Randomness on a Saturday in Uganda

Self Check In?

I nearly automatically checked myself in at the health clinic yesterday. The door frame between the 'lab' and the 'ward' is made of iron and is just about 6' tall. I am about 6' 1/2". Everyone was startled by the noise and my abrupt stop. Sure enough I drew blood, but at least it is under the hairline so I am not having to explain.

Why Don't We Have These?

How simple, two buttons, one for, um, light flush, two for heavy flush! I guess water is more precious here than even in California.

I thought these T Rex guys were from North America?

Birds eye view?

And yes, they are alive, check the second picture...

The two pictures I missed today.

Well actually there were tons of pictures that I missed today (hard to take good pictures from a moving car), like the chunks of raw meat hanging from the roadside shacks, the naked two year old running circles around his Mom, the rows of 'shops' between Kampala and Jinja selling piles of everything from furniture (bed frames, chairs, tables, cabinets...), to scaffolding (long wooden poles), to iron window covers (accessories?), to fresh planed lumber (planing machines on site), and that was just in the basic home supply miles of road.

No, the two pictures I missed, and will really miss, are the two little monkeys playing on the side of the road and the crocodile in the Nile.

I will post some of the ones I didn't miss soon.

First Visit

I am not sure I can really describe today in words. I am still processing what I saw and experienced. Let me share a little commentary and try to let the pictures do most of the 'talking'.

You know when in science fiction movies there is a clear point when you enter an alien world? There is usually some sort of dramatic transition, but it is abundantly clear that you are 'no longer in Kansas...'. Well, this afternoon we drove from the hotel, through very busy streets (shared by cars, trucks, bikes and people), through downtown, past the University, turned left down a side road, then left again and off the pavement (transition) immediately into the slums. It is a fairly narrow section of town (this slum) between the University and some hotels, etc., but it may as well have been on another planet.

The 'main' 'street' of the slum from both directions:
I found it hard to believe an auto or SUV would even fit or be able to traverse the 1 1/2 to 2 foot or more, dips, bumps, drainage trenches, etc., let alone not run over something or someone.

We first toured the clinic. Here are four shots:

the doctor's exam room

the 'ward' (a mom with her two kids, the one on the left has Typhoid, the one on the right Malaria)

the 'lab',

and the pharmacy:

Through the back door is a boys home (more on that later) and the primary school (babies, then levels that roughly equate to our K - 8)

Here is a shot of the school's 'Pit' toilet.

We then moved to the other end of the slum to where Pastor Nelson has a small office, and the church grounds and the high school are located. this is a high shot of the church area; You can see the foundation and partial walls for the future church building (yes, quite large):

The structure (roof) on the right is where the church currently meets. The orange shipping container is the 'base' for the street kids (more later also).

A while ago, Grace Fellowship started feeding and offering a weekly shower to true street kids. Volunteers that were working with these kids eventually found their way to the location as well and it has turned into a real program. Now Grace tries to feed the kids 4-5 times a week if possible, give them literacy classes, language and hygiene/health classes. There are on average 40-50 kids who hang around during the day (this picture was late afternoon on a Friday and many had taken off, many to return later), and sleep on the concrete floor of the covered area during the night.

Grace Fellowship and the volunteers do offer other activities like bead stringing that can be sold for a few dollars (look to see Mike and I sporting them when we return). Here a little guy ties a bead necklace on Josh, a street kid volunteer and an intern at an EMI (Engineering Ministries) branch office located in a suburb of Kampala. By the way, Ryan's professor that I mentioned in an earlier blog has been on the board of EMI and still consults with them.

The street kids are offered a cubby in the container to store their entire earthly possessions.

Here is a shot of one of the high school classrooms. (more on the high school later also).

Along the back of the property runs a stream/drain. Just before I took the second picture below, a boy took a shower in the water from the broken pipe.

On a final note for this entry, after seeing the conditions people here live in every day, I was struck by how nearly every child we encountered either ran up and shook our hand, wanted their picture taken (and to see it and laugh), and I don't recall anyone not breaking out into a huge, beautiful smile at some point. If you have been tempted to tie riches to happiness, or joy, or contentment,.... you should come here for even an afternoon and you will encounter something extraordinary. Having someone care for them, feed them, help them, share the hope of the gospel with them has put a smile on their face in the middle of abject poverty.

