Disappearing Acts

Life on the home front is always full of surprises.  Saturday night I found a rat, dead, in my bathing room. "Great," I thought.  "The poison is working!"  Sunday morning I woke up and wanted to bathe quickly before church, only to find another rat in my bathing room.  This time it wasn't dead though... but dying.  Blood was spattered throughout the tiled room and it was sitting in the drain, trying to get water.  I don't know how to kill rats, so I summoned the help of Victor, my 10 year old neighbor.  He came running over with a piece of paper and said "I'm great at catching rats.  Full of courage, he reached down to grab the rat.  As soon as the paper touched the rat, it jumped, ran through my legs and scooted into my sitting room.  We couldn't spot it under the couch and time was running out for me to get to church on time.  I decided that since it was no longer in the bathing room, I would quickly scrub the bathroom and shower and head to church.
After church, to my delight, the rat was back in the bathing room. More blood.  But this time the neighbor boys were able to kill it.  Rat number 2!!  Yeah.  Another good scrub of the bathroom. 
Tuesday Victor left for boarding school.  He is going into P5 and he is so excited to be traveling 2 hours away from home to attend classes.  He packed his metal trunk and headed away with much energy.  So yesterday, Thursday, his twin brothers - Opio and Ocen, age 5, decided they would also pack for boarding school.  I loved it that Opio walked around all day with a Lightning McQueen pack on his back, filled with pajamas, plastic plates, a sling shot, some clothes, a pencil, and a few toy cars.  Ready for boarding! 
Throughout the morning, I needed to retrieve a book from my bookshelf tucked in the corner, and that's when I noticed the rat blood.  O great... the rat that escaped on Sunday morning disappeared into my book shelf and bleed on top of two rows of books.  That meant some serious spring cleaning.  The boys - Opio, Ocen, and another 4 year old, Chris - decided that they would help clean.  Before I knew it, my house was a mopping central station.  For those of you who have spent any quality time with kids, you know that chores are easier done without them, but they were having fun and my floors were being "cleaned".  (I had to clean the floors again a few hours later when a third rat ventured into my sitting room.  With the help of Alice, another friend, we killed the thing with two brooms and swept it outside.  I hope I'm done with rats for a while.)
The boys went outside while the floors were drying.  At lunch time, the helper who stays with the twins came over to ask if the boys were with me.  No, they weren't.  I told her to check the flat for Chris' family.  Five minutes later, the helper came back, once again asking if I had the boys.  O no... there is a problem.  I went to all six flats in the compound and asked if the boys were there.  And they were not around.  They had disappeared.  This had never happened to us before with these boys.  Helpers started strolling the neighborhood and I jumped on my bike.
I couldn't see the boys, but about 45 minutes later, their mother called me to tell me that Opio and Ocen were now home safe.  The mother and father had been notified, so they also joined the search.  By the time I reached home, the boys were all in bed, properly disciplined.  The parents started to tell me that they found Opio on one street and Ocen ran home from another direction around the block.  They had all gone out to buy sweets (candies) with money that Chris had taken from home.  Except the money wasn't Ugandan currency, so they ended up with nothing.  They went to a friend's house instead, also 5 or 6 years old and he joined them on the adventure.
I know because in the afternoon I went to MY Supermarket, downtown Soroti, and the shop keepers there said, "Oh Karen, we have a story for you.  Your boys were here earlier. They kept piling things on the counter... 8 apples, 6 juice boxes, 5 cakes... and they had no money."  I couldn't stop laughing.  At least they were all home safe. 
Chris took an hour longer to get home, but thankfully the neighbors never stopped looking for him.  He was picked up by a man with a motorcycle who drove around with him, trying to find "home".  After some time, the man decided to take him to Etop Radio Station and that's when Chris recognized our compound and found his own way home.  The man was paid for his troubles and Chris was also reprimanded. 
You should see the boys faces.  I think they had a good time while they were out, but I don't think they will ever leave the compound without an adult again.
I laughed when the boys told their mom that they couldn't buy groceries without money.  The mother said, "Even I don't have money." 
"Oh Mom, you just need to get a plastic card like Auntie Karen.  She just puts it in the wall and a few seconds later money comes out.  Just get a card, you'll have money."  Ha ha ha!!

GPS - Global Prayer Safari - Kenya

This year I joined the GPS team in Kenya.  I really needed a time of spiritual refreshment and I felt like it would also strengthen the partnership with my CRWM East and South African partners.  And wow, I am being awakened in prayer.  For the past few days, testimonies - both good and hard bring tears to my eyes.  I feel like my prayer life has come alive.  I find myself praying through the newspaper, or prayer for the security guard as I leave a shop.  I pray that the courage and energy doesn't leave when I travel back to Uganda next week.)

