FUTURE DEAF SCHOOL

I am overjoyed and still in awe of God's providence...

Last week I went to the book store in Nebbi to pick up some Alur school books (I'm really trying to learn this language). One thing led to another and I found myself in the Bishops office being asked to stay the rest of the day. 

After lunch we went back to his office and discussed books, deafness, education, and the hope for a future deaf school. God did so much in a couple of hours.. Long story short, the Bishop called two men, Dennis and Jimmy, and set up a meeting for us on Friday. Jimmy teaches at a Primary school and interprets Mass for the deaf every Sunday at the Cathedral. Dennis has a business making school uniforms and has been doing his best to "mobilize" the deaf children/community and their families. The Bishop wanted us to meet and hopefully work together for the deaf..

And then a religious Sister walks in. She immediately, and seemingly out of no where, starts talking about the two deaf children under her ministries care that she is taking to a primary school in Arua. I introduced myself and told her a little of why I'm here. She continued talking about the need for a deaf school in our diocese and how she desires to be teaching at a deaf school. She is currently finishing her sign language training in Kampala. 

Ohh my, it gets better..

The Bishop started telling both of us about the recently vacant Emmanuel Center in Nyapea (not too far from Paidha). It was supposed to be used as a Catechist training center but they are instead training in another town about an hour away. The Bishop offered it to a new Congregation of Sisters but they have no need for it. 

AND RIGHT THERE HE PLACED IT IN MY HANDS TO BECOME A DEAF BOARDING SCHOOL. 

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Last Friday I had a meeting, almost the whole day, with Jimmy and Dennis. It went exceptionally well. And while Jimmy is currently satisfied with the teaching job he has, he is more than willing to help set up a school for the Deaf. Dennis, however, is ready to teach! And I got a call the next day from Dennis telling me he has found another man who wants to teach.

Tuesday I went and visited the Emmanuel Center and...well, it is better than I expected or could have hoped for! 

I am in shock and I cannot wait for it to be filled with deaf students. I hope and pray that everything will be ready by the beginning of first term in February. 

There are so many things that have to be done before then: paper work, organization, renovation and making it more "deaf friendly", please pray for me and all who will be involved! May God grant us the means and ability for making this school come alive. It's overwhelming and crazy, yet so perfectly His. 

All praise and thanks be to Jesus Christ! 

Dormitories 

One of four grass huts

Garden area, latrine in the back

Classroom hall and teachers rooms

Animal pen

Kitchen, store room (behind)

Saraphina

I'll tell it like it is, without anything added or taken away. All glory, praise, and thanks is due to our Heavenly Father. Also, for those who have supported me financially and continue to, and to all who continue to pray for me and the people of Paidha, I thank you. Because of you my dear friend can eat another day.
..

She was walking slowly, as she always does, in front of me on the way to Mass this morning. Wearing a very worn white dress and her usual big flip flops. I skipped forward to great her before we walked in. Like always, the conversation was short due to the language barrier. She is beautiful. After Mass she hung around until I came out. I didn't know where she went so I continued on until I heard her call for me..

She's an old and frail women, weak and tired. Beautiful and reverent. She has tribe marks on her forehead, revealing a story that I would love to hear - mostly the part about her conversion and first sight of God.

Since the first time I met Saraphina she has looked at me with the same longing and glistening in her eyes as she asked me for food. I had nothing to give her, only my prayers. My heart ached for her and I spent a lot of time in prayer asking God what He wants me to do. I insist on doing all things through God, with purity of intention, caring from my depths for the one in front of me in a way that is willing the good of them, without my sometimes uncomfortable self getting in the way. You see, there's still much I have to learn. Both spiritually and culturally. The language is a big one as well. I am happy that love covers all and that those who are hungry can always be fed, despite any barrier or difference.

The first time I had tea with her was a Saturday morning. After Mass she came with me into my home (home being my room and sitting room at the rectory) and we ate breakfast together. She told me she went to bed very hungry and has been praying for a meal. Our conversations were filled with mostly laughter, only because my Alur isn't that good at all and she only knows a few words in English. All the same, I know we both enjoyed it.

Afterwards we collected some small fire wood from the Church and we went to her house. It is not too far from the Church, but for an old women it takes a while. She lives in a small hut by herself, near a garden with some graves in it. Her husband and all of her children but one, have died. We sat down in the dark room. She looked around putting her hands up with a shrug, and told me her house is bad (the expression is different in Alur).

Many children and young adults came to see what the white lady was doing there. It was my first time going to this small area of Paidha. They blocked all the light from entering Saraphina's home and giggled at my attempt to speak in Alur. I didn't stay long though..

That afternoon Obedi and I went to the market to buy food for the Church and for her. Evening came as we returned to the Church, Obedi went to cook supper and the seminarian, Francis, went with me to bring Saraphina food.

When we arrived, she was looking for more sticks and things to use as firewood in the garden in front of her house. I could see the joy on her face as she saw the food we brought. We all sat in her home and the seminarian translated for both of us. She talked of her husband and children's death..

"I am all alone in my poverty, all I can do is pray. I've been praying for you, Rannah, since you got here. There's nothing else for me to do, I just go to Church, and I pray."

She continued talking about prayer, Rosaries, her hunger, poverty, and trusting in God. She thanked God countless times for the food, recalling all of her prayers and hope. I broke down. She said "No, please, don't mind."

