I think I must have had a brain explosion putting myself through this hell of a day but I did gain some selling and buying experience as well as becoming an experienced stockcar driver. I have done some further tests on our little car and it only uses oil on long trips – around town it is fine so we not going to do anything – we cannot afford any other options anyhow!!!
Today I passed my plumbing and Electrical certificates – I installed a washing machine, the electrics and the plumbing – there is no certification process here! A guy at a market/hardware store made up the power cord extension for me, found some sockets – it took me 30 minutes to explain that I wanted male and female socket ends – I ended up getting an interpreter and role playing the request!! The hardware owner recruited a passing friend to fix the wires to the sockets, another friend to find the backing casing for the socket. The houses here are not fitted for washing machines – you hire a maid who does it for you but we want our privacy outside of work – time as a family is so precious rather than spending hours hand washing. We are planning to have Denis and Nicholas here in June to start the adoption process so we will have a lot more washing hence the machine. The taps here have no thread so connecting the machine to the tap was a plumbing nightmare – eventually I found connecting pipe parts after driving around markets for 2 hours. I am learning to be patient and just keep going when things appear impossible. I am reading Francine Rivers book
‘Sons of Encouragement” - about Aaron the priest and Moses and what they had to put up with leaving Egypt – what a story of faith and patience!
We have started the fund raising project for the adoption of Denis and Nicholas 500 times $50. This will cover school fees, adoption fees and return airfares. We are stepping out in faith and calling on the support of friends and family to see these two boys given opportunities they would never experience in Uganda. This faith endeavour cannot be accomplished without the support of friends and family. I have a page about them on this blog.
I am in love, yes with my hubby and the new washing machine. I did 6 loads today, all the sheets etc. After 6 months of hand washing, hands covered with eczma, feeling exhausted at the end of the day it is a God send and a luxury here. Our temperature today is 35 so everything is bone dry within minutes.
Our garden is flourishing and it’s lovely seeing Moses out there tending to his own garden of beans, beetroot, carrots, tomatoes, eggplant and capsicum. We are in the dry season so we use every drop of water from dishes and baths to water the plants. Power cuts are still regular so I have candles set up in every room. The kids love playing hide and seek at these times as its really scary and dark.
I started my new job as an LSA - probably the first Muzungu LSA for the school. The pay is very, very low but I get to be at school with the kids and Steve and I get to have a washing machine. I have to learn to move slower as it is very tiring in this heat. The children are gorgeous and are from 17 different nations. We have lots of fun and I am learning to use the British curriculum which is very useful. Pauline moved to year one and has risen to the occasion receiving a certificate after an excellent week in her new class. She has joined athletics and can out run the whole team including seniors in long distance. Our little girl is very determined in many areas of her life which is great and challenging...We had a girly afternoon shopping at the market for fruit and chapati’s and we happened on a toe man so for 2,000 shillings about $ 1.50 nz we had our toes manicured and nail polished. What a lovely treat. We don’t eat bread now as it goes off very quicky and Chapatis are a yummy alternative.
We bought Moses and Pauline Bibles and it’s a joy to see Moses reading his morning and night. He is asking some great and challenging questions to make his dad and mama think. He is maturing in so many ways and has a kind heart to all our neighbours. When at home we have a deluge of children of all ages playing here. Pauline brings babies who don’t have nappies!!hmm
Great news we received Pauline’s care order which is the huge part of the process done towards her adoption. We are now arranging the orders for Denis and Nicholas. Please pray for rain for both Pauline’s and Denis family as they are having crop failures due to drought and they depend on them to survive. There is no social welfare here.
Love you all thanks for taking time to read. We so miss the sea, most of the water here is polluted and the shores lined with garbage. Steve’s Mum sent us a post card of the mount beach. Oh what a treasure we have - enjoy!!
Sharron
Independence Day today
Sweltering heat above 35 degrees today. Pauline and Marjorie swimming in the paddling pool and then we recycle the water on the garden. It’s a public holiday for independence from some dictator 20 years ago. My neighbour’s daughter was in hospital for a strangulated hernia which is a medical emergency.
I took Ken to Muwlago hospital to take supplies for Cathy, linen, food water etc as the hospital supplies none of this. People have talked about this hospital but I was not prepared for what I would experience.
I was a nurse for 20 years; I worked in the old army barracks called Princess Mary hospital in Auckland where we boiled our bowls and pans. Yes it was old back then some 30 years ago but it was clean, running water, toilets that worked and dignity was offered to each patient.
This hospital looks modern enough on the outside, structurally ok but when you enter the doors the corridors are lined with bodies, some are on mats others on the bare floor. One elderly lady was finally taken away in a wheel chair as I ranted at the staff to get her off the floor. Her pillow was an empty water bottle. As we lifted her she screamed in pain. It was nearly impossible to get her past all the bodies lining the corridor. In a loud voice I told everyone to move their mats so we could get through. Let me explain. You see it’s not just the injured lining the corridors, it’s their families also. They sleep with the patient. They provide bedding water and food. They all have bowls etc to wash the loved one. The nurses do not do any washing changing etc.
