For 2 of the last 5 years, I've lived, worked, served, and been invested in lives of people in East and Central Africa. 2 weeks in Kenya - 6 months in Zambia - 6 weeks in Uganda - 1 year 3 months in Uganda.
While it's not a lifetime, it certainly was life changing. Full of incredible life lessons, significant growth and numerous rich experiences. One of the more vivid learned life lessons is about JOY.
The reality of the rawness of life is very apparent in that region of the world. Many friends have and live on extremely little; many are unsure if tomorrow they'll eat more than 1 meal; many share a small house with no running water or electricity with 7+ family members; some are in school now, but there's no guarantee for next term, let alone next year. And that’s their present life. Their past, is full of injustice, disease, war, violence, neglect, huger, and more than we in America can often comprehend. Yet, they don't allow their life circumstances to affect their heart. Instead, they choose joy. They choose to have a heart of worship. In ALL situations and all of life's circumstances.
I don't know about you, but that's a huge challenge for me. To choose joy- in all circumstances. Through the pain and the sorrow, through the job losses and the financial insecurity, even through the loss of loved-ones. Yet, that's one of the very reasons Jesus came to this Earth, was born in a manger and died on the cross. To bear our pain and our sorrow. To take on our sin and the sin of this world, so that we don't have to be held down. So that, instead, we are free to choose joy.
I’m personally not a fan of new year's resolutions. I prefer to live each day as if it’s a new opportunity to start fresh. Yet there’s something about a new year that our society clings to and encourages us to finally make a change. This is my challenge to you, and to myself- to choose joy.
I have personally been challenged with various struggles over the past 5 months of transitioning and reassimilation to life in America again. There’s been great loss (of friends, relationships and a full life left behind in Uganda), job insecurity, disconnect of friends, community and church, lack of vision and direction, financial instability, family disapproval, depression, confusion, and physical pain. BUT- there’s also been job and financial provision, reconnection of friends, phone calls and text messages from my “other” life in Uganda, spiritual growth, deepening prayer, peace of mind, and a whole lot of LOVE. I haven’t always been able to choose joy, yet through these struggles, I’ve seen God’s hand guiding me in this journey. Many days Jesus literally picked me up and carried me. Therefore...
I will choose joy! Just like my dear friends taught me....
Uncle Jude and Bernard ~
Pasquin, her 3 sisters and fellow Restore students
While I'm not one to normally jump on a bandwagon, I'll admit: this Tebow thing is kinda catchy; especially living in Colorado. But that's the problem I have- Tim Tebow is not a thing...he's not a fad... he's not a super hero.
He's a guy who lives life with remarkable and admirable character on and off the professional playing field.
He's not infallible, nor is he unbroken.
He's a guy who loves Jesus and wants to make sure he lives his life in ways which honor the Lord and express integrity, grace, mercy and love. He's using the gifts God created Him for- to play football and to be a strong leader.
That's exactly how we should all be living our lives. Whether or not we are highlighted on national news, ESPN and every talk show which thrives on controversy, if each of us- you and me- were living our lives exemplifying these same values for why Tim Tebow has been placed on a superficial pedestal -- wow, God's glory would surely shine bright!!
The glory goes back to God- our Father, our Creator, our Guidance and our Savior.
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. JOHN 3:16
Ever wonder what it it might be like for construction workers of the Middle Ages to be re-birthed into modern day technology? I imagine it might look a little like this... Check out these videos-
The Battle for Murram - http://vimeo.com/31250251 Hydraform block production - http://vimeo.com/32313539 Building foundations - http://vimeo.com/32387850
This series of videos are the construction site of a future secondary school in northern Uganda. The 55 incredible Ugandan national staff were totally new to these modern foundation and brick-making techniques 8 months ago! They received their long-awaited Hydraform machine in late-Aug and quickly took to mastering the new equipment. The Hydraform machine enables the crew to create soil-based inter-locking bricks; the latest cost-effective solution for construction throughout Africa.
I personally stood on the land of this construction site in March. At the time, they were still clearing and marking off the land for future construction. They've come a long way!