There is a heavy weight of physical poverty and brokenness that I can only see through my small eyes, not having experienced it myself. With compassion and pain in my heart, Christ has been allowing me to experience the tiniest bit of pain He feels for His beloved daughters and sons. I can't explain God's amazement, light, and love through Saraphina's eyes. I gave her food for her body. She gave me the love of God for my soul.. For it is Christ who is hungry, Christ who is poor, it is Christ who we serve through the poor in this world. What a treasure it will be to become one with Saraphina. No, what a treasure it is to be one with her, after all we are One, in Him and through Him. Every morning receiving the Eucharist with her - Christ's body and blood given for us, so we may all be ONE in Him.

All I could do is stare into her eyes, like Mary at the feet of Jesus, taking in every word He says. I see my grandmother in her and I see my mother. Who will care for my grandmother? Will I be there to care for my mother in her old age? Are you there to care for yours? Oh, how the Lord's way is good, perfect, and true.. His love manifests through eternity and brings comfort to all..

..

Obedi and I went to the market this morning and bought lots of things. We carried them in big bags on are heads from the market, through town, down and up the valley of green grass and tall trees while children yell "rabolo" (banana: my name in sign language), past the graveyard behind the Church, through the village huts, finally arriving at Saraphina's house. Her son was there this time. Old, poor, and malnourished as she - with the same inviting and beautiful smile. Pounding away at dried casava for cooking into kwen. He lives here in Paidha "just the other side", as they say. He also has no money or ways of helping. He came over today to share a meal with his mom - in the hopes there was food! In God's goodness He provided!

I was saddened to hear from Saraphina that some of the food I brought last time had been stolen. It seems there has been bitter talk of Saraphina having this "new friend." She said jealousy perhaps, and so they took from her. Hmm. Although she hid the food and soap, they came in and went through everything to find it. Only though, they didn't take all. They left some for her. There isn't the tinniest bit of anger towards them from any of us, because well, they must be hungry too! Perhaps the person had kids to feed. What would I do in their position? What would you do? If only they had the faith to hold on, and perhaps the courage to ask? Ahh, I can't pose any advice, I am ignorant of the situation. Pray with me that they too may be filled, in an honest and eternal way!

Obedi and I walked home slowly, talking of poverty, culture, and asking each other questions. She asked me, with a puzzled look on her face, if I will help others like Saraphina, or if its only her. I told her yes, yes I will. The person God places before me I will help in the way I can, the way He asks, praying always that I will receive them all the more!

We must help each other in this world, each giving and each receiving at all times, most of all, though, be giving to and receiving from Our Father!

St. Teresa of Calcutta, pray for us!

Nyapea

Obedi and I took a boda to Nyapea and then walked through village for a while to reach her garden.
This was the second time she has taken me there. I really love it!

We went to dig in her garden and get ready for planting beans, potatoes, and casava.

As we were walking to her garden we stopped at some random hut where a women was cooking some local alcohol. Obedi insisted I try it, so I did. It was horrible. SO BAD. It was clear, hot, and very strong. I took a tiny sip and thought I would puke. Obedi happily drank the rest (not a lot). I felt it in my head and my stomach the rest of the day.

We arrived at her garden and first sat and watched as one of the men working there burnt some of the dead bush/tree/plant things (Obedi didn't know the name). There were a couple of monkeys running around and hanging in the trees. When the fire started they ran away!

It is really peaceful and quiet out there. Her garden is on a big slope with a creek at the bottom. Far off in every direction there is more gardens and huts, or just rolling hills of green beauty.

When the burning was finished on one side I went there to dig while Obedi went to the opposite side to gather more of the dead bush tree things to burn. There was a random onlooker who just could not believe that a white person could dig.

It is hard to dig. The ground was covered black with ash and under all of that was deep roots and big rocks. Obedi didn't let me dig long in fear of me getting too tired. If you know me well enough you'd know how absolutely weak my arms and shoulders are. I tried my best as I really wanted to help Obedi, but I was happy when she made me stop. I joined her in moving these big things (I really wish I knew what their name is) into a pile to burn.

We didn't stay for to long. The work we needed to do was finished and the rest of the digging was to be done by two men who she paid to work there. We walked the far ways up the hill and through the bush to reach her aunt's home.

Before we reached we ran into Obedi's cousin who was picking coffee beans. He was a very kind and funny man.

He insisted that Obedi take a picture of me so that "my family can see what I did today."

Food is important here. Food and people - relationship, guests, gifts, and respect. 

"Love, generosity, and the joy of opening the doors of one's home to neighbors or to strangers always tend to enlarge our hearts; "our heart is wide", Saint Paul said to the Corinthians (2 Cor 6:11)." - Robert Cardinal Sarah

Obedi's brother, Brian, met us and brought us milk and biscuits. So we gathered in the hut and shared those. 

Brian said and did many funny things that I just didn't understand. I wasn't sure the whole time what was more "cultural" and what was just silly.. I'm not even sure how to explain them here. He seems to be a good man but he is very stubborn. *The word stubborn here, in Paidha, is used both the same way American's use it and also differently. It covers a rang of behaviors of people, animals, and items. Someone who jokes a lot and is very funny is considered stubborn. Someone who beats his wife is stubborn. The door that wont open is stubborn. Someone who takes too much alcohol is stubborn. The chicken you can't pluck easily is stubborn.* 

Brian - is stubborn in a different way that people say Obedi and I are stubborn. Uhm, I'll just leave that there.  

All was well though! 

After eating some of the biscuits and milk, Obedi's aunt brought us water and pumpkin. We all shared that and before the food was gone I had to stop eating because I was so full. But did the food stop there? Noooo.

Obedi then left Brian and I in the hut and went to the kitchen (another hut pictured below) to cook for us. I don't know why. I asked her and all she said was "I have to cook for you, I just have to." I told her how not hungry I was but she insisted.

