dklaird83

[dklaird83]

World Water Day!     22March2019

In honor of World Water Day . . . a recap from one of my previous posts . . . 

Next Pastor took me to see the newest borehole in the village.  There was a mother with her two young children getting water when we arrived. The mother and Pastor showed me how to collect water from the borehole.

Filling the Jerry Cans at the borehole may seem like a fun, easy chore, but it is hard, time consuming labor.

After collecting the water, Pastor and one of the Zone Leaders for ROWAN took me on a walk through multiple fields to the small pond that used to be the ONLY source of water for the 800 people living in this rural area.  

As I walked up and down the hills and through the fields, I attempted to imagine what it would feel like to travel a great distance for water.  

Then once at the water source to wait in line to fill up my jerry can with five gallons of water.  Once the can is full it is time to make the long trip back.  But let’s think about how much that five gallons of water actually weighs!  Five gallons of water weighs about 40 pounds!  That’s pretty much the limit to what most backpackers carry in their packs!  However our packs are created to balance out those 40 pounds so that our hips take on most of the weight.  Jerry cans are typically balanced on the head, compressing the vertebrate in the neck and back, causing neck, back and headache pain.  Now think about how much water is needed not just for drinking, but also for cooking, washing and bathing.  One five gallon Jerry Can is not enough, this long trip to the water source must be made more than once each day.   The average travel time to a water source is about 30 minutes, that’s 30 minutes to the water source and another 30 minutes back.  Not to mention the time it takes to stand in line and then fill the containers.

This small pond was the LONE source of water for not just the people, but for their livestock and their crops.  

On the way back from the small pond Pastor introduced me to a young mother, Sara, who was planting yams.  Pastor was just about to help me check off another of my “bucket list” items!  Digging in the rich red soil of the villages!  I could have stayed there all morning planting with Sara, but Pastor said we still had much to do.  

As we continued to walk back through the fields I met many others who were out working in the the fields.  As Pastor introduced me they all apologized for not shaking my hand as theirs were full with dirt.  I then thrust my hand towards theirs and said, “No worries!  My hands are full of the same beautiful soil!”  They laughed with me as they shook my hand, this white woman who loves to play in the dirt!  

As you prepare to go through your next days . . . think of how blessed we are to have easy access to clean water!  Now think of how we can pass that blessing on to others . . . 

[dklaird83]

Day 23 . . . . . . . . .  8August2017 First Full Day in the Village!  Land, Water and the Uncertainty of Life!

After the “Key Fiasco” and breakfast, Pastor took me out to see some of the new sites in the village. How good it felt to be back on the red rich roads of Mawanga and its neighboring villages!  First up?  To see the new land purchased in February 2017 for raising goats!

To hear more about “The plan for the land” click on the link below . . .

http://loverowan.org/2017/02/whats-the-plan-for-the-land/

Pastor and I were able to get out and walk the land.  All the while Pastor shared with me the plans for the goats.  He showed me where some of the fences have already been built, as well as where remaining fences are yet to be built.  

As we continued to walk the land I noticed many beautiful pink flowers.  I asked Pastor about them and was saddened to hear that they were in fact an invasive specie.  They had invaded this part of Uganda and proven to be devastating to maize.  This pink beauty slowly kills the stock before a single ear of maize is able to grow to full size.  

The agriculturalists of ROWAN are working diligently with local and national agriculturalists in an attempt to discern how best to combat this devastating species.  

The maize was to be the first crop grown and harvested on this new land. Although Pastor is saddened at the outcome of this first crop, he is hopeful for future crops to come.

Next Pastor took me to see the newest borehole in the village.  There was a mother with her two young children getting water when we arrived. The mother and Pastor showed me how to collect water from the borehole.  

Filling the Jerry Cans at the borehole may seem like a fun, easy chore, but it is hard, time consuming labor.

After collecting the water, Pastor and one of the Zone Leaders for ROWAN took me on a walk through multiple fields to the small pond that used to be the ONLY source of water for the 800 people living in this rural area.  As I walked up and down the hills and through the fields, I attempted to imagine what it would feel like to travel a great distance for water.  Then once at the water source to wait in line to fill up my jerry can with five gallons of water.  Once the can is full it is time to make the long trip back.  But let’s think about how much that five gallons of water actually weighs!  Five gallons of water weighs about 40 pounds!  That’s pretty much the limit to what most backpackers carry in their packs!  However our packs are created to balance out those 40 pounds so that our hips take on most of the weight.  Jerry cans are typically balanced on the head, compressing the vertebrate in the neck and back, causing neck, back and headache pain.  Now think about how much water is needed not just for drinking, but also for cooking, washing and bathing.  One five gallon Jerry Can is not enough, this long trip to the water source must be made more than once each day.   The average travel time to a water source is about 30 minutes, that’s 30 minutes to the water source and another 30 minutes back.  Not to mention the time it takes to stand in line and then fill the containers.

This small pond was the LONE source of water for not just the people, but for their livestock and their crops.  

