Uncle Steve, Come Play With Us

 

 

I love to play with these kids.  They work hard at chores, study hard for classes.  It feels so good to share play.  Especially the older girls — Rachel, Esther, Eve — they don’t usually play, so when I lead them to the field, they play wholeheartedly.  With the middle and younger ones they are so desperate for a turn with the frisbee they get too aggressive.  I have been trying to get them to share, but it is hard with my limited Luganda.

Yesterday, Cossima — about 10 years old — took the lead in including the younger, slower children.  He felt so good when I praised him to Maama Victoria.

Many of the older kids play football (soccer).  Their soccer ball is a round bundle of rags, tightly wrapped together, but always trailing a few shreds.  Why didn’t I bring 6 soccer balls?  How many of us in the U.S. spend $600 for hockey equipment, or $1,000 for ski gear.  If Amazon worked here I would have ordered soccer balls, shoes, clothes — one boy had no pants today and had stretched his torn t-shirt to cover himself.

I am broken wide open today.  The needs are so vast.  Many of the children who have shoes have ones three sizes too big.  I have seen one boy the last two days whose shorts were to big so he always had to use one hand to hold them up.  Yesterday many children had their foam mattresses in the hot sun to “kill most of the bugs.”

How can I, with my wealth, be a neighbor to these children?  Why am I more deserving of material comforts than these?

Bread is a rare treat.  As I ate my breakfast this morning, it occurred to me that probably none of the children have every had toast and jelly.  (By the way, Maama cooked our toast over the fire this morning).  Today I want to empty my wallet and bank account and give them all mattresses and toast with jelly.  I don’t know how to be myself today, to be neighbors to Hillary and Violet and Francis and Benson  …

As I sit quietly, an answer comes.  I don’t have to figure out large answers today.  I am not to be a savior.  I need to be present to each person I see today.  I need to live in my broken-heartedness.  Maybe tomorrow I will know more about ways to help.  Maybe tomorrow I will have a larger, clearer vision.  Today I only need to see the child in front of me.  And wait.  With hope.

Faithfully,

Steve

Caring for the Children

 Stephen and Maama Victoria founded this school 10 years ago.  They quickly became known as a place where parents could drop off children they couldn’t care for.  They even picked up kids that were left in the streets abandoned.  With the AIDs epidemic in Africa, the numbers grew.  They now have 80 or more unsponsored children — those with no support of relatives.  There are children that go to school here and live in the villages nearby — so there are about 190 children staying here at one time during the school term.  What a huge responsibility!  Stephen and Maama Victoria live very simply, and use what they have to support these children.

There are nine teachers here and nine levels of education, from two or three up to seventeen.  It is lovely to wake up to a mixture of children’s happy voices, and multitude of varied birdsong.  This place is very basic — the children eat mainly porridge and bean stew.  Many have no shoes.  What they have in abundance is love.  

The first night we were here, we heard singing and drumming at night.  Each night after, we have joined in — some songs we know, some we learn, some we mumble.  I love to let go into the music singing and dancing with the children.

Early on here we began thinking of how we could help.  This place is so purely based on serving without gain.  Yesterday, during morning meditation I felt a powerful affirmation to come back here, to bring others to share in this blessing by serving.  A tremendous and holy, “Yes”!

 Steve and I are sitting on the front porch of the guest house looking over at the school house building.  The children are taking their lessons.

We met with the teachers yesterday to see what we could say or do to help them with this tremendous challenge.  We realized as we met the children that some of the older children are with the younger because they came here almost illiterate as they were not able to be in school.  So, these teachers are having 14 year olds in with those who are 10 years old.  Steve’s experience with children gave them some insight into seeing, “everyone is doing their best,” and “always give encouragement right where they are.”  My experience with “questioning as a way of bringing out the wisdom within each of us” was offered to these teachers.  This was an entirely different approach for them.  It was for me the first time I heard it and applied it with my two children and those I taught over the years — children and adults.  

We will have an opportunity to be with each of the classes, here on this porch.  And, then we move on our way.  But, we are receiving guidance to assist these children further after leaving here.  Maybe you would like to join us in this.

We have been talking to Maama Victoria and her daughter Gertrude (who is the one who handles a lot of the details for her mother) about how we can help the children from home.  This is when we decided to sponsor a child for a year.  The one who was in greatest need was little Noreen, who is six years old.  