This is the future site of Restore Leadership Academy. An incredible secondary school (O & A level) outside Gulu town. From the Head Master, to the teachers, to the students- this school excels in values of honesty and integrity with a strong focus on character development and restoring justice. The students standout from fellow secondary students at nearby schools. They're taught to believe in themselves and their dreams and not allow life's circumstances to hold them back. Respect and love are at the core of the teachers and administration- which carries over to the students when you watch them interact with others. The best part- they praise Jesus for their successes and provisions! At Restore- they live life as a family.Restore International is in the process of building a new school campus that stands on the values of justice, love and unity- all in the name of Jesus. The land they're building on in northern Uganda is where spiritual wars were literally once fought, as recent as 5 years ago, and witchcraft is still practiced in the surrounding community. They have certainly been hit with challenge after challenge! But...justice prevails and Jesus always wins!!!
For this school, the staff and students and the many future students.... this is their Promised Land!
Three of my buddies, John, Blake and Shane, have given an unmeasurable amount of tireless days, weeks and months - even years - to bring this project to where it is today. They still have a long road ahead, but I smile when watching the videos knowing the monumental obstacles which they've overcome, the hard work put in by all the workers and volunteers, and the contributions by stateside staff and supporters. Something great is happening here! Restore International - http://www.restoreinternational.org
Watch this video! This is the beautiful story of Restore- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K3PrkjMttSY&feature=player_embedded
In February 2012, Akello Joyce will continue to Advanced Level Secondary School in preparation for University. The reason she will be able to continue her education is because a fellow Ugandan heard her story and wanted to impact her life.
In October 2011, Joyce took her final exam for her Ordinary Level secondary school education. The results of this exam determine whether a student can continue with Advanced Level secondary school which is required to eventually attend University.
Joyce is the first person in her family to complete O-level secondary school!
Meet Akello Joyce.
Tribe: Acholi Hometown: Lacor village, Gulu, Uganda Age: 17 years School: Trinity College
This is her story. It’s also a story of how justice prevails, love wins and peace unites.
I meet Joyce in August 2010 while visiting the Scripture Union club at Trinity College in Gulu, northern Uganda. Joyce was the newly-elected Chairperson. After a short time with Joyce, it was apparent that she is a gifted leader. She has a fire for the Lord that is clear from her Worship. She was one of the SU leaders who, if I hadn’t been to their school in a few weeks, she’d call to see when I was attending their next fellowship. She craved the extra guidance in her life.
In April 2011, Scripture Union Gulu had the opportunity to financially support 9 students to attend the national conference in Mwiri, 7 hours from Gulu. Joyce was immediately selected to represent her school. Few students from Gulu are ever able to attend this camp. These students would be ambassadors for their entire tribe and region. A region largely only remembered as a war zone and a place of the destitute. I knew all of the Gulu students would shine at camp, but Joyce really rose to the occasion. While she’s a powerful leader, she’s equally quiet and humble. She’s not the first person to suggest herself as the group’s spokesperson. She and Thomas were selected to represent the Gulu team in leading the entire camp of 300 students in Acholi singing and dancing.
Video of Joyce (and Thomas) leading cultural singing at Scripture Union National Camp in April 2011
Joyce comes from a conventional Ugandan family. Her mom is the predominant care-giver of the household. Her dad has two wives. He’s a truck driver and living with HIV+; therefore frequently weak and unable to work. Her "step-mom" (dad's other wife) practices witchcraft. Her older brother never completed his secondary school education because his mom, the mom who practices witchcraft, convinced him he would be cursed if he continued his education. Joyce has two younger brothers who are in primary school. Her mom supports their family by selling vegetables in the local market. Her father is often traveling for his job; with frequent trips to Sudan- a place where prostitution is cheap and readily available. The little money that her father brings back to the home does not have the priority of paying for his daughter’s education. After all- she’s just an Acholi girl. But Joyce doesn’t listen to the historic stereotypes of her tribe.
Joyce is very intelligent and determined. She sought out a scholarship to cover her secondary school fees. She is natural and gifted leader. And she's full of life!
Joyce was nearly unable to finish her O-level schooling and take the national exam. Less than 4 weeks before the end of the term, she was informed there was no money to pay her school fees. The organization which awarded her the scholarship didn’t receive their funding and therefore couldn’t pay their scholarship students’ school fees. Devastating. But Joyce persisted. She continued to study, continued to pursue ways to pay her school fees. She prayed and trusted God would provide a way. She shared with me her situation and I joined her in prayer for God's miraculous provision.
