LOLAFRICA journey to Uganda

2007-07-18T14:34:00.000+03:00

I have met many new and interesting insects, bugs and spiders while here in Uganda. Large cockroaches, big black shiny beetles....(beetles of all shapes and sizes and colors actually), Dangley-legged wasps, giant spiders, stick bugs, brown crickets with long and long legs, sugar ants by the millions, multiple types of massive millipedes, super-sized snails, filthy dung beetles, beautiful butterflies and these teeny tiny insects that come by the trillions to "clean-up" anything in no time at all!! BUT... past week, I met a bug to top them ALL.....

.....i met the Ugandan JIGGER (known in other parts of the world as the CHIGGER)...kind of a cute name for a bug right? well....don't let the name fool you! The JIGGER is a tiny insect, kind of like a flea....only this insect burrows into your feet and settles in to start a family...

My JIGGER burrowed into my 4th toe (the toe next to the baby toe) and snuggled in just underneath the edge of my toenail. I didn't notice it right away...so it cozied-up and began to grow....and prepare top lay eggs!!

One morning I said, "my toe is paining?! I wonder why?" .....I examined my toe to find that it had been bleeding, and I wondered how I could have injured it without having felt any pain...confused...I began to carefully clean the area...Expecting to find a wound... instead, I found a swollen, whitish bump about the size of a pencil eraser...he bump was surrounded by what looked like infection...inflammation....
Really confused now, and a little worried, my mind raced through information, details, and facts about Uganda before resting on one word... JIGGER!!

Panic filled me as I ran to ask a friend if what I expected was true...one look and he confirmed my fears!! I definitely had a parasite keeping house in my toe!! I immediately told him to get the branch clippers or panga (machete) and take the entire toe OFF!! Of course he refused...and a safety pin was used instead to dig out the JIGGER. It took about 15 minutes f digging around and opening the end of my toe and rooting out that nasty bug...FINALLY it was successfully pulled out!! PHEW!!!

I was expecting to see an ugly creepy crawly...but instead what came out of my toe was a fleshy cacoon of some sort...very disgusting... yuck!!
I was left with a large crater at the end of my toe and partly under the toenail...where my JIGGER had been happily raising it's family..but after cleaning and bandaging...It was pain free and I was happily on my way to recovery. :) I cannot describe the relief to have that parasite out of my body!! Thanks to my good friend Roger for being willing to dig it out for me!! I am hopeful that no eggs remain behind...and that this initiation will be my ONLY encounter with the dreaded JIGGER!!

2007-06-30T12:17:00.000+03:00

"I cannot believe that the purpose of life is merely to be happy. I think the purpose of life is to be useful, to be responsible, to be honourable, to be compassionate. It is, above all, to matter: to count, to stand for something, to have it made a difference that you lived at all."
-Leo Rosten

2007-06-30T11:51:00.000+03:00

Over the past ten months here in Uganda, I have applied many band aids to skinned knees, cuts and scrapes...given medication for Flu, headache, back pain, stomach aches, diarrhea, constipation, and various muscle pain...i have healed toothaches and supported sprained ankles with tensors...eased joint pain, helped to heal in-grown toenails, dealt with acid indigestion, ulcers and cough and cold...I've even "fixed" up a Boda Boda (motorcycle taxi) driver after an accident while I was in Kyayi. Because of all these things, i am now known as "Doctor Lola"!!
This past week, however, I faced my biggest challenge yet! One of my students - Kaziro Patrick - fell into some deep grass while playing football (soccer)..the grass happened to contain some old discarded barbed wire! He came up with blood pouring from his left hand...immediately he was brought to me - "Dr. Lola - first aid!" The fleshy part of his palm was ripped wide open...a three-inch gaping gash which was deep and deep (very deep) Blood was rushing down his arm..brave and stoic, Kaziro merely asked me to hurry so he could get back to the game!
In my heart I was praying hard...the wound was deep and maybe needed stitches - and that was a line I did not want to cross! On went my trusty latex gloves...and Dr. Lola got to work...
I irrigated the wound and doused it with antiseptic wash, cleaning as deep as possible...once the bleeding had stopped, I applied antibiotic ointment before using butterfly bandages to seal the gash as tightly as possible...then a non-adherent gauze pad and I wrapped the whole hand in gauze to secure everything in place giving strict instructions for Kaziro to keep the hand dry and dry (very dry). To Kaziro's dismay...I also told him he should not go back to the game....reluctantly..he agreed. :)
That night, I began to worry about that wound...i hardly slept, fearing infection. I was only praying hard that the hand would be fine. In the morning I gave serious orders for Kaziro to travel to see the local nurse...he agreed to go. That evening however..i saw that he still had the same bandages on and asked him about it. He said he had not gone to the nurse because he fears injections! Without delay, i took him to my place to inspect the wound!
I was nervous as I began to unwrap the hand...but my anxiety melted away into pure JOY and Thanksgiving as i uncovered the long thin line of a closed wound! It was healing nicely and with no signs of infection! It even looked like any scar would be almost imperceptible once completely healed. The human body is an amazing creation!
My smile was big and big (very big) and so was Kaziro's as we gazed together and laughed at our success and the blessing of this healing wound.
I cleaned the area again and put new gauze and sent him on his way. I cleansed and bandaged that wound for three more days before declaring it safe!
All I have to say is: GOD is GOOD! I have never seen such a deep wound heal so fast. A miracle? Maybe....God is the great Healer...and he is always good - because that is His nature. :)

"Do all you can with what you have in the time you have in the place you are." -Nkosi johnson

"Where Love is, there is God also." - Leo Tolstoy

"It is not the magnitude of our actions but the amount of love that is put into them that matters." -Mother Theresa

2007-06-30T11:36:00.000+03:00

It has been a LONG time since I made a journal entry here..and for that - let me apologize! Not only have I been very busy...but i have tried! The computers here continue to be uncooperative and stubborn and have refused to accept the work! Also, I was out of the country for awhile! i was blessed with the opportunity to zip up into Egypt to meet with my sister and her husband who were there visiting family! The journey was a great success and i was blessed to meet many wonderful people and make some dear new friends! Egypt is a beautiful country...mysterious and wonder -full... there is so much to feast one's eyes on....that we did not even scratch the surface! One day, God willing, i will return to that desert treasure-chest of beauty, art and lovely People...

"Like all travellers, i have seen more than i remember and remember more than i have seen." -Benjamin Disraeli

It was, however, wonderful to return to Uganda. I arrived back at Entebbe airport at around 5:30 am - the same time as my first arrival back in September 2006. :) This time, instead of all the nervousness, confusion and excitement of the unknown - I was calm and happy for the familiarity and joy of returning HOME. I had my work Permit/ Entry Visa, so the officer just stamped in my return and said "Welcome home." Wonderful. :) What a good feeling.
Since I've been home life has been BUSY! Midterm Exams, Inter-house football Competitions and the election of new Prefects at the school...it has been an interesting term... and all the students are studying hard!
It saddens me to know that I will not be around for their third Term...which means i won't be able to support them through their final exams of the year - the most stressful and difficult time for them. I'll only have to cover them in many prayers form the other side of the ocean!
For now, however, we continue to prepare their young minds for the task ahead...and I am only proud of them for their hard work and dedication. Proud and Proud.

"Work is Love made visible." -Kahlil Gibran

2007-05-05T13:34:00.000+03:00

I had the absolute pleasure of visiting the village of Kyayi this past weekend...the home of my dear friend Roger. The journey was around 3 and 1/2 hours crammed like sardines in a minivan-taxi..bumping along dirt roads, leaving a cloud of red dust billowing behind us.
We passed through many small towns and villages as we made our way steadily West. As we neared our destination, we entered the "Savannah Corridor" a scrubby area with low shrubs, termite mounds and short scraggly trees..monkeys raced around and chased each other across the road chattering at us as we sped past.
We arrived in Kyayi in the early evening...a teeny, tiny, dusty town that you could miss if you blinked while driving past...we tumbled out of the taxi, happy for the freedom to stretch our legs!! Roger said, "Welcome Home." and I was instantly greeted by his brothers and neighbors and all of them welcoming me home. We entered one of the blue wooden doors of a rowhouse into a cozy two-room home...and eased ourselves into some chairs in the front room. Home. It certainly felt like home - which may seem strange since I'd never been there before- but the warm welcome and tangible love that surrounded me, held all the qualities of home.
After settling in, Roger took me for a tour of the tiny village...meeting the villagers and viewing the banana, coffee and sweet potatoe plantations that fill the surrounding area. We passed folks busy building, slathering red bricks with cool grey cement...stopped by the local Clinic and greeted the village priest, local elders and swarms of laughing, giggling, mischievous children, before heading home for tea.
Hot tea, instant coffee and some bread nourished us after our long journey...we sat and conversed and enjoyed each other's company as many friends and neighbours popped in to welcome and meet the Muzungu.
One of the neighbors, a jolly lady named Enid cooked us a hot meal of Matooke and G-nuts and we were thankful and satisfied.
We were picked up, like royalty, in a friend's vehicle and drove through fields and pastures and over hills and through the trees to the place where we would spend the night - dear old friends of the family who welcomed us with open arms, offered us more tea, showers(bucket baths) and cozy beds. We stayed up late into the night talking and listening to the goats, sheep, monkeys and bugs fill the night with their chorus to the African moon.

