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