By Love, For Glory!

The Tebow Effect

2012-01-14T13:43:00.015-07:00

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

Choose Joy

2012-01-01T13:02:00.030-07:00

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

Scovia and her Purse of Hope sisters ~

Richard & Martin and other great SU leaders

My brother Sammy
and the SU family

Restore International

2011-12-03T20:03:00.000-07:00

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

Akello Joyce: Justice Prevails

2011-12-02T21:34:00.019-07:00

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.

Purchase with a Purpose

2011-11-20T15:50:00.016-07:00

This Christmas, where will you do your shopping?

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.

31 Bits - designer necklaces & bracelets - http://31bits.com
One Mango Tree - clothing, scarves & more - http://www.onemangotree.com/
Krochet Kids - hand-knitted winter hats - http://www.krochetkids.org
Mend - canvas tote bags - http://store.mend.co/handbags
Sseko - summer sandals - http://www.ssekodesigns.com/
Remnant - Tshirts & headbands - http://remnantuganda.com
Imani - designer necklaces - http://www.imanilove.com/
Tubahumurize - various textile items - http://www.rwandanwomencan.org/

"Learn to do good. Seek justice, correct oppression. Defend the cause of the fatherless, plead the case of the widow." Isaiah 1:17

The Kingdom of God

2011-11-13T18:48:00.013-07:00

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:

authority

2011-11-09T18:08:00.009-07:00

Recently, a teacher friend shared a story. After she informed one of her students to put something away (speaking in her always-kind Kindergarten teacher voice), the student replied, "Can I get a please?" The 5 year old is, to some extent, correct in requesting additional politeness as the teacher informs him to do something. But his response was not, I believe, rooted in requesting politeness- it's rooted in changing who has authority in the question. As a 5 year old, I don't think he cognitively intended this transfer of authority. More likely, this has been modeled to him, and he uses it perhaps out of a conditioned response. The comment uses a play on words- something our society is very good at doing- and he turns the authority to himself by essentially informing the teacher of how he requests that she speak to him.

Isn't this much like us? As small children of the Lord, we run to Him with our questions. We absolutely need to always first take our problems and issues to God. But how are we approaching our God with these questions? Are we giving the Creator of the Universe full authority? Are we asking as small children would ask their daddy, or are we asking like an aggravated teenager speaks to their "parental units"? Where is our desire for authority rooted? My guess is, most often, we ask using a more demanding or informative approach- yet we place a question mark at the end to make us feel as if it's still a humble inquiry.
We ask:
God, have you not seen the pain this person is in, can't you heal him/her?
God, do you see all the challenges in my life? Can't you give me a break?
God, haven't I waited long enough for my future husband?

When we run to the Lord, are we releasing our questions and burdens of life with an open mind and heart? Are we embracing the freedom He offers under His full authority?

These are questions, I personally, need to be asking myself.

I also think that I need to read Job 38-40 more frequently. To Job's desperate cry to the Lord, the Lord offers rhetoric responses:
"Have you ever given orders to the morning." v.12
"Have you seen the gates of the shadow of death?" v.17
"Can you set up God's dominion over the earth? v. 33
..."Tell me, if you know all of this." v. 18

Chapter 40, v2, says it perfectly.
"Will you, the one who accuses God, let Him answer you?"

This is the question:

Will you go to the Lord with all your uncertainties, bitterness, disappointments, and frustrations... and will you allow Him to reign over your life under His full and perfect Authority?

...dal

a mountain of perspective

2011-10-30T20:06:00.006-07:00

Mountains have captured my heart and roused up in me a great appreciation for their splendor. The peaks appear impressive and majestic in their height and rigidity. On top a mountain summit, I find a calming peacefulness that offers a different view of the surrounding land and often a different view of my life. It offers- a new perspective. From a distance, the mountains remind us of how small we are. Their grander reminds me of my meekness and of my humble place and role in God's magnificent world.

A friend recently shared with me this Oswald Chambers quote. It offers great perspective. I find it beautifully encouraging, yet equally challenging.

Never allow yourself this thought, "I am of no use where I am", because you certainly cannot be used where you have not yet been placed. Wherever God has placed you and whatever your circumstances, you should pray, continually offering up prayers to Him... When you labor at prayer, from God's perspective there are always results. What an astonishment it will be to see, once the veil is finally lifted, all the souls that have been reaped by you, simply because you have been in the habit of taking your orders from Jesus Christ. -Oswald Chambers

Did you catch that? From God's perspective there are ALWAYS results. There are always small advances, small improvements and small successes....even when all we see are set-backs, challenges and what sometimes seems like failure! He truly does always have a great and marvelous plan. Sometimes Satan gets in the way of God's plan looking less than ideal to us. But the great truth is that God is more powerful than all the evil on this Earth! So, even when it appears as if we're continually beaten down and God's glory doesn't seem to be able to shine through...remember that the Lord lives and reigns over everything. While we may not be able to see His present Glory and we may not be able to see how our every-day challenges are bringing hope to His Kingdom.... that's not always our goal. Our daily goal is to simply seek God and, as this quote suggests, take our orders from Jesus. As long as we stay focused these two things, God will manifest ways for his Glory to shine through. We need to let all the burden of desiring to see his glory and advancement of the Kingdom rest on Him!!!

Transition

2011-09-25T13:13:00.007-07:00

The transition to life in America has a been quite challenging. The challenges aren't entirely around the excessive consumerism and materialism, as most would expect. The bigger challenges are with a lot of deeper heart-issues.

From a society that is interdependent, community-based, and cooperative... to a society of independence, self-sufficiency, and personal achievement.

From a culture that always has time for an intimate conversation over tea or a meal...to a culture of planning coffee-dates a week in advance.

From a pace of life where the bus full of 60 people will literally stop (and make everyone else wait) for one person to buy a chicken.... to a pace of life that is similar to a high-speed train which seems impossible to jump on board!!

I often struggle the injustices in the world- that our friends, brothers and sisters in other parts of the world labor for enough clean water and we (in the West) water our lawns (with drinkable water) even during the rain... that children can't go to school because their parents don't have money for the fees which are equivalent to a monthly gym membership.

Please, do not read this as me complaining about America or life in America. I am very appreciative freedoms and comforts of the U.S. and I'm thankful to be born in this great nation. I am simply being real and honest about a few of the challenges of such a transition.

These challenges are of course subsequent to the great losses. The loss of a purposeful job, meaningful relationships, an impacting role in the community, and so much more that goes with a life well lived.

The great news: God's love and faithfulness are never changing, always constant and ever abounding.

The Lord’s unfailing love surrounds the one who trusts in him. Psalms 32:10

The Journey Continues...

2011-07-27T22:07:00.000-07:00

Life is a journey. We never arrive at the destination. Paths merged, are redirected and sometimes continue straight. But- the true joy of life is the journey.

My journey in Uganda was incredible. Stealing the Peace Corps slogan...it truly was: The toughest job I ever loved!! Along our journeys- we receive directions, guidance, and course corrections. My journey has arrived at: Slow down. Do not pass. For now, I don’t know the next direction. Maybe it’ll be a sign saying: “U-turn” or “Road Closed” or “Lanes merge” or “Moose crossing”!? Whatever it will say…the unclear path in the middle is still part of the journey!!

What’s next? - The notorious question everyone's asking.
Rest. Renewal. Wait.
As Solomon teaches us, there’s a time for everything. “To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under heaven.” This is a time for rest, renewal and waiting for God’s direction. It’s hard to fully explain how draining it is to live in another culture unless you’ve personally experienced it; for an extended period of time. Doing ministry on top of daily life becomes even more challenging- physically and emotionally draining. For the past 15 months, my life was in Uganda. It wasn’t simply a trip; nor did I just live there. I had a life, a home, friends, relationships, and a ministry. My heart and passion was in my work. It was sad and difficult to leave my life in Gulu. I left completely empty- having given it all. It’s now time to be refilled; physically, emotionally and spiritually.

Will I return to Uganda or stay in the U.S.? I simply don’t know just yet. There are great reasons for choosing either option. I truly want to follow God’s will for my life. Yet, we often – myself included – think that God’s desire for our life is for us to DO His will. I’ve come to realize that what God wants most- is for us to simply SEEK Him. Most likely, if we’re seeking Him with all of our heart, we will in turn do His will- and He’ll choose to use us for His Kingdom.

For now- I’m back in Longmont, CO. Enjoying the luxuries of life in America. Peaceful walks in a quiet neighborhood. The mountains & the ability to get away to my happy place. Climate control and air condition. Washing machines. Strawberries, grapes, cherries and more. Organization. Smoothly paved roads. Guaranteed daily hot showers. Carpet. And my favorite- the ability to be invisible… to not stand out the second I walk out of my house!!

To all my supporters; financial and prayer partners - Thank you for your love, support and encouragement over the past year and a half. Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to serve with Scripture Union of Uganda in Gulu. The SU Family and students are forever grateful for the time I was able to spend with them. And I am grateful, and forever changed, for my time with them- and for all the Lord taught me and ways He stretched me and forced me to grow over the past year!

Thank you for being a part of my journey!

Love & Hugs from the Rockies,
Daneen :-)

“Stop pacing the aisles and counting the miles. Instead, climb more mountains, eat more ice cream, go barefoot more often, swim more rivers, watch more sunsets, laugh more, cry less. Life must be lived as we go along.” Robert J. Hastings, The Station

Leaving not as I came

2011-07-02T01:51:00.011-07:00

Dear Uganda,
Thank you for welcoming me, loving me, breaking me and remolding me.
I leave, not as I came.

I will forever cherish...
- red murram dirt
- beautiful smiles
- joyful hearts
- simplicity
- true brotherhood/sisterhood
- warm hospitality
- mango season
- intense lightning storms
- raw, rich and real life
- interdependent community
- slow, quiet mornings
- easily accessible public transport
- dependency on the Lord for renewal, redemption, strength and grace
- the bush
- ex-pat bond
- the best pineapples in the world
- posho – haha! Just kidding!
- seeing brokenness restored in ways only possible through Jesus
- experiencing God’s Kingdom come
- running water and electricity (when they’re there)

Dear God,
Thank you for Uganda.

Every good and perfect gift is from above – James 1:17

Final Month

2011-06-22T08:15:00.005-07:00

It is somehow June 2011. I have less than 3 weeks remaining in Uganda.

I’m not yet ready to say goodbye to the great relationships I’ve made with so many people. It’s difficult to think about leaving the ministry I have loved being a part of for the past 15 months – the schools I’ve spent time at, the students who have become friends, the community members who have become partners. I’m invested in life here - it’s a very special, unique and sweet life... which I enjoy.

Equally, the students are not ready for me to leave. Last weekend, I was literally showered with nearly 200 notes from students. Notes expressing their love and gratitude for the time I’ve spent with them. I read every single message and will cherish the words of these incredible students.

This past weekend, we held the 2nd Annual Scripture Union 1-day Youth Conference in Gulu. After a number of major difficulties leading up to the conference, it was a huge success. We anticipated between 250-300 students. But God had bigger plans. 420 students attended. I was amazed. We had a beautiful representation of the “church” at the conference. Volunteers, teachers, speakers and facilitators represented over 15 local churches, 4 local organizations, 3 local businesses and over 15 schools. It was a fabulous example of the church truly working together! Most important – the students were challenged and encouraged. WOW! Glory to God!!! The past 2-3 weeks, have been some of the most challenging in my time in Uganda. For many reasons- which I will not list. Yet, amidst the challenges, I’ve been filled with a sense of peace and have been capable of taking each overwhelming issue one at a time (even though I was hit with about 5 at once.) It’s truly been God’s strength and grace which has sustained me. We are currently in the middle of a very busy week showing the Jesus Film in schools around Gulu. I continue to trust in the Lord’s provision for strength, energy and patience throughout this time.

My next few weeks will be filled with visiting all the schools, churches and NGO’s I’ve worked closely with during my time here. Spending a Saturday with the amazing girls at Purse of Hope. Showing the Jesus Film in Swahili to the ladies of Remnant. Tea with Mamma Joy and Pastor Ron. Embracing the special and unique community of expats in Gulu. Enjoying the great selection of tasty authentic international food. Treasuring quiet mornings. Appreciating evenings of good conversation. And lots of continued prayer for God to show me HIS path for what’s next.

With love from Gulu....

VIDEO: Gulu students say Thank You to LifeBridge High School students for the opportunity to attend Scripture Union Camp. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ks4cC_uhhGc

Baking Cookies

2011-05-31T13:13:00.006-07:00

It’s true - I enjoy hanging out with high school students. Call me crazy; but I think they’re awesome people. In Uganda, the relationship between youth and adults is one of respect and hierarchy. From a small age, children are taught to give ultimate respect to their elders. This includes the actions of kneeling when you greet someone and not looking someone in the eyes. To us in the West, this appears demeaning and rude. However, this is African culture. As a result, it takes time to establish a mentor-type friendship with the youth. Additionally, the idea of youth “hanging out” with an adult in a mentor-type environment is largely uncommon.

Recently, I had the opportunity to have students over to my house after church. Many students are boarding students and therefore remain at their schools for church or attend nearby churches. The Scripture Union club from Restore Leadership Academy was asked to sing at the Youth Service at Watoto Church. Since they were already in town, the school approved for them to spend time at my house before returning to school. We enjoyed sodas, fresh baked cookies, snacks, games and simply hanging out. The students loved exploring the random things in my house; basketballs, games like Jenja, the computer, the stove with an oven and sweets (candy!). It was great fun to hang out with these students outside of their school environment.

Some of my favorite students – yes, all youth leaders have favorites even though we’re not “supposed” to and try hard to not show it – happen to be 4 sisters who attend Restore. After they experienced the homemade American-style cookies, they wanted to learn how to make them. So that’s what we did. During their holiday break, before the second school term started, the girls came to my house and we baked cookies! I gave them the recipe and explained how recipe’s work and left it to them to figure out measurements and how to combine the ingredients. They did fantastic and we had a ton of fun. The cookies – chocolate chip – were super yummy! They divided the cookies among the 4 of them so they could each have their own stash in their dorm rooms at school! They also had a baggie that they would give away to people around their house.

A fabulous day.