After a short but sweet sleep, we were up early to be sure not to miss the morning ritual of milking the cows, and drinking fresh milk! So, out to the pasture we went! No, the cows here are not like our cows at home...no black and white dappled dairy cows here...these cows are large, deep coffee and chocolate - browns, with impossibly huge (gigantic really) long, intimidating horns!! There are, however, calm and docile and stoic...looking at you lazily as you trudge past. The calves were let out one or two at a time to feed...they were then made to "pause" for a few moments while the people took a litre or two of milk for the family...then the calf could resume its breakfast. The people here LOVE milk and can be fully satisfied by milk and fore go food!! To watch them take their litre of frothy, creamy fresh milk is like watching happy babies with a big bottle...drinking without taking a breath until it's all gone!! Then, licking their lips like happy cats..they are satisfied...MILK- it does the body good!

After taking morning tea and taking many photos with everyone...we were on our way, this time "footing" back to the village, past goats, stream of ants crossing our path, herds of cattle, termite mounds, flowering trees, and of course curious monkeys scampering everywhere!
In town we spend the afternoon lounging outside on Papyrus mattes, weaving hemp and trying to find reception on an old radio. In the afternoon, Roger and I hopped on his brothers Motorcycle and zipped down to a nearby river where we found men bathing, washing clothes and rinsing jerry cans. It was great to feel the open - air -freedom of a motorcycle ride.

We zipped back to pick His brother and we sat three on the motorbike and headed up into the hills to visit the homestead of another old family friend. At the top of a large hill, we found several earthen buildings with thatched roofs and children everywhere. Again tea was served and we were taken to a small room to rest while we waited for the man of the house to arrive.
When he arrived, beer was served and everyone settled in to relax, laugh and enjoy each other's company. I had brought some books and pencils with me and gave them out to the kids (thanks to Garth Goodwin for the donated books!!!).... some of the kids could read, so we crowded around to hear stories like Peter Rabbit by Beatrix Potter. Delightful!!

After some games and fun with the kids, we needed to be on our way - a mile and 1/2 journey through the bush to our next destination and rest for the night. As we walked through the wilderness, past smoldering campfires of local hunters, and stoic bulls silently chewing...we sang songs by Bob Marley and watched as the stars came out.
Long after dark, we arrived at out hosts' home and were welcomed with much laughter, many big hugs and it was again time for photos!! We were blessed with the gift of fresh apples to enjoy - a real treat! Ahhhh...much joy, good company and good conversations...then showers (bucket baths) and sleeeeeeep!!!

We slept in, enjoying our beds and the freedom to do as we pleased...we were up by 7am having tea and coffee. Our last full day in Kyayi. The day was a lazy one - mostly spent talking and enjoying the great outdoors of Uganda. The family was gracious and kind. I felt kinship despite language and cultural barriers. There were two wives in this household and their love for each other was like that of sisters - they ran the household as a team and were both wonderful, beautiful and happy. Before we left they blessed me with the gift of beautiful traditional clothing and giggled and cooed as they dressed my up like a doll for some photos!! Big hugs and well wishes..thanks, blessings and blown kisses and we sped away on our motorcycles!
I was surprised at the long journey back to town...I had now realized how far we had come! The ride was a joy - wind in my hair, red earth speeding past under our tires and blue, blue skies overhead!

Back in the village we resumed our lazy matt-lounging ways until evening when many folks came by to sit around with us and talk late into the night.
The generosity of these people overwhelmed me, as I was given the gifts of three goats, a hen, some and a supply of natural local honey!! I am blessed beyond!!! My beautiful tan-colored goat that they've named "Lola" is pregnant and will give birth in August...a good excuse to revisit this lovey village, these warm delightful people and this beautiful land.

We slept only three hours that last night and were up at 5am to jump back into our sardine tin for the ride back to Mpigi., As we left Kyayi behind us in our cloud of dust, the sun was rising over the mist covered trees and my heart was singing. Is it possible for one person to be so blessed as to have many places on this earth that they can call home? Places where they will always be welcomed with open arms and warm hearts? Yes.

Many deep and heartfelt thanks to the lovely people of Kyayi, may you be blessed beyond.

2007-05-05T13:04:00.000+03:00

The Bicycle...an environmentally friendly means of transportation...a simple,practical thing...even a luxury for the odd joyride every now and then...but herein Uganda, the bicycle is a marvel, a wonder, a treasure...it is gold.
To own a bicycle means you have some way of making a living...strap on a cushioned seat behind the rider and you are now a bicycle-taxi. You can carry men, women and children and their cargo through congested streets to their destination in relatively good time. You can haul everything from Matooke to lumber, charcoal to bails of banana leaves, spare tires, steel poles , rods, car parts, firewood or boxes of goods piled up to seven feet high!!
As long as the tires are full and the chain well oiled, a bicycle can carry almost anything to anywhere. If your load is too big, you just jump off and push the bike to where you need to go. Balance is a key ingredient in this scenario and great care must be taken not to topple over with your heavey load - as re-loading is time consuming and dangerous in the middle of traffic!!
Given that a bicycle has pedals...it can be fashioned into almost any human-powered machine for sanding,grinding or mixing! As scrap, the bicycle is useful in making homemade wheelchairs, tricycles or reinforcing existing machinery or vehicles.
I have never seen such resourcefulness, such imagination, or so many uses of a bicycle, than I have been witness to here in Uganda.
You name it - a bicycle can be the answer to the problem. A mere means of transportation? Hardly! In fact, the Ugandan bicycle is rarely used as a simple means to get around...the option is just an added bonus. IN Uganda, owning a bicycle can mean life, hope for the future, food on the table.

I think of all the bicycles in Canada- Yes, they know the joy of laughing children, the glee of riding down a hill, the simple pleasure of an easy ride on a fall day...the energizing speed of an athlete training...wind in the wheels....or the noisy fun of a playing card or piece of plastic in the spokes. The frivolity of streamers, bicycle decorating contests, handlebar bells, baskets and lunchbox holders.... the classic scene of boys racing or jumping their BMX bikes...
My memory brings to light my first bike..a surprise from my parents...a beautiful blue shining wonder! Fast as a bullet -I never even needed training wheels!! I loved that bike - it felt like freedom. Now,imagine how precious the bicycle that can help you pay your rent...feed your children...save your life...
I have taken for granted this wonderful, strong, ingenious invention...the simple yet amazing Bicycle.

"I have come to realize that it is the small simple things that are the real ones after all." -Laura Ingalls Wilder

2007-04-10T13:14:00.000+03:00

Last Friday I was walking around Kampala sharing a little Love and as I came up to Kampala Road...there, in his old spot...and to my hearts delight...was FRANCIS!! (I told you about him in my Blog back in December)
Around mid-December, Francis went missing...I was worried and have been looking for him ever since! And now, here he was!

The smile that lit up his entire 2'x3' frame told me that he remembered me...and I happily greeted him and we talked and talked!! As it turns out, He was given the chance to return to his village in Mbale, where he was staying with some relatives for the past few months. Unfortunately, he had become a "burden" to them and so, was sent back to the city, where he is now on the street. I welcomed him back and told him I was happy to see him. He asked me if I could do something for him. I asked how I could help.. "a blanket" he replied. I told him I would return with a blanket. When I returned however - he was gone! I would have to come back another day...I did not see him again last weekend.

This week, on Friday, I was walking around the city again...many of the people I am used to seeing were not around, maybe because it was good Friday...but the city was BUSY!! My main goal was to reach Francis and give him the blanket I had bought...as I struggled to weave in and out of the JAM to cross the street and start my journey up to Kampala Road... I came around a vehicle and I bumped into someone being pushed in a ramshackled homemade wheelchair(ply-wood and bicycle parts)...It was Francis!! I told his friend that they should move with me to the side of the road so we could talk...I told him that I was on my way UP to find HIM and here we meet in the middle of downtown, in traffic!!! we laughed and laughed at our good fortune and the hand of Providence on our meeting!! I gave him the blanket and he gave me a dazzling smile and wished for me God's blessing! we talked and talked and laughed and smiled...and knowing with certainty now, that we will meet again, we parted ways.

As I continued up the hill my heart was singing and I was overwhelmed and feeling unworthy of this gift of pure JOY...and once again...my cup runneth over.

2007-03-18T17:04:00.000+03:00

Ugandan English 101

Coming to Uganda not knowing the local language has certainly been a challenge, but even the English spoken here has taken some getting used to...

To give someone a "push" - to walk with someone to where they are going
Organize your bones and get moving - stop procrastinating
You are lost! - Where have you been? I haven't seen you for awhile!
They will drink you! - You are beautiful!
You are smart! - You are dressed SO nice!
To shift - to move from one home into another
To move - To walk
Are you there? Are we together? - Do you understand what I'm saying?
You've taken a long time minus coming- You haven't come by in a long time
I love you beyond- I love you more than I can say
Do you get? - do you understand?
Those ends- wherever you are ie. How are things those ends?
For me I don't want- I don't like that
Sleep did not touch my eyes - I did not sleep well
Out - anywhere outside of Uganda ie. studying from out
This side - Uganda
That side - The West (North America)
Do you hear that? - Do you smell that?
You have become used-you are now used to something
How is there? - How are things wherever you came from?
How is here? - How are things around this place?
I am not fine - I am sick or something is wrong
I am a little bit fine - I am feeling a bit sick
I am somehow fine - I am okay
She doesn't eat anything with blood- she is a vegetarian
Do you fear?- Are you afraid?
For me I don't fear- I am not afraid
A little bit big - medium
Big, big- very big
Small, small - very small
Good time - (said on departure) Have a good day, evening, or whatever you are doing
Flu is catching me - I think I'm getting the flu
My stomach is biting me - I have a stomach ache
These people are not serious- they are just fooling around
A shortcall - to urinate
I am feeling weak - I may be getting sick
Well done!- a greeting, saying hello
The train can be backed up - you will change your mind
I have ever been there - I have been there
I have ever done that - i have done that
Can it be? - Is it true?
Sample us something - Sing or dance for us
Reading - studying
you come and we go - Let's go!
Snaps - Photos
If my hair was as soft as yours, people would eat it like food - your hair is very soft
You are going to laugh your tongue out! - You will laugh SO hard!
Check - take a look at this! Listen to this!
...And Kind of stuff -...and stuff like that
Well Be Back - Welcome back
To chase someone from somewhere - to kick them out, to fire them
I slept late - I went to bed late last night
Ramshackled food - food that didn't turn out the way it should

2007-03-18T16:36:00.000+03:00

After the serious tone to some of my other entries...I thought I'd tell a story that may result in a few chuckles, giggles or laughter...I believe there will be some smiles at least!

