Sunday, January 31, 2010

The power has come.

Hello Everyone,

We lost power yesterday, or as the children say....."The power has gone". We got the power back this afternoon, or as the children say....."The power has come". Water still isn't back to the showers yet, but its running outside which is good. That way we can fill the outside tank, and can still get clean. My feet will need to soak for a few hours at least when I get home to get all this dirt out of them. Then again, maybe it will just be a permanent reminder of my time here.

After Church, Auntie Cassie, Uncle Francis and I went for a long walk with the children. Auntie Cassie brought some disposable cameras, and lets the children take turns taking pictures of whatever they like while on these walks. It will be really interesting to see how they turn out, and its really amazing to see what interests them. The first few walks, all they wanted to take pictures of was goats, or cows, or the occasional dog. Now they take pictures of trees, people at the watering holes, or sometimes just random objects. They don't want to waste there turn, so they are very cautious of what they capture with the cameras. To be honest I don't know of many children who would go for a two and a half hour walk in this kind of heat. They did complain a bit...........but they're kids. Kids complain. They are all in bed an hopefully fast asleep as they have to be up early for school in the morning. I know I am pretty beat too.

The service today was about the parable of the mustard seed. A good parable, but to be honest I spent most of the time mulling over the idea of what we can do. I know that in an ealier post I mentioned that we can all do something for children. Not sure what we could do, but we should do something. Well today I couldn't help but to look around the service and think about all the new people there. People who had never been, or have only been coming for a little while. Nervous, shy, and unsure of what to think of the service and more importantly the people. Watoto does a pretty good job of making people feel welcome, and I began to think about what we do to do the same. We have greeters, and the connection center.......but what we sometimes lack is courage. Courage to step out of our comfort zones and actually walk across the church, to say hi to a face you haven't seen before. Sometimes the difference between someone coming back or not, is simply a heart felt hello and a hand shake or a hug.

I don't really know why this has been on my mind all day but it has. I know that its easy for me to say because I am halfway across the world and not having to muster the courage to say hello to a stranger. Don't get me wrong I love our church, and think that we have an amazing leadership team, incredible worship, and annointed teaching. I just think that we all have room to grow, and perhaps we should all make an effort to make sure that no one that steps through the doors of the church, leave without having someone at least someone saying hello.

Love and miss you all,

Joe

Friday, January 29, 2010

Happy Birthday to the twins!!!

Today was a fairly normal day of playing soccer, and having the kids climb all over me. Followed by a walk to there school, so we know that way ourselves. It will be a fourty five minute walk or so for them each way. We will walk with them, and eventually they will be able to ride there bikes. We may boda them one way however, just to make it easier.

Tonight after dinner however, we celebrated the twin's (Gloria and Emanuel) seventh birthday. The two mama's and Auntie Cassie made a cake, and we gave them a coloring book, crayons, and a bible book each. Everyone really enjoyed the cake.

Afterwords, we all sang songs, and in fact they sortof learned the "stop and let me tell you".....song that Dave Converse taught me when I was there age. Man it brings back great memories. The middle words are a little messed up, but they got the jist of it.

Well sorry this is so short, but I have to run.

Love and miss you all,

Joe

Thursday, January 28, 2010

Wedding Bells?

Hello everyone,

I have some incredible news. No, I am not getting married ;)..........but I was invited to a traditional African wedding next weekend. In fact Auntie Cassie may be in the wedding, and I will help with the photography as much as I can. We will have to travel by bus for about four hours next friday, and return on sunday. Not completely sure what to expect, but really looking forward it.

I have been in, and been to a fairly large number of weddings, but I'm sure this one will be bar far the most interesting. Here in Uganda, when a christian couple wants to get married, they have two weddings. The traditional one, where they have to pay a bridal fee involving money, cattle, chickens and such. Later they will get married in a church in a more western style. Most often these don't occur on the same day because of the cost. In Mike and Faith's case, they will have the traditional one next weekend, and there "real" wedding in April, just after I leave.

That was by far one of the highlights of the day. The rest of the day consisted of soccer, being climbed on, and chasing the kids around the compound. I am a little bummed that the kids go back to school next week. Maybe the earlier wake up will get me out the door to either walk the kids to school, or go for a decent run more often.

I hope that you are all enjoying the wonderful winter weather. To be honest I am missing the cold and snow. Wishing I could be here, and still play hockey, and skate on the Rideau Canal. Oh well..........there is always next year.