Transformers - Not Conformers

2011-05-05T09:57:00.010-07:00

ONE OF THE HIGHLIGHTS of my time in Uganda with Scripture Union has been inviting 9 students from Gulu to attend Scripture Union Camp in at Mwiri Busoga College. Mwiri Camp - the SU Annual Leaders conference - was held April 22-27, 2011 in Central Region; 7 hours from Gulu. This was an incredible opportunity for these students to travel outside of Northern Uganda, meet students from around the country, be challenged "Lead Where You Are" and be surrounded by the SU-Uganda family - a unique and special family like no other!

Nine students from six Gulu schools were selected to attend the conference. Each of the students are leaders in their SU Clubs and were overjoyed to be chosen to attend this camp. They had an amazing time, made new friends, were challenged and changed, and inspired to be great leaders! Joyce (Gulu High School), Francis (Gulu High School), Joyce (Trinity College), Ronald (Keyo SS), Evelyn (Keyo SS), St. Mary’s College (Daniel), Francis (Gulu College), Annet (Gulu SS), Winnie (Gulu Parent’s Comprehensive). Additionally, a new SU-Gulu volunteer was able to attend as a camp facilitator, Thomas.

The Gulu students represented Acholiland with pride! In front of the entire camp of 250 students, they had the opportunity to share testimonies of Scripture Union in their schools. They lead the students in Acholi singing and dancing…and oh, did we dance! At Cultural Night, over 20 groups made presentations, and the Acholi Cultural presentation won first place! I’m so proud of these students!!! Video of Acholi Dancing at SU Camp Mwiri - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bp8cCtZ4JqU

I cannot possibly put together my own words to express the students’ great experiences and gratitude for attending camp. Here are some of their own words:
Annet – Gulu Senior Secondary - I’m so much impressed with all that they’re [SU] doing. The thing I love the most is Praise & Worship. It touches my life so much. I feel like I should not even go back to Gulu. I feel like I’m in the next level. I’ve changed; I am not as I came.
Ronald – Keyo SS - What I’ve experienced is about leadership; being a good transformer and not a conformer.
Joyce – Trinity College - The thing that excited me about here is Bible Study and Quite Time. You just read your Bible and understand. When I go back to our school, I will encourage them to make sure we do Bible Study and that we learn how to do Quite Time.
Winnie – Gulu Parents’ Comprehensive College - I meet many friends from different schools, different districts, and of different tribes – many of which I never knew before. And I never knew they’d showed me the love as I had in our place [Gulu]. But I was not surprised that they showed me more [love] than I’ve had before. I think it’s all because of the love of Jesus, that he sacrificed himself on the cross to show us love - so we give back the glory to God in the Highest.
Joyce – Gulu High School - I’d love to say a great thanks and appreciation and ask the almighty God to bless you [LBCC students who sponsored students to attend camp]. And thank you very much to our Auntie Daneen who bought for us biscuits in the bus.

HUGE thanks to the High Schools students at LifeBridge Christian Church in Longmont, Colorado; my home church. For one month, these HS students gave their offering specifically to send students from Gulu to SU Camp. I am so proud of the LBCC students for rising up to be a part of what God is doing in Uganda! The money raised fully supported the Gulu students to cover all their transportation, food and camp registration needs!! There is no way the Gulu students would have ever been able to attend this conference without this incredible gift! A wonderful blessing!!

Life

2011-04-07T03:28:00.009-07:00

Many people often comment about how I must be living an amazing adventure. I must have so many stories to tell. Well…sure. Life is an adventure and along the way it’s filled with stories. Riding a public bus for 5 hours with a chicken at your feet… cooking by candlelight and headlamp because there’s no power… chasing chickens out of my house… if you think those things are adventurous – then, yes, I live an adventurous life. But since when do we journal life’s remarkable moments with stories of cooking and public transport? Yes, life is a compilation of all our short stories. And I must admit that the best stories of life in Africa almost always involve transportation!! :-)

But we’re missing the point. Life is definitely a journey; sometimes into the unknown. It can certainly be an adventure. And life is absolutely about making the most of the little moments and creating great stories. But at the core of our lives, the thing that makes our stories memorable and what makes the journey more enjoyable is one thing we all treasure most: Relationships.

Relationships with one another are at the core of who we are. Quite simply, that’s how God designed us. To be in relationship with others. To share our lives with those around us. To live in community.

The joy of my time in Uganda is all a result of my relationships here. I would equally say that the joy of my life when I live in the U.S. is also defined by my relationships. -- Well, that and the mountains!! :-) -- Having dinner with my friends Patrick & Mary and their new baby girl. Attending an SU Fellowship club at a school. Hanging out with students after fellowship to hear about how school is going. Talking with students about their dreams! Laughing about the craziness of our lives in Gulu with my expat friends. Listening to a podcast with friends and sharing about what God is teaching us. These are the things that standout when I think about what I love most about my current chapter of life!

You see. If I were to let the daily circumstances of my life in Gulu define me and my time here - the same things that some say make my life “exciting” - I’d probably be pretty miserable. No one enjoys being dirty within 10 minutes of leaving your house. It’s incredibly unsafe to spend as much time as I do on the back of a motorcycle without a helmet; yet, most often, I have no other choice. The joy of cooking is laborsome because everything must start from scratch. As I type, workers are hammering in my kitchen as they continue Month 3 of their attempt to install countertops and cabinets. These things are all part of my everyday life, all a part of living in Uganda. If I were to allow these things to be my experience here…it’d be a pretty lousy experience.

Yes, I do have a great life! I thank God daily for the awesome life He’s blessed me with! I’m thankful for all the adventures, all the travels, all the wild moments, all the experiences, all the journeys. But I’m mostly grateful for the wonderful relationships and the love! Yes, I’m still waiting for the ultimate relationship... someone to share my life with. Someone to share this journey and all the adventures with. But in the mean time, and always, I have Jesus to walk with me. Following Jesus down this road that lead me to Uganda… has been the best road I could have ever taken. I would have never dreamed up even half the experiences I’ve had in this last year. I trusted God with His plan, and joined him on his journey and His story. And God, most certainly, always writes the best stories!!

Two roads diverged in a wood, and I-- I took the one less traveled by, And that has made all the difference. -Robert Frost

We each have the opportunity to choose the road less traveled. Often, it’s the road that God desires for us.
It's a matter of if we'll follow.
It’s not always easy.
But it’s always worth it!!

March Update

2011-04-03T06:31:00.009-07:00

Last week, on April 8th, I celebrated being one year old in Uganda!! A great milestone and opportunity to reflect on the beautifulness of the past 12 months. I had hoped to have time to sit and write a profound reflection on my time thus far in Uganda, but with the combination of hosting a team, planning for a camp and having no electricity for nearly 9 days…alas my profound reflection will be on African time! :-)

NEWS: EXTENSION OF SERVICE
For those who have somehow not yet heard, I have decided to extend my time in Uganda until early July. I am very excited about this as I’m definitely not ready to leave the great relationships I’ve developed here. You can read more about this decision here: TBD

MISSION TRIP
For 2 weeks, four amazing girls from Colorado spent time with me and the Scripture Union (SU) ministry in Uganda. They were a huge blessing to the SU ministry doing some hard work at SU Campsite, a fabulous Children’s Day event and wonderful school visits!! The most exciting part for me was seeing my two worlds come together; my friends who are like family from the US were in Uganda with my brothers and sisters here!!
You can read more about the team’s journey on their blog: http://www.lbccugandateam.blogspot.com/ Read about their triumphs, challenges, the vehicle breakdowns, the programs, and what God taught them!
COLORADO HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS SPONSOR UGANDAN STUDENTS
Each year, after the 1st school term finishes in late April, Scripture Union holds their annual national leaders camp near Jinja, central Uganda; approximately 7hours from Gulu. Last year, around 400 students attended the Mwiri Camp. Most students come from the areas around Jinja and Kampala. This year, I have the privilege to take 10 students from Gulu to this camp. Normally, a student from Northern Uganda wouldn’t even considering attending Mwiri camp as the costs for transport is too expensive.
The High School ministry at my home church, LifeBridge Christian Church, in Longmont , CO challenged the students to give their offering, for 1 month, to go towards sending high school students in Gulu to Christian camp in Uganda! The LBCC students raised $375 which covers all the costs for 10 students to attend camp! I'm so proud of these students!! The Gulu students who have been selected, all strong leaders in their Scripture Union clubs, are extremely excited about this opportunity!

As I type this, rain is pouring from the heavens and it’s glorious! Here in northern Uganda, we eagerly await the arrival of rainy season... this is the first downpour in about a week! Once rainy season truly arrives….rainstorms will be daily. We appreciate the reprieve from the heat and the dust. In turn, we will welcome muddy roads and being stranded places because there is no “covered” transport!! BRING ON THE RAIN!!!!!

3 Words

2011-03-22T11:48:00.007-07:00

My worlds have collided…and it’s a beautiful thing.

It’s amazing to have 4 friends and sisters from Colorado, working side-by-side with my Ugandan friends, brothers and sisters!! We’ve spent two days digging holes and pouring concrete to put up clothes lines outside the dormitories, and planted over 50 trees around the SU Campsite. Lots of hard work and hours of fun, laughter and fellowship with new friends!

After two days working together, Joshua challenged us to describe our experience in 3 words.

Julie – Joy, Peace, Fun
Laurie – Partnership, Delicious, Worship
Kinsey – Work, Friends, God
Jessie – New and Exciting
Bonnie – You, Me, God
Dennis – He, She, We
Daneen – Together, Love, Peaceful
Sammy – Exciting and Fabulous
Joselyn – Fun, Love, Unity
Joshua – Exciting, Teamwork
Barnabas – Free and Fair (he’s still stuck with elections in his mind! Haha!)

As Sammy says:
It is so exciting to see the joy of teamwork and enjoy the peace of the Lord in worship, and experience love freely and be blessed with fair weather!! :-)

Missions Team

2011-03-19T01:12:00.012-07:00

My home church, LifeBridge Christian Church in Longmont, CO, is sending a short-term missions team to serve alongside Scripture Union and myself for 2 weeks!! From March 19th – April 3rd a team of 4 girls will be part of an amazing journey with God and the great work he is doing in Uganda! I’m certain that they will be blessed during this time and that they will bless many others; myself included.

Here’s the plan:

SCRIPTURE UNION CAMPSITE – FIXER-UPER PROJECTS
4 days – SU Campsite, Entebbe
The USA team will serve alongside Ugandan Scripture Union staff/volunteers at the SU Campsite, along the shores of Lake Victoria. Projects will include: planting trees & grass, putting up clothes lines, and general cleaning. We will also have a day of Retreat to spend time together in fellowship, prayer and fun!!!

WATOTO LIVING HOPE - CHILDREN'S DAY
2 days – Living Hope, Gulu
The USA team is packed with girls who love children! With a church Children’s Ministry Director, a Kindergarten teacher and a Middle School youth leader, these girls are gonna be stellar! We will hold 3 half-day Children’s events. The events will be similar to a mini-VBS program filled with: praise/worship, Bible story time, games, craft, snacks and FUN! We are expecting around 200 children for each of the 3 sessions. The Living Hope ministry serves 800+ women in the Gulu area who are all either HIV+, child mothers or returnees from serving with the LRA, the Uganda rebel army. The ministry indirectly ministers to over 3000 children who belong to the women of Living Hope. This Children’s Day event will be one of the few opportunities they have to directly minster to this group of children.
Students from the SU Clubs of two local secondary schools will be volunteering with the team.

SCHOOL OURTREACH - SCRIPTURE UNION CLUB VISITS
4 days – Gulu secondary schools
The team will have the opportunity to spend time with the heart of the Scripture Union ministry: SU Clubs at secondary schools! We will visit 6 schools during their SU Club meetings. The students will start their meetings as normal - boisterous praise and worship, prayer and testimony sharing. The USA team will then lead the students through a time of sharing/teaching, encouragement, prayer, and games. The students are excited about the team’s visit. They always love when people from “outside” visit their schools. They find it encouraging that someone on the other side of the world took the time and money to come spend time with them! The team will not be bringing gifts or money or promises of pen pals or sponsorship. They are simply giving their time to love on these students!

LOVE and LEARNING
4 days – Gulu NGOS
The team will spend their mornings in Gulu visiting various non-profit organizations (NGOs) who are doing great work. This opportunity will also give them a chance to learn about the region, the history, the challenges and the great work God is doing. We will spend time visiting: World Vision Children’s Rehabilitation Center, Remnant Uganda, Zion Project, Watoto’s Baby Home and Invisible Children.

There will be glitches. There will be a need to modify our schedule. There will be laughter. There will be tears.

I’m eager to see what God is going to teach these girls and myself. I’m excited to be a part of their journey. I’m honored to host them in a place that has become home to me.

My journeys in Africa started with a 2-week mission trip to Kenya. Who knows where this will lead...

"It is a beautiful thing when folks in poverty are no longer just a missions project but become genuine friends and family with whom we laugh, cry, dream and struggle." Shane Claiborne

Fire

2011-03-17T09:43:00.005-07:00

Stacey (roommate): “Something is burning!”
Me: “In the house, or outside?”
Stacey: “Inside!”

I rush to the hall to smell and see smoke near the ceiling. As we’re both searching around to see where it’s coming from, Stacey spots the main electrical control panel on the wall. It is smoking!

We both yell for Tim, our other housemate. We all kind of walk around thinking [out loud] of what to do and what we can use to put out the flames, which are behind the panel door. A fire extinguisher? Ha, they don’t even sell fire extinguishers in Gulu! We turn off the main power switch from outside. Thankfully the fire is contained behind the panel door and we don’t want to expose it to more oxygen. Tim thinks about baking soda. Thankfully we had a good bit in the house. Using a piece of cardboard, he funnels it behind the panel door. Eventually the flames seem to die down, but we’re still concerned it might be smoldering somewhere we can’t see. Tim goes up into the crawl space to check things out.

Stacey calls the landlord. I call a friend who was a firefighter in the US.

Fire returns behind the panel door. We’re out of baking soda. Tim, again thinking quickly, mentions sand. Stacey heads outside to dig up some sand. Sand is a regular part of the ground around here! I give some sand to Tim and then funnel the rest behind the panel door. Again the flames seem to die down.

We bring in the hose from outside…just in case.

We open the panel door to see the damage and ensure the fire is truly out.

We all make phone calls to get in touch with the best electricians we can find in town. We need to ensure someone who really knows what they’re doing comes to check things out and ultimately repair things correctly!! A total of 4 electricians come through the house throughout the day!