One night this week (Thursday) around 9pm, I went to our washroom to relieve myself...as i finished, I heard some extra splashing in the toilette water...hmmmmmm,no real concern at this point,just confusion...I stoodup and turnedto see an UGLY, BUMPY Monster-faced Brown and red LIZARD staring up at me from the toilette bowl!!! WHOA!! I stepped back to process the situation...my mind was filled with scenes from movies like Species, Alien, Gremlins and TV shows like "V - the final battle"(from the 80's) and that X-files episode where a giant lamprey-like creature was stalking people from the sewage systems!! I ran to get my camera and take some photos of this hideous peeping-Tom!
Now - the dilemma I was facing was, what to do with our Goulie? My first thought was to try and flush him..but he was too big, and maybe he'd just come back!! Plus...I've peed on him and now he is surely angry and ornery, no one wants to touch him!!
I went to inform Rebecca of our slimy visitor...trouble was, we both fear the creepy crawler, but we needed him out of there!! What to do??
"Get a bucket," I said.
"and the Panga," she said," and a long stick!"
We sprang into action, and as we ran around gathering our "weapons" and planning how to rid ourselves of Mr. Wart-Face Ugly-Pants...he just floated patiently...waiting for his revenge!
Okay - we were ready, an old blue bucket 1/4 full of water, one long Panga(machete) curved at one end, and one long stick. I positioned the bucket to catch Slippery McSlitherton, and Rebecca used the Panga and stick as tongs to pinch and grab Creepy-Claws and try to drop him in the bucket...
First try - he wriggled free - SPLOOSH!! Back in the toilette!!
Second try - Again squirm, slither - KER PLOP!!
Our Third try had the charm and SPLISH SPLASH - he was taking a bath in the blue bucket. We laughed and breathed a deep sigh of relief.....TOO SOON!!Toad-Face-Gollum was clambering up the side of the pail and trying to escape!! His back hunched, his long claws scraping!! We shrieked and laughed and Rebecca shoved him back into the water with the stick!

Okay...holding him down with the stick and running through the house with the pail,laughing and freaking out, we rushed out into the compound and dumped our uninvited guest in the grass! He scurried away into the darkness, not being able to see him freaked us out and we hurried back inside...ahhhhhhhhhh safe at last!

Needless to say, NEVER again will I sit on that toilette without checking it for visitors first!!

"Don't take life too seriously, You'll never get out alive!" -Bugs Bunny

2007-03-05T13:53:00.000+03:00

This song is in my head all day every day thee days...when i hear it, the tears are always close and i feel I want to sing it to everyone I know here in Uganda....and there at home. Don't worry, I won't sing...but here are the Lyrics for you to read...

May the Lord bless and keep you
May His face shine upon you
May His graciousness be like an endless stream
May the Lord show His favour
To your house and your neighbor
Until the last remaining strains of striving cease
May He grant you peace

‘cause in my heart there’s a sadness building up
Every turn adds to the cup
As the losses match the measure of my gains
In the shadow of this curse
Where the best implies the worst
If you’re like me you’ll need to hear somebody pray...

May the Lord bless and keep you
May His face shine upon you
May His graciousness be like an endless stream
May the Lord show His favour
To your house and your neighbor
Until the last remaining strains of striving cease
May he grant you peace

-For The Journey : Music and Lyrics by Steve Bell
© 2000 Signpost Music

God Bless Steve for being faithful to his gift...and for sharing it with us.

2007-03-05T13:30:00.000+03:00

Needless to say, my time here in Uganda has been full of new experiences, challenges and blessings...today welcomes a new experience for me... As I was sitting here in the internet cafe in Kamapala today, busy trying to connect with home, some supporters of those who oppose the president came walking down Kampala Road....almost immediately after they passed, I heard the all-too-familiar-sirens that warn "TEAR GAS IS COMING!!!" Instantly everyone in the cafe sprung into action...many people were running out and away, some people fled into the washroom, the staff were busy pulling down and locking the metal gates...within about ten seconds, we were all locked inside quietly waiting for the inevitable...through the window we could see the thick bluish fog make it's way down the now empty street....slowly it seeped under the metal gates and immediately all of our eyes were stinging, nasal passages burning , sinuses throbbing...tears flowing, throats constricting and nostrils flaring!! People began to shout for water, everyone needing to rinse their eyes... wipe their faces, blow their noses!!

Sounds like a completely negative experience right? Well, not entirely... like in all situations that are likened to a crisis...those involved are bonded...even if for a few moments...we are all in the same boat and therefore an instant camaraderie occurs....people were wiping their tears and laughing...some people shaking their heads at each other with a wry grin "that's our country!" and more laughing...people sitting down at tables together, sharing bottles of water to wipe their stinging faces...everyone regaining their composure TOGETHER:Muslim and Christian,Ugandan and Muzungu, Young and Old...Together... then, the gates were opened, the sun shone in and a breeze brought in some fresh air ...everyone breathed a collective sigh of relief and moved on with their day.
Since then we have been "locked down" twice and have heard rumours that there is gun-fire up the street and more tear-gas... If only those rare moments of camaraderie and human oneness could last...if only we could hold onto it...continue it....maybe there would be less fighting, more talk...understanding and maybe.....peace.

"If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other." -Mother Theresa

2007-02-26T15:12:00.000+03:00

Imagine.... that you are 17 years old, both of your parents have died...you are an orphan.
You have no home, you struggle to find food, you sometimes sleep on the cold, hard concrete of the city streets....you are utterly alone.
By some miracle and the generosity of strangers - you are chosen to be sponsored to complete your schooling! Hope is alive and you thrive at school...where you have a bed, clean drinking water, meals and stimulation for your mind. While at school it becomes obvious that you have been blessed with the gift of music and dancing! You are thankful to God for these talents and decide to nurture them, develop them and use them as a positive force in the world....you write and write and sing and sing!
Time passes and you are happy... After three years at the school you find you have successfully graduated...you are now an educated 20 year old - ready for the workforce! Unfortunately, your level of education is not enough to get you a job...and you will either have to go to university or start your own business - both of which cost money you do not have.
No longer at boarding school - there is also the question: where will you sleep? You are back in the city, no bed, no food, no shelter...thankfully an older brother agrees to have you stay with him and his family...but this only lasts a few months before they move away and again there is the question: where will you sleep? Luckily an old friend agrees to let you stay with him.. The space measures about 8 feet by 10 feet...you have no bed, no toilet, no running water....three people live there. At night you curl up on a chair and try to rest.
You continue to write and sing and take any opportunity to share your music with others...your music carries messages of Hope, of Truth, of Justice...these messages empower people and begin to stir up trouble for you...you are warned not to sing anymore...your life is threatened.
Every morning you wake up and go looking for work...you find a construction site who will let you haul cement and bricks up and down all day...for the meager wage of about 75 cents for the day. This money you take home to your friend...to contribute to the household, so that he will not see you as a burden and ask you to leave.
Each night, your body aching, and your stomach nearly empty, you return to that chair to try and get some sleep for the next long day of work. And, as exhaustion, hunger and pain threaten to overwhelm you, you wonder - will there be work tomorrow? will there be food? If anything happens to you, who will they notify? Who will come for you? You are alone in this struggle and you fight off the loneliness as you pray for strength and courage to go on...and mercifully, sleep comes.

Now, I ask you...would you be strong? Would your spirit still sing? Would you continue to strive and speak out for truth, for justice? Would your mind be fresh and your heart filled with JOY? Would you still feel generosity and show kindness to your fellow man? Would you still have faith that the God you know to be a loving God will take care of you? Would you be thankful for your life and hopeful for the future?

A lesson in courage...and abiding hope.

"This is courage - to bear unflinchingly what heaven sends." - Euripedes

"Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified. Do not be discouraged for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:9

2007-02-12T15:07:00.000+03:00

As many of you know, i keep a few small journals in which i write small passages and quotes that inspire me as I read different books...and, many have been given me by family and friends. All are included in those pages and I go back to them again and again for inspiration or to help my hand express what is in my heart. in my life, I have tried to live by a quote by Mother Theresa which says "spread Love everywhere you go..." While here in Africa i have been greatly inspired by her simple message of Love and her many words on the subject:

"Being unwanted, unloved, uncared for, forgotten by everybody...I think that is a much greater poverty than the person who has nothing to eat."

"Do not think that Love, in order to be genuine, has to be extraordinary...What we need is to Love without getting tired."

"It is not the magnitude of our actions, but the amount of Love that is put in them that matters."