When we met her we noticed she didn’t have shoes on her feet.  Maama Victoria said that was what they were going to get her first as well as some newer clothes.  

So, this is what we thought would be something that we could bring to your attention and find out if there might be an interest in sponsoring a child as well.  We are just putting this out now to see if there is interest.  If so, I will organize it with Gertrude and let you know the details as they develop.  This is something they have not done yet and it is all new to them.  But, they are very enthused with the idea.

When we first came to Uganda, we realized that this part of the world is so seldom recognized from our part of the world and it was good for us to be aware of what is happening here.  

Now, we have the opportunity to hold these beautiful children in our hearts and prayers so that they have a chance in the world they have found themselves in.  

Now, on the other side of the spectrum — Steve and I were with the elderly yesterday.  Those who are in their 70’s and 80’s attending the Cathedral in Mityana.   I presented to them that the stories in their lives can teach their children and grandchildren such important lessons and it was time to “harvest” these stories.  Then, I asked them so share a story from their life and the lesson it taught them.  Wow!  What a life each of these elders lived!

 I was seeing these little ones growing up in the same way as these elders.  It is such a hard life here, especially for those who do not get a good education.  My thoughts spiraled back to our being here with the children and helping them have a good start in life.

We continue to see these are our neighbors and they are here in our awareness now to continue to honor and love.  We leave this with you.  It has been so much for us to take in.  We hope we are able to bring you here with us.  

Love,
Steve & Elizabeth

Let the Children Come Onto Me

Here we are at Maama Victoria’s.  It was a mystery to us as to where her place was as we drove in.  It is just 2km from where we were, but way out in the country.  It’s so quiet here at the end of the road and no dust.  We don’t hear the roosters in the morning — we hear something much sweeter — children’s happy voices and so many unusual sounding birds.

The guest house is on the left and Maama’s home with her husband Stephen is on the right.  The school building is further to the right.  The saying on the side of the building is:  “Jesus said, Let the children come onto Me.”  

We have been here since last Friday and we found out there are 190 students that go to the school and 80 of them are orphans and live here permanently.  Maama V. told us that some of those 80 children are left here for the year and their parents don’t see them until the year is up.  Most of those are mothers who have no husband and have no way to care for them herself and can't even pay the school fee.   As you can see, they are well fed and cared for here.  It is a miracle how she accomplishes this.  

We talked with her about how much it costs to cover one child for a year here.  She said, "$150 a year."  We had been given $100 by Jean Loudon from our church to use where we saw fit.  We gave it to Maama Victoria along with a donation of $50 to sponsor one child for a year.  Thank you, Jean.

When we went for a walk along the path passed their home and we saw how some of the children lived that are not at this school, we realized how fortunate they are to have this home and loving care from those here.  

(Elizabeth)  For the past few days, I have been close to my room recuperating from an illness.  Steve and Maama V. and Stephen went to many functions on Saturday and Sunday.  I was here alone resting.  Saturday morning a few lovely little girls came by my room to check in on me and keep me company (their picture is above).  We sang and told stories together.  They left and another group came by a little later.  This continued both days on and off until I had the whole crowd in my room watching the safari movie I made from Murchison Falls.  They were fascinated and loved to see the animals.  Their loving presence was so uplifting and healing for me.  They seemed to be having a good time too.  

So, our week has begun in this little corner of  Africa.  We will both be with the children this week — not really sure how that will come about — but we are both looking forward to our time here until next Monday.   Then, we are off to Rwanda.  

We will let you know how this week goes being with these lovely gems.

Love,

Elizabeth & Steve

P.S.  This last picture was taken a few days before we arrived here — ready to play!  

Hearts Breaking Open

This is from a recent journal entry:

I am off balance.  I woke early in the morning with fantasy of how I can help.  We have been in this village about four weeks.  The person I have gotten to know the most is Henry.  I admire Henry a lot.  I admire his work ethic — he washes cars for people, especially around the bishop’s headquarters.  Sometimes he gets paid a little.  I watched him wash the car of a neighbor for more than an hour.  When I told him in our country this is called “detailing” and it costs more than $100, he was not impressed.  Henry helps all who ask and does not expect anything in return.

I admire Henry’s complete trust in God.  One day I said that I wished he could live in the U.S.  so his life could be easier, he replied, “If God wishes it, it will be.”

Henry gives lovingly and helps others and works hard — trusting that if he does what is right, God will provide.  I wish I could be that selfless.