Love and miss you all,

Joe

Wednesday, January 27, 2010

I need Africa more than Africa needs me

Today, Auntie Cassie and I had the day off. I started the day off with peanut butter on a piece of bread, and a banana. Then it was off for a nice run. The air is dusty, and smells of exhaust and burning garbage, but the sites were beautiful. Many of the locals laughed at me as I ran by, but I really enjoyed it. Then Cassie and I spent six hours walking around exploring Gulu. The sites we saw and the people we came across kept reminding me of a paragraph on a shirt I got from joining Mochaclub.org. It has been said that if someone said it best, don't try to say it again, so here is the paragraph inside my shirt. Check out http://www.mochaclub.org/ for more details.

When I think of Africa, the following images immediately come to mind: Starvation. AIDS. Child soldiers. Genocide. Sex slaves. Orphans. From there, my thoughts naturally turn to how I can help, how I can make a difference. "I am needed here," I think. "They have so little, and I have so much." It's true, there are great tragedies playing out in Africa everyday. There is often a level of suffering here that is unimaginable until you have seen it, and even then it is difficult to believe. But what is even harder is reconciling the challenges that many Africans face with the joy I see in those same people. It's a joy that comes from somewhere I cannot fathom, not within the framework that has been my life to this day.
The images spilling out of my television showed circumstances that could seemingly only equal misery, and I was fooled. I bought into the lie that circumstance defines happiness. The truth is, in Africa I find hearts full of victory, indomitable spirits. In places where despair should thrive, instead I find adults dancing and singing, and children playing soccer with a ball crafted of tied up trash. Instead of payback, I find grace. Here, weekend getaways are not options to provide relief from the pains of daily life. Relationships and faith provide joy. Love is sovereign.
My new reality… I know now that my joy should have no regard for my circumstances. I'm ashamed by my lack of faith, but at the very same moment I am excited by my new pursuit. I'm forced to redefine the meaning of having much or having little. I'm uneasy with the prospect of change and of letting go, but just the thought of freedom is liberating. I want what I have learned to trickle down from my head into my heart - I no longer want to need the "next thing" to have joy.
I'm not saying that Africa does not need our efforts. It absolutely does need our partnership. But for me, I've come to understand that I NEED AFRICA MORE THAN AFRICA NEEDS ME. Why? Because it is Africa that has taught me that possessions in my hands will never be as valuable as peace in my heart. I've learned that I don't need what I have and that I have what I need. These are just a few of this continent's many lessons. I came here to serve and yet I've found that I have so much to learn, and Africa, with all its need, has much to teach me.


I couldn't have said it better.

Love and miss you all,

Joe

Tuesday, January 26, 2010

Liberation Day

Today is Liberation Day in Uganda, and to celebrate we played lots of games with the kids this afternoon. The morning was a typical one, of breakfast, then getting ready for the day. Staff devotions, then working on another set of storage shelves. It wasn't until after lunch that we started the "special" games. We had an egg race (only we used small rubber balls instead of eggs), three legged races, and then wheel barrow races. The kids (including some of the neighbor kids) and the staff really enjoyed it. In fact I think we enjoyed seeing the smiles it put on the kids faces more than anything.

Its hard to believe that they will be in school starting on Monday, so we only have a few more days with them all day before they start there new routine. It will be a lot easier to get some of my "construction" projects done, but it will be a little sad without them throughout the day. The three youngest ones will only be in school for half a day, so I'm sure I will have some very interested onlookers while I work.

Sorry Heather but the little lion boy didn't come over. He is still far to afraid that I might eat him or something. ;) I hope your prayers work though, and if so I will definitley send you a picture of him conquering his fear.

Oh, and my computer is not fixed, but thank God we have access to another computer for the rest of the time I am here. My OS is corrupted, and the Dell rep couldn't understand why I couldn't just use my disk and reinstall it, or try changing out the hard drive. Eventually he understood, and when he asked if there was anything he could do to enhance my Dell experience, I told him he could open a Dell center in Gulu. To which he of course laughed. I guess it just adds to the adventure right. This journey has been amazing so far, and I am anxiously awaiting to see what other surprises God has in store along the way.

Love and miss you all,

Joe

Monday, January 25, 2010

I'm really just a big kid at heart

Well today, was pretty eventful. My computer seems to have died. Hopefully on temporarily as I have already paid for three months of "airtime", and it makes updating the blog much easier. Poor Mama V spent hours and hours at a christian school waiting for three of the children to be tested for placement in the school. We spent the first few hours messing with my computer (before the crash), and soaking for an hour in worship for our staff devotions. Then out came the kid in me. I spent most of the rest of they day kicking a soccer ball back and forth with faith, and Ema. Laying on the crowd watching the clouds with all three of the younger ones, then playing soccer with the neighbor kids.