Last Thursday I began the project of creating a new volleyball net for the school. the old net was nowhere to be found, so i would be doing some guesswork for the dimensions. Thankfully, i have had a lot of experience with knot work from working with Hemp and so, the actual "weaving" of the net was not a big concern for me!
And so, with Tom, Charles, Patrick and Dennis (students who had arrived early for school) as my helpers, and armed with many rolls of nylon chord...we began. Once started, the boys learned quickly but the task seemed endless and we worked all day!
The posts for our net were made from two lean, straight tree trunks set into deep holes in the ground that were dug using a panga (machete) and scooped out by hand. During this process Charles cut his finger. I immediately took him to wash the wound, disinfect it, add some polysporin and a band aid...by the wonder on his face while I took care of that cut, i could see that any such care had been rare if not completely absent in his life. All fixed up...we returned to our net.
By evening, of all my helpers, only Charles remained dedicated to our project! Eventually, the sun set but still we worked...until we could no longer see the chords we were tying and our hands were sore. We would have to continue in the morning...
Up early, Charles and I continued to work on the net until breakfast and beyond...finally around 1 o'clock on the second day, we tied the last and final knots, raised the net, and stood back to admire our work! Smiles spread across our faces...we had succeeded!! before us hung a beautiful electric-blue volleyball net...God had truly blessed he work of our hands!

I had noticed as we worked that the shirt Charles was wearing (a Barcelona soccer jersey and his favorite) had several seems that had worn out and opened - along each shoulder and at the collar. i asked him to bring me that shirt...I found my handy little sewing kit and spent some time that afternoon mending his jersey. Now, i am not that good at sewing - but I have to say - that that shirt looked almost as good as new when I had finished!! The smile that lit up Charles' face was priceless!! he put it on right away and declared, "Now I look smart!"
"Yes, Yes you do" I replied, smiling.

That night Charles came to me and said, "Lola, you give good care...and do you know what that means?" I asked him to tell me. "You have taken care of me, and that means I am now your son...and I will cry and cry when you leave and miss you so much." I smiled and told him that I was honoured, that I would miss him too, and that my tears would fill the water tank when it came time for me to leave this place.

Those small, small, things we do for people in the spirit of Love can change the world around us. i marvel at the pure joy of a returned smile, the giggle of pure delight from a wee child who find s a "Werther's Original" in their outstretched hand instead of a coin...the warm gratitude and deep dimples of a boy who never had a band aid lovingly placed on a scuffed knee. I think it really is those moments....little by little, added on to one another...Love in action - that can affect change.

"In this life we cannot do great things. We can only do small things with great Love."
-Mother Theresa

2007-01-23T14:28:00.000+03:00

This past weekend, I travelled with my Ugandan Mom(Robinah) and her Sister(Rebecca - my roommate) deep into the village to the place where they grew up...a small area called GOMBA.

The journey was long, and felt even longer due to the impossible state of the red - earth road that we bumped along on n our little vehicle. Many times I thought the road impassable - but on we drove anyway, the little truck that could!!

The countryside was a feast for my eyes as we passed countless forest reserves, clusters of earthen houses and small trading centres consisting of stands loaded with fresh fruits, veggies and handmade goods such as baskets, stools, drums and matts.

The green hills of Uganda rose around us on all sides, lush with vines, papyrus and flowering trees: red, yellow, fushia, violet. Everywhere walking paths of packed red earth weaving in and out and over...everywhere - children fetching water, woman carrying bundles on their heads and babies on their backs, men pushing or riding bicycles heavy laden with elephant grass, banana leaves and bunches of matooke.
The smell of dew drenched vegetation hung on the air an mingled with the dust of the road and the occasional aroma of grass freshly cut with machete.

My kidneys were rejoicing when we finally pulled off the road onto the grass in front of a small homestead....small stone house, cookhouse and a few small out buildings...the yard was full of children. We had arrived at the home of Margaret Tamale (pronounced Ta-ma-lay).
When you meet Margaret it is easy to feel intimidated and there is deep and immediate respect for this regal woman. Her face is that of wisdom and her eyes sparkle with all the joy and sorrow of her life... she has worked hard in her life and has raised her 12 children, some of their children, and now has taken in her great grandchildren to raise and care for in the absence of their parents. Any intimidation one may feel dissipates almost immediately as the look of love is in her eyes and she is welcoming and a generous and a gracious host.
We were greeted and welcomed by Margaret and her sister-in-law and a neighbour friend...the three older women embraced me warmly, smiles beaming, ancient eyes glittering as they chattered and took my hands and lead me into the house, where they sang a song of worship and blessing for me.

The day was beautiful, we sat outside on mattes and enjoyed Mango fresh off the tree, we went to church and had prayers with the local villagers, Rebecca and I walked through the banana and coffee plantations and sweet potato plots down to the well where children were busy fetching water. In the afternoon we had a huge feast of Matooke, rice, G-nuts sauce, greens and pumpkin. The food was savoury and delicious with the taste of the fire.

News had come to the house that a young girl of 7 years old had been "knocked" by a vehicle the night before and had died from her injuries. The burial would be that same afternoon. So, around 2pm we all prepared to attend the burial.
Before leaving the house Margaret took out a papyrus matte, beautifully woven with purple and beige strands...she laid it on the floor and asked Rebecca and I to kneel with her on the matte. As we knelt there, Margaret told me that in their culture they always kneel when they talk to God....so, she was presenting me with this matte to take with me back to Canada, that I might kneel on it as i say my prayers. Tears were in all of our eyes as we embraced and I thanked her for this most precious gift.

And so, we piled into the truck - cab and box full of people, and made our way down the road and up a hill to attend the burial of the lost child.
We gathered at the paternal grandparents home, everyone seated among the trees on mattes on the sloping ground leading into the homestead. Slowly the yard filled with people, coming from all directions through the trees. Every available space was filled with friends, family and neighbour's come to pay their respects. A vehicle arrived and a small beautifully carved and polished wooden casket was carried out and placed in front of the parents of the lost little girl. Hymns were sung, tears were shed, condolences were read and more singing...then the tiny casket was hoisted high above the heads of about six strong men and boys...everyone rose to their feet, singing...All feet and voices followed that precious casket through the trees and into the forest to the final resting place. Final rights will be held in the months to come...giving time to prepare and plan and give proper homage to this sweet child.
Our hearts heavy, we left them there weeping and wondering how to Begin life without their daughter, sister, granddaughter, niece, friend. our truck bumped along quietly now, along the rough path back to Margaret's home. After some rearranging, piling out, good-byes and hopes to meet again, we were on our way back through the green hills.

The heaviness in my heart lifted like morning fog as we passed people busy with the work of the living...preparing the evening meals, sweeping the yard, collecting firewood, fetching the evening water and many, many children playing. As we passed these children, they would see me and cry out "muzungu!!" and the shrieks and giggles and jumping and waving was the stuff of pure joy. When I'd smile and wave back the frenzy of glee was amazing and my heart soared with the beauty of life.

We stopped at a tiny trading centre where women and children flow to the car like a river, carrying baskets FULL of every fruit and veggie you can imagine....in the hopes that you will buy something. Robbinah was busy buying passion fruit at her window, and i was busy smiling and talking to the multitude of people outside my window..Then - they all began to sneak touches on my arm, and hand which was resting on the window ledge...when i noticed they shrieked and laughted and looked slightly guilty but pleased at being caught! I realized that they were curious about my skin...so I held out my arm, full-length, and smiled, giving them freedom to touch...ALL of them, laughing and giggling with delight, began touching, rubbing and feeling my arm, my hand, my fingers...the total fascination and wonder that they expressed made me smile and smile and the JOY of that moment was shared between us. They no longer cared if we bought anything - the moment was ours to enjoy. Still smiling and waving and with happiness now overflowing - we drove away from them, smiling for miles.

We arrived back at the school late and exhausted. Some coffee and a bit of food and we dropped into our beds...the day was abundantly full of the awareness of the joy and precious gift that is LIFE...and the beauty that is Uganda...the pearl of Africa.

"God scatters beauty
as he scatters flowers,
o'er the wide earth
and tells us all are ours."

-Walter Savage Landor

2006-12-29T17:16:00.000+03:00

The weekend before Christmas, I was honored to be invited to an "Introduction Ceremony". Essentially, this is a huge celebration during which a Potential Bride and Groom's Families are formally introduced to one another.
So please, join me for the celebration!!...

Allow me to set the scene...

The small rocky yards of three neighboring houses are transformed into the celebration area. Four large tents have been erected and filled with chairs, flowers, bows and bands of colorful fabric - giving a festive flair to the space. The centre of the space is left empty...this is the stage where we will lay our scene...The family of the prospective Groom faces the father and relatives of the Prospective Bride across the centre "stage". As we take our seats the MC for the day is chatting and telling jokes, entertaining the waiting guests. Most of the women attending this celebration are dressed in their traditional garments which are called "Gomesi", the colors of the fabric are bright and often decorated with gold thread, beads or sequins. (I am also wearing a Gomes...mine is brilliant purple with gold accent and wide Gold band around my waist.)

Music is played and a t the door of the house we see a line of ladies begin to dance into our scene. These are the Aunties of the Bride. They dance their way into the free space and kneel in front of the Groom's family. They greet and speak to the family before returning to their feet. They dance their way around the family - they are in search of the Groom!! When they find him, they raise his hand to the sky and the whole place explodes in celebration!! As the crowd hoots and hollers and claps - the Aunties lead the Groom (dancing) to the seat of honor at the front of his Family near the stage. The Aunties then formally welcome their soon-to-be new nephew into the family and place a wreath of flowers around his neck, before dancing their way back to the house.