Thankfully we found a space to put a mattress by the window for Jaja; she stopped screaming once she was laid down. We found Cathy with her mum and dad in attendance. She was to be moved to the children’s ward having spent the night in the admitting ward.
There were people on beds and mattresses, no curtains and you could barely walk between patients. It stunk of urine and faeces - just about everyone had a drip. Next to Cathy was Russell, an elderly man beaten up by his sons because he didn’t have lunch ready for them when they returned home. He was lying on a torn mattress with an old blanket soaked in urine. He had no one to take care of him.
I went out and bought him a blanket, pillow some juice and towel. Ken held up a sheet off Cathy’s bed while his dad and I changed a bed of faeces and urine. It was awful as nobody would lend me their bowl to wash him so I used the dry leg of his trouser. We sat him up and fed him juice and some biscuits, he smiled. He loves Jesus Mukama so Ken and I prayed with him. I don’t know what will happen to him. I trust God will provide. There are some Red Cross ladies who walk the wards and offer help but there are so many needs.
The toilets are shocking if you can enter with the queues. The floors covered in water, no seats, no toilet paper, no flushing.
Cathy was transferred to the children’s ward.
I got to visit with many children and families. One little girl had three drains form infected orifices which her mum tended, using gloves for purulent discharge. She told me all the containers were full and she found some gloves. She was positive, as her daughter was alive and her abdomen had decreased in size. If it were Moses or Pauline lying there I would be a mess. These women are very strong as they just except there lot and do the best they can under horrendous adversity.
By this time I am angry and emotional and feel totally helpless. One eight year old boy I prayed with had the knee the size of a rugby ball. He had been lying on the bed for 8 days with no treatment as the theatre wasn’t working. His father was worried that they would have to amputate his leg. We prayed for a miracle. Please pray for Allan, he is from the west of Uganda.
Then there is Ivan who was on a boda boda. His entire rib cage had been ripped open and the wound was not healing. A familiar smell of an infected wound bought back memories of necrotic pressure areas in the elderly. He did not look well. Helpless I prayed lord do a miracle on this boy. Please pray for Ivan.
There were many with similar stories which most of us westerners would not allow in our hospitals but these Ugandans except it as norm so I thought until I talked outside with a young policeman who saw 10 dead patients the night before.
He had bought his friend in with high fever and rigors. He lay on the floor and was put onto a bed straight after another dead man’s body was removed. He asked me to come and visit his friend as he had been there all night and they had not treated him. This must have been a medical ward as there were men dying from AIDS around him. It was awful; he was burning up but did have an IV and fluids going. They had not yet made a diagnosis and his friends were going to stay with him. They said that is what they do, they stay and look after each other as most come from the villages and don’t have family to care for them. I prayed with them - please pray for him too sorry I can’t remember his name as I prayed with so many. Ask God to help the policeman In Muwlago hospital.
I am telling you this because I can’t do this alone. If you can pray for one of these desperate souls I know God will hear you and help. I feel helpless but I know God cares.
Part of me would like to be a chaplain in that hospital but I have Moses, Pauline and God willing Denis and Nicholas to care for and it would not be safe as it’s so dirty in that hospital.
I have enclosed some photos which I asked permission from families. One lady was in the corridor outside the burns ward as there was not enough room inside. Her name unknown but Ken got to pray with her. She may not survive bar a miracle as her wounds are infected like so many here.
Please pray for me as I find all this disturbing as I can do little. I know though that God has given me a voice for the people as I am not afraid to confront. This is what I did today on behalf of a few. My dear friend Cherry in New Zealand has always said that God will use my voice – that I am thankful as my voice does get me into trouble at times.
Pre election Blog
Everyone is speculating. Only God knows what will happen this time next week.
Our school is under the auspice of the US embassy and we have had lock down drills, safe houses are ready and we have practised with the children at home. We actually made a game of it and Steve chased Moses and Pauline around the house with a pretend gun. They loved it, just hope it doesn’t come to reality. We have stocked up food and water and we will stay at home behind our barbed wire walls. Many families have already flown out to other places. If things go array Steve will go to Kenya or South Africa with Moses and I will go to our village family in Kyazanga with Pauline as we can’t take her out of the country yet. This is all the very worst and we don’t envision it happening but we have been told to be prepared for the worst. So please pray for peace in this land.
I am off to the hospital before church. I go every Sunday to visit the children’s ward and the burns ward. They sell delicious Ugandan doughnuts at the market so I stock up and bless the bed ridden children and burns patients. It’s not much but they feel loved. I took Pauline last week and she was really taken by the man with no hands and bandaged like a mummy. She wanted to help feed him but he managed with his stumps to feed himself. There have been no nurses on the wards during the visits. I was told they don’t work on the weekends. Today I know there will be missing children as they will have gone to Jesus. They die in rooms filled with others, there are no private rooms that provide dignity for the dying and their families. That’s the way it is here. I am learning to except it and do what I can.
