Good morning from Uganda!
As the month of May comes to a close and June begins, the rain has begun to fade away and the days are filled with sunshine and warmth.
June will be the mark of six months here in Uganda – half of a year and a quarter of my time.
Often I’ve read and reflected on the words of the apostle Luke:
And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship to the breaking of bread and the prayers. And awe came upon every soul and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. And all who believed were together and had all things in common. And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.
Acts 2:42-47
Luke writes of the truest form of fellowship and community – how people share in the holy communion of breaking bread, brotherly love and consideration in word and deed, giving thanks and praising God and being built into a sturdy house, a mighty city, a body united by One.
.
.
.
As I was preparing to leave for Uganda last fall, I discovered a paper I had written in high school titled God Loves Uganda. As I reread the long forgotten words of years past, I remembered my sincere surprise as I reflected on a documentary and wrote the statement:
88% of Ugandan citizens identify themselves as Christians yet Americans took it upon themselves and ended up ‘forcing religion and set values on an already Christian nation.’ Americans saw it as their duty to spread the Word of God, but the Word of God was already present in Uganda.
And the words of Oswald Chambers:
One life wholly devoted to God is of more value to God than one hundred lives simply awakened by His Spirit.
So as I gather all the words – the words of the apostle Luke and Oswald Chambers and 16-year-old Nicole and the studied words of social theories and teaching and mediation – I feel my experiences here in Uganda like words coming to life. Like God stored them up, gathered them all, blessed them, and blew them into creation – a breath of life.
Yet still, all my words feel bound as I try to neatly organize and thoughtfully display them for all to read, but let me say it simply:
My time in Uganda has been filled with abundance.
I’ve gotten to walk with others in sorrow and in joy; in prayer and in fasting; in work and in rest. I’ve gotten to integrate and empower; teach and be taught; share and serve; and witness spirits awakened and souls wholly deepened in intimacy with the Lord of their lives.
My gratitude is in abundance for each moment and equally for each of you reading this – for your love and support in word and in action. It is no stretch to say that this is possible only through you and the heart within you to also love, serve, and empower.
.
.
.
Without further ado, here is what our month has been filled in abundance with:
Visitors
We have prepared and are excitedly awaiting the arrival of many visitors coming throughout the month of June along with Mathias, his wife Jolene, and their three girls.
Wedding Preparations
We have continued to organize and plan for the wedding on June 12th of two prominent members of the F2F Uganda community – Aunt Liz (Mama & School Accountant) and Uncle Micheal (Pastor & Engineer).
Oscar Stout Update
We welcomed my dearest friend, fellow adventurer, and lover of Jesus – Oscar Stout. My worlds are colliding and a beautiful creation is springing forth as laughter is shared and relationships are developed. It feels so sweet to have a familiar face and a reminder of my distant home.
Visa
I am on my last leg in applying for my 24-month Missionary and Volunteer NGO Workers permit that will replace my current visa. I am very grateful as I near the finish as it has been a test of endurance and patience. I look forward to the next 24 worry and visa free months in Uganda.
Women’s Group
Our women’s group for the single mothers, widows, elderly, and vulnerable women in our community is flourishing. For the past month we have met daily as a group to craft together. Our numbers are growing each day and women are continually bringing their neighbors, friends, and acquaintances to join us. We have begun with weaving baskets and mats, as is a common skill among many women in our community. We hope to continue to grow together to learn and develop new and less common skill sets such as bead making, jewelry designing, and tailoring. This week we are finishing and finalizing all our weaved products including picnic mats, door mats, place mats, coasters, trivets, and varying sizes of weaved bowls. Mama Gloria, our seamstress and tailor, has also sown traditional Ugandan bags, shirts, and dresses to display and sell in our store.
The donations given have been distributed wisely towards purchasing the materials, creating the space for displaying items, and providing many of these women with a warm meal. The next step moving forward is to reward these women for their dedication, commitment, and labor. As crafts are finished, women will be given a set profit (relative to the market price of the craft) and once the item sells, the additional profit will be funneled directly back into the group to create a long-lasting and self-sustainable project to aid these women for years to come. In addition to our crafting group, there is a women’s group that meets on a monthly basis to collectively save money and teach money management skills. All women are encouraged to participate in both aspects of the women’s group – to participate in income-generating activities and save the income that is made in a way that supports their long-term goals and dreams.
As we continue to grow, expand, and establish an effective and long-lasting program for the vulnerable women in our community, our immediate need is prayer for the Lord’s provision over our group, the women, and the way forward. As we are continuing to develop, there is a heightened need for financial donations that will go directly towards our current programs and the advancement of our group. If you would like to walk alongside us as we walk alongside these women, whether through prayer, financial gifts, or other creative methods, please reach out via email or refer to my blog.
To donate specifically to our women’s group, follow any of the donation options listed on my donation page and specify in the memo line.
Mukama abawe emiikisa.
May God bless you abundantly.
With love & gratitude,
Sister Nicole/Sister Mirembe/Maama Colo/Maama Kycolo (ch-ee-co-lo)
Σχόλια