Music begins again and this time a long line of young women and girls appear at the doorway of the house...these are the sisters of the families...they too, dance their way out and each take turns greeting the family of the groom before dancing out again...they are followed by a long line of handsome brothers who do the same.

Next, the Best Man, Groom and Groom's Mother kneel before the Father of the Bride and He gives his blessing and consent for the marriage...He touches each of their heads in blessing and presents the Groom with a formal certificate of permission to marry his daughter.

Music floods the place again and this time a whole line of beautiful Gomes - clad young ladies come dancing out of the house...these are the girlfriends of the Bride...and one of the girls IS the promised Bride...but we do not know which one yet!! They dance and dance, in a large circle in the centre space. finally they kneel in a line in front of the Groom and his Family.The Mother of the Groom then rises, and goes to kneel in front of the girl who is to be her new Daughter....she welcomes her and places a wreath of flowers around her neck...CELEBRATION!!!! Again the whole place erupts in cheers and clapping!!!

As if on cue, the entire family of the groom rises to their feet and begin to dance out of the area...they are gone for but a few minutes, and when they return, they are carrying gifts. Each of the women carries a basket on her head filled with anything from vegetables, household items, utensils, fruit, and garden fresh greens...some women carry live chickens in their arms...the Men carry in crates of soda, bags of mais flour and even a side of beef!! The gifts are piled in the free space between the girls and the groom's family.

Finally, at long last, the Groom rises and steps forward to claim his Bride...the moment he takes her hand the music blasts and the crowd goes wild!! They walk together to a table and cut a cake - more celebrations!!! And the cake is served while the food is brought out for the feast!

For the next hour - we FEAST!! There is a mountain of Matooke, vats full of G-nut sauce, Greens peas sauce, Huge bins full of rice and Hundreds of Chapati and tonnes of potatoes...There are also several types of roasted meat being served - but, being a vegetarian, I did not partake of those apparently savoury and juicy morsels of flesh. With plates piled high with food, the conversations flow freely and everyone enjoys the festive atmosphere while stomachs . After everyone is satisfied, it is time to officially end the evening before the casual celebrating can begin... I am called to join the long line of girls...we carry baskets filled with beautifully wrapped apples - these are gifts to the Groom's family. One Girl carries a basket filled with Candles. As the Groom's family files out, they are given a lit candle - to light their way home...and one of the apple-gifts because anyone who comes t\with a full basket should not leave empty-handed.

From here the evening dissolves into a mass of joyous dancing and laughter as the chairs are stacked and moved out of the way.

At the end of the night...every face is smiling, every stomach is full, and everyone has been inspired by the beauty of young love.

"I was moved. What I had before my eyes stole into my heart and thrilled me."
-Yann Martel

2006-12-15T13:35:00.000+03:00

Since I do not have a lot of time today...I will leave you with a few thoughts I've come across this week...they have inspired me and given me courage, as well as help to express my heart these days...so I will write them here for you to enjoy...

RISK
More than others think safe
CARE
More than others think is wise
DREAM
More than others think is practical
EXPECT
more than others think is possible
-cadet maxim

*****************************************************

A Franciscan benediction

May God bless you with discomfort
At esy answers, half truths, and superficial relationships,
So that you may live deep within your heart.

May God bless you with anger
At injustice, oppression, and exploitation of people,
So that you may work for justice, freedom and peace.

May God bless you with tears
To shed for those who suffer pain, rejection, hunger,war
So that you may reach out your hand to comfort them and to
Turn their pain into JOY.

And May God bless you with enough foolishness
To believe that you can make a difference in the world,
So that you can do what others claim cannot be done,
To bring justice and kindness to all our children and the poor.

*********************************************************

"Make it so the poor are no longer
despised and thrown away.

Look at them standing about -
Like wildflowers, which have
nowhere else to grow."
-Rainer Maria Rilke

********************************************************

"My heart is changed within me ;
all my compassion is aroused."
Hosea 11:8

*************************************************

2006-12-09T14:09:00.000+03:00

"You know that old trees just grow stronger.
And old rivers grow wilder every day...
old people just grow lonesome, waiting for someone to say
"Hello in there...Hello."

So if you're walkin' down the street sometime and you
spot some hollow ancient eyes,
don't just pass them by and stare,
as if you didn't care,
say "Hello in there....Hello." -John Prine

2006-12-09T13:16:00.000+03:00

Walk with me..... as I "Share the Love" around Kampala...

....as soon as I get off the taxi/bus in downtown Kampala, I start walking...I reach in my pocket to make sure I have at least three coins for the first few blocks....

The first man I meet is about 30 years old, he is seated on the ground with a plastic plate in front of him. He doesn't look up at anyone as they pass, but stares vacantly, his hand open on his knee, his lower legs are missing. I palm a coin and stop, I crouch down to his level and place my hand in his open one. "Jabale Ssebo," I say. His eyes dart at me, his hand tightens on mine and sudden;y his face is filled with light as his mouth widens in a toothless grin. "Webale Nyo," he says as he grasps my hand with both of his. The coin passes from me to him. I look at him and say "bless you dear" and "I'll see you again", and I'm on my way.

A little further down the road, I always find at least two children, sitting cross-legged on the sidewalk. They look to be around three or four years old - but they may be 6 or 7 year olds who are malnourished and with a failure-to-thrive. There eyes are dull and blank, their scant clothing hangs loosely on their tiny bodies and they are covered in the dust and grime of the city. They wave their little hands at the hundreds of adults that hurry past, step around and over them, in the hopes of any spare shilling. I palm a couple of small coins, crouch down beside them, take their wee little hands and smile my most loving smile. I touch their tiny bald heads, murmuring blessings and calling them sweethearts. These children do not smile, no light reaches their eyes - they stare at me, and at most, look a little confused.

Walking up the block I turn right and move up the hill. The next person I meet on the busy sidewalk is a man in his 40's. He has no legs and walks on his hands, which he places in a pair of old sandals to protect them from the rough ground. He is always ready with a toothy smile, and we chat and bless each other before I continue up the street.

The streets and sidewalks are crowded and bustling, so sometimes folks I'm use to seeing have moved - either to find a bit of relief I the shade, or to find a place where they will not be stepped on.
a few blocks up there are a few people that I always see...A younger guy, maybe in his 20's with a big smile and bright eyes...And although he still has his legs, they are useless and lay damages and limp at his side. The lady up the street from him a Grandma (JjaJja) an she is without her eyes She is sweet and her smile is warm...I always linger a little longer with her and speak close to her ear with a much love as I can expresses she cannot see me and my smile or eye-contact are of no use.

As I reach the centre of downtown again I turn right and up a bigger hill. At the top of this first hill there is always a gentleman seated on the corner crosswalk - he is literally stepped over all day long - there is never a coin in his plastic plate. I step out of the crowd and crouch down beside him. As usual I have palmed a coin, and there are the greetings, smiles and blessings - and I'm moving up the next hill.

At the top of this hill I always find a Grandpa (JjaJja) who is blind, and needs a cane to walk. He showers me with blessings and thank-you's that are too much for me to take - knowing my small coin will help very little if at all, in the grand scheme of his life. I can't help but think of my Grandparents and how it would break my heart to see them in such dire need...So I shower these elders with love and blessings and show as much respect as I know how in this culture.

Ok, turning left and up another hill - there is never anyone here...But as I hit Kampala Road, I find people everywhere. There are a few whose names I have come to know, as this is the road I have walked every weekend on my way to the Post Office, Book Store and Internet.
First there is Frances - he is maybe in his early 20's and his whole frame takes up approximately 2 feet by 3 feet of space...He is like a little human pretzel. He is always smiling and friendly and we always chat for awhile at the side of the walk before I continue down the road.
In front of the bookstore that I frequent, I always find Rojabba - he is in his 50's and is usually laying on the ground in the shade. His body is about the size of that of a 10 year old...His legs are distorted and he cannot walk. He is nonetheless always beaming at me with a snaggle-toothed smile, often he has already spotted me when I am still half a block away. He is charming and sweet and I feel he blesses me more than I bless him.

kampala road is scattered with people in need. Some are fro Sudan and have amazing scarification designs on their faces., There are many Grandma's and Grandpa's...There are many mothers with children and tiny babies. It is not uncommon for one of these mothers to try and give me her baby "take...take...Take..", they plead and all I can do is look at their precious baby , whisper a prayer, give a small coin and walk away...While my heart breaks into a million pieces.

Some people are badly burned, some are missing all fingers and toes...Many have limbs that never developed properly. Many of the people I meet do not speak Luganda, but speak Tribal languages that I have never heard. It doesn't matter - the language of love is universal - so we talk and gesture and smile and hold hands and look at each other hoping our eyes show what is in our hearts.

Those eyes that change from dull and vacant to sparkling and shining are the best part of my day - those toothless grins and tight clasping hands are priceless and precious to me.

"Wounded people who have been broken by suffering and sickness ask for only one thing: a heart that loves and commits itself to them, a heart full of hope for them. " Jean Vanier

"Everytime you smile at someone, it is an action of love, a gift to that person, a beautiful thing." -Mother Theresa

"Love one another deeply, from the heart." 1 Peter 1:22

2006-12-04T13:49:00.000+03:00

It is a time of endings and beginnings here on my journey! The exam weeks at Fisher Branch Kalagala high School were successful and all the students were able to complete their exams - despite the earlier disturbances - and our last week ran smoothly without a hitch!! Thank you fo your prayers! They were heard!! The night of the last exam was a night of pure celebration!! Every jerry can and basin and tin can was brought out and the drumming, singing, banging, shrieking, screaming and hollering, bongo-ing, shouting and laughing was amazingly loud and the energy was high!! The joy was tangible - freedom!!! The raucous lasted until the heavey clouds opened up and drenched everyone with a downpour - and then all students headed to their beds - to rest before their journeys home Friday Morning!! The schoolyard is now oh so quiet...It is oh so still.