No power until a good repair is done.

What happened? One electrician says that because the electrical current fluctuates so much, you need to have a good ground and a good regulator (to control the current flow into the house), and he suspects we’re lacking both.

Moral of the story:
1. Always have a boy around the house with quick thinking
2. Buy a fire extinguisher…or stock up on baking soda

Interruption

2011-03-10T05:30:00.001-07:00

God is seeking to “interrupt” your life and reveal to you a journey that will set everything in your world, all of your planets of purpose in orbit. Sometimes, he will lead us down a path, to a job, into the life of someone or someone into our life – and the pause in the time we so loosely label an “interruption” actually changes everything. And to those attuned to recognize it and who have the understanding to interpret, it is the combustible element that activates the great love of God, he is trying so desperately to show.

Damon S. Davis, CEO of Legacy Group Global
“Journey to the Heart of Darkness”

February Update

2011-03-07T01:53:00.009-07:00

Greetings from dry, dusty and HOT Gulu!

We are in the prime of dry season. There has been no rain since December, and with most roads being only dirt, it makes for one dusty town! It seems I can’t drink enough water to quench my thirst. The heat doesn’t seem to subside unless you’re sitting directly in front of a fan!! I arrive to visit schools, and am covered in red dirt. This is Gulu in February…and now March. We all hope the rains will come soon!

But even in the midst of this dust bowl… Life is fabulous!! Life is joyful! I’m incredibly blessed. God is amazing!

On Feb 12th, 140 students attended a 1-day Youth Conference in Gulu. It was organized by Richard Kakanyero and his church, Worship Revival Center Gulu. Richard has a love for Scripture Union and wanted to partner with SU for this conference so he contacted me. The main purpose of the conference was to bring together the SU members from various schools, encourage them as they start a new school year and challenge them to be the ones to change their Nation! 140 students attended from 13 different schools around Gulu. They had a fabulous time. Richard did a great job organizing everything with a little coaching from me. I’m so proud of him. He recently finished high school in Dec 2010. During his secondary school years, he was very active with his school SU Club and held the position of Chairperson in 2008.

If you’re looking for success stories from Scripture Union, Richard is one! The vision of SU is to transform the youth to follow Jesus and be filled with hope, and in turn, those youth transform their communities, families and nations!!!! Richard is transforming his church and his community. It was his idea to hold the conference. He was the one who challenged the church to stand behind him in organizing the event! He was the one who encouraged the SU Club at Trinity College to host the event. Richard has an amazing story of how he came to follow Jesus while living in the bush with the Ugandan rebel army (against his will), how God provided the opportunity for him to escape and of how the Lord has taken care of him over the years. It's people like Richard who bring hope for great things in Uganda!

In two weeks, the LifeBridge team will arrive in Uganda! My church in Colorado has organized for a short-term mission’s team to come to Uganda and serve with Scripture Union and myself. I have been doing much planning and organizing for this team to arrive. We will be involved in 3 main projects: 1. SU Campsite fixer-upper projects. 2. Children’s Day (VBS-type program) for children of Watoto’s Living Hope. 3. School outreach visits with SU Clubs. I’m looking forward to the team’s arrival and the opportunity to share with them a piece of my life here in Uganda. I’m especially excited because two of my closest friends are coming on the trip: Laurie and Julie!! So excited!

I love visiting the school SU Clubs. Each time I visit a school or spend time with students at a conference or camp, I become closer with them and they want to know me better. This is now my 3rd term with the students in Gulu and they no longer see me as a scarce visitor or the “mzungu”, but as part of them; part of the SU Family. Slowly, more clubs have started to incorporate Bible Study in their meetings. Ideally SU wants to see these clubs move from being solely fellowship clubs, and become discipleship clubs!

It’s exciting that church leaders, schools and various local non-profit organizations often invite me, representing Scripture Union, to be part of their activities. This is a great foundation for the Scripture Union ministry in Gulu!!! SU's desire is to partner with the community and churches.

As one of the Congolese ladies of Remnant recently said: Daneen has been very blessed and she is blessing to so many others. The Devil is mad!!!

Love & Hugs from Gulu,
Daneen

Elections

2011-03-05T04:33:00.003-07:00

Presidential Elections were held on Feb 18th followed by 2 weeks of additional voting for regional and district leaders. Here in Gulu, it’s been calm the entire time. There were a few uprisings in other larger cities in and around the capital, however, even those quickly subsided. While there is certainly much debate about whether the voting was truly fair and impartial, and the most predominant opponent to the President still refuses to accept the results…we are thankful things were as peaceful as they were. President Yoweri Museveni will carry on with his 25 year reign of tyranny …oops, I mean “democracy”.

Thomas Okello: Spreading Hope

2011-02-21T03:36:00.015-07:00

At 26 years old, Thomas Okello celebrates that he has made it to live beyond the times of the war, terror and fear. He was born in 1988; shortly after the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) started terrorizing the Acholi people in northern Uganda. His hometown is Odek (70km east of Gulu); the same hometown of the LRA’s leader, Joseph Kony.

Thomas is the first person in his family to complete secondary school. In Dec 2010, he finished his S6 school year, the final year of Advanced Level Secondary School, at Gulu College. As the last born of 7 children, he was fortunate to have older brothers who worked hard to pay for his school fees.

As he awaits his S6 exam results and hopes to attend university in August, he is choosing to volunteer with Scripture Union in Gulu. Thomas was an active member of his school’s SU Club from his first year of secondary school. Even as an S1 student he took on the leadership role of Publicity Chair. As an S5 student at Gulu College, he lead his SU Club as the Chairperson.
“Being in SU encouraged me. It taught me to know that God can change everything.”

The goal within his SU Club at Gulu College was for the entire school to be a school for Christ. “What I like about SU is that it nurtures the young children to have hope in life.”

When you first meet Thomas, you will notice his bright smile and how he intently listens to you. He wants to catch every word you say. He’s happy and joyful…always. He says: “I love to encourage people to have hope.” When you talk with Thomas, you can see that he has great hope for amazing things!

His hope comes not from a loving or encouraging family nor from an easy or enjoyable childhood. His hope comes entirely from Jesus! He accepted Christ into his life in 1996 at Amwolo, a church in Odek.

“In the village, people never believed I could make it through secondary [school].” He left the village and moved to Gulu in 2003. He came alone at 15 years old. With no family, he lived in a one-room hut with 7 other boys. He had no money for food. Family members who received free food distribution in the Internally Displaced Camps (IDPs), sent food to Gulu for him. He was determined to find a way through secondary school. He knew, that with God’s provision, he’d make it!

By 2005, Thomas was a total orphan. His mom died of cancer in February of 2002. In Nov 2002, he sat for his Primary Leaving Exam (PLE). An exam that literally determines your future education opportunities. He passed the PLE and was permitted to continue with secondary school. His father had been abducted by the LRA before Thomas was born. After escaping the LRA, Thomas’ dad returned to his wife and Thomas was the last born. Life for returnees from the bush (after being in the LRA) were and still are not easy. His father often resorted to drinking a lot of the locally-brewed alcohol Waragi. In 2005, his waragi was poisoned [on purpose] and he was killed.

“Luckily for me, I was not abducted.” Whenever Thomas talks about his childhood, this is always a statement he makes. He is very thankful (and very lucky) to have not been abducted by the LRA. However, like everyone of northern Uganda, he did not escape the daily fear that the LRA might come. In 1996, the LRA burned their house and all their properties. For 6 years, from 1998-2003, Thomas and his family and neighbors spent nearly every night sleeping in the bush. Taking just a bed sheet or blanket, they would sleep in the tall grass, between rows of maize (corn) or in the swamp.

With the war, the terror and the fear being replaced with peace, joy, and courage Thomas has a bright future. His dream is to become a secondary school teacher for Economics and History. He says he will also start his own business and still do ministry. “I’m now a life example. I’m the one to make sure their [his family] lives change.”

He wants to volunteer with SU because: “I have a desire to encourage other students and children to have hope. To follow Jesus.”

I'm thankful for Thomas. He is dedicated to the ministry of SU and is always available to serve in any capacity. He is a great addition to the ministry in Gulu. Thomas, and many students like him, are the ones who often encourage me to keep my focus on Jesus! When we, SU, experience challenges he's the one to remind me that God has a reason for everything and His grace and strength will carry us through.

-Written and posted with permission.

Contentment

2011-02-21T01:52:00.004-07:00

Less of me. More of God. That's where I find the most contentment!

So I lay me down for Kingdom come
Steal all that is within me
‘Cause all I want in this world is more of You

The less of me, it is You
Increasing as I fade away
Your life for all the world to see

God, it is You who breaks the chains
It is You who lights the way
And everything I am cries out for You

So make my life transparent
Your life in mine displayed
And let every earthly glory
Go back to you

"You" - Hillsong LIVE, A Beautiful Exchange

Seeking...

2011-02-09T12:59:00.006-07:00

God has been incredible this past year. Of course, He’s always incredible. But I’ve seen His faithfulness to a different level this past 12 months. Perhaps it’s because when you give Him everything, you need Him more than ever. You trust and depend on Him like never before. And He comes through!!!

It’s February and, according to what was “planned”, I have less than 3 months remaining of my time in Uganda. I arrived in early April 2010 and plan to stay through early May 2011. The plan: to finish up my committed one year serving with Scripture Union and return to the U.S. Return home. Find a job. Hang out with some awesome high school students. Play in the mountains. And, if it’s time (please, Jesus), my future husband find me. :-)

I love my life! I’ve been very blessed. Every bit of it. I’m immensely grateful for all the incredible adventures and this wild journey.
And I love my life in Uganda. It’s often not an easy life. The heat is literally exhausting. Power is frequently not there! It’s impossible to stay clean (or feel clean) for more than 2 hours each day! As much as life feels normal here, daily I’m reminded that I’m a foreigner living in a foreign country. BUT… it’s a sweet life. I value the simplicity of life in Gulu. I love the small-town feel. I enjoy getting together with friends for a meal or to simply play games. No need for manufactured fun here. I’m thankful for an awesome community of fellow Believers to do life with. I enjoy my job and the opportunity to serve Jesus in Gulu!

As my time nears a “supposed end” in Uganda, I am searching for God’s direction on what’s next. I’ve learned that if I can really listen to Him and do what He wants of me, that’s what will be BEST for me! Even if it doesn’t always seem like the easy choice. I think about what’s next, and wonder if I really am to go back to the U.S., or if God wants me in Uganda a little longer. Perhaps an extra 3 months. I’m still not solidly convinced either way. So I continue to wait seek God’s direction.

It’s true, that when you give up everything - particularly your own plans and agenda - to follow Jesus’ will for your life, the blessings are huge. But after a time, there’s a temptation to think that “I’ve given my time. My part is done.” Pride tells you you’ve sacrificed more than others. Fear tells you it’s time to worry about the future. I’ve given enough. Its someone else’s turn. (Thank you Francis Chan for this reminder!)
BUT…Jesus says to keep on keeping on and you will see more of God!

YES! I want MORE OF GOD!
That doesn’t automatically mean I need to remain in Uganda to serve Jesus. This all just means I need to stay open to His direction.

God wants us to trust him with abandon!!! Without any restraint. Relinquish control to Him!

I listen and wait...

Bernard's Schooling Update

2011-01-31T05:58:00.006-07:00

Through the support of some wonderful people, Bernard successfully completed his first semester of university at ECUREI in Kampala, Uganda. Once finished with the 3-year program, he will have a degree in Biomedical Engineering and hopes to go into the field of Medical Equipment Repair.

Many thanks to: John, Sue, Dana, Lindsey, Joi & Kris, Lauren, Mandy & Tim, Amy & Ken, Amber and Marcia and Ryan.

To read his story visit: http://daneenleidig.blogspot.com/2010/08/bernard.html

UPDATE:
In December 2010, Bernard was given the opportunity to intern with International Hospital Kampala (IHK), which is one of the more prestigious privately-owned hospitals in all of Uganda. At the end of his initial 2-month internship, he has been offered the opportunity to be a full-time volunteer. As a full-time volunteer (which he will amazingly balance with his classes and school-work), they will give him a small monthly allowance to help support transport costs to/from the hospital.

He has been LOVING this opportunity. He's had some incredible hands-on experience including working on equipment while IN THE SURGERY room!!!!

Classes start up again next week, Feb 7th. (They were to start on the 14th, however, with Presidential Elections set for Feb 18th, the school is expecting to close for about 1 week to allow students to report to their home towns to vote. Students were informed of the date change last week!!)

Bernard has been working hard and trusting God to provide his school fees for this Semester. On his own, he was able to save (through personal means as well as sponsors 450,000 UGX; approx $195 US). This is really wonderful.
Scholarships are only available to returning students who have completed a full year (2 semesters) of course-work. After this semester he will be able to start applying for scholarships for next year.

Semester 2 Tuition - 1,850,000 UGX = $800 USD
Amount Raised - 1,400,000 UGX = $608 USD
Daneen's Donation* - 690,000 UGX = $300 USD
*While I was in the U.S. in January, I was incredibly blessed by many supporters. In an abundance beyond what my needs were. I've decided to give $300 USD to Bernard's schooling. Some of YOU were even the ones who blessed me!! :-)

Amounted needed - 710,000 UGX = $308 USD

Bernard is able to register for classes as long as he has half the tuition. Once I give him my $300, he will have that amount. So he WILL be able to start classes on Monday. If you would like to continue partnering with him, I know he'd be most grateful. Even up to now, he is INCREDIBLY grateful and thanks me often!!!! But it's really thanks to YOU for making this dream come true for him!!!

Online donations: https://www.scriptureunion.org/donate.php
Designation: Daneen Leidig Uganda
EMAIL ME with the amount you've donated so that I know to pull it out (of my monthly stipend) and give it to Bernard.

Thank you for being a blessing in my life as well as Bernard's!

My Story: Shine Like a Star

2011-01-27T01:28:00.008-07:00

I studied engineering because I always had a dream (and life goal) to be an astronaut. I was very serious about this, which is why (even with not the best grades or brightest brain), I studied (and struggled) through aerospace engineering. My grandma was my best champion. She would always send me cards and letters which were signed “Reach for the Stars”. That’s what I was doing!

My favorite quote through high school, college and 5 years after college was:
“Shoot for the Moon. Even if you miss, you’ll still land among the stars.”