Our trust also provides scrapbooks, pencils and crayons for the children who are in long term. If you want to bless the children make a donation specifically saying you want to be a part of the childen’s hospital ministry.
Bless Moses heart he made a valentines card for a boy who visits our home regularly. Amos is labelled the community thief but we are including him in family life to help steer him away from a life that may end him up in jail. He found Moses cast off shoes with holes in the toes and asked if he could have them as he doesn’t have shoes. Talk about humbling.
While I was picking up some pants from the market I found a man lying on a step. I thought he was dead. People just walked past. I shook him hard and he lifted his head to expose a pool of blood. He had an open wound which required suturing. I assisted him outside to the boda motorbike nearby and offered to pay a guy to take him to the hospital. He refused saying he was mad and dirty. So we moved on and found another group of bodas and I asked and they just looked at us. I got angry and told them they needed to take care of their own and finally one guy came forward and I paid him well to care for this man. This is Africa TIA. Please tell me NZ isn’t like this.
On a lighter note Moses Pauline and I went to a birthday party. It was a bike party and they had a ball until Moses went on the spinning top after eating a huge amount of pizza and he spewed all over me yeh! However before this incident I showed them how I could ride and entered one of the time trials. Moses won and is fine just has to keep away from spinning tops. This particular family is leaving after 30 years in Africa wow. They gave me a beautiful shell from Kenya. I lifted it to my ear and heard the shores of New Zealand tears welled up inside. We so miss the beach but we feel close to Jesus serving the poor in small ways here.
I want to honour our parents here. My parents have always opened their home to feed and care for others. My Mum and dad are in their seventies and still cook and house teenagers from other families. I am proud of you.
Steve’s mum and Dad are in their eighties and still serve in the community in a number of ways. We are proud of you in the way you honour Jesus by serving in your old age.
There is nothing else like it - living a life in service of those who don’t have or can’t fend for themselves. I encourage you all to step out and love the poor. Your hearts will be full and you will be storing up treasures in heaven.
Pray for this land in the coming elections.
Hi there it’s Steve speaking now. I am recovering from a pretty savage throat infection – the antibiotics were so strong my tummy needs repairing now but I am much better – we have a break coming on the 18 to 27th Feb – so I can recuperate and we can hide from election turmoil. One of the big challenges for me in Uganda is getting access to leisure activities – normally I can escape in a kayak and go fishing in NZ or have a game of golf or tennis or go surfing with mates – but none of these are readily available here. Most Ugandans spend their time trying to survive so leisure activities are not a priority – for example there are only two golf courses, you can’t get kayaks or life jackets and Lake Victoria is not exactly a swimming venue – I have a nice swimming pool to go to which is a privilege here and a guy has invited me to a game of golf at Entebbe – so things are not that bad. I would love to get the family out for a fish in a long boat – so that is a goal and we are still planning a safari but the costs are very high. I have come to realise that life changes radically on entering another culture especially a poor third world situation. Mentally you know the facts from books but nothing prepares you emotionally and spiritually for the changes involved in everyday living – changes in working hours – up at 5.30 home by 4.30, limited leisure activities, coping with dangerous road conditions, being separated from friends, facing all sorts of shortages, the maddening confusion of Government and bank systems and the face of extreme poverty. As part of the adjustment to another culture you have to adapt and find small projects - like making vege gardens – you can grow anything all year here, supplying seedlings to neighbours, playing soccer with local children, hanging out with our poor neighbours and meeting some basic needs to help them survive, helping with their piggery, planning safari if you can find the money, watching a video with Sharron and spending time together when there are no children, updating blogs, playing guitar and learning new songs with Pauline on African drums, befriending young guys from the neighbourhood to help them find purpose and employment – as you can see – you find joy and satisfaction in other things that are just as leisurely and fulfilling. I don,t think I could handle this place without my relationship with Jesus – he gives the strength and peace in the midst of turmoil and you soon realise the importance of family, neighbours and our mission on earth – to find and enjoy God while helping out where he leads.
Pauline and Moses and I have stayed home this morning instead of going to church to throw off some sickies so we played some worship songs together – He Reigns, Amazing Grace by Todd Agnew, Here I am to Worship and Power of your Love. Moses is the preacher this morning reading the Story of David’s big sin with Bathsheba and how Ahab stole a neighbours vineyard then killed Naboth the owner – good connection between the stories – Pauline on drums – she is good – a real reggae beat.
Post election Blog March 8
By Sharron
Firstly our hearts go out to all those who have lost family and friends in the Christchurch earth quake. It was a tragedy and so unexpected. Must be pretty scary with all the aftershocks. My sister in law just made it out of her office but has sadly lost colleagues and my brother helped pull out live and dead people from the rubble as he is a local policeman.
What has really encouraged Steve and I is that New Zealand has pulled together to help each other and even us X-pats around the world have been able to contribute in some way. Kiwis are great givers in times of need. We are proud of our home land in this way.