I sat with Brian in the hut for an awkward almost hour. Picking thorns off of my skirt, talking about America, talking about how he wants to treat his future wife, he told me about his children, school, land, gardening, etc.

Obedi came back with kwen, beans, and eggs. Again we washed our hands and began to share the food. I tried to eat as much as I could but I really just couldn't eat anymore!

We hung out with some kids outside for a little bit after. It mostly consisted of me making funny faces and doing random things to make them laugh. Some of the younger kids, though, cried when they saw me and ran away.

This baby though, for whatever reason, didn't fear me.

Being out there in the village again with Obedi's family, friends, and neighboring people, bring a lot of things to my mind and to my heart. 

Things I haven't yet learned how to write about. Only to be kept in my heart and lifted up in prayer to God, as Fr. Emmanuel tells me. 

Obedi, Brian, and I ventured back to the town of Nyapea. It was walking and laughing mixed with sudden bursts of running from Obedi and I as Brian tried to keep up.





























When we were entering the town Obedi told me "don't say anything." Uhm, okay?

We continued walking and I remembered why.. It was a large amount of obnoxious and stubborn men calling out "hey baby", "can I have your number", etc. I laughed inside and kept silent. Though, at times it can be very annoying and tiresome to hear.

We eventually got a boda back to Paidha so as not to arrive back late in the evening.

And that is the end of that story.

God bless

Back in Uganda

I love that I always seem to be surrounded by priests and religious. It is comforting and beautiful. There's always a Mass to go to and plenty of great discussions about Jesus. 

I arrived in Uganda two weeks ago and spent that first week in Kampala at the Bishop McCauley house. It was so great to talk to my spiritual director there and get some guidance. Although I had planned on going straight to Paidha the day after I landed, God had other plans. 

I couldn't be more thankful for a week of working with BDI to find Jonathan and bring him back to school. God's timing is always the best. So unexpected, yet perfect. Sweet Jonathan returned to BDI last Saturday. Seeing him happy at school filled me with so much delight and thankfulness to God. 

He arrived wearing a t-shirt and shorts, nothing else. He also had a rash all over his body. The head teacher of BDI and I went shopping that day! We got him all of his basic necessities as well as medicines for the rash. It was beautiful to see the absolute joy and delight he was filled with when we gave him all of his things. His joy is surly contagious - pure and beautiful. 

We also found out that he was born in 1999. That makes him now 16 or 17, which is so crazy! He is much bigger now..every part of him. I am so thankful to everyone who has been praying for him and helping to find him and bring him back to the school. It brings me so much peace knowing he is safe and in a very loving environment. 

I spent some days at the Deaf school teaching some of the children how to play chess. I love watching their faces as they are catching on to things! It is so great being able to visit the Deaf school whenever I am in Kampala. Receiving love and giving love to these kids, learning more about each one, and talking about Jesus is always so wonderful. Sign language definitely makes scripture stories more vibrant and seeming alive. 

          

One evening we had to walk for water. The tank didn't have enough water in it - perhaps it needs to rain! It was crazy though. For them, walking for water is normal. Walking in the dark with no parents is also normal. Davis, one of the older kids, is so good about making sure everyone is together and safe - especially when crossing the busy street. As we were walking back it was dark and the "mzungu, babi come here" comments were increasing. I was in mother mode and just wanted to make sure all the kids got back safely. At the same time trying to ignore every comment but keep watch for any weird guys approach. I was so happy and thankful when we got back to school! 

I love Uganda and the typical TIA way of doing things. Monday morning I took a boda 40 minuets away form where I was staying to meet Joel and get a few things that I had left when I went to America. That man, talk about wonderful. I just need him in my pocket for the times when cultural understanding is difficult, when I am sad, or when I need someone to pray over me. It was SO wonderful to hear all of his advice and prayers. We rejoiced as we talked about Jonathan's return. God is so good. He is really doing wonderful things through him, and through many, for the children of BDI. I pray that their new school gets finished soon and that the lives of the Deaf children there continue to prosper and that they grow closer to Jesus always. Pray with me?

Anyways, I rushed back to the Bishop McCauley house to get all five of my heavy bags together and put them on bodas. That was fun. The bus leaves at noon and I think we had about 15 minuets to get to the bus park. So off went, me on one boda and my luggage on two others. Traffic was crazy busy and I didn't know if we would make it. In God's goodness and love we arrived at the park with time to load on. I was the last to get on the bus but it all worked out.

My last bus ride experience had me a little "shook up" so I really prayed hard that everything would go okay this time. I didn't write about it because I wanted to tell my mom in person about how fine everything was. But the last time I rode with Vickie, friend from DK, the bus broke down two times for many hours. We arrived in Paidha at two in the morning with no bodas to take us to the church. Long story short we got attacked. But God was ever present and sent two men who heard me screaming to come and save us. No scrapes, bruises, or stolen things - God is gracious and kind.

Naturally, the bus on Monday broke down at one point. I just started laughing. Black smoke coming out and all the men got off to go look at the problem. I laughed and laughed because what else do you do? Msgr. Opio had been calling me periodically through the trip to make sure everything was okay though. So he knew we were broke down and where I was in case something else happened.






























I arrived in Paidha somewhere around 9 pm. I was SO happy to see one of the the cooks, a seminarian, and two priests waiting for me there. It made for a super easy and safe transition. Warm welcoming too. I think Msgr. Opio gets more precious every day!

These few days in Paidha have been great - normal feeling. Msgr. Opio was so overjoyed and grateful for the gifts he received from my spiritual director in Texas. I was able to bring many vestments, chalices, and patens. Just an absolute wonderful gift! I also gave Msgr. Opio and Fr. Joseph their (late) fathers day gifts. A rosary for each along with a notebook with prayer intentions and notes of encouragement from many friends back home who have been praying for each of them. They send their thanks and blessings to all of those who have been praying for them. Truly a dear and special gift.

