Beauty in Bleakness

“What is deepest within us is the image of God.”

It’s been one week since leaving our home in Maine and coming to Uganda.  We are in Mityana, a little village about 2 1/2 hours from Entebbe (where we flew into).  Our elevation is 3,000 feet and close to the equator.  But, the weather is much like it was in Maine before we left — 75 - 80 degrees.  Nice.  Not what we expected.

The  drive here was crazy with lots of vehicles all over the road and holes and dust — everywhere dust.  But, in the vehicle there was only beauty and love as we got to know our new friends.

As we woke up the next day, we heard lots of sounds from something in our back yard.  We realized later there are hundreds of weaver birds nesting in the trees there.  They build their nests upside down and enter from a hole in the bottom.  Beautiful!  Yes?  Chuck told us that weaver birds destroy the trees here.  

So, we have been seeing a contrast here … it’s somewhat paradoxical.  Where we are staying we do have a lot of creature comforts but it certainly is a contrast from the way most people live here.  Here is where we are staying …

My sister sent me a lovely blessing: 

❤ You can't be safer than being in the place God ordains you to be! 

We are finding places where we can serve.  The Bradshaw’s are leaving here in October after three full years of mission work.  So, they are quite busy closing up things and packing.  I am finding it quite easy to assist in the packing and around the little cottage where we are staying doing whatever is needed in the moment.  Steve is enjoying working in the music school making shelves for the instruments.   Yesterday morning we were with the children in the school giving a lesson to the children.  I had so much fun teaching them a favorite song from my childhood: “This little light of mine … I’m gonna let it shine … let it shine! … let it shine!  Remember?  We are so grateful to be here and have this experience with open, receptive and loving people.  More beauty in this place of poverty.

Red dust, everywhere.  It gets in your eyes, your mouth, your clothes.  Poverty is pervasive.  Even those of somewhat higher status live below the lowest level of poverty at home.  There are no jobs in this rural area.  Everyone gardens and has many (hand made) jobs.  Survival is a full time job.  Even the scrawny chickens scrounge all day for a few seed.  What a bleak picture.  Yet, they appear happy.  

For the last 2 days I have been building shelves in a cabinet.  This is to hold musical instruments for the new music school the Bradshaw’s have built.  I am used to using a variety of power tools, dimension lumber, quick access to whatever I need for woodworking.  Here I have a hammer, a hand saw, rough cut warped lumber which exudes sap.  I make many mistakes and progress is slow — “mpola … mpola”.

Henry has been working alongside me.  he has not asked for any money and is cheerfully giving his time.  He is quiet, but always looking to make my part of the task easier.  Yesterday, he took several 8 foot long boards on the back of a hired motorcycle (boda boda) to town to be cut.  Amazing!

Henry is missing six of his front teeth.  it would cost about $50 to get his teeth fixed here.  That might as well be a million dollars for him. 

I have been so blessed by Henry’s beautiful spirit.  He is a skillful dancer too.  When he dances, joy fills him and everyone around him.  

P.S. Henry will get his teeth.

That is the nature of our days — beauty in the midst of bleakness.  We pray for the Grace to see the beauty and not be blinded by what is bleak.

“God, light our way … let us see with new eyes.”

Today is the dedication of the music school and the farewell gathering for the Bradshaw’s.  We will send pictures in our next message to you.  

Love,

Steve & Elizabeth