I am afraid I can’t say that about the people in this nation, it’s all about survival of the fittest.
The government spent an incredible amount of money to bribe, extort and intimidate the election process and now many are starving in the villages as we are experiencing one of the worst droughts in a very long time. Animals are dying, crops have failed, swamps have run dry and to buy water is very expensive. Food prices are rising especially fruit and vegetables in the city.
Many had their names removed from registers, areas that were not Museven’s followers were not even given ballot papers and armed soldiers stood by people while they voted to intimidate. Phone lines were blocked and there are still contingents of soldiers around the city to stop any uprisings.
We have a garden and have harvested over a hundred lettuces which we have given to neighbours. Moses has harvested beans from his and we are enjoying tomatoes and my first beetroot today which is like gold here. Our carrots were a real treat, trying to get them out was a challenge as the ground is like rock. Moses likes to show off his muscles as he carries water to his garden in a bucket every night. He was a playcentre kid and that’s where he first learned gardening.
We went for a swim today at a local hotel. Our school uses the pool and we get a discount so we thought. We took a local child called Amos who spends every weekend with us. It was his first swim in a pool. He is 10 years old. They changed the rules and we had to pay in full. I felt very annoyed especially that this pool is only accessible to the rich. Yes it’s all about opportunity in this world. Some don’t get it. We were having a great time and I got out the drink and biscuits for a snack. The manager came up to me and handed me a piece of paper telling me that I had a fine to pay for bringing our own food. Well I had had enough and let rip and said I would bring my food if I wanted and to leave us alone. Well in came the soldiers to take me away - just kidding. We cannot afford to buy hotel food but it’s important to take the children out for a swim to keep things normal in their lives. You can’t swim in the lake as you get Billhousier a parasite that eats into your flesh. Most Ugandans can’t swim as they can’t access affordable swimming pools.
We would love to get Amos lessons to swim as he was like a fish but we can’t even afford to get lessons for our own children. It’s all about opportunity in this country and only a few get it.
Allan went home to the village last week. He had his leg amputated finally which saved his life. He had many blood transfusions and still needs cancer treatment. The cancer ward for children is half decent compared to the rest of the hospital. I hear the cancer ward is receiving outside help, what a blessing. I have not seen tumours so large before. I think it’s because the treatment is either too late or not given.
My friends in the burns ward are improving but they lack stimulation so hopefully steve and I can take the laptop up soon and show them a movie.
I would love to renovate the childrens ward and get a semblence of space and dignity for the many children and famillies that are crammed in there. It is so over crowded that when they want to clean all the patients are put out into the corridors and the doors are locked. I arrived with treats and was overwhelmed by desperate looking mums huddled in the corridors nursing their children. Yes I was angry once again at the conditions these people are enduring. By Gods grace i move.
We are looking for another house as we are woken by numerous dogs every night roaming and I am too scared to let Steve poison them as he might have to visit the local jail. You don’t want to go there end of story. Apart from the lack of sleep we feel really blessed in our home.
Hi there it’s Steve’ turn.
God has been teaching me a whole heap of things to do with letting go of issues – and boy can they mount up here. My head gets a bit sore trying to work through how we are going to survive and achieve some of our goals and along comes Jesus with a little word about who is boss. A few times a day he has said, “back off, don’t even go there in your head or emotion it’s not your problem, halt the reaction, cool off, have a laugh at life, enjoy the kids, pray for the suffering and extend the time frames to allow God to work his magic. When you are teaching in 35 plus temps you learn to slow down your expectations and thinking in order to relax and leave a few more things to tomorrow. Uganda is in deep trouble - I can sense the rising under currents so it won’t be long before we have a Libya or even worse. The uneducated, poor, disenfranchised masses will slowly become sick of their situation and react strongly. It is only a matter of time before the effects of corruption and bribery force people into a corner – then they storm onto the streets to rectify the appalling abuses. Fuel has now reached an all time high, power cuts are increasing daily, veges prices are moving up, the ground is turning to dust, bribery is increasing. We had a friend to lunch who is trying to set up his landscaping business but cannot afford the bribes to obtain a licence or any contracts!!
We visited the Hope for Uganda orphanage in February to take supplies for Carlee. It was a bit of an eye opener because the level of need was too great in relation to the number of workers – I felt helpless and daunted/haunted by the faces surrounding me and their living conditions.
We are trusting God to see the funds come in to complete the adoption of Denis and Nicholas. So far we have raised $3,000 towards the $25,000 – we are presently processing the Care Orders. We want to encourage those who have already donated and prospective donors to pray for the fulfilment of this adoption and challenge others to invest in these two lives. Things are desperate in their surrounding environment at present – with no rain for 2 ½ months food supplies have drastically been reduced, water wells have dried up, people are reverting to swamp water, banana crops have failed, peanuts plantations have turned to dust – things are really tough around our orphanage in Kyazanga. The school and orphanage is the most successful one in that region because of the kindness of donors in New Zealand and one lady in the US. All the orphan girls and Denis and Nicholas give a huge hug and thanks.