On the way back from the small pond Pastor introduced me to a young mother, Sara, who was planting yams.  Pastor was just about to help me check off another of my “bucket list” items!  Digging in the rich red soil of the villages!  I could have stayed there all morning planting with Sara, but Pastor said we still had much to do.  

As we continued to walk back through the fields I met many others who were out working in the the fields.  As Pastor introduced me they all apologized for not shaking my hand as theirs were full with dirt.  I then thrust my hand towards theirs and said, “No worries!  My hands are full of the same beautiful soil!”  They laughed with me as they shook my hand, this white woman who loves to play in the dirt!  

When we finally arrived back at the car, I discovered just how much more truly needed to be done, as well as how uncertain life is in the rural communities of Uganda.  Pastor shared with me that he just discovered one of the other Zone Leaders had been struck ill with Aids and was no longer able to walk.  We needed to take the car to her home immediately and transport her to the ROWAN clinic for much needed treatment.  When we arrived it took two men to help us get her into the car.  She was in pain and extremely weak.  It was difficult for her to even sit up in the car.  We drove her along the rutted dirt road. Her fragile body feeling every bump and divot in the road.  Not the luxurious ambulance ride that we are accustomed to in the U.S.  Regardless, this brave woman was extremely grateful for the car driven by Pastor.  A car that was gifted through ROWAN so that Pastor and his leaders could reach more people, could care for more people.  

Upon safely arriving at the new ROWAN Medical Clinic, we discovered even more unexpected news.  Yet another Zone Leader was in need as he had just lost his wife to cancer!

This is life in the village . . . No transport to get the desperately ill to medical care.  Not enough resources to properly treat the critically ill.  

I have much to process this evening . . .

“The Mom”

[dklaird83]

Day 23 . . . . . . . . . 8August201  “From BIG Trouble, to becoming a Key”

For those of you who haven’t heard of a “long drop”, just imagine if we had no toilets, just a hole in the bathroom that we squat over. There you have it!  A Long Drop!  I won't lie, with nearly all “long drops” in Kampala and Jinja converted to western toilets since my last visit to Uganda 3 years ago  . . . Well I had to get used to the long drops again once I arrived in the Village.  

My first morning was quite the adventure!  I awoke, put my glasses on, grabbed my torch, locked my bedroom door and placed the key to my room around my wrist.  Then silently I walk through the peaceful courtyard to the long drop.  In I go . . . close the door . . . and then it happened!!!!!  That moment when you hear the quiet of the morning interrupted by the “ting, ting, ting” of metal bouncing onto the concrete floor and then bouncing DOWN the seemingly endless concrete hole known as the “Long Drop”.  My heart stops!  How LONG is this “Long Drop”?  I move my torch in an attempt to see the bottom of the “Long Drop”, but there is NO end in site!  Dear Lord, how will I ever tell Pastor Paul what I have done???  So back to the courtyard I go, to sit and wait until Pastor comes out.  (Remember, the door to my room is locked.)  After a few minutes Pastor comes out to the courtyard.  “Pastor”, I say . . . “I am such big trouble for you!”  I use this term “big trouble” because this is what Heather says about me when we travel together, “Mom, just wait till Aidah, David and Pastor have you on their own, then they will see what “big trouble” you are!”  Pastor looks at me a bit funny and asks me to explain.  All I can say is, “Pastor, I’m sooooo sorry I’m such big trouble!”  “I’m causing you big trouble!”  I finally am able to explain to him exactly WHY I am “big trouble” in that moment.  As soon as Pastor understands what has happened he breaks into a roaring laughter!  For those who know Pastor, he has the BEST laugh!  Before I know it we are both laughing, with tears rolling down our faces, as I continue to explain exactly what had happened, “Yes I lost my key AND my room is locked.”  Then he continues to laugh as he tells me, “That is the ONLY key we have to that door!” Hahahaha

The next thing I know, Pastor is jumping into his car to go pick up a man to help with the lock.  At this point I have no idea how far he will have to drive to get this man.  In about an hour, Pastor returns with a man, a hammer and some other tools.  There is much pounding and pounding and pounding on the door with the hammer.  After many, many attempts, finally the lock and handle to the door are removed.  I am able to get back into my room.  I then attempt to give money to Pastor to pay the man for his help.  Pastor being Pastor, refused my money!  I would need to find a different way to pay him back for my “big trouble”!

For the next days, weeks and months Pastor and I would remember and joke about this event.  Then one day in October when I was chatting with Pastor via FB Messenger, Pastor sent me the following message.

“Debi, God wanted to break the man made key, so that YOU would become the KEY of my family and the community.  Just think about the spiritual side of it. God has already started using you as the KEY of ROWAN to St. Dunstan’s in San Diego and on the trails of Oregon.”

Pastor Paul!  Thank you for your amazing sense of humor, your contagious laugh, your forgiving spirit and for your spiritual wisdom!  

First morning back in Mawanga?  Definitely one for the books ; )

Cheers,

“The Mom”

[dklaird83]

Day 22 . . . . . . . . . 7August2017   “Back to Mawanga!”

