A Little Too Pushy

I just spent three very entertaining days in Mombasa. An island city full of adventure. Yesterday I had two super fun SCUBA dives, but they weren't very deep. The deepest was 9 metres, but I saw octopus, trumpet fish, leave fish, sting rays, boxfish, huge clownfish, starfish, and much more. God's creation is so awesome.
Then today I booked a trip with a tuk-tuk driver to take me around the city. Abuu showed me all the wonderful sites - Old Town, Fort Jesus, the train station, fancy resorts, Market, and much more. We also got a tour of a Hindu temple. And we ended up having some very good religious discussions. In Mombasa the religions are 20% Hindu, 20% Christian, and 60% Muslim. Abuu later invited me to come have lunch with his wife and son. I ended up spending the afternoon with this young, beautiful muslim family. Now I am awaiting my bus back to Chuka.
You are probably wondering why I labelled this post "A little too pushy", well, I think that Mombasa men are too forward with their words and when they are drunk it's even worse. It doesn't matter what time of the day it is or who is around, men will say "Hey, you girl are my type. I like fat women." Or they would say, "Where are you walking so fast. Stay and we could become very good friends." Even the staff at my small hotel were incredibly open. They said, "Hey, how can a girl like you go to her room alone at night?... Don't you know that it's very hot in Mombasa and that makes people's blood boil, and you need some ways to release your energies." Are you kidding me? I ended up having a long talk with these two kitchen staff - because the power was out and I was eating my supper at the outdoor cafeteria. They were absolutely stunned to here that there is a 33 year old virgin in the world. I just can't imagine how many foreigners come to Mombasa and fall for those lines though.
And then there are those who decide to become your tour guide the minute you show up at a place. Even when the signs are very clear or you already know your way through a place, they stick to you and then ask you for 50 - 100 shillings at the end. I hate paying it, but sometimes they will grab your vehicle or make a huge scene. It really frustrates me because it wasn't money planned in my budget. Even Abuu was upset at the end of the day that I didn't give him a tip, even though I know I paid him very well.
But there are saving graces everywhere. This morning I was researching cheap hotels in Nairobi before I fly back home on the 7th of January. A man at the next computer saw me with my map out and asked what I was looking for. He ended up being a tour representative and within five minutes he had booked me a cheap hotel in the right location. And he said, "I don't want any commission, please"... if only I would go on to the hotel's website and say that he helped me book the room. It's promotion for him. I was peaceful about having the next leg of my journey organized. Eight more days folks and I'll be home.

Mishaps in Mombassa

This morning, after getting off the bus at 6:30 am I found my way to a Glory Holiday Resort, thanks to my tuk-tuk driver. Yes, those three wheeled motorcycle taxis are not only in India, but also in Mombasa. I checked in, bought a few groceries, especially liquids because it is so hot and humid on the coast. Then I went for a super long walk to explore the city. Many matatus were trying to flag me down, but I didn't want to take a squishy van taxi today, I wanted some serious exercise. So I walked and walked and walked til I reached my limit.
While walking a matatu pulled over and a muslim woman in full garb was trying to climb out of the vehicle. Her black dress caught on the seat inside the van and she came tumbling out. I was there to help pick up her bag and see if she was okay. She shook it off and walked away.
I found the Bus Booking Office in downtown Mombasa to buy my return ticket for Wednesday and then flagged down another tuk-tuk. And I scored much better on the price. I still forget that everything needs to be discussed. (Even my hotel room I got for less than half price :) ) As we were coming back there were some people selling plums and they looked so good. One man was trying to sell them to me, but I was having a hard time finding my money. We had been stopped at an intersection, but when the light turned green, the vendor jumped on to the side of the tuk-tuk. As we rounded the corner, the tuk-tuk driver started to pull over to let the guy off, but the vendor was a little anxious and jumped from a moving vehicle. But his fruit got caught in the backseat bars, and he ended up being thrown to the ground, under the wheel. The driver had to back up so the guy could stand up. He too just shook it off like it was all in a days work, but the driver thought the young guy was crazy.
But when I got back to the resort and washed the plums, it was totally worth it.
This afternoon I went out for another long walk and finally found a SCUBA dive shop. I signed up for two dives tomorrow afternoon. After some practice time in the pool, since it has been three years since I got my license. Woo Hoo!! I am so pumped!