I have been working with a school next door to our house. They have a very poor under resourced literacy and maths program. Thanks to some junior reader donations from Walters school greeton village. I have started a small reader library there and will be introducing them to a more thorough phonics program. If you know of any more sources of junior readers I could do with heaps. The missing link in Ugandan schools is a supply of readable texts and phonics resources. The conditions in thus school are horrible – dusty, hot and poor hygiene thanks to the Government MOE.
I managed to get a game of golf the other day. I was overheating in 30 degrees.
March blog 2011-03-20
Our hearts have been consumed with the crisis in Japan especially now with the freezing temperatures. Miracles have occurred where some have survived after being buried 9 days.
We pray so hard that the nuclear reactors can be disengaged to prevent nuclear fallout. We have managed to contact some friends who are safe but frightened for their fellow citizens. My nephew Chris lived in Japan for five years but recently returned home to NZ.
My darling Steve is recovering from malaria. There are different strains and his affected his head. Thankyou for your prayers, it’s a bit scary getting sick here when you hear how people die in hospital because of power blackouts.
Speaking of hospital misadventures I was on the war path today. Sunday mornings before church I visit the burns ward and take eggs, fruit, chapattis and doughnuts, some protein for those who have been there for months. A lady from church wanted to come so I planned to pick her up on the way. I was late because the guard at church took 10 minutes to untie the gate. I was getting really annoyed, he was new and very slow, and my friend was standing in the pouring rain waiting. There is a reason for all this history bare with me I learnt a valuable lesson. I held my temper, finally I was on my way to pick up Stephanie and visit Mulago.
Thankyou Lord and forgive me for my impatience for you had a plan as this delay was a divine appointment. Walking through the hospital car park we noticed a lady crying in pain with a sheet draped around her. We inquired of her family who were struggling to carry the bedding etc. She collapsed and her body with 30% burns was exposed. The family said she had been at Mulago since yesterday and had no treatment. She was in shock and we were shocked. I assured them she was at the right hospital as Mulago had a good name for healing serious burns. We took her straight to the burns ward. I found a bed amongst the men and then went on the war path. There were no nurses or doctors in the ICU or burns ward.
In the emergency department there was a manager who came back with me to see the women. He made out that he was annoyed at there being no nurses or doctors and promised that he would call a nurse in. An hour later my lady had rigors and cried with pain, no one came. Finally another gentleman entered and said he had tried to call a burns nurse from home and she would arrive soon.
She arrived and told me there wasn’t any water to bath the lady and she didn’t have enough bandages. I told her that I would help and that I wasn’t leaving until this woman was treated properly. She found saline silver sulphadiazine some gause and bandages. She couldn’t put a line in as the woman’s arms were swollen and burnt and she made her sit in a chair. These women are strong. She nearly collapsed several times from the pain - she was given no pain relief.
We finished bandaging her and all I could find was a blanket to wrap her in and place her on a bare mattress. I asked the nurse to find some pain relief, she did not reply. There probably wasn’t any. The nurse told me that she had boiling water tipped over her by another person.
I left with the sound of children crying from their injuries and even a man in the corridor with burns cried and asked me to help him. I had nothing to give. I felt sick. Lord help him.
I write in detail to give you some insight into the indignities of these people, we treat our animals more humanely. It’s weird as I find myself making comments like, “wow you are looking great today” because I do see improvement each week even though there injuries are horrid. Oh they are so precious these people who have suffered greatly and life will not be easy for them in the future as there are no benefits here. Some will become beggars to survive.
What a privilege to be at the feet of Jesus in this place. Please pray for my friends and for me that I can continue to be just a little light in their lives and that they will see Jesus.
School has been busy because our class put on a production and I assisted all the children in making their own costumes. They worked hard and it was such a success enjoyed by all. School is like a green house, like hiding away from the realities of tough living here for many. I only pray that we can be a catalyst in the lives of these children and that they will contribute in a positive way to this society in the future. They are the privileged few. Moses and Pauline finished well in the school wide triathlon both coming first in their year groups.
Next week they are both in a production and practising hard to learn their lines. I am going to be teaching netball next term a first for the school and me haha.
On Sunday I went to Mulago and my sweet friend Sarah who crossed my path last week was bright and her wounds were healing. She is a breath of fresh air to those around her. I can still hear her laughter as she proclaimed God is moving. She said I am going to help people because you have helped me. I am reminded that “by Gods grace I walk’.
Please pray for Moses (not mine!) a boy in hospital. He has burns to most of his body and now is suffering from two deep pressure areas as a result of a lack of nursing assistance. He cries all the time and he is only 18 years old. His dad is afraid as he fears he has given up and wants to die. His burns were from carrying a large container of hot oil in his job.
30 adults and children receive a balanced meal of protein and vitamins once a week from me. Even burnt faces can show delight in a boiled egg. If you would like to be a part of this hospital ministry and make a one off donation I would like to buy milk and juice to assist with their healing. A lack of healthy food is a major contributor to infection and bed sores.
