the hot sun with the young men of New Beginnings. Another nurse and myself did full physical assessments on the kids, which was their first. Roger was VERY grateful. I had also brought up HIV testing kits…but was sold the incorrect strips☹. I specifically asked questions so that this would not happen, but in Uganda anyone can open a pharmacy regardless of training or education. So the HIV tests will have to be done on our next trip! Auntie Michelle (one of our other team members) brought supplies to do a craft with the kids, which they loved. We had the 24 kids from New Beginnings and then others seemed to appear out of nowhere to craft it up!
On Saturday night after supper we had a dance party with the kids. We danced for about an hour with them and they dance for over two!! Ugandans are born with the innate ability to dance! After the dancing, Roger set up a white sheet in a hut and we sang along to some karaoke – good times!
Sunday we went to church. Real African bush church. We didn’t understand most of what was said, but they did translate the message for us. Summary of the message…get your act together cause we are all dying. They get right to the point here☺. After lunch Roger and the kids took us on a walk around the surrounding area. Uganda really is a beautiful country! The air was fresh and the bush so green and lush compared to the red soil. As we walked many people came out to the bush to greet the six white strangers☺. We saw “real” Africa, mud huts and naked babies! After our walk we were off! It was sad to leave as the kids ran after the van. They each stole a piece of our heart!
It was so nice to get out of Kampala and to the country. The people were SO grateful and appreciative of us. It was a humbling experience. Hopefully we will be able to see the kids again. Hopefully we will be able to get the right HIV tests next time, test the kids and get them on medication if needed. If you think about it, pray for Roger and these 24 kids. God is doing great things – we were so blessed to be apart of it! Also… One of the girls from our “team” is creating sponsorship profiles for the kids (wink wink, nudge nudge, say no more).
After reading over this post I have realized that it covers all of the facts from the weekend, but not all of the different emotions that we felt. I guess some thing’s are for the here and now. I hope that someday you all will be able to experience little pieces of heaven like we experienced this past weekend!
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