So excited to be heading back to Mawanga!  On the way we picked up a young man named Eddie.  His wife and children live near Jinja, but he currently lives in Kenya, working hard towards a career as an attorney.  He has one last exam to take and then he’s “official”.  Eddy has such an amazing spirit and fun sense of humor.  Driving to Mawanga with David, Henry and Eddy turned a long drive into a fun ride making the time go by quickly.  

As soon as we came to the beautiful red dirt road and rice fields, I knew we were entering this amazing village.  The beauty of the fields, the amazing sky, the boys tending to their goats and cattle as they moved them back towards their homes.  The women and children carrying water along the rich, red dirt road.  Before I knew it we were pulling into the home of Pastor Paul and his beautiful, strong and resilient wife Edythe.  As I stepped out of the car and into the courtyard it felt as if I had never left!

Shortly after arriving, David told me I had a special visitor waiting to greet me.  It was Robina, one of the ROWAN Tailors!  She brought me the additional bandanas they had made!  Such joy at meeting her, a taste of the joy I would continue to experience over the next week in the villages served by ROWAN!

That night after tea, dinner and long conversations with Pastor Paul and Eddy, I had the most beautifully peaceful sleep.  I was back in Mawanga, preparing to visit the resilient people of ROWAN once again.

Cheers for now . . . 

“The Mom”

[dklaird83]

Day 22                  7August2017        “New Sewing Machine for JAB!”

A late start to the morning, then Breakfast with David and Aidah before running errands.  Today’s mission?  Purchase fabric for more Bandanas, purchase medicine for little Johnny and Baby Priscilla and last and possibly the most exciting???  Purchase a BRAND NEW SEWING MACHINE for the beautiful tailors of Jinja Amani Bandanas!  Yes friends!  Many generous people helped to make this little project explode!  We were able to do more then I ever imagined!

Cheers!

“The Mom” 

Javad checking out the new purchase!

Aidah our on ground organizer <3

[dklaird83]

Day 21                  6August2017 “ALL are Welcome in this House!  Even a Curious Chicken”

Heather was off work today so traveled with us back to the Village of Aidah’s childhood.  While there, we attended church.  Church in Uganda is unlike any church I have attended in the States.  

Aidah’s Childhood Home

A little of my background . . . I was born and raised in the Anglican Church.  A church that appears to love their prayer book as much, if not more than the bible.  I have been part of many Bible Study groups that marvel upon reading certain bible passages and say, “Wow, it’s amazing how much of our prayer book is part of the bible!”  As if the Bible were taken from our prayer book.   When in fact the prayers, the services, the very catechism written in our Book of Common Prayer was taken straight from the Bible.  There are many things I love about the Anglican Church.   The seasons of the church are celebrated, the life of the church is celebrated and there is a comfort of knowing what the order of the service will be for the day.  There is a saying in the Anglican Church, everything is done decently and in order.  As most of you know, “decently and in order” can be comforting for a time, but after awhile it can become rote, stale, lifeless and without meaning.  There were times I would worship in the church and see the very life flowing from the people gathered to worship, but over the last several years, at least for me, there has been something missing.  A sense that the prayers said, the words spoken, were just that . . . words said time and again, having lost their very meaning, their very life.  Now I’m not saying that I don’t love the comfort of the Anglican Prayers.  I pray them time and again and am in awe that they have such timely meaning for challenges and praises in my life.  I’m just saying that for me, for right now in my faith journey, being a part of a church is not for me.  It could be that in some ways this is my “wilderness time”.  A time to reflect on scripture, faith and life outside the walls of the church.  The last several years I have given up seeking a new church home and have instead sought out the Lord in the sanctuary of the trails, in the streams, the rivers and the mountains.  But now here I am in Uganda . . . a World away from my home in Oregon.  I’ve worshipped here before.  I know to expect the unexpected, and yet . . . I am once again amazed and drawn into their act of worship.

In Uganda there is much singing, dancing, laughing and praying.  The prayers are not “decently and in order” as they are in the Anglican Church.  In Uganda everyone prays their own prayer at once, in their own way, in their own time.  So many different words and voices joining together in a beautiful hum of praise.  I am aware that there are churches who also pray like this in the States, I have attended them, but there is something different about the passion found in Uganda.  Although, life as a whole is lived with more intense passion in Uganda.

Pure Joy!  Wish the sound on my phone had worked, the music was fun as well!

After much singing, dancing and praise it was time for the scriptures and the preaching.  Preaching is also done with much passion.  And as always one never knows what will happen.  This morning while the preachers were delivering the message a chicken decided to come into the church.  Yep, just came right in, walked right up to the preachers.  Hung out in the front of the church for a while and then decided to walk out through the other door.  Not one person attempted to shoo the bird away, all were welcome in this “house”.  Not one person seemed irritated or distracted by this bird.  The focus was kept on the message.  

After church we went back to Aidah’s childhood home for final visits, goodbyes and lunch.  Then we drove back to Jinja where Heather and I said our goodbyes as we prepared to part ways for three weeks, as I would travel to the villages and Heather would return to Kampala.  It was so good to have Aidah travel back to Jinja with us, to have Aidah back home with her family once again.  The evening ended beautifully with African Tea, Jam Sandwiches and prayers.  