That was my ambition and by accomplishing that goal (of becoming an astronaut and making it to the stars), I thought I would have significance in life. I would make a difference in people’s lives. Perhaps I would be part of a scientific discovery through studies in zero-gravity. After a few years working for Boeing…Yes, I really was a rocket scientist… I started to be realistic about all that it would take to have a good enough resume to even apply to the astronaut program. It took a good 2 years to finally give up the dream, but I realized there was just too much to do in life and I didn’t want to spend 20+ years focusing on a career that may or may not turn out as I planned.

In the background, God was working on my heart and re-molded me and my views of success and significance. In 2005, after working in the Aerospace industry for 7 years, I chose to do something against the norm of our 21st century culture. I left a secure, well-paying career to transition into the non-profit industry with the idea of wanting my every day job to be giving back to society. I spent time serving with the U.S. Peace Corps in Zambia, returned to the US and held a variety of jobs ranging from teaching gymnastics to answering pilot’s questions to selling satellite imagery!! While I never found the “perfect job”, I had peace knowing that I was where God wanted me for that season. Today Jesus has me serving in Uganda in a job that I love with Scripture Union! Discipling students through Bible Study and camps/conferences and partnering with local churches to encourage daily Bible reading!

I had come to a point of transformation. Jesus taught me to be content in all situations, as long as I was listening to what and where He was guiding me.
Instead of needing to achieve what I saw as success and significance by going to be with the stars; I could simply let my life be a life for Jesus by Shining Like A Star!!!!

Become pure children of God…in this crooked and deprived generation…in which we Shine like Stars in the universe!! – Phil 2:15

For the past 5 years, my new favorite quote has been:
“Sometimes on the way to a dream, you get lost and find a better one.”

And that’s where I am now. I no longer have a 5 Year Plan; except to hopefully get married! :-) My plan is whatever God has planned for my life, which involves lots of trust. Everything to God. My life, my job, my money, my house. He’s the Lord of our hearts and the Creator of the Universe. Who else should I trust? While it’s not always easy [to have complete and total trust], it brings great peace in knowing I have perfect significance in God, my Father, through Jesus!!!!!

Pieces of Happines

2011-01-19T21:35:00.019-07:00

Things that make me smile! :-)

Trees... the forest... snow... and clear blue Colorado sky!

Playing outside!

Being a kid again!

Thank you, awesome friends!

Thank you Colorado!

American Blessings & Challenges

2011-01-17T21:54:00.012-07:00

I’ve been soaking up all things American for the past 3 weeks. It’s been a great joy to simply be on a break. A vacation from “work” and a chance to live in luxury for a few weeks! It’s been refreshing and enjoyable to catch-up with friends, share with so many about what God is doing in Uganda and receive loads of hugs!!! It’s interesting…. When you’re on vacation in America, and your life and work are somewhere else, you have a different perspective. You see things differently.

BLESSINGS
- Carpet
- Climate control
- Water fountains
- Paper towels
- Nice restaurants, with too many choices, incredible bathrooms and where everything on the menu is available to eat.

I truly do love the U.S. of A. and I am beyond grateful to be born an American. These challenges listed below are simply some things that, after living overseas for some time, I’ve picked up on that seem to be more apparent to me now than they did before. And these are all challenges of which I'm a culprit!

CHALLENGES
- Sarcasm – It seems that many of us communicate nearly entirely through sarcasm. With our friends, with our family, with our co-workers. Sarcasm is defined as: a sharp, bitter, or cutting expression or remark; a bitter jibe or taunt. Wow...who wants their best friends always communicating this way? Many might say it’s just my sense of humor. It seems as though we mask our true thoughts and feelings through using this method of “humor”. How do you have deep conversations or share your true thoughts and feelings when so much is covered in sarcasm?
- PDA – Public Display of Affection – Holy cow people! Get a room! After being immersed in a culture where nearly zero PDA is acceptable, where very few boyfriend/girlfriends even hold hands in public, it’s been a shocker to return to the West. I’m all for holding hands and even small pecks, but the making out in public seems a bit out of hand!
- Complaining – I’ve always known this, but it’s been emphasized on this trip. We sure do complain a lot. It seems like there’s always something to complain about. Largely because we feel entitled to so much, that it leads the door open to grumble about the smallest things. And it seems all of this complaining leads to a ton of drama! Uggh, drama!!
This brings to mind a song I sang as a kid...
Are you grumbly hateful or humbly grateful? What’s your attitude?
Do you grumble and groan, or let it be known you’re grateful for all God’s done for you!?
Just something to think about! :-)
- Worship – I’m for sure very thankful for the awesome worship style we see in most contemporary churches today. I definitely love it and miss it when I’m in Uganda. Yet, one of the most encouraging things I love about my job in Uganda is that I get to walk into SU Fellowships at schools and see students praising and worshiping God with such pure and simple joy. Singing, jumping and dancing. To the beat of one drum or maybe two and perhaps a hand-made tambourine. And that’s it. No extravagant lights. No synthesizer. No one leading them to get them to clap their hands. They do that all on their own. It just makes you think...what do we really need to worship God???

Dear God, You HAVE blessed America! Thank you! Please let us be a blessing to others around the world and to learn from others around the world! Let us be one Kingdom. ~Amen

Scripture Union Youth Camp – Lira 2010

2010-12-18T03:02:00.011-07:00

Scripture Union Camp is something many students around Uganda look forward to each year. There are camps throughout the year, but the big one is always in December, once the school year has finished! For the students of Northern Uganda, the idea of Camp is still new and growing. This year is only the 2nd ever annual SU camp in the North, while in other regions camps have been going on for 20 years! The first battle with hosting a “Camp” in northern Uganda is to get the students to understand what this means. When they first think of the word Camp, they think of an IDP Camp. A camp for Internally Displaced Persons. A place where many of them may have lived up until 4 years ago. A place where many of them were born. Memories or thoughts of life in the IDP Camp are generally not the best.

Since July I have been trying to inform students at schools in Gulu about SU Camp. During our visits to the schools to show them the Jesus Film, we also showed them video of a previous SU Camp so that they could get an idea of what camp is like! They are very familiar with 1-day Youth Conferences. And a camp is essentially a multi-day Conference where you stay away from home. They liked this idea!!

In northern Uganda, our end-of-the-year Youth Camp is held in Lira. A town 2 hours from Gulu. For Gulu students to attend, they would not only need to find the 10,000 UGX registration fee, but they would also need money for transport to and from Lira. A total of 30,000 UGX, which is a big challenge for the students and their families. Approximately $15.00 US.

Since August, I’ve been challenging the students to consider finding a way to send at least 1 or 2 representatives from their school to camp! So that a student could experience all the great things about camp and come back to share with the rest of their classmates! We have also visited a number of local churches, encouraging them to sponsor students to attend Camp!

Why is it so important to have these students attend camp?
- For them to hear the Truth and the Word of God
- To be encouraged in their journey with Jesus
- To be challenged to trust the Lord with their life
- To be motivated to share the love of Jesus with others
- To receive a more comprehensive understanding of Scripture Union and our unique family
- To meet new friends from around northern Uganda
- To be guided through Bible Study by good leaders (in hopes they incorporate this into their school SU Clubs)
- To travel to a new place and all the experiences that come with that opportunity
- For them to get to be kids and have FUN!

And have fun they did! We had 93 students attend camp from 5 districts: Lira, Gulu, Kitgum, Apac, and Oyam. For over 75% of the campers, it was their first time to experience a residential camp!!! They were overjoyed!!!!

I was especially excited that 42 students were able to attend from Gulu!!!
Restore Leadership Academy – 20 students + 1 facilitator (SU Patron)
Keyo Secondary School – 2 students + 1 facilitator (SU Patron and school Reverend)
Gulu Senior Secondary – 3 students
Gulu High School – 2 students
Christ Church – 4 students
Favor of God Ministries – 12 students + 1 facilitator
LifeLine Church Gulu – 1 student + 1 facilitator
Watoto Church – 2 facilitators

For me, being the Camp Manager, there were a number of challenges and frustrations. Even the first day, I found tears in my eyes at 9am, already overwhelmed with the challenges. But Jesus carried me through. It was all HIM that I was able to continue forward with the logistical nightmares!! I had to continually remind myself this is not mine or even SU’s camp….but God’s! But even with those challenges, the camp we wonderful! As far as the students could see, camp was well organized and filled with a great variety of activities and topics.

THE BEST PART: The students had a blast and God was glorified!

Our focus at SU is to CREATE TRANSFORMERS. For the students to be transformed themselves, and for them to, in turn, go out and transform others; their friends, families, Uganda and the nations of Africa!

Each day we had a topic which was shared in the Bible Exposition message and later reinforced during small group Bible study.
Day 1: The Making of a Transformer – Self Esteem (1 Timothy 4:11-16)
Day 2: The Calling of a Transformer – Standing Out (Daniel 3:1-18)
Day 3: The Destiny of a Transformer – Purity of the Mind (Numbers 13:1-3 & 16-33)
Day 4: The Commissioning of a Transformer – Putting Off and Putting On (Ephesians 4:17-5:2)

The days started early with Fitness Club/ Devotion Time at 6am! Each day was filled with Praise & Worship, Bible Exposition, Quiet Time, Bible Study, Workshops (Topics: Scripture Union, Panel Discussion on God/Faith/Religion and Relationships), Life Skills Sessions (HIV/AIDS), Sports … and of course, lots of eating!!! Each evening we had a different event; Movie Night, Cultural/Talent Night, Worship Experience, Family Night and Candlelight!

My favorite night of camp is always the last night. Not because camp is ending, but because it’s a really special time. After 4 days, the students have made some great new friendships. They’ve become close with their Families (their Bible Study groups) and they don’t want camp to end!!! One of the most special times at camp is when we give gifts within our families. It’s incredible to see how created the students are and what they sacrifice to find a gift for their family member. The purpose: instill in them giving hearts. And they give and love it! They will find ways to even buy wrapping paper. They decorated their family tables with leaves, flowers and even fruit! It’s a really beautiful time!!

After we give gifts and celebrate with singing and dancing, we move into a time to wrap-up the whole camp. With our theme being Light Your World (Matthew 5:14),this year, we have ended our camps with a beautiful candlelight ceremony. With the lights off, one person gives them a final challenge for the students to go into their World and be a Light for Jesus. One candle is lit, and it lights another. Singing "Go Light Your World". Within minutes the room is full of LIGHT! What a great visual for the students to see how if each of them can be a small Light, together they can make a huge impact!! Wow! So powerful!

At the end of camp, you’re able to look back and say it was all worth it. Every bit of frustration. Every tear shed in feeling overwhelmed. The long days. Everything! ALL WORTH IT!
It’s a humbling honor to GET to serve the Lord in northern Uganda.

Living Hope: Restoring Dignity

2010-12-14T22:35:00.010-07:00

Living Hope is a ministry of Watoto Church which reaches out to over 800 women in the Gulu area. These women are: HIV+, returnees from abduction into the rebel army, widows with children and teenage mothers. Living Hope serves to restore their dignity. Living Hope is not giving these women their dignity. God already gave them dignity when He created them. However, due to various life circumstances – a 20 year war, HIV/AIDS pandemic and abandonment or being widowed – they have been robbed of their dignity in countless ways which we can hardly imagine! Through spiritual discipleship, improved quality of life, ARV distribution center, empowerment through vocational training, and income generating projects these women are being offered a second chance at the life they deserve. The women are also offered to participate in a literacy class which, upon graduation, they can read and write in English.

On 14 December 2010, Living Hope Gulu celebrated their launch of MakaPads production in Gulu and I was honored to be among the invited guests! MakaPads is an innovative and affordable sanitary pad. MAKA: Menstruation Administration Knowledge and Affordability. Approximately 80% of girls are absent from school during their menstruation days; and many even drop out of school. A number of well-organized schools try to have an annual budget to purchase pads for the girls in attempt to keep them in school.

MakaPads is a project of Technology for Tomorrow, T4T; www.t4tafrica.com. T4T is an African company providing African solutions. Using readily available materials T4T is making life easier while protecting the environment. The MakaPads are made from papyrus and recycled paper. Papyrus is found in the swamps and found in a variety of locations around Uganda.

I was honored to attend the launch celebration. The Director of Living Hope Gulu knows that through my work with Scripture Union I have contacts with school Head Teachers. She asked me, with less than 24 hours notice, to invite some Head Teachers. This week, most Head Teachers are either busy finalizing report cards or they have left school for their holiday as schools closed last Friday. I called up a few of my favorite Head Teachers who I thought would be most interested in this program. Two attended. Madam Anna, HT at St. Mary’s College Lacor and James, Dept. HT from Restore Leadership Academy. They both enjoyed learning about both Living Hope and also MakaPads and its focus on keeping the girl child in school. They both expressed that their schools have budgets to purchase pads for the girls. They wanted to now purchase their pads from Living Hope!! Awesome!

While I’ve known about Living Hope for some time and have spent some time at the Center in Gulu, I’ve never heard any of the women's personal testimonies. It was incredible to hear some of their stories and how they tell their stories with such joy because they have been restored dignity!!! There was some great Acholi dancing and Marilyn Skinner, wife to Pastor Gary Skinner who started Watoto, attended and spoke to the women and guests (with her “fireball” way of speaking!) Living Hope came to life from a burden put on Marilyn’s heart for the vulnerable women of Africa! It was great to meet her in person and express my personal appreciation for Watoto being in Uganda, and specifically in Gulu!

Effectiveness of NGO’s in Uganda

2010-11-29T10:59:00.016-07:00

Recently a friend at university asked for my input on "the effectiveness of NGOs in Uganda". Wow. That's a complicated topic. Here's my attempt at a response:

The biggest challenge is: How do you measure effectiveness or success. We, the western world who mostly “run” the NGO’s, want to measure it by results and improved statistics. We want to see more children going to school. We want to see fewer children die of malaria and dehydration. We want to see reduced numbers of those infected with HIV. While those are all great things, they are not the only things that can show proof of our effectiveness.