With endings, there are always beginnings...For the students, it is the beginning of their holidays...For me the beginning of, what seems like, everything!! As soon as the pressure and stress of Third Term had passed - I was planning and writing and my mind was hard at work!! Free to dream and let inspiration have free reign!! Time to listen to my heart.....Inspiration came and plans spilled out onto paper. I spoke with the head master and he approved of the following plans for next term:

1.A Girls discussion Group - covering topics like sex, anger management and peer pressure...Or any topic the girls choose and is relevant to their lives.

2.A book Club and discussion group to encourage a "reading culture"

3.Extra -Curricular Art Sessions for those wanting added instruction

4.One - One relationship based youthcare, where I will meet with individuals who have personal issues, struggles or concerns they would like to deal with.

5.A program of positive reinforcement for good behavior!

So, I have a lot of planning and work to do over the holidays to prepare to facilitate these programs!

For now, my heart turns to the City of Kampala...Which is where I journey to on the weekends in order to check mail, send mail and and use the internet to connect with home.

I have been greatly moved by the homeless, handicapped and otherwise unfortunate souls that live on the streets in my new city. Unlike cities in Canada - these people have nowhere to turn. No food banks, no soup kitchens, no shelters. When there is no food....There really is NO FOOD. I started asking around, what could I do...What would be of help...Any help? The answer - every time - was, give them money...With money they can AND WILL buy the food they need. So, I made a decision...I would give some few shillings to each person...And ....I would give Love. Thus, "Operation: Share the Love" was born!

This weekend I put the plan into action..Walking my usual routes through the city, stopping to greet and talk with and bless the people living on the streets who are asking for money...Each one also received some small coin from me. I shake or hold every hand, touch every small child's head and look everyone in the eye, get down on their level and smile as I speak to them. Many of these folks do not speak the language of Luganda, but speak Tribal languages and though we do not understand each other, we talk and talk...We gesture and hold hands and smile and touch...It is a beautiful thing. I can't help but think I am ultimately more blessed than they are.
My choice is simply to see these people who have been stepped over, avoided, ignored and ultimately invisible in their own city...

My hope is not to change their lives - my few shillings cannot do that...My hope is just to give love, and human contact...Touch...To acknowledge their existence....To walk with my eyes and heart...Wide open.

"You are free to love without limit, to forgive, to be merciful, to be generous, to be compassionate, to risk, to sacrifice, to enjoy and to love." -Erwin Raphael McMannus

"If we are more generous and loving, wiser and more compassionate, less angry and fearful, then of course the world around us will be a better place." - Joseph Goldstein

"Whenever you see darkness, there is extraordinary opportunity for the light to burn brighter." -Bono

2006-11-27T12:20:00.000+03:00

Before i came to Africa..I did not now earth. Earth so dry and red, baked hard by the heat of the day. Earth that holds that heat like kin-burnt clay, warming weary feet as they journey home from a long day's work.

...I did not know the sun. Had never met this sun, whose rays could scald bare skin on a clear day, yet the tiniest cloud between it and you can bring much needed relief from it's scorching heat. Whose light is as important as air, everyone depending on it to see and work and play, to dispel the darkness and allow for life to unfold.

...I did not know rain. Rain that falls in torrents and buckets and waterfalls from the sky. Rain that means LIFE to plants, animals, and people alike. Rain that is caught in barrels and buckets, basins, bowls and open hands. Rain that is swallowed up by the parched earth so quickly that there is scarcely a puddle or spot of muck to prove it fell. Rain that throws all the vegetation into a kaleidoscope of sparkling green and raises every hand to heaven in thanksgiving praise.

If I hadn't come to Africa I would not know dust. Dust as fine as sifted flour, terracotta red. Dust that finds it's way into your hair, clothes, shoes...that settles into every nook and cranny, every crinkle and laughline. Dust that needs o be scrubbed off at the end of each day before you can enter your bed to sleep.

Before I came to Africa I did not know Joy. Pure Joy, that springs from the very soul and spills out in perpetual singing, cheering, dancing and drumming. Spontaneous Joy that is released unabashedly and for all to see. Crazy Joy that is expressed without apology and can be heard for miles in any direction. The Joy of living to see another day.

...i did not know poverty. Would never have seen true poverty. Poverty that leaves children orphaned. That leaves limbs, untreated, to be lost. That makes a mother have to choose which child will eat today. Poverty that forces the severely handicapped and unfortunate souls to sit on the street everyday, with just enough energy in their aching, hungry bodies to lift a have up to catch any spare shilling. Poverty that means when people ask for food - it is because there is NO FOOD. When they ask you for money - it is because there is NO MONEY. No soup kitchen, no food bank, no money. Poverty that demands little girls with fever must walk barefoot 10 miles to the nearest clinic, only to walk the 10 miles back again WITHOUT the medicine they could not afford. Poverty that darkens the eyes of a beautiful child to a dull, grey, blank expression of hopelessness. Poverty that causes a mother to lay her baby alone on the sidewalk, in the hopes that passers-by will be more inclined to give money to a baby, than to her open hand. Poverty that breaks your heart into a million pieces every day.

Before I came to Africa, I did not understand dependence on God. To be in constant, daily communication for each and every need. To look to God for every morsel and drop of milk for your children. for every ounce of safe drinking water. For every day with a family free of Malaria, Typhoid, Fever , AIDS or other illness. For safety and security and a roof over your heads. For all the things I took for granted before I journeyed to this side of the planet.

...I had never seen the stars. Never REALLY seen the stars. Stars that twinkle and sparkle and some alive over the dark continent at night. Stars that fill the sky in numbers beyond comprehension. Stars seen as pure as the day they were formed...no pollution or man-made light to hide or dull or mask their brilliance. Stars that declare the glory of the Living God every night. As the sun fades in the west, the stars come out winking and blinking to begin the spectacular bedazzling show.

...I did not understand the importance of Education. It is the only hope for a future - a hope so strong, that whole families will work so that their brightest child can go to school. The child carries the hopes and dreams of their entire family...ALL of their futures depend on his or her success. Busy brains hard at work day after day. Dedicated, devoted, passionate about learning. Absorb, understand, conceptualize. Hoping for the future, striving to make their families proud.

Before I came to Africa I had never seen bugs! Had never really known BUGS! Bugs so big and ugly - they scare each other! Bugs that eat walls, eat beds, chew through clothing. Bugs that demand, by their mere presence, that you step over - not on - them as they cross the footpath. And, amazingly, Bugs that can be welcome guests at any meal - as tasty, crunchy, roasted treats! Bugs that can bite and sting causing disease or possibly death....and bugs that can fill an empty stomach and nourish a tired body.

...I did not know generosity. Generosity that welcomes with wide open arms , open hearts open minds and open homes. Generosity that flows like a river from a v\neverending source. Generosity when there seems to be nothing to give, from a bottomless well of hospitality. Generostiy in it's truest form - expecting nothing in return. Generous understanding and kindness, generous acceptance, guidance, faith and love.

Before I came to Africa I did not know traffic. Had never really been in a true traffic jam! Countless vans, cars, trucks, bicycles, pedestrians, and motorcycles converging on a single, two-lane, one way street. No order to the chaos...no lights, no signs. Pedestrians weave in and out between the maze of vehicles. Motorcycles and bicycles squeeze through any tight spot. Inch by inch, slowly by slowly...and then FULL STOP - BRAIN JAM!! Nothing moving. As far as the eye can see, a mish mash of people and vehicles, angled, criss-crossed, a scrambled mess that looks to me like a 1000 - car - pile - up!! People jump out of cars and chose to walk - it's probably faster!! Amazingly, in this mess of metal, flesh and frustrated, aggravated mentalities...NO ONE is yelling, NO ONE is cursing ,NOT ONE rude gesture or raised fist. Everyone understands "THE JAM" and so, they patiently ride it out. And, very slowly, surely and definitely LATE...You will arrive at your destination.

....I would not understand TIME. Or rather, that being on time does not matter. I watch in amazement (as I sit ready to leave and waiting) as people calmly eating their breakfast in their pajamas - when church starts in three minutes!! Everyone is always late for everything!! As a result however, there is no stress, no one is frantic, impatient or worried. There is always time to do one more thing, time to wait for one more person, one more minute, two, ten, twenty....and hour! No one is rushing, no one is concerned....Usually because the event you are going to will start late anyway and you won't miss a thing! Time here in Africa is spent living, loving and learning. Time is too precious to spend it stressed- out , worried and rushing through your days. Time is LIFE!

Before I came to Africa I did not know freedom. Freedom that springs from the knowledge of the eternal soul. Freedom from the fear and bitterness of death. Freedom from the trappings of material gain - the freedom to use only what you need. The freedom to shout your faith from the curb -side, to say what you want, when you want. The freedom of affection between men, between women, and towards children. The beautiful freedom of two men walking hand in hand in platonic companionship through the streets. The freedom from prejudice and from things like worrying about being "politically correct". The freedom of laughter and of tears. The freedom to be who you are, whatever you are, wherever you are.