Moses and Pauline have three snake eggs in a box, one died. Mummy snake is somewhere in our compound so we will have to spray paraffin. I won’t be hanging out washing at night again. Ugandans’ say you treat all snakes as poisonous. Sensible I would say.
I only wish they would be sensible and rethink village justice. The morning news showed a picture of a man lynched and burned to death for being a thief. How tragic he was probably hungry and needed to feed his family. He didn’t deserve that when a lot of the government people are crooks. Oh God forgive me when I judge others unfairly and help me to give more grace. It’s by his grace that I am healthy and alive.
Steve’s turn. I have managed to get rid of the malaria in me. They say there is no malaria in Kampala but that is rubbish and propaganda – kids and teachers and parents get it regularly at school. The medication lasts 3 days and is pretty tough on the tummy. Moses is doing really well in football and has developed a lethal left boot – he plays every lunch time with senior primary students. I have been coaching his team and the under nines for two terms – there are some exceptional players here – the sort that may end up in European teams! School is cool – the British curriculum ensures a wide coverage of subjects which is why we have specialists for art, music, PE, ICT and swimming. I am in the habit of incorporating these into my programme so it has been a challenge to let go and concentrate on literacy, maths, humanities (history) and science. It is a challenge when the power goes each week in the classroom but it becomes a part of life here. Pauline and I are home this Saturday watching Pochahontas – Moses has gone to a birthday party - birthday parties here are extravagant affairs with swimming pools and servants dishing out delicious food – part of the NGO trail and way of life which I know is horribly divorced from the realities outside their gates. On the other hand some of these NGO employees need a safe place of refuge with all the comforts in order to recover from the harsh realities of their jobs – everything in balance - God examines the heart and calls us to help our neighbour – and here stands the challenge to all of us.
I find it difficult to keep our focus on what God calls us to do and the massive need all around us. For example at church this young guy – 16 – cannot afford to complete college because his mum cannot afford the fees – every student has too find fees for even appalling schools. This is why there are so many children wandering the streets all day, hundreds of teenagers meandering around markets and night spots - this will be the downfall of Uganda in the future – uneducated children and uneducated children who are attending school. From my visits to local Ugandan schools there is not a library in sight or any levelled reading resources. Lessons are one directional where children are expected to sit all day and copy notes off blackboards. The teachers are not properly educated themselves to teach interactive problem solving learning and independent research. I use a lot of gaming and manipulative materials to cover many learning styles but I have not seen these participative approaches being used. No wonder when you approach employees here to solve problems they cannot think for themselves and can only obey prescriptive guidelines hence a massive amount of red tape and bribery. This certainly tests our patience and several times we have had to call on friends who work in top Government departments to get clearance and logic. I am not sure who designed the curriculum in Uganda but it is in serious need of a complete overhaul along with all the teacher training organisations. I have asked principals to show me their curriculum booklets and they produce this antiquated book 40 to 50 years old covered in dust which even they have forgotten!!
Had to deal with some religious cult freaks blasting our house and neighbourhood two nights running with hell fire damnation 60’s movies and all night hell preaching which takes the form of screaming at their tiny flock of 8 people with a mega sound system. First night I confronted the preacher and got promises to turn off at 9 but by 1.00 am Sharron had had enough and visited their screeching prayer session to demand they turn off the sound system but they interpreted her visit as persecution from Satan and rejected her. Next night I visited their hell fire movie and screeching sound system and I stood in front and demanded a hearing - a preacher woman with glowering red eyes confronted me and this time I did not give her a chance to speak – I let her know in simple terms that the Holy Spirit does not need a screeching static sound system blasting people at 2 metres away to convict them of their sin. They had to drag her away from me before a fight broke out – then I got an agreement with the pastor that they would turn off the hell/fire movie at 9 pm. The poor neighbourhood and tiny flock of people – beaten into submission and conviction by abusive preaching and deafening micro phones. They turned it off at 9.35 so I could sleep. I love preaching of the word and prayer anywhere if it is done with respect and gentleness and matched with practical care for the people. These poor poverty stricken followers are fleeced of their money by these tithe hungry preachers scaring them into submission – does this sound like the Kingdom of GOD – No –
Uganda is interesting because anybody can set up rallies anywhere in a neighbourhood despite the closeness of hundreds of squatter type houses a few metres away and then blast them all with one directional hell fire preaching that does nothing for the intelligence nor does it truly convict or touch the soul. Matthew 11.28 says “come to me all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”
Our Safari to Murchison was a hit. We did not drive our little Carib because there would have been nothing left of it after traversing Lion country, negotiating fords and broken roads or dodging baboons and wandering buffalo. We hired a driver and big Land Cruiser with a Safari roof to view the amazing northern Ugandan wild country, Nile River and Lake Albert. The highlights for me were the Nile boat trip, viewing hippos and crocs up close and seeing the beautiful Lake Albert with its hippos and fishermen. The Congo is just over the other side with its Rebel fighters and tribal strife. The Ugandan side is guarded by tanks and a military presence. On the Nile close to the Murchison Falls is an experience of a lifetime. The entire Nile River crashes through a ten metre opening over the falls. Further along hundreds of fat Hippos lounge in families and look at you with big red eyes. Some are quite snappy and ferocious while others frolic and jump over each other in massive splashes. Big spiky Crocs laze on the river side. One lethal monster did not like our boat and with open jaws full of jagged teeth burst into the water towards us sending water everywhere; a bit of a show off. Gets a bit scary though when suddenly the croc submerges, disappears and you see the ripples heading towards your boat – time to move!! Large elephant roam the shoreline with baboons, African Cob, antelope, warthogs, grand African eagles, the biggest Kingfisher and in some lagoons hundreds of baby crocs just born and released into the muddy water – only to be eaten by monster Dad in some cases!