For example: A grassroots organization provides jobs to women by purchasing paper beaded necklaces which are then sold under fair trade to the West. The women are now making an income. They are receiving training on how to save money and start their own business. Perhaps, with their added income, their family is eating better. Perhaps their school-aged children are in school. But… perhaps, their babies are still getting sick. Perhaps their husbands are violent. But… for the most part, the women are full of joy. What’s different now from their life before this job? HOPE. Now, they have hope.
What good is hope if you’re children are still getting sick? Hope is believing that there can be a positive outcome. Specifically, a positive outcome in their circumstances or life. In a region of the world that has been hit hard by war, violence, political instability and other severely challenging life situations, HOPE can be what gets you through to tomorrow, or next week. It can be what helps you to start thinking about and planning for next year and the future years to come! And that, is a big change in mentality that is extremely hard to measure!

This is NOT to say that these grass-roots organizations are only bringing hope into the loves of the people in Uganda. While I personally believe Hope is a HUGE piece to international development, these orgs are doing much more. Many organizations have seen great “success” with individuals graduating from their programs and moving on to start their own business and continue to provide for their families!!

So that gets us on the topic of grass-roots vs. large NGOs. Grass-roots organizations are predominately privately sponsored. Meaning they are not receiving large grants from state-sponsored programs, i.e. USAID grants. Grass-roots orgs are also generally small in size. Perhaps they are working with a group of 20 girls or up to 100 women. I’m personally a big fan of these smaller NGOs. By being smaller, they have the ability to really invest in the lives of the group of people they are working with. They are able to more closely monitor how they are doing and if they are choosing to change their lifestyles to improve their over-all situation. While these NGOs are targeting small groups of individuals or communities, they are able to really try to do things right and create opportunities for impactful change!

The large NGO’s are a whole different beast. UNICEF, UNHCR, World Food Program, World Vision, Compassion International. I certainly can’t speak for all of them, nor would I want to say they are all the same in how they run their orgs and their effectiveness. However, I do feel, and I have seen concrete examples, that these orgs are more susceptible to ineffectiveness. Simply due to their size. They are reaching out to large communities and large groups of individuals. They have large-scale programs. This simply leaves the door open to not be able to do as much follow-up as might be necessary to ensure effectiveness.
For example. One of these NGO’s holds a training on Entrepreneurship. Many eager individuals attend the training. Attendees receive excellent information and a variety of practical ways to create a business. Attendees leave with excitement and ambition. However, they return home to their current life situation and life returns to normal. That excitement and initial motivation can easily be lost. If the NGO does not have personal follow-up or assigned a mentor to this individual, the attendee’s time at the training (and the tax-payer’s dollars) were not used to their full potential.
It is by no means fair to say that this is always happening. This is simply an example. An example I’ve personally seen happen. I don’t entirely fault the NGO. They’re attempting to reach a large number of people in hopes of making a large impact. They don’t have the resources to follow-up with each person they hope to be “helping”. But since they are trying to reach so many (which definitely has it's positive effects), this is simply one possible outcome.

I’m not sure I’m even close to answering the original question...

Can NGO’s do more harm than good? ABSOLUTELY! How? By their approach to their programs which can create an “enabling” environment as opposed to an environment for change. NGO’s that give free hand-outs have certainly, in the past, created a sense of dependency. If an NGO is in a specific community for even a short amount of time and they’re handing out free food, it creates a community that no longer feels they need to attempt to find a way to get their own food. Why spend time trying to find work for food, if this NGO is just going to give me free food? This enables the society. This allows the society to not have a reason to change their circumstances to take care of themselves. It creates dependency. The people eventually become dependent on the free hand-outs. Cases like this are especially prevalent in regions that were affected by long-term war, famine or other extreme crises. Again, this is not entirely the fault of the specific NGO. If there is a long-term famine going on in the world, it’s hard to just watch it happen. Many will say: it is the rest of the world’s responsibility to step up and help those in need. But the key is to assist them for only long enough to help them stand on their own again.

This situation is somewhat prevalent in northern Uganda which has been affected by a 20+ year war where peace only returned 4 years go. For 10-15 years many people were forced to live in Internal Displaced Person (IDP) camps; the equivalent of a refugee camp. In these camps, they didn’t have the land space to grow their own crops. They were forced to become dependent on the foreign aid from organizations like WFP. To be honest, I’m impressed that this region is not more dependent on foreign aid than it appears to be. Yes, there are children and adults who see a white person and assume you have money and expect you to give them money, simply because you are white. Simply because the people that brought in the “free food” in the past, were white. While that does exist, it’s not overwhelming the norm. I’ve even talked with a few educated Ugandans about this idea. A number of them have made comments that northern Uganda will not remain a place that is dependent on the outside; the West. They have all expressed that there is a desire in the culture of the people to want to find a way to make it on their own. While again this does not mean everyone feels this way, it gives me hope that there is a desire to move forward
I’m especially impressed by northern Uganda when I compare it to Zambia. I lived in rural Zambia for 6 months in 2006 serving with the U.S. Peace Corps. During my time in Zambia, I was really challenged with the mentality of people. I found them having nearly zero desire to want to improve their life situations on their own. Their answer to finding money for their community school was always: write a grant to "XYZ" NGO or aid organization! And Zambia is a nearly 100% peaceful nation. There’s been no extreme war or conflict, no famine, no major natural disaster. But, the international community has been flooding Zambia for so many years with hand-outs that it created a generation of adults who expect others to help them instead of them helping themselves.

It’s my prayer that Uganda and many other developing nations do not end up with the situation I saw in Zambia. Again, let me say that not all of Zambia is like this. I have many fellow Peace Corps volunteers who had very successful experiences in Zambia!

I feel like I’ve just rambled on about development and not sure I've really created any key points. But this is where my rambling ends.....

We, the West, try so hard to find ways to "fix" things. Save Africa! Ha! Look at these faces!!! I think they are the ones who can teach us something!!

Gifts

2010-11-23T10:40:00.019-07:00

Various people have contacted me about things I might like in a care package. Things for the work in Gulu, the community or even myself. Since I will be in the US for 3 weeks in January, care packages can be mailed to Colorado and I will have plenty of space in my checked luggage to take these items back to Uganda. This saves you -kind folks who send items- a lot of money on postage!!! :-)

PLEASE MAIL SMALL PACKAGES TO:
Laurie Bates
625 Ken Mar Ct.
Longmont, CO 80501
**All packages should arrive to Colorado by January 15th, 2011

Here’s a list of requested items...

GIFTS FOR UGANDAN FRIENDS/COMMUNITY/MINISTRY
- Bibles... Bibles... Bibles : Full length (OT & NT) for Adults, preferably not Childrens Bibles.
- Christian Books - Your favorite authors! New or gently used.
- Soccer Balls for Scripture Union (use at Camps & Conferences)
- iPods or digital cameras [used but still working]. The ones that are sitting on the back shelf in your closet! I have a some awesome friends who would love to have an iPod.

SMALL “NECESSITY” ITEMS
- Nalgene water bottle
- Contact Solution (Opti Free) & eye drops
- Back Massages :-)
- Chapstick: Burts Bees or other organic brand
- Fine Point Pens, blue ink
- Food items: Green tea, pepperoni, Alfredo/pesto sauce packets, granola bars (Cliff, protein, etc),
- Back Massages :-)
- Travel size: tissues, toothpaste
- Ibuprofen, Aleve, Excedrin (for headaches and bad neck pain)
- Back Massages :-)
- Tampax tampons, regular
- Books: "Streams in the Desert" by Cowman & Reimann, “A Hole in the Gospel”, “The Teeth May Smile but the Heart Does Not Forget”, “A Thousand Sisters: My Journey into the Worst Place on Earth to Be a Woman”, "The Case for a Creator".
- Smelly candles (i.e. Yankee)

WISH LIST
- Head lamp (mine still works but the “clasp” to keep the batteries from falling out came off.)
- Camera card reader (for XD memory card)
- Chaco sandals re-soled, $40US
- TV series on DVD; Friends, The Office, Band of Brothers, JAG, House, The Unit.
- Origins products http://www.origins.com/ Have A Nice Day moisture lotion, Spot Remover, Night-a-Mins, GinZing eye cream
- iTunes or CD: Chris Tomlin: And If Our God Is For Us, Hillsong: A Beautiful Exchange, Les Miserables, Rent

THANK YOU and may the Lord Bless you abundantly!!!

SU Fellowship Club

2010-10-29T03:46:00.010-07:00

A large portion of Scripture Union’s work is done through school ministry. It’s a HUGE blessing to even be permitted to talk about Jesus in government schools! One of the great benefits of working in a predominantly Christian country; where Church and State are not required to be totally separate. It’s amazing how a country that was founded on Christian beliefs (i.e. USA), no longer permits those Christian beliefs to be part of the same government body that started the country. Yet, in a country where Christianity was only [largely] introduced 200 years ago, everyone is free to say that Jesus Rules!!!! *step down off soap box*

Nearly all secondary schools throughout Uganda have Scripture Union Clubs. Junior Scripture Union Clubs in primary schools is also growing. The idea of various kinds of “clubs” is a big part of school culture in Uganda. Much of my work in Uganda is working within the SU School Ministry!

All SU Clubs are designed to be inter-denominational! This means that it’s a place for anyone to gather who simply believes in God, wants to learn more about Jesus and the Bible and be in fellowship with like-minded students.

All SU Clubs have a Patron; a teacher at the school who is a follower of Jesus and who volunteers to help guide the students with their SU Club. In Primary schools, the Patron is the one who organizes all club meetings and activities. However in Secondary schools, the clubs are largely run by the students themselves. It’s incredible to see how well these students run their clubs! These students GET IT! They’re organized, they have great visions for their clubs, they’re awesome leaders and….the most amazing part…they LOVE JESUS!!

SU Clubs are encouraged to meet at least once a week. Many schools have daily fellowship during their school lunch hour.

WHAT DO YOU DO AT AN SU CLUB MEETING?

A typical school meeting or fellowship time looks like this:
Opening Prayer
Praise and Worship and Open Prayer
Testimony Sharing
Singing
Bible Teaching or Bible Study
Closing Prayer

The goal is for these SU Clubs, is for the fellowship to also be a time of Discipleship. SU Members are challenged to grow in areas of Bible Reading, Prayer & Fasting, Attending local church, Witnessing, Acts of Service, and Spiritual Leadership.

Each time I go to an SU Club meeting I’m always blessed and encouraged. Sometimes life and work and ministry here is very challenging. But it’s a true JOY to get to interact with the students. They LOVE having visitors of any kind but especially someone from Scripture Union!!!

So, you want to learn more?

2010-10-28T08:01:00.008-07:00

You want to learn more about Uganda or other places in Africa? Check out some of these books. I've read all but about 5 of the books listed below, so feel free to ask me about them.

Books about Uganda:
Girl Solider - Faith J. H. McDonnell
Aboke Girls - Els De Temmerman
First Kill Your Family – Peter Eichstaedt
The Teeth May Smile but the Heart Does Not Forget: Murder and Memory in Uganda – Andrew Rice
The Wizard of the Nile: The Hunt for Africa’s Most Wanted – Matthew Green
Living with Bad Surroundings: War, History, and Everyday Moments in Northern Uganda (The Cultures and Practice of Violence - Sverker Finnström
The Lord’s Resistance Army – Tim Allen
Trial Justice: The International Criminal Court and the Lord’s Resistance Army – Tim Allen

Africa: General
Dark Star Safari: Overland from Cairo to Capetown – Paul Theroux
The Only Road North - Erik Mirandette
Wars, Guns, and Votes: Democracy in Dangerous Places – Paul Collier

South Africa
The Power of One - Bryce Courtenay
Kaffir Boy - Mark Mathabane

Sudan
They Poured Fire on Us From the Sky - Benjamin Ajak
God Grew Tired of Us - John Bul Dau
Emma’s War – Deborah Scroggins

Rwanda
Left to Tell: Discovering God Amidst the Rwandan Holocaust
Land of a Thousand Hills - Stephen Kinzer
We Wish to inform you that tomorrow we will be killed with our families – Philip Gourevitch
As We Forgive: Stories of Reconciliation from Rwanda by Catherine Claire Larson
God Sleeps in Rwanda: A Journey of Transformation - Joseph Sebarenzi

Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC, Congo, Zaire)
A Thousand Sisters: My Journey into the Worst Place on Earth to Be a Woman – Lisa Shannon
Journey to the Heart of Darkness – Tresor Yenyi
The Ponds of Kalambayi - Mike Tidwell, RPCV

WEST AFRICA
Ivory Coast:
Nine Hills to Nambonkaha: Two Years in the Heart of an African Village – Sarah Erdman, RPCV
Sierra Leone:
A Long Way Gone: Memoirs of a Boy Soldier - Ishmael Beah
Cameroon:
Mango Elephants in the Sun: How Life in an African Village Let Me Be in My Skin - Susana Herrera, RPCV

INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT and FOREIGN AID
The Road to Hell: The Ravaging Effects of Foreign Aid and International Charity - Michael Maren
Dead Aid: Why Aid Is Not Working and How There Is a Better Way for Africa - Dambisa Moyo
The White Man's Burden: Why the West's Efforts to Aid the Rest Have Done So Much Ill and So Little Good - William Easterly
The End of Poverty: Economic Possibilities for Our Time - Jeffrey Sachs
The Trouble with Africa: Why Foreign Aid Isn't Working - Robert Calderisi
Global Outlaws: Crime, Money & Power in the Contemporary World – Carolyn Nordstrom

Gulu Revealed: The Video

2010-10-26T11:36:00.003-07:00

If you’ve ever wondered what life is like in Uganda…..check out this 5 minute video. It’s a glimpse into my life here.
Gulu Revealed: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XxS8nmpS7q4

This [amateur] video only portrays "daily life". I intend to do another video in a few months which will focus on ministry/work. I initially made this for the student ministry at my church in Colorado.

What do I do here?

2010-10-04T03:41:00.004-07:00

Ever curious what in the world it is I do here? Sometimes I wonder myself. Ha! :-) Below is my recent "report" of the ministry of Scripture Union in Gulu.