Cheers,

“The Mom”

[dklaird83]

A Day Filled with JOY! Day 20 . . . 5August2017

After spending some quality time with Heather and wishing her a Happy Birthday, i hopped back on the Boda with Yonah to head to the clinic for more test results for little Jonathan!

I am so Blessed to have Yonah as my guide on this journey!

Little Johnny does NOT have Sickle Cell!!!! : ) : ) : ) 

Such good news!!!!  We then headed to Danida to visit Priscilla and Johnny.  The minute Priscilla saw me, she LIT UP!  She reached out to me and began babbling to me. I spent some good quality time with Priscilla.  Eva even brought us a plate of food to share, matoke, beans and greens.  I can’t begin to describe how precious our time was <3 . 

Next we visited Johnny!  His mom proudly showed us the food she is now able to purchase Johnny,  with the money given to her by family and friends of ours from the US.  She was also able to take Johnny to another doctor who discovered he has worms.  No wonder he is miserable and malnourished!

Johnny with his Mama . . . his sisters and cousin

Then it was time to head home . . . but first Yonah asked if he could show me something special on the way.  

Yonah shared with me that he was able to purchase a small plot of land to build a home on.  Over the last couple of years, Yonah had been slowly purchasing bricks and mortar to begin building a home for his family!  This home will be so much better for their family.  There will be room for a garden to grow food, raise chickens or goats, for the children to safely play. There will be space in the house for Yonah and Eva to have their own room away from the children.  There will also, most importantly, be a separate room for the kitchen.  So Eva can cook in a room separate from where her precious babies are playing.  A much safer home for Yonah and Eva to raise their beautiful family!

Mukisa Trevore 11, Mariam 9, Temwebeze jonathan 7, Tendo Ruth 5, Daniel 3, Priscilla 1

This news made my heart smile!  I pray Yonah will be able to finish his home within the next year!  Pretty sure I will be coming up with some creative gift giving ideas for Birthdays and Christmas . . . alternative Gifting ; )

Cheers,

“The Mom”

[dklaird83]

A Day to Rest and Be Still - Day 19 . . . 4August2017

Today I slept in, then went into town to reconnect with Heather.  It was a day to back up my pictures, catch up with Ron and Heather.  It was also a day to attempt to process all that I had experienced the last few days.  So much to process before I could even begin to put my thoughts down on paper.  

Today was a day of Rest and Quiet . . . A day to just BE STILL <3 

It was also a good day for a long hot shower!  The first hot shower I had had since arriving in Uganda ; )

Cheers,

“The Mom”

[dklaird83]

Stranded at Java House Due to MY Poor Choices . . .                  Day 18  3August2017

There is nothing the people of Uganda love to do more than to provide their guests with the most excellent hospitality, even if that hospitality is at their own cost.  I am embarrassed to write that I asked more of my hosts then they could give.  I should have known better, as I am a “yes” girl . . . a people pleaser, myself.  

As we left the village where Mama Beatrice is now laid to rest, David began to orchestrate our rides home.  We now had more people than could be safely transported in two cars, so one of the cars and its driver would have to make the 90 minute trip to Jinja and then turn around and come back to the village to pick up the last car load of family and friends.  David put me in the car with Phillip, to be transported back to Jinja in the first trip.  Philip would be making a second trip back to the village to pick up the last car load of family.  As we came closer to the Jinja city limits I was feeling the need to locate wifi so I could touch base with Ron and Heather, as well as to update friends on the events of the previous few days.  Note . . . “I was feeling the need”, this was not in any sense a “need” but rather a “want”.  Oh how I regret asking my more than gracious hosts to grant me a “want”.

I checked in with Phillip to see if he would be able to drop me off at Java House.  Again, this was where I made my mistake!  Phillip, Yonah and David had been so busy these last three days not only coordinating an enormous Celebration of Life, but also organizing the transportation for the many family and friends who were traveling from all over Uganda, not to mention attempting to process their own grief at this sudden loss.  Fearing I was asking more than they could give, I checked and double checked with Phillip, as I wanted to be certain that he was saying yes ONLY if it was NOT an inconvenience to him or Yonah, who would be driving the other car.  Philip assured me it was not an inconvenience and he would have Yonah pick me up by 9 as Yonah was in the second car that left just about 30 minutes after us.  

Phillip dropped family and friends off at the Wafula home, then dropped me off at Java House, where I picked up some food for him for the long drive back to the village.

Nine O’clock comes and no Yonah, I begin sending out FB messages to Yonah, David and Heather, but no response.  Nine Thirty comes and no Yonah, then I notice that the workers were beginning to clean up as if Java House was getting ready to close.  Ten O’clock comes and no Yonah.  The Java House staff assured me it was fine for me to wait there until my ride came.  At this point I wasn’t sure when my ride would come or IF my ride would come.  The staff also asked if they could call anyone for me.  Remember, the phone I was to use while in Uganda went mysteriously missing the first day we arrived.  I realized I had no phone numbers for David, for Phillip or for Yonah.  I also realized I did not have an address for David’s home, so even if they called me a boda driver I wasn’t sure I could locate his street in the dark.  Lesson learned, even if I have no cell phone, I still need to have a list of everyone’s phone numbers and addresses.