Mombasa

I have just arrived in Mombasa on the overnight bus. My friends in Chuka blessed me with this little getaway and I am glad to have reached the coast. Staying in Chuka has been a wonderful experience. Very relaxing (unless you count the hours of preparing food from scratch after going to the garden to get the ingredients, hauling water, bucket baths, and washing clothes by hand) and truly friendly. I have been spending a lot of time with Zima and her family, talking by the light of the lantern or visiting with neighbours.

Now I am in Mombasa for three full days. I hope to Scuba Dive tomorrow. Yeah! I wish that I could find my USB so I could upload pics, but alas... you are put on hold until I can find a computer that will read my camera's memory card.

I am doing great, but looking forward to coming home in less than two weeks.

In Chuka, Kenya

On Friday night, Zima and I boarded an over-night bus and headed home to Chuka, at the Eastern base of Mt. Kenya. Crossing the border was a fun experience - we had to walk half a km to catch up to the bus because it was already parked in Kenya while we went through Uganda and Kenya immigrations. My visa was half price. Yeah! So excited. We arrived in Nairobi at 4 in the morning and took another bus at 7 to Chuka.

There I found a village town home, filled with wonderful people, ready to welcome me for Christmas. A family with 6 children. 4 of them are in their 20's and then two boys, 9 and 10. They have all become family to me. No electricity. Dirt floors. Bucket baths. Lots of milk tea. Great fellowship. And so much more. It's the experience of a lifetime and I am looking forward to spending Christmas here. On the day we arrived we attended a wedding. On Sunday, Zima and I hiked through a steep valley with her two youngest brothers to attend a traditional presbyterian church service.

Today papa took us to the Shamba... his garden, in a remote place. We hopped in a matatu (or van/taxi) and took it 14 km out of town to explore his crops and have a picnic lunch. On the way back, while waiting for a taxi, a distant relative arrived with a car and decided to take 7 of us in to town. We got pulled over by the police on the way back, but thankfully papa talked to them and we continued on our journey. The driver was so happy to have a respected teacher in the car with him!

Now we are shopping in the market and I am getting some leather safari boots made! Ha HA!! I have finally made it to East Africa!

Pure Heaven

This morning I biked to town to finish paying bills and say goodbye to a few shop keepers. I went back to OM Supermarket, a mother to MY supermarket. :) The owners of the store invited me into their home with smiles on their faces. These wonderful Indians have become fun friends to me. Viba and I drank chai together and watched a video of her brother's wedding in India. These friends will certainly have a special place in my heart. When I was leaving they gave me a gift of chocolate and Pure Heaven, a non-alcoholic bubbly. So kind and thoughtful!

Pamba Party

On Sunday morning I say a song of Benediction to the congregation and thought I was saying my final farewell, but they decided to throw a spontaneous party for Monday night. So at 4:30pm on Monday I arrived in Pamba for an exciting evening of fellowship.

The women were very busy in the kitchen, preparing a simple supper for us all!
I sang with many of the kids and young people. Praise and worship went on for almost an hour before a more formal program began.

The Teso culture loves to sing... and even repeats songs many times throughout the evening. I thought I loved music, but these people out do me.

During the program there were also a few fun musical numbers.

The whole church is sad to see me go, even if they say that with big smiles on their faces. Some of the children gave speeches about how grateful they are that I taught them so many Bible stories. And the young people said that even though the Sunday School program wouldn't be the same without me, it would not die. They have learned a lot about Children's Ministry and they will keep it going no matter what! Stories will be told in creative ways and the children will be visited in their home.

I really see some potential leaders in the kids of Pamba, so I truly pray these kids will be raised under the Godly leadership of some great young people.

Teachable Moments

Two days ago I was asked if I would teach a small group about children's ministry. We quickly lined up the talk for this afternoon because my time is running out. And wow, what a great experience. I think my team-mate Josh would be proud, because he has such a heart for the children also, and it was his material that I used to teach most of the session. (Thanks Josh!) Seven of us adults and two children met in a decent sized hut to share and learn about children's ministry. I got excited when I talked about drama, expression, passion, creativity, music, and much more when it comes to the kids. The other adults present were grateful for the insight. They said they often would just stand in front of the kids and read to them straight from the Bible, and not only were the children bored, but so were the teachers. I hope that this little session will bring some new joy to a few groups of children. "For the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these."