It is amazing to me that while I walked away this afternoon overwhelmed by the circumstances, and I am still trying to absorb it, I also walked away with my spirit lifted by people who have so little, yet show more joy than I encounter in most people back in 'our world'. I look forward to going back over the next few days.

Video

I have been trying to upload a couple of videos all evening but just not happening so far. I will keep tying, since video give such a richer feel for this place, but will stick with some photos for now.

Getting settled

Well, after a night of no sleep, or NOT adjusting to the local time (for me anyway, Mike was able to sleep), we had a great breakfast and went for a walk. We picked up a pay as you go cell phone so we don't have to pay $3.50 a minute to talk, and an 'internet everywhere' usb key - basically internet through the local cell phone network (so I am actually able to effectively go on line!). Basically haven't started our trip other than getting settled. Nelson is picking us up shortly. He had a meeting this morning with a local planning board. Someone bought property behind the orphanage and wants a road put in through the orphanage property. Not good.

I thought I would share a couple pictures. First one is Pastor Nelson and his wife, Sarah, and me as we arrived at the hotel last night.

This second one is of a HUGE bird. He (or she) is out on the golf course on our walk. It's wingspan is at least 8 foot across, probably more... 'go ahead, play through I'll wait...'

Arrival!

We started in the morning and flew through the day and through the night and through the day and into the next night! 32 hours from front door to hotel. San Francisco - Chicago - Brussels (made the connection with 0 minutes to spare) - Kigali, Rwanda - and finally Entebbe! Pastor Nelson and his Sarah were gracious enough to pick us up at the airport (an hour late) and drive us to the hotel.
The night ride up to Kampala very much reminded me of times in India. A lot of smoking diesel trucks and a lot of burning garbage fires make it smokey with strong, pervasive smells. Shops, bars and restaurants that lined the road nearly the whole way (I think it was about 30-40 kilometers) still open after midnight with a lot of people milling about. Also a lot of people walking, something that you don't see very much in the States, at least not like this, and certainly not this late. It seems at times there are more people walking than riding (cars, trucks, and motorcycles). Day time traffic should prove interesting (I hear).
Well off to attempt sleep. Internet connections all down this evening other that this one computer in the business center of the hotel. Working on and off, so I will make this short and add more tomorrow.

It's Time to Go

Well, first thing in the morning it is time to fly. San Francisco, Chicago, Rwanda, Uganda. Scheduled to arrive there Thursday night local time. Packed. Inoculated. Prepared as I ever will be.
I thought I would share a few facts about Uganda and Kampala the capital. Mostly to share a picture of the basic need that I think has drawn me in. I am sure similar or maybe even worse circumstances are present in other countries or parts of the world, but this is where my heart is being pulled at the moment.
In 1999 it was estimated that there were about 5000 street kids in Uganda, (it is estimated that 16 new kids hit the streets every day) about half with no parents, the other half with a parent, but one unable to care, feed, etc. children. This is primarily a result of disease (extensive HIV/AIDS), war, and poverty or near poverty in many parts of the country. I read one story of a lady who lost all 11 kids to AIDS and is now trying to raise something like 37 grand kids. (How do you do that without a broken heart?) Over 1/4th of families in Uganda have at least one adopted child.
The average age of the entire population is 15. 51% of the population live just below the poverty line of $1.25/day income (although that is hard to translate since the economy, condition, etc. are so different from ours. still...). Many children are victims of violence and abuse. Many die of curable diseases as I said before. I guess I could go on, but suspect you get the idea. When I spoke with Pastor Nelson, he shared that many of the children will not come off the streets, even if housing is offered, based on their distrust of 'grown ups' that have taken advantage of them in the past.
I struggle to imagine what life is like for these kids. If the do survive, how do the learn life skills, moral principles, heck, even hygiene...? How do you adjust? Who are their role models? I understand that some are sadly 'wise' beyond their years. (Four Corners Ministry is starting a new ministry with a great approach - establish real homes that can teach these things, help develop the next generation to help the next generation....'teach them to fish rather than giving them fish'. Having said that, Grace Fellowship is overwhelmed with the basics. Save them. Feed them (two meals most days). Give them a medical check up. A shower (once a week). Basic schooling. And the opportunity to share the good news and hope of the Gospel. No doubt they would like to go beyond that.
I guess that is why I am going. How can I help? Help with the basics, like raising funds to feed them? or building a health care facility to give them the chance to survive and go on? We'll see.
I don't know the Internet connection situation there, although I am staying at a place that supposedly has good connections. I will find a way to keep you updated.
Jeff (Pops)(Bid Daddio)

Random Quote of the Day

"The main thing is to keep the main thing the main thing."