I landed on Friday the 5th, about 6 hours before a big team arrived from North America, so I stuck around the airport and researched and wrote my sermon while I waited for the driver with the GPS sign.  I thank God that He has given me the gift of Wooing others, because within a half hour at the airport I had a sharply dressed police officer and a 5-star hotel salesman sitting with me.  We chatted about life, travel, and yes - prayer.  The salesman let me sit in the hotel's office at the airport.  I stored my bag there, used the computer, sat at the desk to write, and hung out with other friendly staff that work in the airport.  The six hours flew by and before I new it I was delivered to my hotel.

 It was midnight when we pulled in to the Tea Tot Hotel.  A beautiful place with good food... in the heart of Machakos.  Machakos was the start off location for the GPS.

 Saturday, close to 40 of us, prayed through the market place and participated in an open-air Kick off Ceremony.  I proudly waved the flag for Uganda!  Other countries represented were: Ethiopia, South Africa, Cambodia, Romania, Kenya, Canada, and the US.  A great time of international fellowship.  Together we have been praying for the world - global concerns, government, police, spiritual, physical.... personal and institutional.

 On Sunday we divided in to groups of two's and went with a local pastor to preach and pray at their church.  I had the pleasure of sharing God's Word - "Celebrating God in Prayer" - at Rev. Sammy's church.  His wife Dorcas was a delight to meet and after church they blessed us with lunch in a nice hotel grounds and then we went for a stroll in the park.

 Pam and I couldn't resist a camel ride around the People's Park of Machakos.

 Here is our tour bus - loud, old, and instrumental for most of our transport!

 We have prayed for police and their stations in many counties and towns.

 We have prayed in churches

 We have prayed for those who pass by and our curious about the team.

 We prayed on the side of the road while our bus had a flat tire and a brake fluid leak.

We have prayed in government office elevators where we were crammed for over a half hour - stuck!  God answers prayer in such delightful ways!

 We have prayed for schools in the slums and the villages.

 We have prayed for art centres that encourage children. And we have prayed in hospitals.  In the maternity ward I was able to hug a mother who just lost her new born baby, and not a single family member was with her there.  I was able to pray for patients who are struggling with mental illness and for the psychiatrist who treats them.

We have prayed in the market and shops, and sometimes we purchase a product or two that help open the door to conversation.  This is thorn melon... looks a little bit that a passion fruit inside.  Not overly sweet, but I did find it refreshing.

This whole trip has been incredibly refreshing.  In a few hours I am going to wave the flag of Uganda through the streets of Nairobi as we pray through another market place and make our way to the closing ceremony.  Tomorrow I will preach in a city church and on Monday I will begin heading home.  The Lord is Good.

 

A Cultural Event - A Father's Burial

Friday afternoon I received word that the father of one of the Oil of Gladness band members passed away.  I called other bandmates and we awaited the news for the where and when of the burial.  Sunday afternoon we found out that the burial would be the following day, in Toroma.  We organized vehicles and gathered at the Cathedral in town to travel together as a group. 

Upon arrival at the homestead at 11am, we saw big tents shading a large U-shaped area around the coffin which was under its own tent.  I filed in line with my friends and church colleagues as we walked past the open coffin, to pay our last respects to a man who died of intestinal cancer.  The ground was rough, the grass was dry, and the skies were bright blue.  I sat at the front of one tent, hoping that the sun would not catch me later on in the day, but thankfully the shadows moved in other directions. 

I'm always amazed at how people love to go to burials.  It's a full day event, with probably 1500 in attendance.  Lots of speeches - from politicians, family members, and church leaders, as well as, collections, announcements, photos with the coffin, laying of the wreathes, and chief mourners. 

As I listened to the children, 10 of them, talk about their father, I became emotional.  Why do we sometimes wait until the funeral to share the good or the tough things about someone?  I felt convicted to let my loved ones know how much they mean to me.  Trust me, you just never know when life is over. 

Close to 4 pm the crowd marched over to the designated burial place at the edge of the property and then a meal was served - of rice pilau, cabbage, meat, brown beans, and posho (cornmeal).  We made sure that as a group we went to greet the one daughter that we personally knew and loved... and then we hopped in the van to drive home. 

My traveling companions thought it was rather humorous that many children would stand in excited groups and wave at the mzungu in the front seat as we drove through the villages.  They mentioned that maybe I am missing a ministry opportunity - to witness to those children who are still delighted with seeing a white person.  Me, I'm not so sure... it can get tiring.  :)  I just think that we all experienced a great ministry together... sharing the final goodbyes with a friend we love so dearly.

Oh No! We ATE One!

In the barn of Oil of Gladness, we are raising Cambrough and Large Whites, but last year we also inherited a local pig.  She was pregnant and blessed us with a few little ones that we have been raising with the neighbours.  On Sunday, we decided that as a band we should enjoy the rewards of two years worth of work so far.

So a pork roast was held!

 After months of sunshine, the grey skies and rains decided to make an all day presence on Sunday.  The party was supposed to have begun at 2pm, but of course, due to weather, it was delayed.  Which meant we didn't eat until 9:30pm or reach back to town until 11:30pm.  :)

 Everyone had a role to play to make sure that dinner was served.  I chopped tomatoes and onions.  We missed other band members who were not able to make it, due to illness, weather, distance, and other programs.