MINISTRY HIGHLIGHTS: Sept 2010
* In August, visited 6 churches to encourage partnership with SU. Use SU literature resources, mobilize volunteers in schools, send students to camps and conferences and potential Sunday School Teachers Training.
* Gulu Bible Community Church ordered variety of SU literature; totally 59,000 UGX. Waiting for payment confirmation before delivering materials.
* Gulu High School ordered 100 Come and Worship books. Books were delivered to SU Patron on 16/09/10. Awaiting payment.
* Partnership with the Christian Union at Gulu University to do school ministry.
- Over 20 campus students participated in visiting 11 different schools over the week of Sep 12-19. The secondary students really enjoyed the time with the university students.
- Encouraged the campus students to continue to visit these schools through out the term and to continue volunteering with SU.
* At all school visits, we talked about SU Lira Camp and encouraged students to seriously consider attending. Especially for students that might live in Lira. We challenged each school to send at least 2-3 representatives to camp!
* Received commitment from community member to donate 100,000 UGX for Gulu HS students to attend SU Lira Camp in December.
* Sacred Heart has requested Bible Study leader training for their student leaders. Working with Patron to first have official meeting with school Reverend to create good working relationships with SU and Catholic-based school!
* Sep 27-28 hosted Kid Stand team (from USA) in Gulu. http://www.kidstand.org/ They were in Uganda as part of the Kampala Love Festival and visited schools around Kampala. I helped them with the connections for local schools and ministries here in Gulu for them to visit. We visited: Gulu Hospital, St. Joseph's Children's Home and School, Laroo Boarding School, Zion Project, and Third Hope Uganda.
* Coordinating with community member who has experience in Life Skills programs at schools in Kampala. Hope to start doing program in Gulu schools in mid-Oct.

WAY FORWARD (for Oct-Dec 2010):
* Really trying to raise up and train committed (potential long-term) volunteers for SU Gulu. Big challenge!!!!
* Camp mobilization with schools and local churches
- Encouraging schools to request local OB's and OG's in community to sponsor students to go to Lira Camp.
* Working on Camp Worship activity called "Weave" for both Lira and Gayaza!

Fill Me Up

2010-09-23T02:31:00.005-07:00

We’re told to guard our hearts (Prov 4:23).

Why?

Because, above ALL ELSE, our heart is deceitful. (Jer 17:9)

But…our society tells us to Follow Your Heart!!!!

Our heart is the center of our being. Everything we do in life, flows from our heart. Therefore, all our actions, thoughts, are a result of the condition of our heart. We all try to manage our brokenness by fixing it ourselves. We make lists. This is what I need to improve or change. These are my issues in life. But these lists lead to PRIDE or DISPARE.
We are fighting a losing battle.

THANKFULLY...Jesus who is the author and perfecter of our faith is also the designer of our hearts!
He submits himself to remembering our sins no more. We are made white as snow. We are purified.

“I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean; I will cleanse you from all your impurities. I will give you a new heart and put a new Spirit in you.”
Wow, what a promise.

WE SIMPLY NEED TO:
* ASK FOR A NEW HEART.
* GUARD OUR HEART WITH ALL DILIGENCE!

These are the highlights from a great message I recently listened to by Scott Nickell of Flatirons Community Church. Download here: http://www.flatironschurch.com/messages/messages.php
"There's an App for That - Guard Your Heart" - Aug 14-15, 2010

The Good and the Bad – Apac Youth Conference

2010-09-19T08:47:00.007-07:00

THE BAD – The typical logistical nightmare of organizing and carrying out a youth conference in northern Uganda.
THE GOOD – Jesus always shows up and the students always have a great time!!!

Apac is about 4 hours from Gulu, via Lira. My counterpart/co-worker in Lira has been planning this conference, but she couldn’t be there for the actual event. She asked me to take over as the person in charge to make sure everything gets done and goes smoothly. I was not excited about this task. Arriving to a town I’ve never been to before, working with people I’ve never met before. I’ve already planned and carried-out one youth conference in Gulu, so I know of the out-of-the ordinary frustrations that come with this role. But this is ministry. Specifically, this is service with Scripture Union of Uganda. Often times, No, is not an answer!!!

The day started with my 5am alarm clock. Ready by 5:30am when the driver is to come and pick me and the vehicle from where I’m staying in Lira. He arrives around 5:40am, but the vehicle has issues starting. An ongoing issue with this vehicle. Sometimes you have to push it and put it in gear in order to get it start. After trying for 10 min, the ignition turns over. We drive into town to pick up two others from the SU Lira office. After a quick load up of last minute items, we leave the office by 6:04am. Not bad, only 30 minutes late.

Before leaving Lira, we need petrol; for both the vehicle and for the generator as there’s no electricity at the conference venue. We drive around Lira for literally 45 minutes searching for petrol! We fill up the vehicle at our 2nd stop; but we don’t have a jerry can (or any container) for fuel for the generator. We drive around hoping to find a petrol station which also has a container we can purchase. Emma, one of our SU Lira volunteers, finally decides to use our nice, very new and very clean jerry can that we use for drinking water…to put petrol in it!!!! I finally speak up, but there seems to be no other option. But the petrol station we’re at, has no petrol. We stop at 3 others. No petrol. Finally, we find petrol and we’re on our way. It’s nearly 7am!

I settle in for the 2hr drive on horrible roads. I try not to let my already growing frustration get to me; especially knowing what the day ahead might be like.
Jesus, Jesus, please be with me. I can’t do this. I need you. Give me grace, give me patience!

To increase my feeling of being stuck in a foreign world, the 3 Ugandan guys in the truck, continue to talk only in the local language. I can’t even attempt to be interested since I can’t understand a thing. They’re even using a dialect slightly different from the little Luo I do know. The radio is on. The guy on the radio is shouting in the local language. I finally ask “what is this guy shouting about.” The answer: He’s preaching. Of course. When we preach, we shout! It’s the Ugandan way.
I begin to sink lower in the front seat; wishing I had my iPod yet, even if I did, that would be an incredible sign of “I’m not interested in you.” Instead I talk to my friend…
Please, please help me. My grace dispenser is empty. Please fill me up. Let your all-consuming power come and take over me!

We arrive to the venue in Apac at 8:30am. We made it in 1.5 hrs! According to the conference schedule, Opening Remarks are scheduled for 8:30am! No one is fazed! No one else is there!! Only one of the key volunteers from Apac is at the venue location. We unload and start setting up. Several trips are made into town and to people’s houses to get the rest of the equipment, firewood, food, etc. By 10am the cook hasn’t shown up yet. In order to eat lunch by 2pm, the beans need to be on the fire (to start boiling) by 10:30am!! And tea break is scheduled for 10:30am.
I know this is Your conference and somehow everything will come together for Your Glory. Please fill me up! These are all your children. You love them, help me to be loving to them even when I’m annoyed, frustrated and irritated!

I ask the SU Apac Committee Chairperson for the names of the people he asked to come be Bible Study leaders with us. He says that he talked to some people about coming, but they were not able to meet to go over the Bible Study. He says that he also, has not seen the Bible Study guide! WHAT!? The “plan” was that the Chairperson was in charge of all the details that could only be handled by the local Apac person. I was assured; everything should be under control. One of the volunteers did show up. But he had written his own Bible Study. No, no. We have a Bible study that all the leaders will use, so that each group does the same study!!! He’s okay with this. Thankfully, some of the SU Patrons that came with their schools are wonderful and offered to lead Bible Study group in short notice.

At 10:10am, I hear a bunch of voices singing...loudly. A lorry (cargo-type truck) full of singing students arrives. 74 students and their patron from Apac Secondary School. Wow! We register our first students for the conference!

We officially get our day’s program started just before 11am!! We reschedule the schedule and figure out what to take out of the program and what activities can be shorted in length. There’s a struggle to come up with the new program. 3 of us are talking it over, and can’t seem to agree on what will work best! We finally, somewhat, agree (for now) and move forward.

The cooks are moving along quickly. More students are arriving. Our MC is doing wonderful at leading the students in fun praise. Most importantly, the students are having a blast. They are dancing and singing with huge smiles on their faces!

The rest of the day moves on. We have a great time of small group Bible Study. Lots of worship and praise jam which the students all love SO much! Great speakers. Even a fabulous preacher who didn’t shout at the students!! YAY!! The best tea I’ve had yet in Uganda. We have extra money so we even buy cabbage and greens for lunch; to go with the standard posho (cornmeal substance) and beans. Everyone is working together!!!

"And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity." Col 3:14
* * * Love brings us together in unity. * * *

In total, 105 students from 4 schools, along with 5 teachers and 6 other Apac community members, come to be a part of this 2nd Annual Scripture Union Apac Youth Conference!

Even in this crazy day, you would think my mood might worsen as the day goes on. As the frustrations and annoyances pile up on top of each other. But somehow, Jesus comes through, as he always promises to if we allow Him to and call on Him! My grace dispenser was restored. At least enough to get me through the day.

Our conference theme, which is the Scripture Union Uganda’s theme for the year, is “Light Your World “ (Matt 5:14)
Somehow God always manages to Light up MY World!!!! WOW!

This is my story, this is my song, Praising my Savior, all the day long!

Ugandan Head Teacher Coming to the USA

2010-09-07T21:24:00.005-07:00

Ongiya Calistus Nyeko is coming to the US of A!

He's been selected to participate in Invisible Children's 2nd Teacher Exchange Reciprocal Program. This program is for Ugandan teachers to spend 4 weeks teaching and learning in an American school.

Last January, my Ugandan co-teacher, Omony Alex, was selected for the pilot Reciprocal Program. Calistus will tell you that Alex came back changed and more motivated. It was an invaluable opportunity!!!

Calistus is the Keyo SS Head Teacher, the school where I taught at during the summer of 2009. I was part of the first group of IC TE/X teachers at Keyo SS. Calistus welcomed us into the Keyo family with open arms, a big smile and his huge heart and passion for education!!!! After I learned of Calistus's acceptance to the program, I called him. He was beyond estatic. Before I could even say "Congratulations", he said to me "Thank you for your prayers."

Please read more about Calistus and the TE/X program here: http://blog.invisiblechildren.com/2010/09/on-the-ground-ugandan-teacher-heading-to-the-us-of-a/comment-page-1/#comment-362603

I live in Africa

2010-08-28T04:54:00.019-07:00

Sometimes it’s easy to forget where I really live. Yes, I’m by far a minority fair-skinned person among the dark black Acholi of northern Uganda. But, being a minority becomes so normal that I often don’t notice skin color. I never get into a car to drive anywhere; instead I walk, ride my bike or get a motorcycle taxi. This becomes normal. I yell back “Byeee” to the kids saying “Munu, munu, byyyeeee”. It’s just normal.
But then, occasionally, something hits me and I realize “whooo, I’m living in Africa.” And it’s crazy how normal it all seems.

While enjoying a lazy Saturday afternoon watching “House” on DVD (my newest addiction), I decide I’d like a soda. I have none in the house. I take an empty glass soda bottle and exit my high-walled gated compound to walk down the street. Outside my compound gate there are kids on their way back home from fetching water at the near-by bore hole. I greet them and start walking.

Someone calls out my name. It’s my neighbor, Grace. She says “You’re going to get a soda?” Yes. Why don’t you send someone to get it for you? Because I’d like to walk and get it myself! I ask her what she’s doing as she’s not at her house but another neighbor’s. She’s collecting guava from the tree. I continue down the road.

More kids to greet.

I glace at the incredibly muddy road now that the rainy season has started up again. I quickly navigate the best route to take. Jump over this mud puddle, jaunt to the right, then back to the path, leap over another muddy section and I’ve cleared it.

Arriving at the small shop (more like a “stand”), I open the fridge and pull out a Mtn Dew. I have a Coke bottle so I negotiate with the shop owner for her to still take my Coke bottle in exchange for a Mtn Dew (a Pepsi product). She agrees. I give her my 1000 shilling note and a young girl behind the counter gives me my balance of 300 shillings. The soda cost me about 32 cents.

I head back towards my house. Maneuvering back thru the muddy road. Past the neighbors’ houses; all round mud-brick houses with grass-thatched roofs. I consider saying something to the boy who’s throwing grass at the baby goats and the mamma goat. I take note that the babies seem to be doing well. They’re only about a week old.

I pass Grace again and she says that the guavas are good. Their season is starting. She tells me I should come get some when more ripen.

I open the “peak-hole” of my compound gate, open the latch from the inside and enter. Closing the gate behind me, I realize how vast and different the world is. In particularly, how different my worlds are here in Uganda.

I have my Ugandan world of riding my bike to visit a school, greeting all the kids who want to touch the Muzungu, playing with the kids at my house and picking them up and holding them, going to the market to purchase tomatoes or chitenge material for the tailor to make something. That’s the Ugandan lifestyle. It’s all normal to me.

Then there’s the world I can slip into in my house and watch a movie or TV show from America, I can go to The Coffee Hut which is the Panera of Gulu, I can text friends and meet up with them for dinner, I enjoy a contemporary church worship service on Sundays, and I occasionally ride in a car. This is also all normal to me.

I’m beyond thankful for this small Western world within my Ugandan world.

So which “normal” is now normal? I think it all somehow blends together into a lovely balance.

This is my life. I live in Africa!

**

Uganda’s Development: The underlying issues

2010-08-19T02:38:00.003-07:00

On the surface, talking with Ugandans, seeing how far the north has come since the years of the insurgency (less than 5 years ago), watching modern buildings being built, attending a contemporary truth-based church worship service…you see a developing nation moving forward. There’s hope, some behavior change, and maybe even a plan! But you go a little deeper and you see the limiting factors. Traditional beliefs, customs…CULTURE! Pick up any copy of the New Vision or Monitor (Ugandan newspapers) and start reading. (This is only a sample, I don’t attempt to give a full report nor do I intend to conquer how deep the cultural traditions lie.)

A Goat Keeps Away Ancestral Spirits
In Koro, a sub-county south of Gulu town, many people have family members buried on what is now someone else’s land. They died while living in the Koro IDP camp during the height of the war and were buried. With the movement to move out of the IDP camps and return to their land, most people want to take their dead family members. Tradition is that they are buried in their ancestral homeland. Many people have exhumed the bodies and taken them home. However, many have not. Not because they do not want to, but because they can’t afford to buy a goat. Yes, a goat! A goat must be sacrificed for every dead body that is exhumed and reburied. It’s necessary for proper cleansing; to ensure the dead person’s spirits don’t return to haunt the land or family. So the dead bodies stay buried. The people who are now living on that land want to cultivate. The local government tells the farmers: it’s okay, their farming equipment doesn’t dig deep enough to dig into the graves of the dead people.

This is Your Co-Wife
A man brought home a younger girl (in her 20’s) to live at his home as a second wife. He brought her to the house and said to his 1st wife “This is your co-wife”. The new woman ended up fleeing saying she had not been told about the first wife. The man said he was entitled to as many wives as he wanted because the house was his.