I was so happy to finally see my good friend Obedi/Christine! I hated that I had no way of calling her when I was in the States. I think everyone else was happy for our reunion as well - we are two very energized and stubborn girls. The mix of us is wonderful, I think. We walk the streets and get the funniest comments. Obedi, really, makes everything better. I can never get away from being a shock to people as I walk around. "Heyyy, American height" "Obedi, why are you walking with my girl?" Most of the time it is light and fun humor. Something I am still trying to get used to here is the joking and humor between the people of Paidha. To me, some of it could seem offensive or aggressive (maybe too "ohh babi"). Just by listening to the way Obedi and others, even strangers, relate to one another is really interesting. You have to learn to be witty and sarcastic right back.... It's like an acceptance thing if you do. When you are able to joke with others it brings you closer to them - in a friendship/community way.

I still have so much to learn. I am happy though, that my Alur is sticking with me. I am always listening and learning so many things. I have a long way to go - well, we should forever be learning. But to be able to get further into the community, even at a basic level, still takes a lot. I learn a whole lot from the children. Most refuse to speak English, even though they know it well, because they are shy to speak it in front of me or because they are so stubborn and want to be ridiculous and say silly things without me knowing. I am thankful for always having some sweet girls around me to help me pick up on the conversation.

Blessings

Bugs for dinner?

Yesterday was creepy creature day. Let's start with the morning...

I know this is going to be shocking to my family but, for the most part, I've been able to get over my fear of spiders...I think. I'd still rather not see them and will kill them to keep it that way. But the irrational fear is definitely dwindling.

Yesterday morning I cleaned my room, hallway, and bathroom. Before then there were many spiders living with me and I didn't really care. But because of the African milipede incident the previous day I wanted a clean, clean place where those things won't come and hide (thanks Adam). Spiders got swept away, they crawled away, or I smashed them.

Although, there is one giant spider in my bathroom that I let stay. We made a deal: he stays in that cornor and eats all the other bugs he wants and I don't kill him. Maybe part of why I won't kill him also is because he is so big and high up...I'm not sure how to get him and I really don't want to deal with it.

During this cleaning process I had my windows open in my room so as to let in the breeze to dry my underwear that were laying on my mosquito net. Other clothes get hung outside to dry, not the underwear.

Then I heard a "plop" in my floor. It was a rather long blackish lizard. Cute. I'm not a lizardologist so I don't know what kind it was but it was different from what usually hangs out in my room. I chased it out my room and I'm pretty sure it went straight into Fr. Josephs room...still haven't told him. Haha.

Okay let me skip ahead to dinner..

I helped Christine prepare my favorite dish: greens and peanut butter. It's actually everyone's favorite dish here. In between cooking, dancing, and taking pictures of Fr. Emmanuel, the time had slipped past me. Christine said "Ahh Rannah, its almost to 7 and you haven't prayed evening prayer!" I'm always so thankful for Christine! This isn't the first time she has reminded me. A true friend, always making sure I get (and give) time with Our Lord.

I had to get a seminarian to open the door to the sacrasty. It was funny to watch him try to be gentle with the door to Jesus yet being really forceful because it was so stuck!

For dinner we had fish, kwen, macroons, and the greens mixed with peanut butter (Alur name has slipped my mind). And then came the white ants..

It rained heavy that afternoon so all the white ants came flying out. Fr. Emmanuel said I must be sure to tell everyone that they are not bugs but "flying food." It is a delicacy here.

I really can't handle those things.. Especially when so many fill the dinning room and fall in our food. To everyone else it's "food falling in food."

Everyone just laughed at my girlish squeals and frantic movements when they landed on me. Fr. Emmanuel was sure to pick everyone of them off as they landed on me or my plate. Good man! Maybe one day I'll get used to them!

A few days ago I did try to eat them though! I was in a town/village/place about an hour away from Paidha with Fr. Joseph. We had lunch with Fr. William, during which I asked what the brown stuff was. It was white ants mixed in with peanut butter. I love peanut butter and since I can't actually "see" the ants I thought I'd try. Hahaha. Oh boy, it was so gross. So so gross.

Fr. Emmanuel doesn't like it prepared like that either. He assured me that I next time I eat them it will taste better...they will be whole. No thank you!

After a short time at the dinner table I finally asked if I could leave! As the words "of course!" came out of Fr. Emmanuel's mouth I was already up! I grabbed a banana and quickly made my way down the hallway, covering my face from the ants flying everywhere. Laugh with me please.

There was only one white ant in my room. Of course it had to be in my bathroom right where I bathe! I washed it down the drain and took a cold rain water bucket bath.

Remember the giant spider I made the deal with? Well he decided to come on over, almost right above my head, to eat. I was visioning him falling on my head and the loud scream I know I couldn't help but make. But he didn't!

Here's a current picture of some bug free food: goat meat and a rolex. Hurray for another long bus ride! I'm overjoyed to be picking up Chelsea and Traci, high school sign language trachers, from the airport on Monday! I can't believe that they are really going to be in Uganda with me! They have assignments with the teachers at Boanerges Deaf Initiative, but they will have a couple of days to spare to visit Paidha as well!

Blessings to you all and thank you for the prayers!

Everyday is an adventure and a gift from God. My main goal for now and the months ahead is to simply be open to receiving from everyone - especially Our Father. Everyday is different and there are always many things for me to learn! The more I learn about the culture and language the more I see how much more I have to learn!

