i've been doing a lot of thinking.
we talk about coming back to our western culture and coming back to our 'routines.' there is talk of not letting ourselves slip back into them, whatever they may be.
how do we live life after coming back from a missional experience, such as africa, and not go back into our routines?
the fact is, how we live life in north america is how we live life. when I first came home, I almost felt bad for using the tap to get water, for buying groceries and for even using my computer.
we are blessed people. is it wrong to use these blessings? I can't see that God would think so.
but the problems come when we get selfish.
it is such a simple truth that we hear all the time, but is so hard to do.
Africa taught me many things, but this sticks out the most and is hitting home the hardest these days:
God wants us to have the mentality of "what's mine is yours." Give abundantly, recieve abundantly.
hopefully you guys enjoyed some of those pictures.
Friday, August 31, 2007
fish out of water.
i've been so busy since returning to the west that I have hardly had anytime to think about the experience I just had half way across the world.
all I know is that when I do have time to myself and can think, I feel empty, sad, angry, confused, blessed, guilty, convicted, motivated, stuck.
why am I so blessed? the dream of every ugandan child in the school was to go to university. i am at a university except I hardly percieve it as a dream fulfilled. do I wish to change places with them? maybe; that way I don't have to feel so...I don't know.
it was so good to see my rwandan friends again and to understand a little more. I held hands with one of them. it was a neat moment.
uganda felt like home almost. hard to describe i guess. all I know is that i need to go back there soon. hopefully in may.
i got a job on campus to help make some extra cash so I can pay for a plane ticket in the summer. anyone who wants to join kris and I is more than welcome.
check here for all my photos from africa.
more updates soon.
all I know is that when I do have time to myself and can think, I feel empty, sad, angry, confused, blessed, guilty, convicted, motivated, stuck.
why am I so blessed? the dream of every ugandan child in the school was to go to university. i am at a university except I hardly percieve it as a dream fulfilled. do I wish to change places with them? maybe; that way I don't have to feel so...I don't know.
it was so good to see my rwandan friends again and to understand a little more. I held hands with one of them. it was a neat moment.
uganda felt like home almost. hard to describe i guess. all I know is that i need to go back there soon. hopefully in may.
i got a job on campus to help make some extra cash so I can pay for a plane ticket in the summer. anyone who wants to join kris and I is more than welcome.
check here for all my photos from africa.
more updates soon.
Sunday, August 19, 2007
the bad place
Saturday was our one 'day off' in Jinja.
We used the time well.
All 9 of us went on a white water rafting trip down the beginning of the white nile.
Needless to say, it was intense.
The trip consisted of 11 rapids, four class 5, five class 3/4, and the rest class 2.
The last rapid of the day was a monster class 5 called the bad place.
No white water rafting company in Canada would dare to take customers on something like this.
Kris, Kori, Ernest, Sheri and I all flew out of the raft. The rest were lucky enough to stay. The next 3 seconds under water felt like an eternity. We were all rescued by kayakers after that.
Worth every shilling.
Not much longer before I hop on a plane for home. See you guys at the airport.
We are all safe and healthy and thank you for your prayers.
We used the time well.
All 9 of us went on a white water rafting trip down the beginning of the white nile.
Needless to say, it was intense.
The trip consisted of 11 rapids, four class 5, five class 3/4, and the rest class 2.
The last rapid of the day was a monster class 5 called the bad place.
No white water rafting company in Canada would dare to take customers on something like this.
Kris, Kori, Ernest, Sheri and I all flew out of the raft. The rest were lucky enough to stay. The next 3 seconds under water felt like an eternity. We were all rescued by kayakers after that.
Worth every shilling.
Not much longer before I hop on a plane for home. See you guys at the airport.
We are all safe and healthy and thank you for your prayers.
Thursday, August 16, 2007
slaughter house kris
it is no lie.
today, kris was the honoured Canadian to slaughter a goat. The culture of this place is unbelievable as you can imagine. The community and school brought us gifts to show their appreciation of their dear visitors. We got tons of fruit, eggs, a live chicken and a live goat. The gifts were presented to us by the mothers in the community.
Everyone gathered outside to watch Kris kill a goat. Then they roasted it in a pit. And then we ate it. Delicious.
Needless to say, Kris felt like a man.
There is so much that has gone on, but an update will have to happen later. The internet is slow and there is much to talk about.
These updates will be for those who are worrying about it. We are safe and healthy. Keep praying for us. Talk to you soon.
today, kris was the honoured Canadian to slaughter a goat. The culture of this place is unbelievable as you can imagine. The community and school brought us gifts to show their appreciation of their dear visitors. We got tons of fruit, eggs, a live chicken and a live goat. The gifts were presented to us by the mothers in the community.
Everyone gathered outside to watch Kris kill a goat. Then they roasted it in a pit. And then we ate it. Delicious.
Needless to say, Kris felt like a man.
There is so much that has gone on, but an update will have to happen later. The internet is slow and there is much to talk about.
These updates will be for those who are worrying about it. We are safe and healthy. Keep praying for us. Talk to you soon.
Saturday, August 11, 2007
safe and sounds
We have made it half way across the world safely. The trip was very long and we have had our first full day in Kampala.
There is a lot to say about it but to make it short, it is an african city. For those of you who have been, you know what I mean. For those of you who haven't, no description can come close to the experience.
Full of noises that make no sense, random things happening all over the place and people and cars everywhere.
The people from Fields of Life are extremely friendly and hospitable. Our rooms are great and the showers are cold and crisp. Thanks for you prayers. Keep them up.
Will update soon with more details!
There is a lot to say about it but to make it short, it is an african city. For those of you who have been, you know what I mean. For those of you who haven't, no description can come close to the experience.
Full of noises that make no sense, random things happening all over the place and people and cars everywhere.
The people from Fields of Life are extremely friendly and hospitable. Our rooms are great and the showers are cold and crisp. Thanks for you prayers. Keep them up.
Will update soon with more details!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)