Potholes, Poverty, Earthquakes and Hurricanes
I remember the potholes from our trip to Uganda six years ago. They are far worse than any I have experienced in this country. If we suddenly had such a problem here everyone would be obsessed by them. Politicians would rise or fall depending on how they promised to deal with them. In Uganda it is just normal life. Also normal life is no electrical power because it is being diverted to another country and this is a source of funds for the Ugandan government. Although most of the time there is power it is impossible to know how long and how often there will be no power. For those of us used to the amazing reliability of our western utilities, adjusting to this on again off again life style seems very difficult.
I also remember the beautiful singing voices of the Ugandan women and how much they yearned for a key board and a sound system. I would tell them if they had these things they might rely on them too much and not sing as well. Steve has mentioned the incredible balancing act the boda- boda (bikes) drivers perform on a regular basis as they carry long metal poles, huge amounts of bananas, potatoes, or a mind numbing number of people. When people don't have enough, they either settle or find innovative and creative solutions to their problems. They might just use more of their natural abilities to deal with their situation. We Americans so want to empty our pockets when we see the needs there. The ongoing question is how do you see the real need, respond to it well while appreciating what the Ugandans themselves can do.
Steve finds it difficult to know how to handle his class well. There are about eight men, four from Uganda and four from Kenya. Although they struggle because of a poor education, they are obviously intelligent, serious and eager to learn. How does any westerner set the right kind of standards? How does anyone decide what these men must know and what things do you let slide? Just as the Holy Spirit is the ultimate teacher of these men so is He the one who instructs the instructors. Only He will know who learns more, the students or the teachers.
Steve preached in one of these churches on Sunday. The pastor was the college administrator 6 years ago when we were in Uganda. After church Steve ate at Pastor Steven's house. He got to meet many of his children. His wife Rose who teaches school translated for me when I spoke to the women of two churches. She had a sweet manner and was a pleasure to work with. Steve says when any of the women who I knew ask about me they call me Mama. It's a sign of respect.
Have you considered getting a facebook account? This might be the time. Look for Stephen D. Doe. His three notes on his time in Uganda are well worth reading. I was going to try and incorporate what he said but I'm afraid I couldn't do his notes justice.
Please keep praying. Steve said the men were praying for us after the earthquake last Tuesday and during Hurricane Irene. They could not understand how we could live in a country where so many bad things happen. With their potholes, poverty and poor education a lot of us would think the same thing about them. Thank God for His word that tells us the values that are lasting and true and honoring to the Father of us all.
I also remember the beautiful singing voices of the Ugandan women and how much they yearned for a key board and a sound system. I would tell them if they had these things they might rely on them too much and not sing as well. Steve has mentioned the incredible balancing act the boda- boda (bikes) drivers perform on a regular basis as they carry long metal poles, huge amounts of bananas, potatoes, or a mind numbing number of people. When people don't have enough, they either settle or find innovative and creative solutions to their problems. They might just use more of their natural abilities to deal with their situation. We Americans so want to empty our pockets when we see the needs there. The ongoing question is how do you see the real need, respond to it well while appreciating what the Ugandans themselves can do.
Steve finds it difficult to know how to handle his class well. There are about eight men, four from Uganda and four from Kenya. Although they struggle because of a poor education, they are obviously intelligent, serious and eager to learn. How does any westerner set the right kind of standards? How does anyone decide what these men must know and what things do you let slide? Just as the Holy Spirit is the ultimate teacher of these men so is He the one who instructs the instructors. Only He will know who learns more, the students or the teachers.
Steve preached in one of these churches on Sunday. The pastor was the college administrator 6 years ago when we were in Uganda. After church Steve ate at Pastor Steven's house. He got to meet many of his children. His wife Rose who teaches school translated for me when I spoke to the women of two churches. She had a sweet manner and was a pleasure to work with. Steve says when any of the women who I knew ask about me they call me Mama. It's a sign of respect.
Have you considered getting a facebook account? This might be the time. Look for Stephen D. Doe. His three notes on his time in Uganda are well worth reading. I was going to try and incorporate what he said but I'm afraid I couldn't do his notes justice.
Please keep praying. Steve said the men were praying for us after the earthquake last Tuesday and during Hurricane Irene. They could not understand how we could live in a country where so many bad things happen. With their potholes, poverty and poor education a lot of us would think the same thing about them. Thank God for His word that tells us the values that are lasting and true and honoring to the Father of us all.
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