There is so much to soak in... God has been transforming my heart and mind through the people of Paidha. The vision of what He wants from me here is becoming more clear with each day. I am begining to understand many things that before I only perceived, and percieved wrongly at that. It takes a lot of "shutting my mouth" and trusting to understand certain things within the community.

My rushed heart to fix things quickly and take hold of the problems here has and is continuing to slowly drift away.. Realizing my powerlessness and need for Gods complete hand in doing everything! So that, through me, all things will be done by Him and in accord with His will. Ohh, the mess I would make if I fought this!

The things I once saw with my eyes as are now being seen in a deeper way through my heart.. in regards to the poverty and ways of helping. Many judgmetns or misconceptions of things have left me. What is continually being brought forth from God is the need for relationships and love. Simply being. Ahh there is so much to say and I have a lot of dificulty with words, especially when it comes to explaining things that can only be understood through experience.

Simply being here does in no way take over or get in the way of the desire to serve that God has placed within me, if anything it only increases this desire in a more trustful and pure way.

The kind of trust that Blessed Mother Teresa had in God, that He, through her, would do what He wanted. The trust that there would always be one more bowl of food and one more bed for a soul to rest in. The trust in His timing in everything. There were countless things that Bl. Mother Teresa prayed and waited for and knew that if it was to be it would, through Him. I ponder these in my heart as I continually pray and wait for a more active form of service to begin - all while knowing that it will in His time.

As of now, it is the time of receiving for me. One cannot give if there is nothing to be given! What would I have to offer the Alur people without first understanding the true needs that they have? The culture? Most especially, what would I have to give if not having God's divine plan being carried out? "Trustful Surrender to Divine Providence" - if you havn't read it, you might consider.

Love is so wonderful, universal, and can be given and received at all times. I have been receivng love from so many people. My friends here are wonderful and the Church comminity as well!

At times I miss my church community at St. Anns. I have enjoyed getting know people there over the years and seeing there faces often.. It brings me peace to remember everyone.. The priest, deacons and their wives, the extraordinary ministers of communion, youth leaders, sunday school teachers, all of the youth and children, those serving the hombound, the daily Mass crew, parish staff, and everyone else! Although I don't know the names of many who attend Mass at St. Anns, I cant forget the faces. There is definetly, for me anyways, a deep sense of acceptance and community there. I remmeber the small peace in seeing someone outside of Mass and just thinking "hey, I recevive Jesus with you every sunday." The most wonderful thing on earth.

This community and recognition of the people at St. Anns is now being deveolped here. Living at the church also helps a lot! I'm getting to know the parish staff, deacons, catechists, daily Mass crew - everyone. And the youth..oh my goodness...these kids come by the hundreds. How I will learn all of their names, I have no idea! I trying though. I ask constantly to tell me their names! Walking through the village I always here my name or "rabolo" (meaning banana) being called out. They run up and we chat. They giggle at the things I say in Alur and are always teaching me more things to say! Kids are SO wonderful. The joy and reverance from so many of these children druing Mass or just playing around the Church is something I have never seen before. A true recognition, from even the youngest, of who it is that is truly present in the Church and at Mass.

Playing with them is amazing. We have so much fun! Always silly faces, dancing, football (real football), singing, teaching me Alur, and of course learning names! My camera gets passed around as they dance and do crazy things. Then we watch the videos, look at pictures, and laugh so much! I could go on forever about so many of the children..

I look forward to the years to come watching these children grow, getting to know more families, building deeper relationships, and serving in the way God asks me to!

Please pray for the people of Paidha, the priests, and for me - that we may all carry out Gods will in our lives.

Blessings

Receiving Corpus Christi

And Jesus said "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of man and drink his blood, you have no life in you; he who eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day. For my flesh is food indeed and my blood is drink indeed. He who eats my flesh and drinks my blood abides in me, and I in him. As the living Father sent me, and I live because of the Father, so he who eats me will live because of me. This is the bread which came down from heaven, not such as the fathers ate and died; he who eats this bread will live for ever." John 6:52-58

There are not enough extravagantly wonderful words to describe what took place this morning in the small town of Paidha..

After the last Mass of the morning, a congregation of people followed as the Priest in white, Fr. Joseph, carries he Blessed Sacrament in a gold monstrance while the youth ushers hold flowers and incense while walking beside Him. Yes, Him. It is Christ, in the humble appearance of bread, who was carried throughout Paidha.

We begin to proceed through village singing soft and wonderful hymns, all in Alur. There are huts and brick homes on both sides of us with curious onlookers gazing at us - or Him - some joining in song. We kneel for the first time on a dusty uneven road singing softer, bowing before Our Lord as we pray for the community around us. Hands open to receive.

We stand and process further.. down the road away from homes. The path becomes more narrow, we are surrounded by large trees that try to touch the sky. Bright yellow orange flowers placed perfectly within the vibrant green bushes beside us. As we sing I see women walking through the beautiful trees to join us, they too, begin to sing. The valley goes down and so do we - to our knees once again in prayer.

Walking deeper into the valley.. the smell of incense and green fill my lungs along with the spiritual gifts flowing eternally from the Holy Spirit. Green, yes, that is what came to my mind as I took this all in. Green has a scent. We come to the bottom of the valley where only a small bridge made from about five narrow tree trunks separated from each other make for the crossing of a creek. By two's we cross. Carefully walking in front of me is a young girl with her baby sister on her back. Beside me is a small, delicate old women. She grasps my hand tight as her little body tries to balance and we walk across. Giggling with delight I am thanking Our Lord for this short, sweet encounter with His child.
Up the hill we go with haste to catch up to Jesus! Reaching the top, everyone is kneeling in prayer. So much extraordinary beauty to be seen..