A Christmas Wish

I just got home from town, and as I was unloading my purse and photocopying, a man called from the printing shop... I had forgotten my groceries. I had left them in the store while my papers were being photocopied. Oops, silly me. I will bike back to town and get them. :) Earlier today I was biking around town, handing out a few Christmas cards. I brought one over to MY Supermarket and was glad to see my two new Indian friends working there. Inside the home-made card I had also placed two bookmarks that describe who we are in Christ. I was so excited to see one of the guys studying the bookmarks and reading them diligently. I explained to him that Christ is the reason we have Christmas. He seemed very open to listening, and he shook my hand, and whole-heartedly wished me a very Merry Christmas. It is my Christmas wish that he will come to know Christ as his personal Lord and Saviour.

A Lovely Luncheon

Over the past couple of months I have met a lot of people during my stay in Uganda. Some quickly became best friends and others were always cheerful aquaintances. Well, this week I ran into a man I have met only a few times. He is a former child soldier escapee, and he wanted to invite me over for lunch. He actually said, "Please come at 1 pm sharp." Wow, that is never heard of here, but I made sure to honour his request as his wife was coming home from the village especially to cook for me. It turned in to a lovely afternoon. We sat in what little shade we could find beside their simple hut, at the edge of the IDP (Internally Displaced People) camp. The wife, little girl, and I all shelled peanuts / gnuts, while the guys sat around and talked. Two pastors ended up joining us for a lunch of atap, rice, and yummy chicken. I didn't eat any of the atap because the sorgum millet mush just isn't my idea of delicious.
After lunch the conversation flowed to all that I have been a part of this year and the pastors said, "Karen, you need to come back. And we want you to come to Abim with us to preach the gospel and plant a church." They had no idea that I had even been considering Abim. It is a very small town about two and a half hours north of Soroti, on the edge of Karamoja region. Their suggestion definitely got my heart racing. I continue to pray about what my future looks like. But in the meantime, I enjoyed a luncheon with my casual friends. The wife even added a bag of mangos to the basket of my bike before I left at 3:40pm.

And then tonight, I was surprised to hear that another friend took the bus from a neighbouring city just so that she could come and say good-bye. She just left with her husband, as they came by for a short evening visit. I should not have been surprised to see the tears in her eyes as they left on a motorcycle, but I was. I rarely see this dear friend and she didn't want me to leave Uganda yet. This week could prove to be interesting as I say good-bye to many people. One week from today I board a bus to Kenya.

Little Brothers

Yesturday morning I biked around Soroti with Moses, one of my Sunday school helpers. We are trying to put together a fun presentation for the kids on Sunday, and so we went out to take photos around Soroti. I enjoyed biking through some parts of town I have never been in, following sandy paths and using the huge Soroti Rock as reminder as to what part of town I was in. First stop: the Pamba market. Here is a man making gnut paste. Ground nut = peanut butter.

Tables of dried fish.
Sweet potatoes.

There is a fairly large second hand clothing market here. I can often find clothing with Value Village or Salvation Army tags on them. And they sometimes cost more to purchase here then at the second hand stores back home. Crazy.

Then over to a hardware store where Benjamin works. Can you find him in the woodpile? He is Moses' brother, and also one of my wonderful Sunday school helpers and translaters.

Then over to the bicycle repair street. Not only do they fix bikes there, but you can also buy tire shoes and tire rope.

In the afternoon I went over to visit at my Ugandan parents. There is a couple here who have the same names as my parents, so they adopted me as their daughter. They had harvested a field of simsim last week (simsim = sesame seeds) and this week the ladies shook out all the seeds and then were winnowing the extra plants, dust, bugs, etc away.

I had decided two days ago to take my little brothers out for a special treat. So on Tuesday I spent a few hours with Solomon. He is three. We went out for sodas and he rode on the back of my bike to town to run a few errands. I don't think Solomon gets to town very often (and it's only a 10 minute bike ride away) because he was super afraid of going in to the shops. :)

Then on Wednesday Gordie went with me to town and out for sodas. Mama was so glad that I took my brothers out. It's a very rare treat for them.