Finally at 10:30, just as the Java staff were beginning to head out, Yonah shows up on the boda!  Poor Phillip was so tired that he had forgotten to ask Yonah to come pick me up at 9.  While David was driving home with Philip on the second trip back to Jinja, he asked if “Mama” made it home safely.  “Mama!!!!” Philip exclaimed, “I left her at Java House and forgot to ask Yonah to pick her up!”

Poor Yonah had finally returned home to Eva and his children when he received the call from David.  So off he came to retrieve me with the Boda, offering apology after apology!

I assured him he was not to blame, Philip and David were not to blame . . . I had put myself into this mess by asking more of my hosts than they could give at the time.  I feared this going in, but I made the request anyway.  Again, lesson learned . . . Be careful of how much you ask your host, they will want to fulfill your every need and want, regardless of the cost to them . . .

Beyond Hospitality is the Ugandan way . . . I have seen this example lived out time and time again <3

Cheers,

“The Mom”

[dklaird83]

People From Many Countries, Come to Celebrate the Life of Mama Beatrice                              Day 18 . . . 3August2017

We travel back to the village where Aidah was raised.  The field by the school has been completely transformed over night.  Now there are many, many tents set up, including a small tent out front for the immediate family and a single tent for Mama’s casket.  Each section is labeled for different clans, for pastors, public servants, politicians, Kenya, Tanzania and many other countries also represented.  We arrived at 11:30 a.m. just as the service program began.  

After we greeted Aidah, David escorted me to a seat with his friend Robert in the “Pastor” section.  Robert became my guide through this new experience.  We sat, we watched, we listened, as many, many people shared how Beatrice had been a Blessing to them.  How best can I break this down . . . listening to many people share their stories of Beatrice as translators are quickly translating from an African dialect to English OR from English to Lugandan . . . and so as you can imagine, attempting to keep up with this was a bit overwhelming!  This experience has definitely helped me to appreciate even more what our ELD Students go through in school.  So after about an hour, I was more than ready to take a break from all the talks to go off and capture some behind the scenes photos.  

Robert, my guide through this Celebration of Life

The private family tent . . . 

With such large crowds, public servants were on hand to help as needed

So much food for ALL the guests

And yet life continues on . . . 

More food lines . . . 

So many people, so many untold stories, it was clear Mama Beatrice had made a significant impact in the lives of many people.  Just as I was ready to return to my seat, the children found me . . . so more fun with the camera, this time with poses and funny faces.   Victoria, Esther and Cassie each took turns with my camera as their friends, sisters, brothers and cousins posed for multiple fun and silly pictures.

Victoria showing sister Sammy how the camera works while cousin Cassie poses . . . 

Give a child a camera . . . 

Photographers in training . . . 

Even while celebrating a life well lived . . . life continues to march forward . . . 

After returning to my seat with Robert, we continued to sit, listen and watch all of the happenings of this tremendous Celebration of Life.  I suddenly became aware that great numbers of people were still continuing to arrive.  Many more then there were chairs or shade for!  More than a thousand, more than two thousand, possibly even more than three thousand persons had gathered together in this very small remote village in Uganda.  Robert and I were now trapped!  Lunch would not happen for us . . . thank goodness for the vendors who sold water as well as the Lura bars I had packed. LOL. It is now 2 pm and many speakers are still sharing stories, including an esteemed member of Parliament!  Finally at about 4 or 5 p.m. the floral tributes begin.  Pastor Moses spoke and two of his children spoke.  To hear this family speak of the love they have for each other was beautiful to witness.  The children spoke of putting their own grief aside, so they could care for their father with strength and love. It was time they said for the children to now care for the father as the father had once cared for the children.  

Member of Parliament speaks at the Celebration of Life

Flower Tributes from David, Aidah and their children

Pastor Moses and his children speak of the love they have for Mama Beatrice and for one another . . .

Then the most beautiful thing happened!  Mama Beatrices’ sister and Aidah were both called to the front.  First Beatrices’ sister kneeled as the pastors commissioned and Blessed her to now care for her sister’s adult children as if they were her own.  To provide emotional support, counsel and guidance to them.  Next, Aidah was asked to kneel as all the pastors present surrounded her.  Aidah was commissioned and blessed to take on the role of serving as “Mother to All”.  This is the role Mama Beatrice had lived into throughout her life.  This is the role my friend and sister Aidah has begun living into.  It was clear Aidah had been following her Mama’s example, her mother had been guiding her and training her up towards this role, and now the torch was passed.  From one woman to another . . . in this beautiful ceremony filled with love, support and surrounded with the love of Christ.

Finally it was time for the last and final procession of the body to her final resting place.  A beautiful place behind the family home under the trees.  As we walked from the fields back to the home, the women of the church walked in front of the casket, singing beautiful songs.  I remained back with the crowd of mourners as the family went to the garden to lay their loved one to rest.  I watched from afar as some of the grandchildren climbed a tree for better views.  I later learned that little sassy Sammie threw herself into the grave, not wanting to let her grandmama go . . .