Now entering the town, there are many more people listening to the praises and looking at what is going on. Dressed handsomely, Alex, a Deaf boy from Paidha who I met while at BDI, who no longer attends Mass, catches the corner of my eye. He is standing beside a building alone staring intently at the Blessed Sacrament. Reverently and beautifully he makes the sign of the cross. I wave my hand until he sees me and he comes over. Although, he wanted to continue with us he needed to go home because he was sick. Ahh, I could see it in his face before he told me..he walks away slowly looking downcast.

Lord, in your mercy, grant him healing.

As we walk by the small shops and restaurants people join in - either in song or in the procession. What beautiful communion! We continue stopping throughout the walk around town, praying for all around.. Kneeling in the dirt or on the pavement. Our songs of praise get louder and more charismatic. Drums, hand claps, small movements of dancing, and... okay I don't know if there is a name for this and I am going to be general in saying -the high pitched sort of scream/something sound that African (or at least East African that I know of) women make at times while singing or dancing. I think you get the idea.

My friend Trinity comes beside me and we hold hands and dance as she tells me the meaning of each song we are singing. Most are short, repetitive simple songs of praise and thanks. Although I may not know the exact meaning of each word, I am able to sing along with everyone. Beautiful communion. I felt truly part of the community there. Beauty of my Catholic Faith I suppose, no matter where I go in the world I will always be one with the people, no matter the culture, through Christ and have the same understanding. I was thankful for the encouragement from Trinity though, to be that bridge into the culture of Paidha praise for me. Allowing me to dance and sing with her.

Again kneeling and praying in a different part of town. Our song changes to something soft and gentle again as we bow in wonder and awe before the Blessed Sacrament. Hands open under the hot sun - receiving the eternally out-pouring grace, mercy, and love from the Son. A women weeps beside me.

Stand, sing, praise, process, and adore our Beloved Savior. We take up most of the road while cars try to squeeze by us. Kneeling lastly on the soccer fields in front of the parish, Our Lady of Assumption. Then, entering the Church we have Benediction: the process of reposing the Blessed Sacrament after exposition.

Hours have gone by since the nine o'clock Mass. It is now somewhere close to two in the afternoon. People have been walking, praying, and fasting on this wonderful Sunday of the Solemnity of Corpus Christi (the Feast of the Body and Blood of Christ).

I then went into the dinning hall and had lunch with the very tired Fr. Joseph and one of the seminarians. He had this beautiful glow about him. He joyfully talked about the absolute indescribable grace and beauty that God pours out on us as we process behind the Blessed Sacrament, on all of the people in Paidha who we had been praying for, and everyone around the world who participates in such processions and to those who simply place oneself in front of the Blessed Sacrament to receive - life.


*The following photos are NOT from today or from any spot where we walked. Simply aid for my description. :)

Sunday.

I'd like to attempt to take you through today, in as much detail as these little freckled hands will allow..

I woke up just before six and stayed in my bed for about two hours texting my family and some friends in the states before they went to bed. I usually walk for the 6:30 Mass every morning but as it is Sunday there is an English service that starts at nine and I didn't have anything to do before then! Along with Alur, I am learning many, many things everyday. Its the best kind of tired because I'm learning and soaking in a completely different culture. Thanks be to God.

Walking up to the Church on a Sunday (I remember from when I was here in 2014) is kind of intimidating. The Church is always packed so full of people that there are many who have to stand outside and listen. Along with those people, there are many others waiting for the next service and many children playing on the soccer fields in front. It makes me nervous because many people (especially children) just stare at me the whole walk up. Btw, there's only one other white lady in Paidha, that I know of anyways. She's from Australia.

Mass was wonderful. So so wonderful. A wedding took place during the service which for me, was great to experience! It was a long, beautiful, charismatic, and reverent service. Fr. Opio, the Parish Priest and general vicor for the diocese, is such a wonderful Priest. He radiates true joy for Christ and His people, and best of all, he shows true deep reverence for the Eucharist and all that takes place during Mass. I'm so exceedingly greatful to God for placing me under the guidance of him as well as Fr. Emmanual. Wise and beautiful men.

As the service was ending I was called up and welcomed, on behalf of Bishop Wanok, to Paidha and to the Parish. I then nervously and briefly introduced myself to the people. After that Fr. Emmanual spoke in Alur and explained our first meeting two years ago, my previous activities in Uganda, in brief why I'm here, etc. I felt very welcomed, more part of the community, and I met many people after!

Fr. Emmanual and I then went and had a small breakfast and talked for a long time. He shared with me many things about his life, family, priesthood, and Paidha. Im sitting there sniffling as he finishes sharing about the deaths of his parents, the details of God's workings, him celebrating Mass after..ahhhh there's too much..he asks me if I'm catching a cold. Hah, "No Father, I'm crying."

Everything he shared was painfully beautiful.

We continued to talk more and he continued to introduce me to people as we sat outside. Then we went inside and had lunch with Fr. Opio, Fr. Joseph, and the seminarian who's name I forgot..

Food: fish (best I've ever had), cooked banana eaten with onions and tomatoes, sweet potato, greens, and some brown sticky stuff made from dried casava and something else...I don't know but it's good.

*One of my favorite things in the world is talking with Priests and seminarians. I learn so much..they are wise and striving for holiness. They give up having families for the sake of serving the Church and it's many, many people. Wonderful. Without them I couldn't receive the Body and Blood of Christ everyday along with many other things.