The amount she owed was equivalent to $65 USD. Sixty-five dollars was standing in the way of a bright student being able to continue her education and have hope for a great future. Frustrated by the system and the injustice of her situation, on Facebook, I posted: “Breaks my heart that a government school can't submit the final exam (to finish high school) for one of their brightest and best leaders because she doesn't have $65!! Pray for God to provide a way for Akello Joyce!”
I did not ask for anyone to sponsor her. I was simply expressing my frustration and hoping others might also join me in prayer. Instead, 2 people responded saying they wanted to perhaps help or know more. I felt compelled to say, let’s first pray. Then, a third person responded. A Ugandan friend of mine, Kuteese Cornelius Matthew, contacted me. He wanted to pay the remaining balance of Joyce’s school fees. Cornelius is himself a University student and has his own challenging history and struggles. God changed his life and so he wanted to help out this girl he’s never met. INCREDIBLE!
I'm very touched by Cornelius's heart and desire to squeeze what small money he has, to help out a fellow sister in Christ. What's even more exciting is that Cornelius is from the Kampala area. His tribe is buganda- Historically, the Buganda and Acholi have not gotten along. One steals cattle, the other deceitfully disarms the other and then kills them! Cornelius spent 3 months in Gulu on an internship and gained a love for the Acholi people. We became friends during his time in Gulu. What a beautiful reminder that Christ’s love transcends historic tribal differences and brings unity!
I'm in awe of the way God provides!!!
In February, Joyce hopes to be accepted to and attend Sacred Heart Secondary School- the best all-girls school in northern Uganda, located less than a mile from her home. Her dream is to someday be a doctor. Or… a preacher! I’m certain no matter what she does, she will shine for Jesus and give God the proper glory for all the ways He’s impacted her life!
To me, Joyce says “Thank You” over and over again. And she wishes I lived closer so that she could make me some odi, sim sim paste; Ugandan peanut butter. I too wish I lived closer as I would love some odi! -- Truly, the Glory goes back to God as He’s the one who conducts this orchestra. I’m simply an instrument.
Everyone’s story has something to share with the world. Joyce’s story teaches us to ask: Have I made a significant impact in someone else’s life? -Written and posted with permission.
Consider the social and ethical impact as you purchase!
- Where are the products made? - Under what conditions did the labors work? - Is the company concerned about the holistic care and future of it's workers? - Will the purchase of your item positively impact an individual, a family or a community?
Here are a few fabulous options for socially conscious purchases-
Every company listed creates beautiful hand-made products in East Africa and lives out their mission through holistic care to their beneficiaries. I personally believe in every one of the organizations listed below.
While church and kingdom are related, the former is always subordinate to the later and the kingdom is the more comprehensive reality.
The kingdom is God’s action in the world. And this action was made most clearly visible in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Therefore, the kingdom is present whenever the words and ways of Jesus are proclaimed and embodied. Yet the presence of the kingdom is not under our control. It cannot be reduced to mere institutional reality. The kingdom is not a system. It is the rule and reign of God. It is a dynamic, not an organization. It is a power rather than a structure. The kingdom appears where God’s will is done through the power of the Spirit. It is there where God’s shalom is present and where God’s peace, mercy and justice are made manifest.
The kingdom of God, Jacques Ellul writes “is not the report of an observable, measureable reality… it is an affirmation of a counter-reality.” -Excerpt from: "Resist the Powers" by Charles Ringma with Jacques Ellul
Very simply, in my own words: The Kingdom of God is equal to experiencing Heaven on Earth! The Kingdom is not something we journey towards, but it's a life we can live in the present when we're continually seeking the Lord's presence in our life.
For me, it wasn't until I lived in Uganda that I truly grasped the concept of the idea of Heaven on Earth and living each day in God's Kingdom. These are some of the amazing individuals who enabled me to vividly experience this concept:
Serving in Gulu, Uganda with Scripture Union. 2010-2011.
**DISCLAIMER** The contents of this website are mine and do not reflect any position of the U.S. Government, US Peace Corps or Invisible Children.
EMAIL ME: daneenleidig@gmail.com
For 2 of the last 5 years, I've lived, worked, served, and been invested in lives of people in East and Central Africa. 2 weeks in Kenya - 6 months in Zambia - 6 weeks in Uganda - 1 year 3 months in Uganda.
I’m personally not a fan of new year's resolutions. I prefer to live each day as if it’s a new opportunity to start fresh. Yet there’s something about a new year that our society clings to and encourages us to finally make a change. This is my challenge to you, and to myself- to choose joy. 