Yesterday, as he travelled the three miles to work his maize field, Henry met his father.  This man is an abusive alcoholic, who beat Henry with a stick countless times.  He has many children with many women and has failed to support him with school fees or any other meaningful support. Yesterday he told Henry was a failure and that he would take away his maize plot and give it to another person.  Henry told this story without bitterness or anger — just as you would tell a friend of a problem in your life.

So it is I who is off balance this early morning.  I want to go to Henry’s father and tell him he is a jerk and that he is lucky to have such an awesome son.  I want to humiliate and shame him and rescue Henry.  If that doesn’t work, I want to buy the field and give it to Henry.  Then I want to bring him to Maine and set him up in an auto detailing business.  That would make me feel good.

I am fortunate that the act of helping Henry with dental work has not changed our relationship.  He does not see me as a benefactor or look for more $ support.  Henry does not have a problem this morning, I do.  My heart is broken as I see pain and need in my friend and countless others.    I am confused about how to love my neighbor.  My delusions of rescue illustrate my own self-centeredness as this discomfort seeks quick answers. This is a lesson I need to learn repeatedly.

I am the one that is uncomfortable.  Henry is still sleeping peacefully, awaiting a new dawn, and trusting God.

God grant me the serenity

to accept the things I cannot change;

courage to change the things I can;

and the wisdom to know the difference.

In our morning devotions, I shared all of this with Elizabeth, Beth and Chuck.

 Something came up in me as Steve was sharing all of this with us.  For over twenty years I lived in a retreat center training folks how to connect with God through meditation.  We opened a center in India after traveling back and forth from the U.S. for many years.  The staff was from a local village — cooking, cleaning, gardening, and driving for us.  When there was a problem in their family or the village, we realized we had a choice — to either give them what they needed or assisting them to be empowered to bring about the solution themselves.  It would have been easier to give them what they needed.  And, sometimes we did.  But, we found out that wasn’t always the best solution. 

I know how Steve is feeling.  It breaks my heart too to see the poverty and unreasonable behavior around me here, and also just around us in Sudan, Burundi, and Rwanda.  What I got from this was the picture of Jesus opening his chest and baring his Heart.  This is my prayer:

Break my Heart open, Lord — break it wide open — so that I can fully surrender into this Sacred Heart the pain and hardship all around me here and in this world. 

Thank you for opening your Heart to us as we continue to experience fully what is here in our midst.

As the Bradshaw's leave to return to Maine, we move on tomorrow to Maama Victoria's -- just one village over from here -- she operates a Compassion orphanage.  We are ready to receive another aspect of our journey here.  

More to come ...

Much Love,

Steve & Elizabeth

The Salt of the Earth

We have enjoyed going to church here with the Bradshaw’s.  It’s wonderful hearing the congregation worship and praise “Yesu.”  

This past Sunday was the last service for the Bradshaw’s in the church they attended this three years, so there was a lovely dinner in their honor at one of their homes.  We have eaten in different family’s homes a number of times and each time there was a specialty served — “matoke.”  It is in the banana family and is steamed in banana leaves.   Interesting taste.  There is also a way they cook ground nuts that are ground and seasoned and also steamed in the banana leaf.  And, what a feast each time.  We feel so blessed to  share their treasured food with us.

At home we plan for days or weeks before we invite people into our homes for a meal. In the midst of plenty, we can be stingy with our hospitality. Here, it is “come on in.” We have been in more than 10 homes for food and hospitality in 3 weeks, often on the spur of the moment. We have so very much to learn from these people.

Anyway, at this farewell dinner, the Reverend Wilberforce directed our attention to these words of Yesu.

“You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how can its saltiness be restored?  It is no longer good for anything,  but is thrown out and trampled under foot.”  (Matthew 5:13) 

Just prior to his blessing, we had shared about how wonderful we had been welcomed into everyone’s homes and how kind they have been to us.  So, the Reverend referred to this scripture saying how important it is to remain the salt of the earth and not ash.  Apparently, he went on to say,  people of Africa cannot always afford salt, so they put ash in their shakers pretending it is salt.  He was impressed by how the Bradshaw’s had carried the essence of the Ugandan people to us, as the salt of the earth.

We were sharing how we met the Bradshaw’s in Cambridge last March and during our time together we decided to go to Mityana, Uganda and he spoke of them now being missionaries for Uganda when they come back to Maine.  