Our boat trip got off to a rough start with a tense argument with the boat operators. They were going to put us into a small 12 foot narrow dinghy which was extremely dangerous for children – imagine a hippo surfacing underneath or a large wake hitting you. We refused to board and demanded a larger boat. It took phone calls to our friends who own the Safari lodge (Red Chilli) and further threats to move the operators. Actually I lost it with the woman boat company manager – she received the full brunt of my wrath which had built up to an irrational fury since we had ordered and paid for the bigger boat. Eventually we won the dispute.
Here’s Sharron to tell you a funny story.
I was lying in bed, enclosed in my mosquito net in our cabin with the doorway in view. A baboon the size of Moses walks in, looks at me unafraid, walks over to a box, opens it, scrimmages around and takes out a bag of potato chips, looks at me, walks out the door, sits on the veranda opens the chips and eats them. It was all a bit surreal. Moses and Pauline were screaming with delight, ran inside and watched him through the window. We have it on video, him jumping at the window to scare us to make sure we knew who was boss. The whole ordeal was scary but exciting especially for the kids. He then stationed himself in a tree at the back of our cabin to watch us.....The wart hogs then appeared on the veranda, they are big like mama pigs, are black with tusks and I find quite gorgeous. They eat all the scraps in the camp and are unafraid of people but are friendly as they know we provide the supper; a bit scary though especially at night when you accidently walk into one.
I saw an African cob down in a clearing and was about to go down to have a look. The manager of the camp came quickly and warned me to not venture out as a cheetah lived down there and African cobs were his food. Now that was a close one as I was heading off and this camp was free for all with no fences ahh...close call...
School has been crazy but lots of fun with non - stop events including family football day, Gala day, productions, art exhibitions, Talent show, exams, report writing, compiling the year Book and numerous birthdays. It all seems a bit too much at times because the days are long from up at 5.30am and home by 4.30. All of us are ready to collapse at the end of the day so we go to bed early.
I preached at our church last Sunday for the first time in many years and I am also becoming involved in the worship team although this is a challenge for me – I don’t rate my singing but there some songs I can get the right note. We have had some worship/band seminars where we had to front on our own with a favourite song and that was a bit nervy – I chose Todd Agnew’s Amazing Grace. You really have to put it out there when doing a solo. The critiques said my rhythm and guitar work was ok and I needed to put my voice out there instead of hiding. Great learning – something that never happened in big churches where only the perfect get to play or chosen!
A lady at church today shared a radical story. She and her husband are new to Uganda. She was driving down her driveway with her sick tonsillitis boy and was phoning ahead to the hospital when a fully loaded army truck with 30 soldiers and machine guns blocked her driveway, got out and said they had seen her talking on her cell phone while driving and they would not let her out unless she paid them 600,000 shillings! Shock, horror - welcome to Africa. She explained that she was on her way to the hospital but they refused to budge and demanded money otherwise they would take her to prison. She phoned her husband on business overseas and he phoned the American Embassy Security Chief who phoned the government who phoned the police chief who then phoned the chief soldier on the truck who then said oh sorry we will let you off this time!!! In Uganda it is not what you know but which leader you have as a friend!!
The political situation here is still volatile as fuel prices and inflation soars – all a result of graft. Opposition leaders are still being persecuted and it is only a matter of time before a larger contingent of opposing forces rises up to challenge the president. He is now calling all newspapers, radio stations and TV which do not print or air favourable articles supporting him - his enemy!! I think he is starting to lose the plot and become the suspicious dictator all over again!! When will this nation and other African nations learn – that greed and bribery eventually lead to the destruction of the country – which is why so many of the hospitalised are dying in hospital – the funds are stolen which pays for their medicine and care.
We are looking forward to receiving our two boys Denis and Nicholas which we intend to adopt. The care orders are being finalised. We will be seeking a good school for them and trying to find another vehicle. We are short of funds but are hoping we can raise a little to get a decent vehicle. At the moment our little Carib is transporting 6 people regularly which, is a bit of a jam in a five seater. God has his plans and abundance to achieve our goals.
