Majestic Magnificence in the Midst of Paranoia

Snapshot of a Memory #5

While traveling to Northern Uganda, we were told that we would pass over the Nile River.  Yeah, I know - that's what I thought.  THE NILE RIVER!!  Scrambling for my camera, the next words out of our guide's mouth was, "Keep your camera put away.  If the guards see them, they will confiscate them." 

                  OK - hold on a second. 

Why would they not want people to take pictures of this historic, scripturally dominate river? 

Apparently the Ugandan Government is afraid the bridge might be jeopardized because this is a major thoroughfare between Southern and Northern Uganda.  There are two armed guards (with rifles, mind you!) keeping vigil over the bridge at all times.  So we passed right over it, without a single picture.

On the way back, our driver stopped and ask these rifle wielding and extremely serious gentlemen if we could stop to take pictures.  Favor on our side, we were granted our request. 

Standing over the Nile River was an exhilarating experience for me.  Thoughts of Moses, the Pharoah, and God's people being freed flooded my mind.  In that moment, the Bible was alive and flowing through me. 

The roar of the Karuma Falls penetrated the peaceful surroundings.  We all took pictures with a sense of reverence for the river.  I left peaceful because I had experienced the Mighty Nile, in all it's magnificence. 

Compassion trip July 2009

The Universal Language of Children

Snapshot of a Memory #4

Notice children in the park. They immediately communicate with one another through play.  Usually, very few words are spoken. They simply begin a game. 

This was my strategy in Africa.  It was less of a conscience effort as it was a natural way to break down cultural barriers and allow the kids to feel at ease. 

Games with strong body gestures required no need for primary language.  We simply played. 

Baby Girl and I took every opporunity to leave the appropriateness of the adults' scheduled activities to participate in the spontaneity of play with children.  From the Hokey Pokey (picture on the left) to concentrated hand games (BTW - She totally beat me at it!), playful games provided ways to connect to one another in ways that language barriers could not traverse. 

A child-like heart and a need to connect gave us ways to commuicate in the universal language children still practice. - playful games.  Where did we lose that sense of fun in our ever-so-serious world of adulthood? 

See Compassion's website here.

A Loving and Helping Hand

Snapshot of a Memory #3

Meet Florence. She lives in Northern Uganda. I was introduced to her by Billie who was wanting a picture with Florence and another lovely young lady. After her picture, I had to get in on the action.

Before I sat down for my picture, I asked the Ugandan girls if they would be willing to help me up once I sat down. (If you know me for any length of time, you know that I am a clutz - I sprained my ankle pretty bad two days prior to this)

Once back on my feet after the photo op, Florence noticed that I was having a hard time walking and asked if she could help me.  Before I had time to respond, she placed my arm over hers so my elbow was in the cradle of hers.  Holding hands, she lightened my burden and filled my heart.

As we walked along, she told me of her life.  Her brother is the one in the Compassion project. (Note to reader: only one child per family can enter the sponsorship program) She is the oldest of four living with her father.  Her mom died of AIDS years earlier.  Florence has assumed much of the house chores and taking care of her younger siblings. 

Her life has pretty much been laid out for her.  She is 15 years old with an 8th Grade education.  Since going to school is so expensive in Uganda, she will more than likely not return.  Her only hope is in her little brother who is in the Compassion program. 

Whereever we went, Florence would not leave my side.  She continually asked how I was doing. On one of our walks, I told her I would pray for her.  She literally stopped in her tracks.  She looked at me with complete surprise and asked, "You'll pray for me?" I believe she found it difficult to imagine someone(especially from another country) caring enough about her to keep her in their prayers.  I told her that I would remember her every day for the rest of my life.  And you know what - I WILL! 

Sometimes HOPE comes in the form of small gestures or words we speak to one another.  My hope is that through our time together, Florence has a little more hope.  Her impact on me was immense. Mother Teresa said it best, " There are no great things, only small things with great love."  I so appreciate Florence's love in action she showed to me that day. 

If you have a minute, say a little prayer for this remarkable young lady. 

To learn more about Compassion, just follow the link.

A Fever for Foreign Affairs!

Snapshot of a Memory - #2

At the tender age of 19, Billie travels to the remotest of areas in Uganda with a group of people she has never met. She comes armed with a pen, a jounal, and a disarming smile. She breathes and takes in every aspect of this marvelous country.

When she returns home, she has a full scholarship to her college with aspirations of becoming (not that she isn't already) a foreign journalist.  

Her vivaciousness for life is only rivaled with her open heart to everyone around her.  Billie was walking past this group of children when a little girl simply jumped into her arms and buried her face into Billie's shoulder.  This shot was taken 10 seconds after the leap on love. BTW - this was only the second day of our trip.  

In her words :   

"I realized that I couldn't leave Africa with such impending pessimism because that would go against everything I have learned here.  Africa is resilient.  Africa is joyful.  When everything feels broken, it is redeemed by the incredible people, and the overflowing happiness that somehow resinate despite the great suffering."

Watch out for this one!  She is going to make a mighty difference with her life.  Go get um Baby Girl!

From Compassion International's Sponsor Tour

Big Reflections in Bite-Sized Pieces!

It has been advised from very wise counsel just how I can get all of my feelings, impressions, and revelations from my Uganda trip out of me. 

Do it a picture at a time!

This is what I will do for myself and those wonderful supportive family and friends who are asking me about my trip.  I have been swirling around too much stimuli about my trip to really articulate anything substantial that will explain it.

So this is what I propose.  I will share small bits of visual imagery to tell my story one heart-filling or heart-breaking moment at a time.  I must warn you though - some of the emotions that will rise up may be too much to contain.  It may just change you.  If so, that my memories can make a difference.  That is my goal.

Here we go - First memory (don't worry, we will start with an easy one)

Location: Caring Heart School, Southern Uganda

The Setup: We are visiting classrooms meeting the students and engaging them for 10 minutes or so in each classroom. 

The Moment in time: I took this picture just as I was leaving the classroom.  They were laughing and wanting us to come back in. 

The Revelation: This image is extremely symbolic for part of my purpose to be in Africa in the first place.  To me, these eager, joyful boys are trapped behind the walls of a inadequate education which will inevitable keep them in the bonds of poverty.  Now when I look at this picture, all I want to do is go back and release them from their iron walls. 

To learn more about Compassion International and the wonderful work they are doing around the world, take a look at their website.