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.

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.

 

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.

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.