Auntie Karen video

These two girls are in my Sunday school class. Today was my second last day of teaching. They wrote a song for me:

"We love Karen... she is a good auntie. (2x)

She taught us about Daniel.

She taught us about King David."

Short but sweet!

Billboard

Does anyone else find this billboard humourous?

Pamba Drama

This afternoon I biked out to Pamba to begin capturing the "Hard Life in Africa" with my Sunday school class. I'm not sure how it's a hard life, because it turned out to be a two hour blast!

The girls played a version of dodgeball / monkey in the middle.

Everyone played a variety of song games.

The kids led me down a path to the bore hole, aka, water source. Buckets are carried on the head... I can't believe how strong the necks are around here... especially on the ladies.

Everyone hoisted their bucket, or pretended to. :)

Then we hiked back to the house.

More games and songs and dramatic ideas.

The boys even brought their rags to change into... to show the difficult life.

And they played in these extra clothes the whole time. I'm not sure if they actually wear them at home, or if they are just rags they brought, but it sure was an added comedy. (Although, I must admit I have seen some very sad outfits during my time here.)

The boys played with balls made out of plastic bags or old stuffed socks.

And an old-fashioned game of marbles.

What little kid doesn't try on shoes that are too big for him?

And to finish off the afternoon, we all went out for a bottle of soda.

In Soroti Town

Occasionally I hang out with some friends who work above the market street in Soroti.
I get a bird's view of all the bargain shopping that goes on down below.

The market is very near to Soroti rock, the geographical feature that allows Soroti to be seen from 20 miles away.

Can you find a speedy piki-piki driver?

And just for fun I thought I would add this shot. This is dear Teddy. A young girl who loves to be standing up front with me the whole time I teach Sunday school.

High School Interview

Last night, 10 pm my time, I was interviewed by a Social Justice class of high school students in Toronto. I really enjoyed sharing about my work here and also talking about child soldiers in Uganda, the LRA, and the war. Thankfully the LRA is not active in Uganda at the moment, but people remain fearful because they are just over the border in Congo and Sudan. But the Lord is good, teens and young adults are slowly being accepted back into their communities and into a somewhat normal lifestyle. Please pray that Joseph Kony will be captured and that this evil war can stop.

A Dividing Church

This morning was a very tough morning at my church in Pamba. Both of the pastors announced that they really couldn't work together anymore. A spirit of distrust, pride, jealousy, bitterness, finances, etc all seemed to get in the way and broke these two men down. One of the pastors stepped down from his postion and then moments later was brought to the hospital with an extremely high blood pressure. The church has been rocked. Both pastors and their wives have called me to meet with them lately, to talk things through, and to pray together, but it seems that the Satan has a stronghold. Many people are shouting, "The devil is a liar!" Please pray for peace and reconciliation in the church that has become my home for the past few months.
Also, today, flocks and flocks and flocks of people have been walking to Soroti. Hot Radio, one of the local radio stations, has flown in all the top music artists from around Uganda and there is a huge concert in the sports grounds. I have never seen so many people in Soroti. The streets are flooded. But as I write this entry it is currently pouring rain and it doesn't look like it will let up. (This is the craziest dry season I have ever heard about!) Well, many churches are also gathering to pray for their young people because they believe that if their kids are at the all day concert they are going to hell. Some are worried that if Christ returns right now, their children will be left behind. I was glad to have a moment with a small group from church to explain that their children are not going to hell for going to a concert. Even if Christ returns, he still loves them at that moment. This concert is not a salvation issue. But the parents are truly rejoicing now that the rain is pouring. For the evil has been temporarily stopped.

A Dramatic Twist

Recently I was talking with the young people who help me with Sunday school and I thought it would be fun if we put on a big drama for the kids, to re-enact some stories. These young guys loved the idea. "Africans can act!", they exclaimed. So we planned to meet on Saturday afternoon. I asked them if I should bring some ideas and they said, "No, we have lots of suggestions."
Yesturday afternoon, after visiting the roadside bicycle repair shop, to put a bolt on my back fender to keep it in place, I biked the 25 minutes out to Pamba. I met at the house of my Sunday school helpers. To my delight Moses and Carol (who has been away at school the past few months) were both there and ready to plan. We sat inside the simple brick house and they brought out their notebook. The first page was titled "Life is Very Hard in Africa" and then they had made a list of the hard things:

• getting water from the well
• farming / digging
• traditional clothing and torn clothing
• education
• church
• preparing meals
• making money
• going to the market
• biking

Well, yes, I agreed life could be hard in Africa sometimes, but I wasn't sure how this could be a Sunday school lesson. I challenged them a little and said, "How do we see God in all of this?"