We spent the last hour sitting under a tree, near the house.  Just sharing quiet time with one another, stories with one another and the incredible love of Christ with one another.  

All too soon it was time for us to begin the journey back to Jinja . . .

Aidah and Esther

Maureen and Sammy

Doreen, Susan and Aidah

The ride out of the village . . . 

A long but beautiful day filled with amazing resilient people!  Thank you David and Aidah for inviting me to be a part of this most sacred day <3

Blessings,

“The Mom”

[dklaird83]

Mama Beatrice Celebration of Life - Day 17 Continued . . . 2August2017

How can I even begin to describe the procession back to the home . . . First were the women from Kenya, singing beautiful songs.  Next came the hearse, carrying Mama Beatrice, and then came all the mourners, many carrying chairs, others helping to carry the huge tents (canopies) from the church back to the house.  Add into this procession the random goats, cattle and chickens grazing about this small village . . . These are the sights and sounds I experienced on this day . . .

Once back at the house there was more crying, more sobbing.  I lost count of how many sobbing women I held that day . . . 

Friends and family gathered around the front yard as Mama Beatrice is taken back home for the evening . . . The overnight “wake” is beginning now . . . 

Aidah’s Grandy is pictured below holding crutches . . . She was and remains a huge part of Aidah’s life.  Today she is saying goodbye to her child, Beatrice . . . 

Aidah was so brave through the entire afternoon, barely shedding tears, remaining strong for her family. There was a moment during the service that Aidah was holding Cassie tightly in her lap.  During this moment, I leaned toward Aidah and held her close . . . noticing small, silent tears trickle down her cheeks . . . I quietly wiped them from her face . . . 

As the sun went down, Aidah invited me into the sleeping hut with the other women.  She made African Tea and we enjoyed tea and bread together.  It was the first time today I saw Aidah smile : )

Tomorrow we head back for the burial and the larger service!  Such a day filled with much emotion <3

Much Love to my Ugandan Sister <3

“The Mom”

[dklaird83]

Celebration for Mama Beatrice - Day 17 . . . 2August2017

My phone had lost power, so my alarm was the sun and roosters.  Spent a quiet morning, journaling, breakfast and laundry.  Then it was off to the village for Mama Beatrice’s Celebration of Life!

The drive to the village was beautiful!  This was the village Aidah grew up and where David spent part of his youth.  As we approached Aidah’s childhood home, I noticed sleeping huts and tents set up all around the house.  I was able to greet Aidah with a huge hug!  This was the first time I had seen her since she drove off in the middle of the night after discovering her mother had died suddenly.  We were able to spend some time together at the house, I met some of her family members as well as her father Moses.  

Moses and Mama Beatrice had remained in this village all these years.  They had made a good life here. Moses is the pastor of the church here and together he and Mama Beatrice pastored many, many people.  In addition, together they served with many religious leaders in Uganda, Tanzania, Kenya and the UK.  As I spent time with Aidah and her extended family at the house, I began to see just how exceptional Aidah’s mama was, just how exceptional her father is. David had shared stories with me over the last few days, he had prepared me to expect far more than a thousand people at the services.  However, it wasn’t until I arrived at the home, till I met the rest of the family, until I began to see the mass quantities of food being carried in by bike and boda, that I truly began to understand the magnitude of the impact Mama Beatrice had made in her short time here on earth.  It was now time to head to the church to celebrate the life of this beautiful mama!  So we picked up our chairs and walked down the road to the small church . . . 

David and Aidah checking in with each other . . . This is a family that plans together, serves together and cares for others together . . . 

David and the other sons of Pastor Moses, going over last minute details for the service . . .

One of MANY bikes/bodas and trucks carrying bags filled with Irish potatoes, rice, beans and other food items to the food prep site . . . 

Even the cattle seem to follow in procession to the church . . . 

The service today was the “short” service in the church.  When the body arrived, women from Kenya led the procession into the small church with a beautiful song, literally singing Beatrice in.  Next came a man carrying her picture, holding it out high, making certain everyone could see her picture, just behind him was the casket in which Beatrice lay.  As the procession came into the church the mood changed from sad to completely grief stricken.  People began to literally fall in grief! To sob in grief! To attempt to throw themselves upon the casket, in grief!  Serving in the Episcopal church for many years I had experienced many, many funerals, burials, memorial services, celebrations of life.  I had also experienced the many different forms of grief experienced during these services.  However, I had yet to experience a service like this in a country half way around the world.

During the procession, Aidah’s sister became overcome with grief, falling to the floor.  This terrified her daughter Cassie who was now in tears.  Just as two men came to carry Aidah’s sister outside, another woman fell to the floor sobbing in grief.  She then tried to climb onto the casket.  Again, men had to hold her back.  She nearly knocked an already terrified Cassie out of her chair.  As Aidah helped the woman, I grabbed Cassie and held her tight!  This beautiful child just clung to me, burying her head into me as sobbing and open mourning continued to happen all around her.  