 Since it was late, we decided to fry most of the pork and only roast a few spokes to sample.

 It takes much patience to watch your favourite meat roast over the charcoal.

 Delicious!

 Fun times were had by everyone!

And the next day, the neighbours enjoyed all the leftovers.  :)

Kampala and Kids

Happy New Year!  2016 started out rather chaotic with a trip to Kampala for a variety of reasons.  One - to visit friends who recently had a new baby via C-section.  Two - to pick up my passport from the Immigration offices.  Three - to fix my car in the garage. Four - to see the doctor - for a physical because it has been a few years (I don't like doctors). Five - to eat out a few times and buy some nice groceries to take back to Soroti.  On the way home from Kampala, my car broke down outside of Mbale... and it spent another week in the garage, trying to fix the fuel valves that got damaged after the timing belt blew.  Thankfully I was able to take the bus home and leave the car in the hands of friends and mechanics. 

 Last Sunday the kids had a huge New Year party!  Lots of songs, games, dancing, and energy.  I was able to share with them the story of Jesus being presented at the Temple, and how excited Simeon and Anna were to meet the Saviour.

 If they paid the 2000 ugx registration, they received a hat and a snack.  :)  Great idea!!

 This young man could really entertain!

 An energetic rendition of "Follow the Leader!"

 Chapati, fruit, biscuits, juice - the kids were very satisfied.

Then this week I was off to Serere, with Village 2 Village, for three days.  I traveled with a team of young girls from the Sports Outreach Program.  They taught the kids 12 and under, and I spend the time with the teens.  It was so rewarding to dig deep into Discipleship and Evangelism.

 Here they are playing a game.  On the count of three... the bottom hand is supposed to catch the finger, while at the same time trying to remove your finger from the other person's hand. 

 Day One was a little challenging, but after spending three days together, we began to build trust and have a lot of fun together. 

On the last day we studied our Identity in Christ... and this is one of the pictures a young girl drew before we studied the lesson.  That picture describes her - hard working, a Princess, part of a family, loves Jesus and going to church, likes trees and relaxing on sunny days.  :)

December Delights

December's are always my busiest month of ministry.  Youth Conferences, Bible club, Christmas gatherings... on top of that - pigs and life.  :) 

I am excited to say that our piggery is doing well.   

 Two weeks ago 6 more piglets were born into the barn and now we have a total of 17.  A few have already been slaughtered and I have a feeling this Oil of Gladness project may prove to be successful yet.  It's been a long journey, but sometime some equipment will come out of all the hard work.  Microphones and speakers are first on the wish list!

 Merry Christmas to you!

 Santa Claus came to town, and since he refused to greet the kids, they were not happy. :(

 Oil of Gladness has ministered at 4 weddings in the last 2 months.

 Group shot! In uniform with the new drum kit... a special gift from Bethel CRC in Newmarket.

 Sam missed the group shot by moments... so here he is!

 Last week there was a huge youth conference and I was treasurer, registrar and speaker.  Treasurer was both hard and easy, because there was almost zero money to work with... except for the small registration fee that the youth brought with them to attend a 6 day conference. Thankfully I had an awesome crew of neighbours and friends to help me make name tags and meal cards.

 Over 1800 youth registered to attend the annual Anglican youth conference.  A massive event.

 Lots of singing, prayer and fasting, listening, laughing, and learning.

 Hallelujah was a big support to me at the registration table.

 Oil of Gladness let an evening of praise on the Wednesday night.

 Power kept kicking off, so the drums kept us going in local praise and worship.

 Here are the youth escorting the guest speaker to my car, after she finished speaking.  So fun!

 Cultural music

 I am so grateful for Rev. Beseri Otekat and all his hard work in making sure the conference was a huge success!  He is a joy to partner with in the ministry.

Yesterday I had the great privilege of catching up with old college friends.  I'm beyond thankful that Joseph, Glenda, and Keziah drove out of their way to come and see me.  God is so good.

CYCAS in Alebtong

The Compassion site in Alebtong called the Soroti Children's ministry team to come and train them in CYCAS.  For 5 days we traveled deep into the village and taught 29 church leaders and Compassion directors on Children Youth Community and Sports.  We were delighted to journey together and train both children and leaders. 

 Stopping along the way - a 4 hour drive... to climb trees and stretch.

 During the trainings the youth were also being taught some craft skills.  Here is a group learning how to make cement flower pots and other decorating items.

 Another group was learning how to crochet bags and baby shoes.

 Serving the trainees.... that challenged some of the men because they thought that white people never serve... the old colonial thinking.

 Playing fun games

 Water Bucket Relay

 At the end of the day, our typical classroom moved outside for fresh air.

 I taught and babysat at the same time. :)

 Back inside the classroom

 An airplane/airport race...

 With Immigration at the end of the game

"Don't touch!"  Can you get the biscuit from your forehead to your mouth without using your hands?

We had a great week of learning, fellowship, serving, and village life.