After the older three finally got back, we started a full game of soccer with some older kids from next door. It wasn't long into the game that I had kicked off my sandals (its pretty hard to keep up with these kids period, and the sandals just slowed me down more) and I was running around the compound barefoot and having a blast. Soon they were all cheering for "Uncle Joe", and telling me "you pass here Uncle Joe, you pass here." Is amazing how fast kids can pick up that you actually care about them. Well except for the little guy who thinks I'm a lion and cries everytime he sees me.

I can't thank you all enough for your support. Prayer most of all, and I can feel it everyday. The church here is great, but there really is nothing like home. I am not in a hurry to leave here, but I will definitely enjoy being back in my home church. That and a good cup of coffee. I hope that this blog helps to keep us connected, and to show you just how much good you are all doing. This is just the tip of the iceberg, as we have so much more to do. "For greater things are yet to come, and greater things are still to be done in this city." Greater things are yet to come for Gulu, but also for Massena, St. Lawrence County, the northcountry, and the northeast in general. Thank you for being a part of it.


Love and miss you all,

Joe

Sunday, January 24, 2010

Another Wonderful Sunday

Hello Everyone,

Today was our second Sunday at Watoto Church, and was the first one with the children. They all got dressed in their sunday best, and we walked to church. The kids have their own program in tents outside the building, and then we went in for normal service. Again there were familiar worship songs, but a pleasant surprise came when we sang an african song. Everyone in the church got involved with shouting and dancing. It was such a beautiful site to see.

After a great message about being prepared for the bridegroom, we rounded up the children and walked back to the house for lunch. After which Auntie Cassie took the children on a walk and gave them disposable cameras, and they all took turns taking pictures of goats, cows, fields, and such. I am really anxious to see how they all turned out. While they were out it rained, and they had to take shelter under some huts. It just made it the walk that much more of an adventure. I wish I could say that was able to tag along, but unfortunately because of the slow speed of the internet, I spent that time downloading pictures so that Pastor Don should show you all that I really am in Gulu, and not just making this all up ;).

When the downloading was complete, and the kids got back from their adventure we went outside and played soccer for an hour or so. Man are this kids going to get me into shape. They are all very unique, but also just all so full of energy. It is so much fun to be able to play with them, and be a part of their lives. Soon they will be in school during the day, and my time will be filled with construction projects, and trips to the IDP camps and the hopefully the bush.

Well I hope this finds you all well, and that your not too dissapointed in my lack of inspiring words. I do however promise to have more of those along the journey, as I can't help but be inspired by the wonderful people I am meeting.


Love and miss you all,

Joe

Saturday, January 23, 2010

School Shopping

Hello Everyone,

I just want to start out by saying thank you to Heather Ramsdell, and all the other helpers and volunteers for VBS last summer. Today we went through the boxes that you had sent, and were able to save a significant amount of money because of all the supplies you had sent. Notebooks, pencils, crayons, pencil sharpeners, erasers, and such were all very helpful.

School in Uganda is not very cheap, and in fact its quite expensive, and takes a lot of work to prepare children for school. Today we finished the shopping for school supplies, and also bought the children all new shoes, and the boys all have a clean hair cut. Of course I can't say the same for me. I am enjoying not having to cut my hair or shave while I don't have to. I think that the kids enjoyed the boda (motorcycle taxi) ride to Gulu more than the shopping though. I know I would have if I was there age.

It rained a little today, and has actually kept the temperature down a bit. I am really beat after a full day of cleaning the compound, picking rice and beans(picking the debris out of it), playing soccer, and taking the kids shopping. I have a new found respect for my mom, and for all moms really. You are all amazing, especially if you have multiple children to take of. These kids (like all kids) have tons of energy, and are a blast to be with. Its just a little tiring as all.

Looking forward to Watoto church again tomorrow, and my first service with the children here. Time is flying by, and I can't believe I've been gone for two weeks already. I have learned so much already, so what else God has in store over the next two and a half months, should be really interesting.

Love and miss you all,

Joe

Thursday, January 21, 2010

Random Thoughts

Good Morning,
I usually don’t try to update the blog or really do much with the computer in the morning, but I had a few free minutes, and after I went to bed last night, I couldn’t stop thinking about the wonderful woman from Maine. It really got me thinking. Mostly of how wonderful, funny, caring, and generous she was, but also about life in general. She was one of those people who I would only see every several years, and every time, it was like I had never gone. Not that we were especially close, but it made me really think about how much of an impact we all have on this world. Whether we decide to just coast through it, and let life happen to us, or whether we dare to live the lives we have always dreamed. Either way we end up impacting people at some level. Not always for the better, but we still impact people.