After a while longer of chatting with Fr. Emmanual we left with Fr. Opio to join the wedding reception. What an experience! It lasted for hours. There was wonderful dancing and singing from a Church of Uganda choir, the children from the school by the Catholic Church, and best of all was the traditional dance!

Wedding food: the same brown sticky stuff, rice, potatoes, all sorts of different meat, fish, beans, cabbage with tomatoes and onions, annnnnd I think that was it. First we washed our hands. Then we chose some food. Then we ate with our hands. Whatever meat I had was yummy.. I don't know if it was monkey or goat..but I liked it. Hahaha okay, it for sure wasn't monkey. There is a tribe near that eats monkey though. When I go to Congo I'll be sure to try it.

Gift giving at the wedding was a very long and joyful procession. So many things were given: money, goats, dishes, firewood, baskets, things for the house, many wrapped up presents, mattresses, and even two necklaces made out of white ants (the bride made sure I saw them).

I am still so thankful I was asked to attend. Bishop Wanok requested I get to know the place and people. Today was filled with the people.

I am being fed by the Church and by the locals. I'm staying in a safe guest house not far from Church and Fr. Emmanual is helping me look for a more permanent house with less rent. The convent may even be an option!! I'm learning where shops are, where friends live, and how to travel around to other towns alone. I'm hanging out with deaf children I know from BDI and meeting new ones! I'm meeting many other children everyday and trying to remember their names. I'm so far failing at the language - but I'm trying! I have been seeing many difficult things and hearing many painful stories..all these kept in my heart and taken to prayer as God unfolds His will. I've been able to pray and go to Mass everyday. God has been carrying me and I know will continue to.

Saturday was a huge day for me mentally. Fr. Emmanual and I discussed many things along the lines of projects and ways to help. Thanks be to God, again and again, for putting me under his guidance. He showed me the extra land the Church has as well.. It's beautiful and right behind the Church!!

So many things are in my heart, my mind, and my prayers. Patience has never been easy for me but I know that all things must be done in God's timing and on the right soil, or else anything I try to grow will just be eaten by the birds.

Jesus, I trust in You.

Tomorrow morning Fr. Emmanual, Fr. Opio, and I will drive to Nebbi to have a meeting with the Bishop. I'm excited and nervous....so thankful to be working with the Church!

It's 8:20 pm again..glad to be done writing instead of just beginning. Paidha's alive for sure. I hear Ugandan music, children screaming and laughing, bodas driving by fast, shuffling flip flops outside my door, and when I hear the buzz of a mosquito I quickly catch that sucker and kill it.

Fun fact: there had been a big dead spider chillin in the corner of my room but then my friendly lizard ate him.

Thank you for the prayers and support!

Fr. Opio leading a song of thanks to God at the end of the reception. 

First few days in Paidha..

It's 8:20 pm and the party has just begun.. Loud Ugandan music playing and sounds of laughter outside. For me - I'm about to shut down.

After a long day of travel Wednesday, my friend Innocent and I finally arrived in Paidha.

The past two days have been a time of learning and I know that will only continue! Innocent has been taking me all around town introducing me to people and helping me get to know the place.

Last time I was here, in 2014, it was more of absolute culture shock. Struck by everything from the poverty, the way of life, to the joy found in Christ. My childish perspective and thoughts from the first time have somehow changed.

It's as beautiful as I remember it. Amazing rolling hills, vibrant green everything, goats, farming, gardens, bright colorful flowers, red dirt, and of course the big Our Lady of Assumption Church. Still ever thankful for the guidance of the Holy Spirit through everything.

Yesterday afternoon I went for prayer at the Church. Asking God what to do for the rest of the day... as I finished and sat back in the pew I heard the creaking of a door, some childish laughter, and whispers of "white lady" in Alur. I turned to see some cute faces starring at me. (Hard to go unnoticed).

"Wow God, that was fast."

Ended up singing with many children! We began to learn a song from one of the older girls. She sang - we repeated. Over and over until we got it. Then it was time to add the dance moves...I didn't participate in that..but it was great to watch. :) time went on with this...Eventually I joined in with some of the kids in dancing, they are good teachers!

One of the kids asked for a picture..then another...then a video. Soon the kids were becoming less shy and dancing for the camera. After each turn they would watch their video and laugh! So many silly faces and funny dance moves..

*Note: I will not take a picture or video without permission. I think that's important.*

First thing this morning I went to Mass. Ohh my, my heart... It was absolutely beautiful and everyone was so wonderfully reverent. Nothing like the True Presence and people recognizing the True Presence.

Also this morning I visited a former student of BDI, Jennifer, and it was lovely. I love sign language. I love Jennifer. Annnnd I love sign language. This is how part of that went: Innocent translated between Alur and English with Jennifer's aunt and I while I interpreted any English I heard for Jennifer. It was really great. :D

This afternoon I went to the Church for prayer again- but it wasn't open. So I sat outside reading for a while.. Along came a sweet young girl who's name I'll say is A. I quickly realized A had some mental disabilities.. She walked very slowly, picked up some rubbish, and sat near me. She couldn't give a smile and her dress left her a bit exposed. Gently I tried to communicate with her and fixed her dress. Finally a kid came along who knew English well so he could tell her what was needed.

A, along with some other street kids, ended up eating mangos and mandezi outside of the Church. A still seemed down and lost the whole time. She took some extra food and left. The rest of the kids and I stayed for hours and played. Many more came, soon about 20. They asked me many questions and I asked them many more. We made silly faces, danced, laughed, and I even taught them a few signs! They loved it. I love how much they enjoyed learning the signs. Now there's a bunch of hearing kids signing "I love you, mango, turtle" and others.