Uganda Prep

So, I am almost medically ready. Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Tetnus, Malaria all taken care of. Yellow Fever dosage was out of date at the doc, so back next week for one more shot. Still two weeks away, but I think for the most part I am almost ready. Formal invitation letter from Pastor Nelson, pick up a few clothing items and pack. Oh yea, and that yellow fever shot (and proof there of).

On another note: Random weirdness

So I was thinking of getting a tatoo, can you help me choose?

Uganda gets closer

I had a wonderful conversation today with Tripp at Four Corners Ministry out of Alabama. They have also teamed with Pastor Nelson in Kampala - focus on broader ministry in Uganda and Sudan. Their mission is slightly different than what I am pursuing (although I am not set on anything at this point I am just trying to stay open to the real needs and opportunities, so who knows where this will lead (Answer: God, sorry, no extra credit). Take a look at their web site if you have time, you will get a better picture of what they are up to. http://www.4cornersministries.org/index.php
Anyway, I see a clear connection and look forward to continuing our conversation to see if there are ways we might work together in the future or at least compliment each others work. (Makes me sound like a real organization or something, jeese.) It was a great conversation, thanks Tripp.
If you don't have the time to check out all the content on their site, I suggest you to watch at least this one video (length = 6:21). It is from testimonies from one of Four Corners missions trips (2008)
http://vimeo.com/4104092
Going to have to talk to their video guy, really well done.

So Mike and I are continuing our prep. Off the to doctor this afternoon for a check up and trip shots!?!?! Trying to figure out what exactly to bring - besides my Bible, clothes, cameras, computer and a couple of things Pastor Nelson has asked for (in response to my offer of 'what can we bring with us?). Is there anything else? Open heart, open mind,.....

Mike and I prayed over two verses (our verses for the trip?).

Then I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, "Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us?" Then I said, "Here am I. Send me!" Isaiah's commission, Isaiah 6:8

"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go." -Joshua 1:9

Question for the Day

So, if I share my thoughts on a blog, what do I talk about if friends that read the blog and I get together?

Thoughts on Uganda

So, never having done this, I thought blogging would be a good way to share my thoughts and experiences as I prepare and travel to Uganda. I will try to keep it updated with thoughts, descriptions and pictures.

This is a deeply personal journey for me. I have always resisted calls for help, donations, support, etc. based on pleas that play on my sympathy. I understand that the need it real and is overwhelming in so many places, but I guess I have a keenly developed resistance to being 'guilted'.

As background, this trip came about by a chance (don't think so) meeting with Pastor Hosea Nelson Kyasooka. My friend Mike had traveled to Africa and one of his stops was Grace Fellowship in Kampala. Pastor Nelson was recently in the US visiting supporting churches and happened to accompany Mike to breakfast the same morning I accompanied my son Ryan to the same breakfast. Pastor Nelson shared his story, his work in Kampala, his ministry, etc. I asked question after question and was deeply moved by what I heard. To make a long story short (maybe I will include additional details as I share more), one thing led to another and I am choosing to travel to Uganda (with Mike) to experience and understand the needs and opportunities and where I might be able to help.

I have two primary focuses this trip. First, in addition to just experiencing and understanding the situation first hand, I would like to photograph and videograph? everything I can. I am working on a web site to share the story. If it results in prayer support, financial support, more people getting involved, or whatever, great! But my goal is to share what I see, and so far, I see someone in Nelson (I am sure I will meet many more) that has made a tremendous impact with the children of the Kampala slums. It is a story of hope and purpose, and as difficult as circumstances and challenges are in this area, there are clearly a large number of kids that have been saved on one form or another through this ministry. Secondly, I am particularly drawn to the health care need of these kids. The idea that 'kids die of curable diseases here' as Nelson put it, is overwhelming to me. If there is something that I can do, either coordinate getting equipment and material to them, building a clinic, whatever, I would like to understand what it would really take to do it. I had the opportunity to meet with one of Ryan's professors who also has been involved in building clinics and hospitals all over Africa and he gave me some great advice and a list of things to look for, or check out while I am there.

So, for now, there you have it. Scary and exciting, nervous and anticipating, .... I will try to keep you informed.

Jeff