After many speeches, prayers, songs and sermons, Aidah’s father, Pastor Moses spoke.  In spite of the incredible grief he was experiencing, he managed to give his message, with many pastors surrounding him for support.

The small church was so crowded, children watched from outside the windows . . . 

Aidah, right with her father the entire way . . . as they wait for Mama Beatrice to be carried out of the church building for the last time . . . 

As the service came to an end, Aidah asked me to watch over Cassie, while she joined her brothers and sisters, to follow the casket carrying Mama Beatrice back down the aisle.  Once it was time for us to leave there was a mad dash to get outside the church!  First the crowd moved towards a side door, then just as we were about to go OUT the door, the crowd pushed us back in!  Now, for reasons unknown to me at that moment, the entire crowd of people were trying to get out the front doors of the church as quickly as they could.  As people pressed closer and closer to Cassie and I, we continued to press onward toward the front door.  However, with the crowd closing in on us I lost hold of Cassie.  The ONE thing Aidah had asked me to do!  Once I stood closer to the entrance of the church, I realized the casket with Mama Beatrice was now stationed at the entrance of the church, with the casket open.  Now I understood, people were attempting to say their last goodbyes to Beatrice. Once outside I found Cassie, as well as Aidah and her father.  Now it was time to wait for the other mourners to come out of the church, then Mama Beatrice could be escorted back to her home . . . 

[dklaird83]

Hospitality Beyond Imagination in Uganda!  Day 16 . . . 1August2017

Yes, there is a thing halfway across the world called, “African Time”.  However, in spite of “African Time”, the hospitality of Ugandans is beyond amazing!  In fact, the hospitality of Ugandans is so amazing they will put their guests needs ahead of their needs EVERY time!

First thing this morning I saw David.  He told me that Yonah would be “right back” to get me so we could head to Danida.  About 12 noon . . . Yonah arrived with Janet and Jonathan in the car.  Haha, “African Time” : ) 

Yonah and I took Janet and Jonathan to one last clinic for the final blood work! Hep test came back negative!  YES!!!  The last test for Sickle Cell, will take about 3 days before results are ready . . . 

Next we went back to Rippon Clinic for Priscilla’s treatment and more meds. Heather met us at the clinic and drove back to Danida with us.  (She was not too happy with how comfortable I had become around Danida ; )

Priscilla, Eva, Janet and Jonathan with Heather in the back of the car, headed home to Danida

Yonah, Priscilla and Heather in Danida 

Eva, Priscilla and Heather : )

Yonah then dropped Heather and I at the Guest House she was staying at for work.  Can I just say . . . LUXURY!!!  LOL  Heather shared food and wifi with me.

After posting updates, it was back to the Wafula Home for lots of children and no electricity.  I wrote and drew with Ethan and Sammi while Chosen watched. Chosen seems fascinated by me, but is very shy.  She appears to notice everything.

Susan, Maureen and Yonah worked tirelessly to try to get power back to my side of the house, but no luck.  I was ready for bed and assured them I was used to losing electricity back at home, so it was no problem at all.

David calls himself the “Generator” and for very good reason . . . 

Little did I know that while I slept that night, David had brought an electrician to the home.  He was NOT going to let “Mama go without electricity!”  Oh my! As I said, hospitality beyond imagination, even at his own expense . . . 

Cheers,

“The Mom”

[dklaird83]

Danida and Jinja, Even MORE Independence! Day 15 Continued . . . 31July2017

With Heather working now, I was discovering it far easier to gain independence! I LOVE traveling and spending time with my daughter, however it was great to have a break from her “overprotectiveness” of me.  Wow, I hope I was not a complete “helicopter” mom ; )

Here I am, in Danida, witnessing the joy of the children receiving mattresses for the very first time!  Witnessing the joy of the Social Nomads, as they delivered the mattresses to the children!  As I took in all the sites and sounds, I found myself wandering about the slums on my own, feeling completely comfortable and at home.  Not to worry, Stella and Yonah were not far from me . . . they were close enough to help out if I got into trouble, but far enough away to allow me the feeling of independence.  For that I will be eternally grateful! 

Playing in the broken water pipe : )

I see warmer, drier more restful sleep in the future of these amazing women and their children!  Thank You Stella and Social Nomads!

One VERY happy Family!!!

I joined the Social Nomads in Jinja to meet up with David.  Stella invited me to Kampala to visit the 22Stars Office in the Acholi Quarter, but at this point I felt the need to follow through with Jonathan and Priscilla.  In addition, I was also pretty sure once visiting the Acholi Quarter, I would end up “adopting” more children! LOL

What another amazing, productive day!

Cheers,

“The Mom”

[dklaird83]

Feeling of Joyful Independence A World Away -                             Day 15 . . . 31July2017

Monday morning . . . the day I was to travel to the village!  However, with the unexpected passing of Mama Beatrice, the village would be postponed for a week.  The blessing throughout this?  I would now be in Jinja to follow through with the medical treatment for Baby Priscilla and little Jonathan!  I know that David or Yonah could have seen all this through, however since I was the one who began this, I felt responsible to at least see little Jonathan through to a proper diagnosis.  As I was getting ready to leave, there was a knock on my door.  It was David, he was letting Heather and I know that there was a surprise guest here to see us!  Pastor Paul!!!!!