Government Changes School Closure Date with 2-weeks Notice
The Ministry of Education, in late July, announced that secondary schools must end Term 2 one week earlier than planned, and students report back for Term 3, 2 weeks earlier than planned. Zero advance notice was given to any teachers or schools. The announcements came over the radio and newspaper on Monday, July 26th. Term 2 was scheduled to end on Aug 13th; but was now mandated to end on Aug 6th. With only two weeks advance notice, schools and teachers were expected to modify their teaching and exam schedules with losing an entire week! Students were forced to take exams with only 2 days notice. They even took exams on Saturday, only having a break from exams on Sunday. The complications extend beyond students being forced to take exams with little notice. For Term 3, students are to report to school 2 weeks earlier than planned, which means that families have 2-less weeks to gather school fees for their children to return to school on time! Additionally, students now only have a 2 week break between the two terms. The early school closure also complicated a number of programs, including our Scripture Union Camp which always starts on the last day of the Term. Camp which was scheduled to start on Aug 13th but had to be changed to Aug 6th!
The government’s reasoning for the date change is somewhat legitimate; to allow more teaching time during Term 3 since students start year-end exam in Oct-Nov. BUT the timing was not at all appropriate and caused much frustration, disorganization and even anger towards the Ministry of Education. This is only the beginning of school date changes. It’s highly expected that for 2011 Term 1, students will not be reporting to school until after the Presidential elections are complete so that students who are registered to vote are able to do so in their home towns (often not the same location as their school). Term 1 normally commences around Feb 1st; however, it is likely students may not return to school until late February or even early March!

76,000 former IDPs Stranded in Camps
Most of the 1.8 million former Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) have returned to their respective villages. In a number of districts, many are still “stranded” in the IDP Camps. They want to return home have not been able to for a variety of reasons:
- Widows, single mothers and orphans are denied access to their land (because women can’t own land)
- Land disputes with southern Sudan which is claiming to own parts of far northern Uganda land.
- Land disputes between clans/families. (In the past, land titles were not a part of the land ownership system. Everyone lived on their ancestral land, so everyone knew whose was whose. But with people being way from their land for so many years, going back to over-grown fields, land disputes are a big issue.)
- In Kitgum, which boarders Karimojong land, people fear cattle thieves. (The Karimojong are known to be an unlawful tribe and cattle thieves, to the present day.)

Circumcision
Circumcision is not a common practice at birth in Uganda. There was a report of a woman leaving her boyfriend because he (in his 20’s) saw no reason to “shed blood because he was perfectly healthy.”
Some tribes [in Uganda] require that anyone who dies having never been circumcised, the body must be circumcised before burial. Whoever does the circumcision on the dead guy, will then NOT be permitted to do any future circumcisions on “live” men for fear that the dead persons evil spirits might be passed on!

Bernard’s Story: God Provides

2010-08-18T01:39:00.008-07:00

Ngoboka Bernard is a Ugandan, a man after God’s heart and His will, a Scripture Union volunteer, a trained electrical technician, a dreamer, a comedian, a loving big brother, and one of my best friends in Uganda.

In mid-June2010, Bernard was accepted into a program for Biomedical Engineering in Kampala. The program is through the Ernest Cook Ultra Sound Research and Education Institute (ECUREI) ehttp://www.ecurei.com/ and it’s the only program of its kind in all of East Africa. The institute is connected with Thomas Jefferson University (Philadelphia, USA) and Fonty’s University of Applied Science (Netherlands). How did such an amazing opportunity arise? Only God can do such a thing. Here’s the story…

Since Bernard was in secondary school, he’s had a dream to do engineering. His years in secondary school were incredibly challenging. After overcoming a number of self-deteriorating situations, he persevered to study extra hard for his remaining years in school. What most students studied in 4 years; he did in 2 years. While he did a phenomenal job, his scores for the year-end national exam were not high enough to permit entrance to university. He attended a technical school to learn the skills of an electrician; the closest thing to engineering. Yet, through the years, he’d occasionally mention to his friends that someday he would study engineering with a university abroad.

Back in May 2010, Bernard literally woke up one morning with the idea that he should look into doing medical equipment repair. He knows it was God that put this on his heart and mind. He felt very strongly about this and spent much time over the next few weeks gathering information. In Uganda, researching something is not as easy as jumping on the internet for a few hours. Instead, it requires literally going to the places you might hope to find the information. This involves taking public transportation around a large city, going to each major hospital in hopes of finding the information.

After the first 2 weeks of moving to various hospitals and inquiring with people working in the medical profession, Bernard’s research was concluding that there is no course to learn how to do medical equipment repair in all of East Africa. He’d have to go abroad; to the U.K. or the U.S. While the idea of studying abroad sounds very intriguing and certainly has its value, it is extremely challenging for individuals from developing nations. Financially, culturally, logistics, Visas and more. He also learned that there are currently only 3 Ugandans trained to do medical equipment repair. THREE, in the entire country. This means that many hospitals and clinics must bring in trained technicians from overseas; South Africa, Korea and other distant nations. This makes the cost of the repair extremely high. As a result of this high cost, many hospitals/clinics cannot afford to get their equipment repaired. Many of these institutions have rooms full of non-working equipment. Non-working heart monitors for AIDS patients. Non-working oxygen breathing machines for a newborn baby with breathing problems.

Bernard was not even tempted to give up. He managed to get connected with one of the 3 trained Ugandans in this field. This individual put him in contact with the Academic Registrar at ECUREI. He arrived to the admissions department on Tue afternoon. The person suggested he fill-out the application for their Biomedical Engineering Diploma program. The admissions officer saw the value in someone like Bernard attending this course. Someone who’s been working in a career as a technician. They saw the value of this hands-on experience, and disregarded what the academic scores on paper showed. For anyone who is familiar with the ways of Africa, you know that this is so NOT the African way; to think outside the set “guidelines” for a program. While the admissions process normally takes months, just like any university, they said that it was the last week for admission and they would contact him the next day.

Wednesday morning, Bernard received a phone call to come to the Admissions Office. He left the Admissions office with his acceptance letter in his hand! He was beyond ecstatic!!

The course start date was August 16th. Since only 1 month prior, university was not even on his radar of possibilities, there was not time to save the money. He would need to find 4,013,800 UGX (approximately $2,000 USD) in less than 2 months.

I joined Bernard in the search to find funding. We both asked around and did research regarding available grants, scholarships or sponsorship programs. I exhausted all my contacts within the education field. We located 3 scholarship programs available to first-year university students. THREE. All other programs were for returning (2nd year) students only. The programs wanted the applicant to show “proof” that they were doing well in their studies. A valid requirement, yet how do those students get started with their first year? We both continued looking. Not for one minute did Bernard every question that God would somehow provide the funding. From Bernard’s solid trust in this provision, and from walking beside him in this story, I also became fully convinced that the funding would come; from somewhere, somehow.

I offered to Bernard that after he and I exhaust all possibilities of support within Uganda, I would attempt to raise the funds from my supporters (friends) back in the U.S. I can’t express how much I am normally NOT a fan of seeking a financial request for development in Africa from people in the West. It’s not the most sustainable approach. However, I truly believe in Bernard and this plan God has laid out. Also, something becomes NOT sustainable when there is no personal connection to the person(s) receiving the financial support. In this case, I have a personal connection to ensure all sponsored money is used appropriately as well as being an on-the-ground encouragement/mentor to the person receiving the funding. Our hope (both mine and Bernard’s) is to at least raise his initial year of tuition. Throughout his first year, he can then apply for other scholarships for his remaining 2 years.

Emails to friends in the U.S. were initially sent on July 26th. We had only 3 weeks to raise nearly $2,000 USD. In those 3 weeks, 10 wonderful individuals and families stepped up to support Bernard’s education. THANK YOU to: Amber, Amy, Dana, John, Joi, Ken, Kris, Lauren, Lindsey, Mandy, Marcia, Sue and Tim. Additional funding came from Bernard’s dad and one of his aunties.

One of the things I love about fundraising is that there are always a handful of sponsors who you never expected to give money, to give. Whether it’s because you’re not sure if they support “the cause”, or you know their personal financial situation and they wouldn’t be the ones you’d expect to have extra. Yet, they give! AMAZING!!

On Monday, August 16th, 2010, Bernard paid his tuition and attended a week of university orientation. He is now a university student and beyond excited and amazed. Every day he is thankful to God for the Lord’s provision and His might ways!!!

When Bernard graduates in May 2013, his diploma will have the names of all three universities: Ernest Cook Ultra Sound Research and Education Institute (Kampala, Uganda), Thomas Jefferson University (Philadelphia, USA) and Fonty’s University of Applied Science (Netherlands). His diploma will be for Biomedical Engineering from a university abroad; just like he always said he’d do!!!!

In Bernard’s words:
“I am moved by all you guys to give money for a stranger you know nothing about. But just because a friend of his [Daneen], suggested it. I've learned so many lessons from you, Daneen. You guys are accountable and you care for people. They go out of their way to pay this money. OH MY GOD, wow...it is a very strange thing. It is not found here in Africa. I’m jealous about you guys! The good jealous. I'm inspired.”
“You moved out of your way to help me. You are a key player. God gets the glory, yes, but you the person” are the one who made it happen.” Somewhat jokingly : “English is a hard language, I don't know the words in English!!” :-)

I hope this gives you some insight to what a difference ONE PERSON can make in life of someone on the other side of the world…in Uganda!!

******

TO SUPPORT BERNARD’s EDUCATION (tax deductible)- https://www.scriptureunion.org/donate.php Under Gift Designation: "Daneen Leidig - Uganda". MUST DO: Email Daneen (daneenleidig@gmail.com) that a contribution has been made with the amount. Otherwise, I will assume you've made a contribution to my ministry with Scripture Union. I will ensure that EVERY penny that you contribute goes directly to Bernard for his tuition, books and other school requirements!!

ECUREI Tuition, Books, Accommodation Costs:
2nd semester (Spring 2011) – 1,828,800 USH = $914 USD
3rd semester (Fall 2011) – 2,388,800 USH = $1,294 USD
4th semester (Spring 2012) – 1,828,800 USH = $914 USD
5th semester (Fall 2012) – 2,388,800 USH = $1,294 USD
6th semester (Spring 2013) – 1,828,800 USH = $914 USD

Swahili Bibles Come Home – 7/26/2010

2010-07-29T09:19:00.009-07:00

In mid-May, I met Pastor Ron at an internet café in Gulu. He saw my Scripture Union letterhead and asked me if I could help him with getting Swahili Bibles. Sadly, SU does not have a large stock of Bibles, so I said no and gave him a contact for the Bible Institute in Kampala. Swahili is not a widely spoken language in most of Uganda. However, here in Gulu, there is a small community of women from the Democratic Republic of the Congo who all speak Swahili. Pastor Ron is the main pastor at Gulu Bible Community Church which was a church plant from Rock Harbor in Costa Mesa, CA. He and his wife, Mama Joy, are originally from Kenya (where Swahili is widely spoken) and has started having one service a week in Swahili.

About 3 weeks later, I received an email from my church in Longmont, CO - LifeBridge Christian Church. They forwarded me an email from a lady, Tammy Will, who had visited LBCC with her sister. She realized she had some Swahili Bibles at home and she thought it was time for the Bibles to go back “home” to Africa where they could be used. My church wanted to know if I had a use for some Swahili Bibles. Again, under “normal” circumstances, had I not been connected to Pastor Ron, I would NOT have known of a use for them here in Gulu. SU does have a use for Swahili Bibles in other regions of Uganda that border the DRC, as well as Kenya. I responded with YES, I would be happy to receive these Bibles as I knew of a great home for them!!

In June, I moved into a house which is in the same compound (fenced wall) as Zion Project which is a Women’s Counseling Center for these Congolese women. These women are now part of my daily life!

On Monday July 26th, I delivered the two Swahili/English Bibles to the Congolese women at Zion Project in Gulu, Uganda.

I met Mamma Joy for the first time that morning and she is one of the most delightful women I’ve ever met. She is FULL of joy and love. She lives her life for Jesus and His Glory. When I shared with her the whole story of these Swahili Bibles she just said: “Glory to God” and “We Thank God for that!” She spoke of how these women are thirsty for the Word!! All with a huge and beautiful smile on her face!

I presented the books to her and the women (notice Mamma Joy standing beside me with her big beautiful smile!). As I told the story for the women of these Bibles, Mamma Joy translated in Swahili. They were overjoyed to be receiving Bibles. They were extra excited to hear that they were Swahili and English, since they are also trying to learn English!!! They said to me “Thank you”, “Asante Sana” and “I love you!”

TAMMY These women say to YOU: Thank you. Asante Sana!!!!!! I am simply the deliverer of this great gift.

Thank you for allowing me to be apart of this story. Thank you for feeling moved to put these Bibles into the hands of native speakers!!

After I left the room, one of the women said this to the rest of the women: “Let us read Psalm 117.” “Why this scripture passage?” asks Mamma Joy. “Because of what the Lord has done for us this morning. Let this be our memory scripture.”
Please read Psalm 117 (only 2 verses) so that you can know the joy of these women!

What’s even more amazing, Tammy, who sent the Bibles, is the daughter-in-law of Kathryn Will. Kathryn and I traveled together to Kenya for a Mission Trip in Turkana in 2005. My first time ever in Africa. Wild!

I love how God connects His people for the betterment of the Kingdom!