Like Steve said school is full on. I am teaching netball. We are having a ball and lots of laughs, lucky for me none of the girls know a single thing about netball, so I can find my way.
Ken and I continue to visit the hospital on Sundays. Ken my single neighbour who is 25 is a darling, He helps give out food, encourages and prays for individuals and families. Today my heart strings were pulled while I was dressing Graces badly burnt eyes. She has to take care of her baby but can’t see until her eyes are dressed and on Sundays there are no nurses so I hunt for supplies and do it myself. Well today her baby poohed everywhere and Ken just gets to work, cleans and dresses the baby and does the linen. He will make an awesome husband and daddy. Sadly Grace was a victim of acid burning when a man entered her hut and threw it at her. This is a common occurrence here. Often it is an avenger of the woman’s husband.
My Kenyan friend has been discharged but had nowhere to go. I pray Devon doesn’t end up on the street as a beggar. I never got to say goodbye but he is on my heart and in my prayers, that we will meet again if not here but in eternity. He had such a gentle heart and may God find a good family for him. Maybe he will find his way here with us. We have a spare room and I am already planning its renovation. A miracle is needed here and God is into miracles. So keep posted.
Speaking of miracles. Ken and I prayed for an older man who was blinded and burnt in a house fire. While we prayed I sensed in the spirit that his eyes would be healed but not straight away. Two weeks later he has this gorgeous smile when we visit and he announces that God has healed him. Wow God is good....
Devon my precious 7 year old had success with his skin grafts and has gone home to live with jaja. Thankyou to those of you who helped get him some boys stuff to enjoy during his long stay in hospital.
Sarah’s burns are still healing and she continues to visit with others on the ward encouraging them that they are loved by Jesus. She is a beacon of joy in her suffering.
Thankyou to all you ladies who contributed to buying special dressings for Moses. Because of strict taxes and processes here we are only just going to collect the package, it has been a long arduous journey but now we have a special letter that allows us to be exempt from tax on medical supplies and supplies for orphans.
Sadly, but not sadly as he suffered so, Moses went to be with Jesus. He died not long after my last visit. Even though I knew he was in a better place I cried and cried while giving out breakfast that Sunday morning. The other patients said his dad tried to call me to be with them but my phone was off. They all feel it because they sleep next to each other and they don’t get shifted to a separate room like people in NZ do. They die in full view of each other. There is no extra space here and this culture is different, much more communal.
The dressings are invaluable and I will distribute as needed. My friend Dannielle and her husband Peter manage an orphanage and nursing clinic. Some of the supplies will be useful amongst the community there, so thank you to each of you. Your giving was not in vain. Many will be blessed by them.
Moses and Pauline love to play with the neighbours who are very poor, have sores and are sometimes not bathed. They come to our house for meals and I continually pray for protection as their lifestyle is so different. It’s a dilemma as we want the kids to play normally but I get afraid about the diseases they might catch. The other day I went searching for Pauline and found her with a boy whom was naked and she was bathing. What are you doing? “Mum look at his sores they are paining him. I am helping him mum’ Pauline is from the village where she is used to looking after those younger than her. What could I say but next time bring him to me and we can do it together.
Moses on the other hand play fights and his mates hug him etc. They love him to bits. Ahh... what’s a mum to do, must keep praying. He has a friend at school whose Mum and Dad are working closely with the Ebola virus breakout thirty minutes from here. It’s a deadly disease with no cure. Please pray for its containment and safety of this precious couple who are on the front line.
We live a precarious life here, the materially poor outside our gate, the suffering of those in a hospital that doesn’t provide what our western hospitals do. Daily dilemmas of who to give money too and for what. I get asked to buy pain relief but I can’t do it for one and not the other. My neighbour had malaria she only needed 1500 shillings for the medicine, merely a dollar in New Zealand. You can’t walk past her and go to your western compound which in New Zealand standards is not preened with loads of furniture but it is comfortable. Jesus says love your neighbour. Who is my neighbour? He says if you see someone without a shirt, take yours off and give it to him. What does this mean here and what does it mean in NZ. It’s not about material things it’s about what you cling to in your heart. I love it here because God is loosening the strangle hold of material things and showing me what really matters in my life. Oh my neighbours and friends at the hospital have little materially, oh but they are so close to Jesus because of their suffering. On the other hand we dine with the very rich here. Our children go to play dates where they are waited on in huge mansions and their friends have all the toys mine could only dream of. I am not going to judge my friends, only God knows how they feel about and do with their wealth. However, I don’t visit and pretend. I am quite upfront about who I believe in and what my purpose is here on this earth. I even drink the odd glass of expensive wine {such a treat} and enjoy it with them.
A precarious life and a dichotomy; who really are the poor? I believe those who don’t have Jesus are the poor. Poor has different meanings in different contexts. Challenging thoughts. Please share yours.
Love you all and thanks to all of you sweeeety hearts who help make orphans and the hurting feel loved. Couldn’t do it without your love, prayers, financial support and communication with us we are in this together.....