Pastor had come to travel with David to see Moses during this challenging time. As always, Pastor had a huge smile when I saw him.  What a joy to see him again!  

Yonah arrived to take me to Danida to pick up Eva, Priscilla, Janet and Jonathan.  Yonah took Eva and Priscilla to one side of the clinic for Priscilla’s treatment, while I went with Janet and Jonathan to the other side for more blood work,  Not long after arriving at the clinic, Yonah was called away.  I was now at the clinic on my own with the two children and their moms.  I had been hoping for a trip filled with more independence!  Here I was on my own attempting to navigate through the Rippon Medical Clinic!  

Jonathan received another blood draw, then the chest X-Ray!  How best can I break this down for you all . . . 

Jonathan was VERY afraid of the second blood draw and the x-rays!  I was horrified when the technician completely exposed the 7 months pregnant Janet to the x-ray machine, in spite of my attempts to stop him!  The liver panel came back ok but not great.  More tests tomorrow for Hep and Sickle Cell!  This poor boy was turning into a pin cushion!  Plus he was now afraid of me, as each time he saw me I took him to a doctor with big needles and scary equipment . . . 

The old school x-ray machine!  The x-rays are processed in a dark room, then hung on a wooden rack out in the waiting area to dry.  Yep, the patient waiting area for these services is all outdoors . . . 

I head back to the other side of the clinic to check in on Priscilla.  I find Eva waiting with Priscilla on a bed in one of the three small rooms of the clinic.  The treatment was over and Priscilla was happily resting on the bed while i went across the street to grab food and drink from the street vendors.  Rolex, fruit, water and juice for the moms, the children and me : ) Loving that I am able to independently navigate the street vendors and the schillings!

Food first to Jonathan and his mom, then off to Priscilla and Eva.  Priscilla LOVED the Rolex, but also insisted on sharing the Rolex with me.  Such a precious moment as this baby girl with the big eyes and smile took small pieces of Rolex with her little hands and fed me.  She also began blowing on the food, mimicking me as I blew on the very hot Rolex before handing it to her.  This girl is so bright and observant!  Just after lunch I watched Priscilla for Eva, she laughed and cooed as we played together.  Heather also had a break from work and came to see how we were all doing.

Yonah returned with the car to take us all back to Danida.  Surprise!  We find Stella and her Social Nomad group delivering mattresses!  This day was getting even better <3

Cheers,

“The Mom”

[dklaird83]

"Collateral Beauty" . . . Those precious moments found in the midst of unforeseen challenges ❤️#ugandasummer2017 #motherdaughtergreatadventure #collateralbeauty (at Jinja District)

[dklaird83]

The Plan . . . The Hard Reality . . . Day 14 . . . 30July2017

The Plan:  Sunday morning church in Danida

The Reality:

During the middle of the night, Aidah’s Mama passed away.  David and Aidah left in the middle of the night to drive an hour and a half away to be with Aidah’s father Moses, in the village Aidah grew up in.  David and Aidah were in shock, as were Susan and Maureen.  Their entire family was in shock!  It was all very unexpected! Heather and I remained at the house, getting breakfast for the children and keeping them occupied.  We weren’t certain what, if anything, Victoria, Sammi and Ethan knew.  Our goal was to keep things as light hearted and normal as possible, during this challenging time for the Wafula Family.

As I struggled to think of what to do for Aidah, it came to me.  There was a bracelet of strength and encouragement that a dear friend gifted to me during a challenging time in my life.  It was time to pass this gift of strength and encouragement on to my Ugandan sister, Aidah!  I wrote Aida a letter and placed both the letter and the bracelet in a pouch for David to bring to her.

Heather and I then took bodas to Java House for some wifi.  The moment the boda driver missed the turn to Java House, I knew he was mistakenly taking us downtown.  I had him pull over, explained again where Java House was and soon we arrived at the correct location.  I was getting the hang of getting around Jina via Boda ; )

Later that evening we met David back at the house.  Aidah remained with her father during this time.  David, his fellow pastors, Victoria, Sammi, Ethan and I . . . We just sat outside, under the stars that evening and shared stories.  David shared about the life of Mama Beatrice.  David also shared how Beatrice and Moses took him in during a time in his life that he needed a place to stay.  They not only took David in, but they took him in as a son.  They became beautiful mentors to David.  Hearing the many stories that David shared, Heather and I understood why David and Aidah are the beautiful, caring, compassionate and empowering servants that they are.  It was also very clear how deeply the passing of Mama Beatrice was affecting David as well.  The children fell asleep under the stars with David . . . 

My heart goes out to this entire beautiful family . . . 

“The Mom”

Victoria, my beautiful photographer . . . 

Ethan playing with Javad, as Victoria and Sammi explore the camera together

Fun with the camera : )