Later it was time to practice dancing and singing so I watched as they did so. It's was AWESOME! ahhh. I have some videos I will get out as soon as I have the Internet do so. Truly, they are wonderful.

There is still so much I want to talk about. It's hard to get everything that has happened in the past two days out.

I am looking forward to getting to know the children and community better everyday. I have so much to learn: the language, the culture, deeper trust in God, and the best way(s) to help and serve.

Not my way but theirs... not their way but HIS.

Thank you all for the donations...not only are you feeding me but now beginning to feed the children in Paidha. Thank you also for the prayers, they are the most needed.

Innocent 

                     

Thankful..

Thankful and blessed for all that God does..

Last weekend Fr. Busch, the priest at my parish, allowed me to speak after each Mass. To share about my upcoming trip to Paidha, Uganda and to ask for donations and prayers. Everyone's kindness and support went above and beyond what I had expected!

Receiving many hugs, promises of prayer, encouragement, and donations put me, once again, in awe of the goodness of God and His people.

Thanks to the Kiwanis Club, the parishioners of St. Ann's, friends, and family, I have received enough donations to allow me to stay for seven months- and beyond (hopefully)! My church is also setting up an account that will allow people to safely donate and support the project(s) that God so wills to begin in Paidha.

Joy, peace, and excitement are all around and within me. Praying everyday to have the grace of open hands and an open heart to Our Lord and His will. Open to love and serve in the way He so calls me to do. Ears open to listen, patience for His timing, and perseverance in all things.

Thank you to all those who have been with me...
                                                   
                                              through encouragement,
                                                    giving me hope and strength,
                                                         housing me,
                                                               feeding me,
                                                                     clothing me,
                                                                            teaching me,
              helping me with my computer and camera,
                    and praying for me, over me, with me, and all around me.
                          Thank you to those who have given me jobs,
                                    given me a car to drive,
                                         shoes to run in,
                                               and books to read.

A big thank you to my spiritual director, Fr. Christoper, who has helped guide me and kept me on the right path of discernment.

And thank you to the greatest Mom, who supports me, even though I probably give her way too much anxiety!
                                                 
I pray I am able to do good to others the way so many have done good to me.

Looking forward to getting on a plane in three short weeks..



"I used to pray that God would feed the hungry, or do this or that, but now I pray that He will guide me to do whatever I'm supposed to do, what I can do. I used to pray for answers, but now I'm praying for strength. I used to believe that prayer changes things, but now I know that prayer changes us and we change things." -Bl. Mother Teresa of Calcutta

Beautiful Families

Recently I had a great talk with a parent, Leanne, about why I can no longer babysit- overwhelmed Uganda stuff and needing Jesus time, all the time. I know, weird way to start a post.

Leanna and I don't talk often, but whenever we do she always is so positive and uplifting!

         "I completely understand and I am so proud of you for creating healthy boundaries! I've been praying for you as you prepare for Uganda and know God will use you for big things!!" -Just a sample of her simple kindness and support. Which I have been needing a lot of lately.

Why am I writing all of this? I don't really know. I have been a bit messy lately and really stuck in a rut. It helped me a lot to talk to Leanne and just "get things out."

She got me thinking though, about her kids and all the other kids that I love so much, along with their amazing families. With that in mind I would just like to give a shout out to some of the many great families God has blessed me to encounter and share a very small part in their lives.

I have learned so much from these families I couldn't even write it all down. I have been absolutely blessed to have relationships with such great Jesus loving people. They have allowed me to care for their precious angels in school and/or at home. A frequent discussion between my friend Becca, who also has been with some of these children for years, and I, has been: "Do these parents actually understand how much we love their children?" "Nope, they really don't."

How each one of these kids is the most precious kid in the world, I have no idea.

I will forever miss...

 making lemon cake with Lainey,

reading the Psalms to Jet as he goes down for nap,

braiding Mikayla's hair and talking about princess things,

holding sleepy Jadon after nap and giving him 1 million kisses,

Hudson's hugs, his laugh, and honestly anything he does- he's adorable,

nerf gun wars, swimming pool fights, sleepovers, and everything with the Bruton kids,

listening to Lilee pray a Hail Mary, talk about Jesus, or say anything- she is an angel,

praying for each one of the kids as they sleep- it's like stalking but with Jesus :),

anything Cade says because everything is hilarious when he says it,

dinner and night prayer with all six of the Knox kids (yeah six),

jumping with bubbles on the trampoline with Princess Audri,
playing anything with Zander and seeing his cute face,
Olivia's always so sweet hugs and making her laugh,
never knowing which Sattler boy is which (twins),
playing indians outside with Hayden and Raygen,
Rylan's scary dream stories and playing pretend,
living with Reid and Elliott- they have my heart,
& all the wisdom and love from each of their parents.

The Sattler Family. *Twins

The Neighbors family. *Olivia

The Knox family. *6 kids

The Finke crew. Lilee is probably singing to Jesus.

The Hukill family. The most beautiful boys and momma. *Cade

The awesome Cantu family. *Audri

The Penny family. Leanne and princess Mikayla!

The McDaniel family. *Lainey

The Enriquez family. *Jadon

The Hunt family. *Zander

The Ames family. You can see how anything Hudson does would be adorable!

The Garrison crew. Aka my host family when I came back from Uganda. My heart. 

The Delaney family. *Jet

 

The Bruton family.

Hayden, Raygen, and their momma Krisit!

Now that we are all crying because of too much cuteness.. I am so thankful for every moment with these children. I will always carry them in my heart and in my prayers. God is so good and I look forward to seeing the way He forms each one of them as they grow. All for His great Glory!

*If for any reason anyone wishes their picture removed, just let me know.*