Moments to Breathe

Tuesday, May 11, 2011

I must be honest and tell you that writing over this past week has not been easy – very limited access to internet, slow internet, sometimes we have power, sometimes we don’t – all the technical things. But on top of that, I’ve just had a difficult time putting all that has happened into words. Truthfully, there was rarely a moment to stop and reflect, it was a very full week. It was a wonderfully full week as well and I am thankful that we had much work to do and many people to talk with.

But now as I sit in the mid afternoon heat in Jinja, I have a few moments to stop, to breathe, and to think. It’s been a long time since I’ve had this quietness of spirit. Now I think I can share a bit more about the last week in Lira.

There is much to be learned from the staff at Otino Waa. The pastor, Dickens, assistant pastor, Douglas, and administrator, Josephine, are such hard working, trusted servants committed to the mission of caring for these widows and orphans. Without them Otino Waa would not be working at the capacity that it is now. They understand their own culture and language as well as the strengths and weaknesses of their people. There were a number of times we needed their help in organizing activities or finding certain children and they were essential in making this happen. It truly is a blessing to be able to work with faithful servants such as these.

Another aspect of Otino Waa that is amazing is the mothers. These women range in age from 28 to late 50’s. Many of them have their own grown children, some have one child staying with them at Otino Waa. Having house mothers has many benefits – the children have a consistent care taker in their lives who can discipline, encourage and instruct them as they grow up. This creates a sense of family, home and security for the children to grow up in. The mothers also teach the children about their culture and the way of life in Uganda. Imagine if a westerner was the sole care taker for the children, they would miss out on a large piece of their culture and lifestyle. But this way they grow up to understand the way of the country, their tribes and their traditions. Most importantly though, including these house moms is obeying the part of the Bible that says to care for orphans and widows. I think sometimes it is easy to forget the widows and only focus on the orphans, but both are loved by God, both are in need, and we are commanded to care for both.

Bob and Carol amaze me. For those of us who have toyed with the idea of moving to another country to do ministry, they are a wealth of knowledge and wisdom. Missions is not for the faint of heart, that is for sure. We were privileged to spend our evenings with Bob and Carol listening to their stories, their struggles and the lesions they’ve learned over their 12 years in Uganda. They opened their hearts and shared the frustrations, victories, the loneliness and the joys of the work they do. If I learned one thing from them, it’s that perseverance is a long road, but it is the only road worth taking. We were so blessed to spend time with them and get to know them more. They shared the trials and difficult realities of their work with us – yet they maintained such a love for the mission and the people. I remember Bob saying that despite all the hardships, they felt blessed because they cannot doubt that the work they are doing is worth it and filled with purpose.

I’m really amazed at how God has a specific time and place for everything. Our team is a perfect example of that. We were all so different – John is very analytical and brought a fresh perspective to our tasks and plans. He is also knowledgeable in technology and was able to teach some computer classes and helped tremendously with video work. Sam was our energetic and strong team leader. His enthusiasm not only motivated the children in sports, learning and other activities, but it motivated us as well and pushed us to stretch ourselves outside our comfort zones. Darci was our organizer and we would have been lost without her. She coordinated the donations and supplies that were brought to Otino Waa, she strategically packed and planned, and also made sure all the things we needed to bring back to the US were bought and taken care of. I am challenged and amazed at Darci’s desire and willingness to learn – it is a very important quality to have. And then there is Lauren. For those of you who do not know Lauren, she has a rare spirit. She is peaceful yet intense and passionate about the work before her. She is a wonderful photographer and also blessed all of Otino Waa with her music. She taught a large group of children a song and they performed it at church on Sunday. According to Pastor Dickens, the kids really love to sing and to dance, it is so healing and uplifting to their spirits. I think we could all agree that she was our encourager. And so, this random, diverse team of ours worked together and accomplished a number of projects that Bob and Carol had asked for help with.

More importantly though, I think it was the relationships that were built, rather than the check lists completed that really matter. At least speaking for me, it was the smiles, the laughter, the tiny hands holding mine that matter most. It’s the secrets shared, scares bared and the hope shining in spite of these challenges that I treasure. The photos you will see may seem like another African child, another kid to sponsor, another good cause, but these faces have names and I know them now. These people have souls and dreams and hopes. They have overcome so much and have more obstacles before them. Plainly, I have fallen in love with them because of the love they have shown me. Leaving was difficult, as my trail of children followed me to the gate with quiet tears streaming down their cheeks, I was amazed at how freely they accepted me and how they truly were sad to see us go.

I tell you this so that you may begin to love them too. I hope that you get just a taste of what God is doing in Lira. And I hope that you may take the step of faith to bless these children – I assure you that you yourself will be deeply blessed.