Before I came to Africa, I thought my eyes were open...they are open now. Open to the needs in my world. The need for health and security, medicine and aid. The need for compassion and the need for everyone to get involved. The need to put right inhumanities around us...the need for survival. The need for even the smallest of us to know and be aware of suffering, to have faith, to show joy and above all the need to LOVE. The need for all of us to open our eyes....and then....to act.
"Certainly travel is more than just the seeing of sights...it is a change that goes on, deep and permanent, in the ideas of living." - Miriam Beard

"My soul has grown deep like the rivers." -Langston Hughes

2006-11-18T12:42:00.000+03:00

Exam weeks...always a stressful and tense time at any school. Here in Uganda, the pressure is high to perform well on exams...the students will pass or fail based on their final exams! Success cards have been given and the reading and studying have been done...now it is all up to the work of their brains!! One Success card i read said "may God bless the work of your brains"!! It is a very serious time where whole families futures may depend on one student's pass or fail.

As a result of this stress and pressure, many things have been happening around the school during this past week...students have fallen sick, students with headache, stomach ache..students possessed. Yes, you heard me! We had a student from the village who was possessed...she was kept safe, prayed for and her parents were called to pick her up. This was not a huge deal to anyone at the school - apparently a common occurrence during the crush of exam weeks. The students however have enjoyed the show, though some were scared by it, and they feed off of the energy...and get ideas...

So, we had another "possession" the other day, this one left several other girls weeping and wailing and terrified...but it was a hoax! A prank! And the laughter and hoots and hollers that ensued could be heard for miles!! What a good one! The effects however on the students, especially the girls, were real. A fear began to grow...fear of the darkness, fear of going to bed...students began to have nightmares and loss of sleep. fear was building until several girls came to us and said that they beleived a "black human form" was coming into the girls dorm at night, pulling off bedding and scratching them. They feared the darkness (something you cannot avoid very easily here) and they feared to sleep.

Well, the Youth-Care-worker side of me kicked into full gear, and I immediately offered to keep watch, and do a "night-shift" in the girls dorm. i would stay awake, while they slept...and i would keep them safe, and watch over them...therefore they could get their sleep and hopefully do well on their exams in the morning. Problem solved, right? Wrong. My offer was promptly declined, and I was told that I would not BE ALLOWED to do that. Well, I have to say, that we discussed this for the next hour or so...me explaining the logic behind an adult showing the children that they were indeed safe, explaining my youthcare experience, talking about being protected by prayer and my faith...etc. etc. All to no avail. The answer to my offer was a simple "no". Finally I agreed, that if we could arrange for some extra light in the dorm, and that we talk to the girls together before they go to bed ... maybe I would let go of my "night shift"Idea...

So, that is what we did...all of us piled in among the bunks of the dormitory - girls in bunks that almost reach the ceiling, girls piled three to a bunk, girls on the floor, girls standing on top bunks and girls dangling feet from bunks near the rafters - all of us gathered in the largest space to have our meeting,....extra light was arranged, and we talked with the girls...we laughed with the girls...we prayed with the girls... and then the most beautiful thing.... those girls began to sing... they sang to their creator, they sang in worship..they sang in praise...they sang in thanksgiving....the whole place was filled with the light that shone from their eyes, their hearts, their very souls. Any fear that had remained was dispelled by those voices, Muslim and Christian joined together in unified praise. "God's Love is like a circle, a circle big and round!!" My heart filled up, and as I listened, I tried to memorize every note, to etch in my mind every smile and clap and dance....to take with me, and always remind me of the amazing power and pure joy of childlike faith. Their voices filled the space, in joined faith in a God that would protect them and keep them safe through the night. A lesson in unity.

"Then the gates of her heart were flung open, and her joy flew out over the sea."
-Yann Martel

2006-11-18T12:33:00.000+03:00

Alone in God
my soul waits, silent.
My help is from Him.
Alone in God
rest, my soul, in silence.
My Hope is from Him.
He alone is my rock,
My safety;
I shall not be shaken.
-Psalms 62:2

2006-11-13T13:47:00.000+03:00

This entry will have a different tone and style than most, as I was unable to send any e-mails or connect with home in any way this week...I will connect , in a more personal way than usual, here in my Journal.
This week has been a week of inner solitude...and a week of almost overwelming loneliness... Don't get me wrong - i am surrounded by wonderful people....people who are warm and loving and gracious and kind...and i Love them to bits and pieces. However, somehow...I have felt more alone this week than any in my memory. So, I now know my threshold for being lonely is exactly 2 months!!
My struggle comes because of my pride - I do not want to admit weakness...so I become silent, and keep my weakness to myself...so I've decided to admit my weakness here for all to see...I am struggling with lingering loneliness.
I crave anything familiar...faces, voices, language, places, foods...really anything would do!!! It seems silly really, I never thought I would be one to become homesick....apparently i was wrong!! Home calls to me across the ocean - I resist the urge to answer.
So, my family and friends at home...my heart is with you, and it is here with the people of Uganda as well. I fear the day i will have to leave here and know that I will be torn in two. I am overjoyed by the knowledge that I have you all and do miss your company...Thank you all for the love you send me, the prayers that cover me, the arms that wait for me. Tears are close...they spill... I am thankful for a life so full and blessed at home, that i can miss it this much. Oh the anticipation that will build over the next months...oh the homecoming!! My heart is full....
"Sometimes there's just no way to hold back the river." -Paulo Coehlo

2006-10-30T13:55:00.000+03:00

I woke up on a sunny morning, looked out the window...And found the air was filled with wings! As though millions of fairies had lost their wings as they disappeared into a dreamt...And now they were fluttering and flickering down to the ground on the morning breezes.
The answer to my many questions came quickly as I heard happy reports coming in from everyone that the "white ants had come!!"
The myriad of huge red mounds of earth that house the white ant colonies around the school, had expelled millions of their inhabitants during the night - sent our with temporary wings in search of new ground to colonize. Unfortunately for a vast number of these ants, they were lured by the lights of he school (yes, we had power that night!) and, intoxicated by the glory of the light - their wings fell off, leaving them trapped in the schoolyard...carpeting the ground waiting to be scooped up by happy students. And they were! Scooped up, grabbed up in handfuls, swept up!! Gathered and collected into bowls, pails, basins, and tubs...even pockets - by happy , gleeful, excited students!! Why all the joy over these ants?!?! These ants are a very special and anticipated delectable and tasty treat...and a feast would take place that night!!
Wings were removed and the ants carefully rinsed ...a handfull of salt..A diced onion or two...into the saucepan and fry to a crispy crisp!! Oh the joy!! Oh the feast!! Oh the munching and crunching that could be heard all evening. Each student was given their portion in cones made of paper....and so, laughing and talking, they enjoyed their savory treat that had fallen like manna from heaven!!
I know you are all wondering if I dared to partake in the ant = feast....the answer to your burning question...is no! For those of you who know me...i could not bear to even have the ant on my little toe...nevermind put it in my mouth and chew...then swallow!
So, I left the feasting to those who would surely enjoy the morsels of salty goodness that are the white ants of Uganda. Crunch 'n Munch. :)

"Every day in a life...fills the whole life with expectation...and memories."
-C.S. Lewis

2006-10-30T13:29:00.000+03:00

Last week we took some of our students on an Art Tour! Eighteen of us piled into a 14-seat Taxi-van and took off for the city. I'd tell you how fast we were going, but unfortunately the speedometer on the taxi was not working!
Our first destination was the Fine Art School at the Makerere University. A haven, on the campus, for any artist. The grounds are beautiful and feel like a tiny village. A village filled with Sculptures made of concrete, clay and bronze. They are hiding around every corner, standing in the grass, peeking out from behind trees and bushes...They are benches, and chairs and tables that are functional and students lounge, study and converse around and on them. Creativity hung on the air, to be breathed in, waiting to inspire....seeds of imagination floated around like dandelion fuzz - ready to drop into the fertile ground of the young minds of my student.
We toured the Gallery first and the students marveled at completed works of art - sculpture, batik, installation art, sketching and painting, as well as clothing deigns....Some of the work they puzzled at, some they thought was ugly, some beautiful, some precise and time consuming!
From there we were given tours and demonstrations in the pottery studio, painting studio, weaving studio and sculpture studio. Of course there were some students who didn't care about much, and were just along for the ride (there are some in every class!) But the others had eyes that were wide open...And I could see a new light shining there! New worlds were being open to them, new paths, possibilities and options for their futures. Their enthusiasm was contagious and I found myself doing some dreaming of my own!!
Next we whisked the students away to the Uganda Museum. Here they were exposed to the ancient arts of their homeland, and their culture. This included antique masks, pottery, jewelry , textiles and carvings....Some ancient inspiration for these new artists!
Then we were off for a quick lunch and to the Wildlife Park for some pure inspiration and exercise!! We gazed at the majestic Lion, we laughed at the monkeys , wart hogs, and hyenas. We marveled at gazelles, leopards, ostriches and white Rhinos...Until finally arriving at the refreshing shore of the vast lake Victoria. After some searching for shells and enjoying the breeze off the lake,...It was time to head home.
it was a full day of visual, physical and mental stimulation. The Taxi was filled with songs on the ride home....memories of the day lingered in our minds. Sculpture, painting, landscape, nature, ancient enduring artwork and modern puzzles. ...for some - a fork in the road....for all - a feast for the eyes...the soul.