I say all this to say, live the life you’ve dreamed about. Dare to step out in faith, and not wait until the path less traveled has become a well lit road. In the words of Erwin McManus, “Love God, and do what you want.” I’m not saying whatever feels good do it, but rather that don’t be afraid to risk in life. I believe with everything in me, that God puts desires in our heart………….we just need to courage to follow it sometimes. Dream big, and don’t be ashamed of doing so.

You can probably tell from the name of this blog, that I have read, and am reading again Donald Miller’s A million miles in a thousand years. The premise of the book is that Don is asked to write a screenplay based on one of his books, and in the process, learns the concept of story itself. He decides that story doesn’t just matter in writing, it matters in life. What kind of story are you writing? Most of our lives wouldn’t make a good book, or a good film, and that’s not necessarily bad. However I want to write a better story. Not so that I get a book written about me, or that someone makes a movie based around my character; but rather that I want to live a story that is meaningful. I want my life to count for something bigger than myself.

As most of you know, part of my story was written over nine years ago, when my twin brother was killed in a hunting accident. The recent loss got me thinking about the incident again, and a lot about how the last time I looked into Jake’s eyes, that I knew something wasn’t right, and just wanted to tell him I loved him; but you don’t say those things when you’re walking into the woods to hunt. I know that he knew I did, and I could see in his eyes that he wanted to say the same thing. The reason I am saying this, is that don’t be afraid to tell the people you love how you feel. Don’t be afraid to step out into the story you want to live. Don’t wait. Start treating your children the way they should be. Start treating your wife the way you would want someone to treat your daughter; or treat your husband the way you would want someone to treat your son. Live better stories, not regrets.

I hope this makes some sense, and isn’t just a bunch of rambling….as that is how it feels. Just really felt I needed to write something.

Love and miss you all,

Joe

I'm a Lion

Today we invited some of the neighbor kids to come into the compound to enjoy some soccer with our children. We had lots of fun, and between that and working with Mike to try on solve our water problems, I was in the sun a little too much. I will definitely remember to wear my sunscreen tomorrow.

One of the younger children that came over to visit with Francis (our day security guard), was startled when I walked around the corner of the house, and he began to cry. I crouched down and tried to consoul him, but this only made it worse. Francis came to save the day, and asked the boy what was wrong. Well apparently I look like a lion. Acholi children are not used to seeing hair on the head or face of a man, as long as mine. Although the boy was upset, I couldn't help but laugh. I can only imagine what he will say in two and half months.

All in all we had a good day. Finding that some of the children need a little more supervision and persuasion than others, but they are all great kids.

Tonight I found out that the world has lost an amazing woman from Maine. Please pray for her family and friends; and for the Middleton family (Luke and Kristin especially).

Love and miss you all,

Joe

Wednesday, January 20, 2010

They're Here!!!

Well, the kids arrived today around four. Shortly after they arrived we were all outside playing soccer, and enjoying the company of six beautiful new faces. Kids are kids, whether its in New York, Dominican Repubic, Romania, Iraq, or even here in Uganda. They just want to be hugged, held, and played with. They just want to know that someone cares. Of course I don't know how you could possibly look at these smiles and not fall in love with them. There are three boys; Bill, Paul, and Ema(Emanuel), and three girls;Margret, Faith, and Gloria. I can see already that they all have very unique personalities that I will really enjoy getting to know.

Similar to what many families at home do, to learn respect for their elders, the children call the mamas either mom or auntie. The call Mama V, Mama V, Cassie they call Auntie Cassie, and Mike and I they call Uncle Mike and Uncle Joe. It melted my heart when I heard them say "Uncle Joe" all together for the first time. It made me feel more like I was home than I expected and reminded me of the number of kids at home that call me the same. Even though I do want children of my own someday.......being Uncle Joe to two nephews, three nieces, two goddaughters, and now dozens of kids all across the globe will be enough. I would covet your prayers that we show these beautiful children the love of God through how we play, teach, and even correct them. I am saddened that I will only have three months to do so, but I also feel so blessed that I do have three months. These kids, and thousands and thousands more like them deserve something better. Not neccessarily a better home, better clothes or a better education even though those are all great things. All children everywhere deserve to feel the warmth of a loving hug, the security of a loving family, and the chance to just be kid.

I don't know what we can all do, but I do know that we can all do something. Whether is helping in a children's home in Uganda, or supporting Mocha club, (ask Marion Bradish or google it), or simply taking in one of your kids friends into your home to give them the love they deserve. Maybe its just taking your own children, and telling them how much you love them. Like I said, I don't know what we can all do, but I do know that we can all do something. So lets.