(Elizabeth) The morning after this loving event, we meditated and prayed together to open the space for what is next for Chuck and Beth.  They have served so well this past three years and their plates have been so full.  Now what?  I could share my experience of retiring six years ago from my 38 years of ministry.  I know how difficult it is to let go of what was to be an open instrument for what is.  I understood their need to continue serving.  It is so fulfilling to know you are serving a calling.  What I have come to realize in this time period is how in every moment, being present in love with whomever I am with, is how I can serve — just in the process of living life itself.

We are so happy to know they are going to be tucked in our home for awhile until their next plans are given.  They will meet our church family and hook up with some old friends in Portland.  Please be with them in your Hearts and prayers as they are making their move.

One other thing that impressed us with the Sunday meeting, with the Reverend and their church family, was his comment on “Loving your neighbor ….”  He said “There are no neighbors here.  A child in this home goes next door and sees his/her “auntie” or “uncle” or “jahjah” (grandma) or  “gahgah” (grandpa).  The wives and husbands are available for any help needed in the community.  It’s all family here.”  This took our reason for being here to an entirely different level; into the ENACTMENT of “ubuntu.” 

(Elizabeth)  After the meal, we all went outside to get a group picture to record this special event.  I took the Reverend aside and spoke to him of my dear friend, Stan, back in N.C.  He is someone who has this context of “everyone as family” and he is an African who was born in N.C.  I asked the Reverend how this happens.  He simply said, “It’s our roots — wherever we are.”  Wow, did that go deep in me.  We can learn a lot from our African friends.

Thank you for this Grace-filled experience.  It reminds us of this song …

  

Yesu, Yesu, 

fill us with Your love, 

  

Show us how to serve,

  

The neighbors we have from You.

Sending a HUGE Hug,

Elizabeth & Steve

Being With …

We have been in several situations where we were able to be with the folks of all ages here in Mityana, Uganda.

Steve gave a workshop to a group of Lay Readers.  These are folks who are trained to be with their village as a substitute for the Reverend that comes once a month.  They are quite brave to be taking on this responsibility, of conducting the Sunday service and counseling the folks in their village, but they realize that someone has to do it.  He drew a bucket on the board with a hole in it and all of the water is pouring out, saying this is what happens when we just keep giving and giving and not taking care of ourselves.  Then, he drew another diagram of a reservoir where the water comes in, fills up the land and spills over at the top.  Here we are always filled up as we serve.  The question was, “How do we fill ourselves up?”   He finished with a Taize chant, “Come and Fill Our Hearts,”  which they all joined in.  

We both joined a primary school one morning and had a wonderful time with them.  I started with this game.  The ball had velcro on it and the two pads both had the sticky side, so when you threw the ball the pad caught it and it stuck to it.  As we threw it back and forth, I said things like, “Stick to Jesus,”  “He is always in our Hearts,”  and when the ball dropped, “It’s ok just pick it up and come back to Jesus.”  They loved the game and the message.  Steve and I acted out the woman that touched the hem of Jesus’ cloak, and how important it is to reach out to Him with whatever is happening to us.  We ended with teaching them, “This Little Light of Mine.”    What fun!

Here are the children:

There is a group here in Africa called “The Women’s Union.”  Where mothers and married women work together in whatever situations arise for them.  We were given an opportunity to sit in one of their workshops, had lunch with them, and they wanted us to share.  Steve spoke of our marriage and the commitment he has to support me no matter what.  They loved that! I spoke of how important it is to have support in raising children and supporting your husband and family.  I have to hand it to them.  There is so much they have to face day to day and the women here do it with such Grace.  Here is the group of women at the workshop:

Just yesterday, Steve did a workshop for the primary school chaplains.  He loved the opportunity to share his experience in working with children for so many years.  He is so happy to serve in any way he can while here.  

There are more opportunities to come and we are both available and blessed by whatever comes our way.

Now these are just some fun pictures …

This is a coffee plant for all of you coffee lovers.  These and the different banana trees are everywhere here.

Guess who's on this boda boda.  At first we had heard so much about the danger of these and we wouldn’t get on one.  It all depends on who is driving you.

I want you to meet the King of the Roost.  This guy governs all the chickens in our compound and wakes us up every morning.  Isn’t he a beauty?  When the Bradshaw’s had the opening ceremony, they gave one of these guys to the Bishop presiding.  It is the best gift to give someone you honor.

Sending a HUGE Hug,

Elizabeth & Steve