ABOUT THESE WOMEN FROM THE CONGO:
Pastor Ron also works with the women at the Zion Project Women’s center. He, or someone from his church, comes every morning to do devotionals and praise/prayer with the ladies. All of these women are from the Congo. They were abducted (in the Congo) by soldiers in the Lord’s Resistance Army; a rebel army originally started in northern Uganda which later moved into the Congo. The LRA has been out of Uganda for 4+ years and northern Uganda is doing amazing rehabilitation and a very safe and peaceful place. However, the LRA is still very present in northeastern Congo as well as Central African Republic and Sudan. These women escaped from the LRA (the bush) and many have had children with the LRA soldiers (not by choice). Culture says that the women must go to the home of the husband. Their “husbands” were all from this area in Northern Uganda. Sadly they are not welcome in their homeland of Congo, yet this is also a foreign land for them. Very few in the Gulu area speak much Swahili. The women, through a partnership with another ministry, also receive English lessons and various training in craft-type projects (beading, sewing and screen printing). These women are full of life and a love for Jesus! :-)

More about Zion Project – http://www.zionproject.org
More about Gulu Bible Community Church - http://www.rockharbor.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=204&Itemid=210

DO YOU HAVE SOUVENIR BIBLES IN YOUR HOUSE? If they’re Swahili Bibles, I would love to find a useful home for them!!! :-) I’m sadly guilty of this myself and have one that’s in a storage box in Longmont!! :-(

John's Story - A Rwandan Returns Home

2010-07-24T03:44:00.012-07:00

This is the story (really pieces of the story) of John B Gasangwa. A Rwandan born in a refugee camp in Uganda, who returns to his homeland and overcomes injustice in mighty ways, giving God the glory along the way. This is only half of John’s story. What is largely missing in this narrative of his life is John’s passion to follow Christ and serve the oppressed and fight against injustice. His life desire is to serve the widows, orphans and those who are hungry. His humbleness is what makes his story even more powerful!

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Born in a refugee camp outside of Kampala, Uganda in 1981, John lived with his mother and father, two older sisters, and an uncle. After 3 years in a refugee camp, his family was “kidnapped” by Ugandan government militia. While running to escape the soldiers, John’s uncle was carrying John on his back when he was grabbed. John fell to the ground while his uncle was beaten to death. The family was taken to the equivalent of a concentration camp. Each day, approximately 20 people were killed in the camps. For no reason, other than people needed to be killed. Thankfully most children were spared from the deliberate execution. However, in this ‘camp’, John’s two sisters died of disease and hunger. This camp and “war” is known as the Luweero Triangle war which took place in Uganda from 1980-1986.

John and his family lived in the concentration camp for at least 3 years. Other years they were in the bush hiding. His uncle who died is one of many of my family who died during the war. When his two older sisters died, his mom took him to a feeding program in the hospital started by the German Emergency Committee Doctors. On two different occasions during the Luweero Triangle [war], over 500 people, including John's family, went to hide in the hospital for refugee because soldiers had planned to kill everyone in the community. The soldiers attacked the hospital and a German lady known as Barbra stood at the doorsteps of the hospital and said “You will not kill them unless you kill me first”. That’s how they all survived! John says: "I will never forget how she was such a hero to die for Africans who were being killed by their fellow Africans!"

Back in Rwanda, the minority Hutu population was lashing out against the majority Tutsis through various massacres. In 1990, John’s dad returned to Rwanda to fight with other Rwanda Patriotic Front (RPF) troops to stop the Genocide.
Through the assistance of World Vision sponsorship, John attended primary school. However, World Vision only paid for half of his school fees. To get the additional money for his school fees, John worked for a Catholic priest for 2 hours after school. Even from a young age, John’s determination shone through his family's struggles and past experiences.

In Spring 1994, the mass-scale genocide against the Tutsi’s occurred. Over 1 million men, women and children were killed over 100 days. In September 1994, at the age of 13 years, John, against the wish of his mother, boarded a bus in Kampala going to Kigali, Rwanda. A 10+ hour bus ride…alone…at the age of 13! Upon arriving in Kigali, having never previously been in his homeland of Rwanda, he got directions to the military barracks to find his father. He arrived and was informed his father was killed while fighting during the genocide. John then headed to the eastern region of the country to seek out an aunt and uncle. If he were to stay with his aunt and uncle he would have not been able to attend school. And John had a huge desire to attend school. He heard on the radio that the International Rescue Committee (IRC) was accepting children (into an orphanage) and putting them in school. John immediately left his only known family in Rwanda for the chance of attending school.

While at the orphanage with IRC, they discovered John had excellent language skills and he started helping with translation. You could say this was his first job in the International NGO community. A job many adults would work years to get. John was 14 years and conversational in 5 languages; English, Luganda (from Uganda), Swahili, Kinyarwanda(native to Rwanda), and French (widely spoken in Rwanda).

John attended his first year of secondary school at Gahini Secondary School in the town of Gahini (which is also the site of the first Christian revival and Anglican church in Rwanda.) There was no SI (freshman) class, so he started immediately as an S2 (sophomore). During his S3 school year in 1996, John and some fellow Tutsi students, became aware of a planned plot (organized by the Hutu students) to kill all the Tutsi’s at the school. The army was alerted and soldiers came to the school. The following school year, John requested to change to a better school (and hopefully safer school) in Kigali. In 2000, he completed his secondary school at Lycee de Kigali.

John was a very bright student with big dreams. His secondary school scores qualified him for a government scholarship at university in Rwanda. During his time as a university student, his holidays were spent at the IRC orphanage. That was his home. When the orphanage was closed, John and his friends (who were like brothers) decided to build a house for them all to stay in during holidays. Yes, they built a house! While being a full-time student at university, he and his friends also saw a need for Vocational/Technical schools back in their [adopted] hometown. They built not one, but two vocational training schools in the area. They were all children of the genocide. Most all were orphans themselves. They searched for funding and created a training school and also a center for street kids to live. Many of the kids John helped get into this center are now in secondary school or university. Both vocational schools and the center continue to run in a sustainable way, by locals, to this day in 2010.

John will tell you that he is not a program-driven individual. His goal is not to create programs or projects. He is driven by the people and the desire to assist them in whatever way possible. He sees a need, and creates a solution. He’s never walked into a region to do months of research to assess the needs of the people and then take months to create the best plan and fundraise. He simply goes in and gets it done!

Upon graduation from university John spent a number of years in Kigali helping to serve those who are underserved. He worked for World Vision Rwanda assisting in telling the stories of the kids who needed sponsorship just like he was gifted with years prior. Later he worked with World Vision’s Micro-Finance programs. He also worked for Opportunity International within their microfinance department.

In 2008, John was requested to visit the United States with World Vision (WV). He spoke at various WV events sharing his story and the work of World Vision in East Africa. During this trip, he became connected with someone who thought John would be an excellent candidate for Colorado State University’s MBA in Global Social Sustainable Enterprise. After much paperwork and effort to find financial support, in Aug 2009, John moved to Fort Collins, Colorado to start the 1.5 years MBA program.

In 2008, after returning from his first trip to the U.S., John’s pastor [in Kigali] was inspired by his story and wanted him to encourage the congregation. When John went o speak, he was moved to tears and felt God saying “What can you do?” for these people. He remembered his childhood and the feeding program that enabled him to live. He closed his Bible and notes and instead of speaking he served the people in the congregation, many who were young hungry children. He announced that he would start feeding the children one meal a day. This feeding ‘program’ later turned into creating a school for the children. To this day, the children are still feed daily through A Bowl of Porridge Ministries and there’s a school at that church.

In Colorado, after going to church with his host family, a friend took John to a church in Longmont, CO, LifeBridge Christian Church. After the service, he meet one of the pastors who asked him “How can we [as a church] help you; spiritually, financially?” John knew this place was Home. That same pastor, Brian Mavis, continued to mentor and patiently answered all of his questions. While John had grown up going to church, believing in Jesus and thanking God for all he had, he never gave his life to Christ. In 2009, Brian baptized John into God’s Kingdom and John professed giving his life to Jesus Christ!

Through his MBA program, John is working to bring affordable fertilizer methods to farmers in Ethiopia which he hopes will transfer to Rwanda and other nations.

Read even more about John's amazing story please go here: http://www.devinholterman.com/?p=197

July 4th Gulu Style - 2010

2010-07-07T06:12:00.003-07:00

I had a great 4th of July weekend in Gulu!! My friend Sandi came to spend the weekend with me! She’s a Peace Corps volunteer in Pader (2 hrs from Gulu). It was fun to have someone stay with me in my new house and spend the weekend together. It was her chance to enjoy the “big city”. In Pader, her house has no running water, so she LOVED getting to take a proper shower with WARM water!!!

On Sat we went to a party with everyone from Invisible Children. Last year I was here with IC and their teacher exchange program. Currently, there are 2 groups of the teachers here from the US (about 30 total). Each year, they have a big party for all the US teachers and their partner Ugandan teachers. (Last summer, we had a similar party when I was part of TE/X). Alex, my teacher from last year (and dad of baby Daneen) was even there! It was lots of fun. Always with lots of dancing; American and Acholi!!!

Sunday after church, we had hamburgers and hotdogs at a café in town run by an American couple! They even put up a huge American flag that they found in the second-hand market. The lady selling it said it was a curtain and only 2,000/-; about $1USD!

Later in the evening, a restaurant in town has a big screen and projector where they sometimes project the TV or a movie. A few Americans asked them if they’d show a movie of their (American) choice on the 4th. They played “The Sandlot”!! Great Americana movie!!!

No fireworks but it sure was a great weekend celebrating America! I thank God often for the precious gift of being born in the U.S. I appreciate and love [most] everything that comes with being American! I sometimes wonder how God choose were each of us would be born. It’s beyond my understanding or comprehension yet I’m so grateful and proud to be an American….and an American living abroad!

Daneen Turns 1 - 6/25/10

2010-07-07T05:43:00.003-07:00

On June 25th, Aber Daneen turned 1 year old!!! So….we had a party!

The family came over to my new house. Concy and Alex arrived with 5 children in tow, and carrying Daneen! All neighbor kids or cousins. All clothed in their best dresses and suits for the boys! Daneen and Fortuante were dressed in their look-alike dresses that I brought over for them from WalMart!! Very cute!
Angeline, a teacher from Keyo SS (where I taught last year), also came with her 3 boys; Trust, Justin and Earnest (6 months old).

The kids had a blast playing with my exercise ball. It must have been the largest ball they had ever seen. While showing Fortunate my room, she saw Piggy! Piggy is my stuffed animal (yes I’m 34 and have a stuffed animal that travels with me!!). I’ve had Piggy since I was in 4th grade!!!!!!! That’s over 20 years ago and he’s still in great (or maybe okay) shape! Fortunate LOVED hugging and playing with Piggy. For Daneen, this large stuffed animal was a bit much, she wasn’t so sure about it at first!

We had cake, pork and sodas. They loved singing Happy Birthday to Daneen! I also put on my one “kids” movie I have with me; Madagascar II. They watched it intently. I’m not sure some of them had ever watched a film, let alone an animated one. It was a fun time! I suppose I successfully had my first ever kids birthday party!!! :-)

New Home in Gulu

2010-07-01T06:07:00.011-07:00

I moved! From my country oasis at Tom & Rose’s house into town! I now stay in a 3 bedroom house attached to the office for Zion Project. I’m currently alone in the house. Don’t worry mom, we have a 24/7 guard who keeps bad people outside the large compound walls! In 2 weeks an intern (with Zion Project) will arrive to stay for 3 weeks. In August, two girls arrive to stay for a year. All the girls are Believers which is a huge blessing!!

The new house isn’t near as quiet as the old house; but it’s still very nice to be in town. I’m adjusting to having women talking in a foreign language outside my window...all day long! But it’s a place I’m grateful to be in. I know the girl that runs this organization and she knew I was searching for housing so offered me a room in the volunteer/intern guest house!!

****** LIVING ROOM (furniture coming soon) ************* KITCHEN

And most importantly…the shower has hot water with a decent pressure!!! :-) Visitors (girls only) are welcome anytime!! Boys can maybe sleep outside with Sunday, our guard!!! :-)

My bedroom!
I love the purple walls and have posted pictures of friends, family, CO and PAIGE all around my room! Including picts of the mountains on my window screens so that I have views of the mtns every day!! :-)

About Zion Project – http://www.zionproject.org/
It is a program for counseling and rehabilitation for Congolese women in the Gulu area. The women have daily devotionals lead by a local pastor, do sewing and beading projects, English classes and counseling classes. These women are mostly all abducted by the LRA (the rebel army that was behind the 20+ year conflict in northern Uganda.) After abduction, the women were “given” to LRA leaders as wives and had children. Once these women escaped the LRA with their children, Congolese/Ugandan culture says that you must go to the home [or land] of the husband. These women and children are not welcome in their home country of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and they’re forced to live in the foreign land of Uganda. They mostly speak Swahili which is not widely spoken in the Gulu area. There’s a nearby church that was planted from Rock Harbor in SoCal and the pastor now offers a service in Swahili! Anyone out there with Swahili Bibles on your shelves as a “souvenir” should send them back home! :-)

Kampala

2010-07-01T03:51:00.011-07:00

It’s a crazy city. Mainly because of the traffic. The traffic is beyond description unless you’ve been to Nairobi or India. Perhaps those are comparable! There are jams (traffic jams) everywhere and always. Yes, there are traffic rules but they’re not always followed. To me, getting around the city always seemed crazy. What is considered a taxi is more like a small bus; a matatu. In order to take the taxis you need to know the city decently well to know which one to take so that you can then get on another taxi to your destination. So, for someone who doesn’t spend much time in the big city, it’s difficult to take taxis unless I ask someone (I know) the directions. The other option is to walk, but then, too, you still need to know where you’re going. And it’s also a rather large city so you could be walking a long way. Another transport option is to take a boda (motorcycle). This is the easiest for someone who doesn’t know the city, but it’s much more expensive. A boda ride that costs 2000/- might only cost 750/- in a taxi.

On Sunday, June 13th, I spent the day with 3 friends walking all over the city. It was MUCH more enjoyable to explore the city on a non-working day. Streets in the business district were nearly empty when on Monday morning they would be packed with cars not moving! This day walking around the city really helped me actually enjoy Kampala and see some great sites that I wouldn’t have expected to see!!! We had a fun day of walking, chatting, eating, taking photo shoots and just enjoying!!!! I was with sister Rita (the other muzugu working with SU, outside Kampala), brother Bernard (my best friend here) and brother Ron! While we walked all over the city, I still don’t have a good map in my head of where everything is! It might a full year before I figure that out!

We saw some amazing buildings; mostly temples or other houses of worship!

We sat on a hotel rooftop near the south side of the city, just taking in the sites, chatting and people-watching from afar!!!

Rita and I shared the experience of sundaes with our Ugandan brothers who had never had one!!! Yummy! They enjoyed them so much!

This is the Serena Hotel! Yes, it’s in Uganda! The only 5 star hotel in Uganda! We loitered around the hotel checking it all out and enjoying the air condition inside the lobby!

Gulu Youth Conference – June 5th

2010-06-03T11:28:00.001-07:00

On Saturday, June 5th, