Christmas Thoughts

It's snowing (yes again) in Iowa.  On this Sunday before Christmas I decide to have my own special church service. I go walking along the nature trail to be with the Lord and to contemplate his birth. But my thoughts soon turn to cries of intervention.

Bridges dot the path I walk on.  I enjoy stopping at them to get lost in the rippling movement of the water.  At the second bridge is where I found myself getting lost in thought. 

As I initially gazed out at the blanketed landscape, I was in awe of its peacefulness. I then looked down at the creek to notice a small patch where the ice and snow had not taken over.  Underneath the snow, the water was rippling in restless movements.

This brought me to thoughts of those who are lost, lonely or sad this time of year. On the surface, one only sees the smiles and Christmas greetings as we all rush through the "must do's" of our lists.  But underneath, these same individuals are hurting loves who they have lost, betrayals of others, feelings of no one to love them, no hope for the future, etc.  This time of year, emotions run deeper and feelings more intense. 

For those who are hurting, please know that a woman in Iowa is praying for you.  I have good news for you.  You are loved beyond the capacity for any of us to imagine.  For we do not only celebrate the birth of Jesus, but we celebrate the fact that HE is the one who is our Love.  He also blesses us with family and friends to love, but if you are in a place of feeling alone in your hurting, please know you are not alone.  Jesus longs to walk with you down your cold, snowy path and provide you the life-giving water of His Love.

If you are not experiencing loss or hurt in the joyous Christmas season, please STOP for just a moment and pray for those who are. 

photo from flickr by cewoldt

The Filling and Breaking of a Heart

Snapshot of a Memory #13

The highlight of my entire trip was the day I spent with my sponsored child, Hassan.  Our mutual initial nervousness was soon dissipated through whole group games.  Within a span of roughly half an hour, I was his mother and he was my son.  Even when he was in the field playing with other children at times, he would immediately react to my call for him.  He dropped whatever he was doing and ran to my side, grabbing my hand and looking at me with expected anticipation.

 

 

I was able, along with many other sponsors and their children, to take him on a boat ride on Lake Victoria.  He had never been on a boat nor seen a body of water bigger than a large mud puddle.  His squeals of anticipation were like salve on my heart. 

 

Once on the water, he took in every aspect of the ride with great wonder.  This picture was taken just after the driver switched directions on the water and the boat started rocking slightly with the waves.  Hassan's eyes became worrisome as he jumped into my lap for comfort.  I assured him that he was completely safe.  To be able to provide comfort to him in a time of need filled my heart with maternal joy. 

 

 

 

Our day went by too quickly.  After tearfully opening presents from one another, it was time for him to leave with the other children.  He sobbed as I rocked him in my arms.  Even with my trying to “SHH” him and tell him it was OK, there was no denying our mutual heartbreak.  As he pulled away from me, I heard the sweetest voice say the sweetest words I have even heard, “I Love You.”  My mother’s heart broke as I then led him to the bus.  With a quick kiss on his forehead, he was on the bus and gone.  All of the sponsors held one another and cried as the bus drove off.   It was a day full of emotions and worth every one of them. 

 

To change a life of a child as well as your own, consider sponsoring a child through Compassion.

A Thank You to Our Soldiers from Children's voices

So often we can say "Thank You" and the words fall off our tongue too easily.  Out of the innocence of children, though, the words are more heartfelt.

On this day, a tribute to our Soldiers, let the childrens' voices ring true to all of our thoughts of appreciation.

 

 

Let the Children Sing - One More Time

Snapshot (more like a video) of a Memory #12

It's been over three months since my return from Africa.  Some memories are still so fresh that just a brief recall brings tears to my eyes.  Others need to be resurfaced as I either scrapbook my photos or talk with others about my experiences.

I've had two conversations that continue to haunt me.  Both of them included getting back to the "normal" routine of life.  Even though both of these individuals were forever changed by Africa, the images and feelings fade a bit into the background a life's daily requirements suck up all the energy we have. 

My challenge to all the sponsors who I traveled with and all those who are following my blog and supporting my cause of literacy for Africa is this : 

We Cannot let the Children Slip Onto the Backburners of Our Minds!

In an attempt to remind you of the remarkable little souls we encountered, I will let them tell you what they are looking for - Sing my little ones!

Compassion sponsor trip July 2009
 

The Resourcefulness of Ugandan Women

Snapshot of a Memory: #11

So answer me this - What do you do with your magazines after you're done reading them?  If you are a Ugandan woman, you make bracelets and necklaces out of them, of course.  This pictures shows a rather remarkable use of such a disposable commodity. 

Day One of our Uganda trip we were introduced to resilient women at the Child Survival Program (CSP) Project in Kampala.  Among many other products they make to help them support their families, I was fascinated how they could take strips of magazine paper and make these beautiful pieces of jewelry. 

As willing students, we watched as the women took the long strips and tightly rolled them into beads.  With a straight needle to start the process, our patient teachers guided us as we "tried" to roll these very small beads together.  The ends were so small that it was difficult to keep it all together.   

   Trust me - It is much more difficult than it appears!

This painstaking act of love is one these women have mastered.  Their jewelry is lovely.  I purchased a green choker for myself and have received many compliments on it.  I absolutely love my necklace!   This piece of jewelry is priceless to me. It is a physical manifestation of a mother's ability to use any and all resources at her disposal to provide for her family. 

For more information on the CSP or Compassion's work, please visit their website.

 

Roommate in Uganda - Friend for Life!