Tuesday, January 19, 2010

One more day!!!!

Tomorrow by this time, we should have six beautiful faces running around the compound. Today was pretty productive getting materials for some building projects for the next few months. Some of which include a chicken coop(sp?), and lot of storage shelves of varying sizes. While picking up the supplies today, a man helping us pick up the material with his truck, asked me if I was a boxer. I hope he meant that I looked strong, and not like Butterbean. ;) With all this heat, I should hopefully look a little less like him by the time I get home.........besides..........I'm not bald........well not completly anyway.

Last night I sat down to play checkers with Mike, only to realize that Ugandan checkers is much different then the checkers I am used to playing. I of course lost after finding out that you have to "eat" the opponent whenever its possible, and that the king can jump incredible distances.......maybe farther than Superman himself. Well then came my turn to teach him how to play checkers with my rules. Well lets just say that it didn't turn out the same way........instead he creamed me. Oh well, I guess I don't really need my ego anyway.

I can't wait to update everyone on the kids tomorrow night. I was replying to a message from someone today, and she had asked me what I can see out my window. Of course right now its after dark, so all I can see is the spotlight on the far side of the compound, and reflections off the razor wire on top the walls. But during the day, I can see several mud huts, a field, dirt roads, children laughing and playing, people working, and walking about. Best of all is listening to the children laugh. Even now, I can hear a giggle every now and then, and its amazing that something so simple can bring so much joy. A baby falling asleep in your arms, the laughter of children, the beauty of a star filled night sky, a good conversation with a friend.......the best things in life truly are free.

Love and miss you all,

Joe

Sunday, January 17, 2010

Watoto Church

This morning, Mama V, Cassie and I attended the Watoto Church here in Gulu. It’s about a half mile walk or so, but not too bad in the morning. The church is all English speaking and had about an hour of worship (singing all songs that we sing at NTC), followed by about an hour of preaching. All in all it was a good service. A guest came and sang “God of this City”, and it was really powerful. Just make you think twice about saying something, like “well were just a small town in northern, NY”, because even our poorest live better than most here. If they can give all they have for what they believe and can help to change lives in their city, their country, and really their world, then what excuse do we have. Northern New York may have been hit by a recession, but we still have massive amounts of resources, with gifted people being one in abundance. Today, and this week, try to make a difference, in your home, your community, and essentially in your world. Let’s all write a better story.

Love and miss you all,

Joe

Saturday, January 16, 2010

Gulu

Hello everyone, and sorry for not keep you better updated. I now have internet capabilities (however limited) and will keep you updated on this wonderful adventure.
I arrived in Entebe, Uganda the night of the 13th, and spent the next day and a half buying supplies for Gulu. We drove to Gulu on the 15th, and the drive only took us four and a half hours instead of six and half, to seven. We stopped to take a quick picture of the Nile, as well as some wild baboons along the way. I will attach those and more pictures soon. We have spent the past few days unpacking supplies and getting the house ready for the return of the children on Wednesday. I have also done a few odd jobs around the house, but the major projects won’t start until Mike gets me the materials I need.
The children are not here because by law they must return to their “home” (where they came from”, for a minimum of three weeks a year. Because of this the children were sent home for ten days, but they are all anxious to return, and I am unbelievably anxious for them to return. Cassie the other volunteer feels the same way. It’s been a little rough not being able to go out into the community with our downtime to visit the community and play with the kids. We will be busy soon enough however, with the children starting the day at 5am, and us not finishing our chores until almost 9pm
Thanks again for your patience and for your support. Here’s to writing an incredible next chapter.

Love and miss you all,

Joe

Saturday, January 9, 2010

It begins

Sitting in Montreal International waiting for my flight to London where I will hopefully meet up with Victoria and Cassy. Weather and delays may keep in London for a few days, but God willing we will all be on the flight tomorrow morning.

I had a great morning playing boot hockey with the Laramay's, Ryan, and Kristan(who actually scored a few goals), and already missing the cold and the snow. Looking forward to enjoying the sun with six beautiful children though. I will keep you updated, and thanks again for all your support.

Joe

Thursday, January 7, 2010

Hello and Thanks

Good Morning Everyone,

This is my first crack at a blog, and hopefully as this chapter unfolds, I will get a little better at it. I would like to thank everyone for your support, both financial and most importantly in prayer. I am very excited to start the next chapter of my life, and so blessed that you can be a part of the journey.

Joe