"Develope interest in life as you see it; in people, art, literature, music - the world is so rich, simply throbbing with rich treasures, beautiful souls and interesting people." -Henry Miller

2006-10-21T18:08:00.000+03:00

Just outside the school compound are a few tiny homesteads....one home is made entirely of reeds and earth (mud). these homes are surrounded by matooke and banana trees, one huge pine tree(that seems odd and out of place) and...coffee plants!! The coffee berries weigh the branches down as they accumulate and grow.
As I was walking I noticed a young boy spreading coffee berries on the ground. Upon further inspection and subsequent inquiries I find there are two large sections on the ground...one area has berries that are fresh from the plant...they are a splendid array of greens, reds, purples and yellows, and they look like candy from a distance! The second area has berries that have turned brown and when you pick them up they are dry and almost brittle. Break one open, and you will find a bright green coffee bean - ready for roasting. The boy is spreading the new berries out in the sun to dry, he uses a rectangular piece of wood as his level and skillfully lays the berries evenly out in the hot, hot sun. The dry berries he shifts around in the same manner, ensuring that all sides will be dried evenly.
Once the berries are dry they will go one of two ways....they may be sold as is, to a wholesaler by the kilo...or they will be fire roasted, then packaged in small pockets made from dry banana leaves, and sold as a tasty snack! When I am in the city, I see many boys and men, walking with hundreds of these little satchels bundled together...they weave in and out of the traffic jams selling the roasted treat to satisfy and calm impatient drivers.
All the way from the little homestead far off in the country to the large coffee processors or busy city traffic jams in the capital city...a testament to hard work.

"I have known them all already, have known them all. I have known the mornings, evenings and afternoons... I have measured out my life with coffee spoons." -T.S. Elliot

2006-10-09T15:42:00.000+03:00

Sleep has been scarce lately, as our nights have been interrupted by the some strange sounds!!! Not only was there a "JuJu" ceremony at the village which included singing, drumming and hooting and hollaring all night long, but we have another regular visitor.....how can I describe it?
Imagine at about one in the morning you hear a child of about one year old crying, then bawling out there in the night. The child sounds maybe lost, maybe hungry, maybe even injured!! Just as you decide that you will run out into the blackness to find this child - the cry changes....and you realize...that is definately NOT a child!! But what is it then?!? As you lay there in the darkness, eyes wide, listening....your mind and imagination take over.....is it something other wordly??A gremlin, a monster? A demon? Something attempting to sound like a child in need, to lure unsuspecting do gooders out into the night??!! Whatever it is, the disguise isn't working, because it cannot master the true sound a human child makes.....the sound is chilling....it is loud....it is right on the other side of the bedroom wall....

As I lay there with my mind racing trying to make sense of this sound, to rationalize it....somehow by the grace of God, i fell asleep.

In the morning i was asked if I heard the the thing crying last night. Yes I had. It was then explanied to me that the sound was made by a wildcat, that it is NOT the normal cry of the wildcat - instead, it is a bad omen in this culture to hear this in the night. It is said to fortell a death in the village. Very comforting.
We have heard this noise now for the past two nights, right on the other side of the wall. And, as creepy and bone-chilling as it is...we really, really. just want to get a good night's sleep!!!

"Nothing in life is to be feared. It is only to be understood." -Marie Curie

2006-10-09T15:20:00.000+03:00

During my first week or so at the school, an invisible barrier existed between the students nd myself. I have a feeeling it was because I'm not just a visitor - i am their teacher. No matter what i said , or how I smiled, the students appeared to remain at a distance. Some students returned my greetings and smiles, but even these few were polite and distanced.
One day i decided to join some of my female students who were sitting under a tree in the schoolyard, talking. As I joined them, their energy was tangible - their eyes wide and gleaming. Smiles emerged and gigles erupted as we began to talk. They crowded round me, fidgety with excitement. They asked me many questions about my life, my family, my interests...all the while, the girls moved in closer and closer.
Suddenly I felt one finger touch my left arm, then a hand, then two, three, four....furtive, stolen touches. Like they thought i might not notice. I looked at the owners of those hands and a flurry og giggles ensued, the girls pulled back their hands quickly and covered their face as they laughed. I said" Would you like to feel my skin?" and, as I held out my arms, immediately thier were ten pairs of hands feeling the skin on my arms. "You're so smooth!" They cried! Soon I had hands touhing my clothing, my face, my hair. They buried their facesin my hair, "It smells good!" And shrieks of delight again! They wee all chattering, giggling, touching nd enjoying the freedom to satisfy their curiosity about me. "Even her hands are white!!"
i sat in the centre of this group, smiling. Truth is, thismoment ws equally as fascinating to me!! The smileon my face grew and grew until i felt it might burst the seams! I realized that this moment was full of the joy of life, the thrill of experience, the beauty of humanity. Crazy Joy. The walls were down, the barrier removed....Connection!!
As the thrill of themoment eased we talked. We talked about life, love, sex....we talked about highs and lows, failure and success. All the while these girls were holding my hands, braiding my hair, touching my arms, my neck, my feet. Their eagerness to know me touched my heart, then seized it...and before I knew what washappening they had stolen it forever! I am theirs. They are mine.
The moon came out bright and smiling overhead and the girls asked me if I have any children. I said no. They asked me why, nd I told them the same thing i tell all the children I work with, " You are my children." and now they were really smiling, their smiles grew and grew and shone at me in the darkness of this very special ugandan night....their eyes beaming.
Too soon it was time for them to settle for the evening and i had to say goodnight....as we dispersed, one of the girls spontaneously flung her arms around me and hugged me. When I responded by hugging her back, the other girls burst into another round of shrieks and lughter as they all lined up for their hugs!! Abundant Love.
As i walked back to my dwelling i could feel my heart growing and growing....the joy of the evening lingered lete into the night and, still smiling....I fell asleeep.
"The soul should always stand ajar, ready to welcome the ecstatic experience." -Emily Dickensen

2006-09-23T20:50:00.000+03:00

My arrival at Fisher Branch Kalagala High School was a most beautiful and blessed day! I was finally reaching my destination, after all this time and all this travel...I was happy to arrive. Little did I know that I would be formally welcomed to the school!! By the students and other Teachers and Headmaster of the school! There was a big assembly and A young girl greeted me and welcomed me to the school and then placed over my hear and wound my neck a HUGE wreath of fresh flowers picked and created by the children of the school in anticipation of my arrival! I was moved to tears.... The headmaster announced my arrival and told everyone my full name before the choir came out and sang and sang songs of welcome to me! This beautiful group of children, singing my name in their welcome song! I was moved to tears..... I was then presented with more flowers and formally welcomed by on of the students...I was moved to tears...It was my turn then and I stood in front of this vast group of the most beautiful children with shining eyes and large smiles...And I was moved to tears....I spoke of Canada, of all of you - my friends and family - of all the love that is directed at the school from across the ocean...And again, the tears flowed freely down my face. I then presented the school with gifts I had brought for them and cheers filled the air as I emptied my small sack .... More tears.... One final word of greeting from the headmaster, the children came up to receive their gifts and I was formally "at home" at Fisher Branch Kalagala High School. I went from there with a full heart, hardly able to breathe or speak....Can my heart grow any bigger?

There is a beauty here - a beauty that comes from the tangible awareness of our mortality and the thankfulness every day to be alive...So be joyous, be thankful, show love. Everyday in life, is a gift.

"Live to the point of tears." -Camus

2006-09-16T15:20:00.000+03:00

My Journey to Uganda was Long (three days) but went smoothly...I was blessed with wonderful people to help me and who talked with me, and who spent time with me as we waited for out flights...I must say thank you to Les, David, Julie and Naomi for your beautiful, open personalities and kindness. Thanks also to God, for guiding me safely across the ocean, across the continent of Africa, and into the safe arms of my new country - Uganda.

I stepped off the plane into the darkness of Uganda before the sun spills over the horizon and brings with it the heat of the day. In this darkness, as I walked acroos the tarmack, I could not see any of my new home...oh but I could smell it! Imagine what the earth must have smelled like on the day of it's creation...deep, dark, moist, rich earth...clean, pure, unspoiled by man. The air was damp, the smell was of the earth, our earth...the way she must have smelled on the day God called her into being. It was familiar to me, in a strange way, maybe far back in the memory of my blood...i recognized the earth from which Adam was formed. I have never experienced an aroma quite like this and I feel my words fly away like dust as I try to describe it.

So I am now in my Fourth day in Uganda..so much has happened, I have observed more than my brain can process, I have no words to properly describe all that I have seen without writing a short novel. I was not prepared for the reality of Africa, and though I have come to be comfortable here in the past few days...I was quite overwelmed upon arrival and literally felt like a fish out of water, to use an old cliche'.

The people here are wonderful and i have been continually blessed with their willingness to help me to understand, to help me to find my way, to help me to know what and how to eat! I am like a little baby again, learning the ways of this life...the culture of my new land. When I came to my host house, I heard "welcome home" and it has felt like that...i am welcome, i am welcome to create for myself a place to learn and grow, a place to give and to share - a place of safety...a sanctuary.

Next time I write I will describe some of the things I have seen...for now I will let them perculate ... I am safe, I am happy. I am challenged and I am growing - I can feel it!!

I also feel the love that flows to me across these many miles from my true home...and I am blessed...I am blessed.

2006-09-11T20:11:00.000+03:00

i woke up this moring and savoured the luxury of my own bed.... just few minutes longer. Then the reality, that i am leaving today, sunk slowly through the sleepy morning haze of my mind - my heart began to beat faster - today is the day!

A huge thank you to everyone who has made me feel so loved and blessed and prayed for as I leave on this exciting journey! Please pray for safe travel and smooth transitions at the airports...thank you.

I carry each hug and encouraging word with me, close to my heart, to my new continent. SO many blessings, my cup runneth over...

2006-06-20T16:40:00.000+03:00

"The Journey is the thing." -Homer