Snapshot of a Memory #10

This was my roommate in Uganda. Her name is Rachel.  She found me on facebook (I know, but this is proof that good things come out of facebook) and we started communicating before we actually met face-to-face.

Since we had already "met" online, our initial meeting in London was effortless.  We were already friends. We are both teachers.  We both love the Lord, life, and children deeply.  God had appointed us to be together. 

Little did I know how close we would become from spending 10 days together.  She was my strength from day one of our trip.  During a home visit, I almost broke down and cried from the despair a 19 year old girl has to face every day of her life. All I said was "Rachel?" and she grabbed my hand.  From her touch, I drew a breath and lived in the moment of this lovely young lady instead of imagining her loss.

Every morning of our trip, she opened a letter her husband had written before she left.  I looked forward to what delights he hoped for her.  Every night, we journaled side by side, reliving the day's events, trying to process sights and sounds that would be with us for months to come.  In those quiet nights, we shared joys and sorrows that I still hold deep within my heart.

Funny - we grew so close that our leader called us by each other's name.  It got to be quite the joke.  I was honored!

Rachel is an amazing soul.  This picture shows her in her giftedness.  She lives in a state of openheartedness and loving maturity.  Her quiet strength is only matched by her need to serve others.

I love this picture because the woman in the purple dress tried as hard as she could to get me to cackle like all of the Ugandan women do.  I, however, sounded like a dying hyena.  All of the villagers laughed at me when I tried this amazing call. The next day, Rachel rips out this phenomenal cackle just like the Ugandan women.  I think she was just as amazed as we were of her new-found talent.

Of all the memories I cherish of Rachel, one stands out above them all - the moment we made a mosquito go into "time out."  It can't possible be funny to the reader, but let me tell you, at 11:00 pm at night, it was hilarious!

Thank you Rachel for your love, support and friendship!

Compassion trip 2009

Swarming Greeting!

Snapshot of a Memory: # 9

I found a couple of good things about twisting my ankle on a group trip - I not only get the best seat on the bus, but I could be the first one off at times.  This was one of those times. 

Every greeting from a project was different, yet deliberate.  This one was not.  As we approached our last project, only a few children were visible near the road.  But when we stopped at the project, hundreds of children ran to us from all directions like locusts flying to crops.  They were simply glad we were there. Their joy superceded their formality for visitors. 

As I climbed out of the bus, I was literally swarmed by smiling faces.  (This is part of my trip I had dreamed of for months prior to my trip).  With my arms stretched out, I roughly had 30 kids holding on to me.  They began chanting something in their tribal language.  It had such a nice rhythm, I started jumping to it (I know - with a bummed foot - I was jumping on one leg, ok?).  Before long, the children and I were jumping in unison.

In that brief moment, I was alone in Uganda with my new friends.

Compassion trips change perspectives of life and love.

If you Survive, you get Treated!

Snapshot of a Memory: #8

When you're sick, you simply call your doctor, get some medication and take it until the symptoms subside, right?  What if 800 people you knew also wanted that same medication that accommodated roughly 30 people?  Then what?

This picture is the medication room of the clinic that supplies medication for 800 children in one of the projects we visited. In the room next to this was four children with IV drips being treated for Malaria. 

Having a strong medical background, I talked with the clinic's doctor about the need versus the distribution of medication.  He shared with me news that still haunts me today.  He told me the students receive treatment for Malaria every OTHER time they are infected.  Yes, read that sentence again.  

My thought - "What about the times when they do not receive treatment?" 

Compassion trip July 2009

 

 

Bringing Books to Uganda

Snapshot of a Memory: #7

One of my major goals in going to Africa was to enhance awareness of the educational materials needed in developing areas. As a bonus, I was able to bring a crate full of books with me to pass out.  My perfect plan fell apart when I actually got to hand out books.

As soon as I handed the first book to a child, others saw and came running over.  With arms outstretched and chanting "Auntie please" to me, I realized I would not be able to accommodate all of their sweet requests with the books I brought. 

After just a few books were distributed, I ended up giving the stack I took that day to the project worker.  He tried to tell the ones who did not receive books that the ones he had were meant for all the students to enjoy.  That seemed to ease their desire.  I watched as they huddled together and began to read.  My heart swelled with delight!

My lesson: At the next project, I immediately presented the entire stack to the project director to add to their educational resources. 

My goal of bringing literacy to Africa has only begun after seeing the joy of these kids as they engage in books. My dream is to connect with like-minded individuals to see how far I can take this awesome challenge.

I have already started collecting more educational materials for my next shipment.  I have no idea when or how it will take place, but one this is certain - I will see to it that it does.  These children deserve the same chances to grow in knowledge as children in developed countries.  It is both my burden and my joy. 

Compassion trip July 2009

In my Sweet Spot - Teaching!

Snapshot of a Memory: #6

The only thing better than being in Uganda with the children, was being able to teach a lesson there. 

As the teacher and other adults watched on, I took a lesson from a writing class I took and taught it to these eager students.  It was a lesson about the things we have in our hearts and what we are thankful for. 

With words and pictures, these students conveyed gratitude for rain, crops, family, education, friends, Jesus, etc. 

There was no mention of Wii or Ipods. Their hearts were pure with the simple appreciation of LIFE.  As a learner, I learned a very important lesson that day - hide in your heart the things that really matter.  

Seriously, when was the last time your heart swelled as you drove past a field of crops? 

If you are interested in giving the gift of education to a child in need, please visit Compassion's website.