We came up with a plan to add music and prayer and encouragement through each scene of the drama. But they also changed their minds about acting. They want to make it a video or photo exhibit presentation. I am doing my best to work with them on this funny presentation... it certainly wasn't my idea, but that's probably a good thing. I really want to encourage the young people in their gifts and dreams and so I will make this work. We are going to plan a few photo opportunities between now and the 13th of December. I'll let you know how it turns out.

I'm full!

This evening a really good friend of mine invited me over for dinner. This German friend has been volunteering with YWAM (Youth With a Mission) and over the past few months we have become friends. Well, tonight she invited me over for one of the best home cooked meals I have had in a while. Meatballs, potatoes, Caulifower with cheese sauce, mangoes... the latter two ingredients she purchased in a neighbouring city to make sure the meal was perfect. It was so nice to fellowship with someone who is sort of going through the same questions in life that I am, except that she is also adopting a 4 year old Ugandan daughter. I thank God for her hospitality and friendship.

Stray cows

This afternoon I was sitting at my table writing letters when, to my surprise, I looked up and saw two cows chewing the grass in my yard. Huh? I went outside and saw that the small door to my gate was open and these two lost cows were just making themselves at home. It was starting to rain, so there were no people around. Thankfully these two bulls had a long rope tied to one of their feet, so I just grabbed the ropes and started pulling them towards the gate. As they got closer to the door they started to complain and that made some kids look out to see what was going on. Laughter erupted as the princesses saw I was struggling with these cattle. Soon the children ran over and grabbed tree branches to shoo them out of the yard while I opened the big gate for easier access. I thought my dowry was arriving early, but the only thing I was allowed to keep were a few piles of dung. Aaah, all in a day's work.

Loving a Child

This dear little boy follows me every where and is often waiting by my gate to welcome me home. He gives me the sweetest hugs and he gets so excited when I visit him and his family. Last night his mother said to me, "Karen, thank you for loving my son. You have really shown me what it means to love. I see you hugging him, playing with him, enjoying him. And there are some days I can hardly say that I love him. I have three children, but I don't always love them, but you have shown me that I should. You have shown me how much joy I can find in playing with them, and how precious it is for them in return."
I tell you, the tears were in my eyes! LOVE!

One Final Request

I humbly request that if anyone feels called to continue supporting me one final time, donations are very welcome in my name with International Teams. I would love for you to partner with me still, as I continue working with some wonderful Ugandan people. Together we can make a difference.
For Canadians, please send a cheque to:
International Teams
1 Union Street
Elmira, Ontario
N3B 3J9
and make sure that you write "Karen Lubbers" on the memo line.

or you can donate on-line at:
http://my.e2rm.com/personalPage.aspx?SID=2172974

For Americans to donate with a cheque:
International Teams
Attn: Receipting Department
411 W. River Road
Elgin, IL
60123

You can also donate online at:
http://www.iteams.org/index2.shtml Then click on the GIVE button. In the where to give box, type Karen Lubbers.

Thank you so much for making a difference in Soroti, Uganda.

Echoes of Thunder

At our last Bible study, the Princesses asked if they could have a small good-bye party at my house on Monday. At first they were thinking of juice and popcorn and inviting their boarding house parents. On Sunday I received an official invitation to attend the party at my house and they asked me to be the Master of Ceremonies. (Is it still master if I AM WOMAN?)
On Monday they started coming over at 11 am with arm loads of stuff. I don't know where the girls got the budget from, but there were chickens, potatoes, flour, cabbage, a charcoal stove, trays, a crate of soda, and more.
Some of the girls worked very hard in the kitchen. Below you see a shot of dough that will turn in to Chapatis, or Indian flatbread.

The girls also made paper decorations and hung balloons all over my dining room and living room. Chairs were lined up. It was going to be yet another formal party.

The girls that I had weekly Bible studies with also put together a small choir, called "Echoes of Thunder" and they sang a few beautiful numbers during the program.

The hard rains delayed the party from 3 pm til 6:30 pm, but that didn't damper it at all. A pastor came to encourage the girls, the boarding house parents and guard all said a few words, Scripture was read, songs sang, and yummy food was eaten.

Much to my surprise the evening ended up being a blessing to me as well. Such encouraging words from the girls, and their respected elders, that I knew without a doubt God has used me this year.

Introduction in Tororo

On Saturday I went with my friends, Lawrence and Thomas to an Introduction in Tororo. Tororo is about three hours away. An Introduction is sort of like an engagement party, but it's also the day when the dowry or bride price is discussed between both sides of the family. The boys wore ephods, or kanzus, to keep up with the Buganda traditional dress.
The groom had rented a bus to take some of his guests from Soroti to the festivities.

When we got there at 4:30 in the afternoon, the men lined up and the women lined up, and then together we marched onto the bride's homestead and found a place to sit under a large white canopied tent. I even helped some of the ladies carry gifts to the brides family - gifts of soda, meat, jewelry, etc. Goats and bulls decorated the driveway as well. Thankfully it had already been discussed how much the bride is worth, because I don't think I could handle that talk.

For entertainment, between all the speeches and discussions, there were some very traditional dancers. Wow, these people could truly roll their stomachs energetically.

The lady below is the oldest lady in Lawrence's family clan. The groom is a cousin to Lawrence. I'm sure that this lady is over 100, but no one quite knows her real age. A very precious lady. I tried to communicate with her while sitting on the bus, but her Enlish is non-existent, and so is my understanding of her language.

By 8 pm we were all sharing a meal together and then we loaded back on to the bus and headed back to Soroti. Now there is only one more cultural celebration that everyone tells me I need to attend, and that is a wedding. Cheers.

Slumber Party

Yesturday afternoon I was writing more of my Christmas letter, some of the neighbour kids came over to play. Henry, Lydia, and Winnie love playing in my house. Later in the evening I packed my bright pink suitcase with a game of Bingo, a pillow, blankets, water bottle, toothbrush and paste, Bible, and a book and marched across the street to where Henry lives.
His parents run a hostel for 68 village girls who need boarding while they attend high school in Soroti. And this is where my 14 Princesses reside. I was invited for a slumber party.

Just after arrival we all sat down on the bedroom floor to share a meal of beans and posho (white corn bread). Somehow a chicken leg also appeared in my dish. I think it was a gift from the hostel owners. :) After dinner I introduced the girls to Bingo. They loved the game!
It was a rainy night, so we hung around inside the room, talking, singing, and laughing. They were so excited to see my teddy bear in their room and wanted to hear more of "Bones'" stories of adventure. In this particular room, which they called "I don't care" there were 4 triple-decker bunks. Occasionally girls from the other rooms, "Queens" or "Warriars", etc would drop by to chat.
I also joined the whole group in watching a Nigerian film on a tv where the colour is mainly green. It was a good story, for once, about a blind boy who prayed for his family, and after 2o years his father finally came to know the Lord. Really inspiring actually.

I climbed in to bed around 11pm. Thankfully they gave me the bottom bunk. This was the view when I looked up. :) At 8 am we started to greet the day, in song. Slowly we took bucket baths and ate cassava chips and posho porridge for breakfast. And again, this time an orange was sitting in front of me on the floor. The father of the hostel was so proud to have a mzungu stay with the girls. I finally crossed the dirt road back to my house at 10:30 am. A very fun night!

Kampala Photos

Sarah, Josiah, and I took time to be tourists for one day. My friend Ben took us around Kampala.We visited the National museum, and my favourite part was exploring the model huts from the different tribes.

Here I am in front of a Karamajong home.

Josiah, Sarah, and myself... the only International Team Beyond team-mates left in Uganda at the moment. We miss the Sliedrechts and the Shaardas.

It's a hard life in a typical African home.

Sarah and I in front of the kings palace, the biggest grass hut in the world. 9 1/2 meters high and 31 meters wide.

Josiah, Sarah and I went to the kings tombs. We sat with the tour guide and heard some history from the Buganda tribe.

Anything you would like to buy is available on the streets.

Market streets in Kampala.

Here we are, trying to maneuver our way through traffic. You squeeze in where you can until you get through the intersection.

This is a small view of the taxi park in Kampala.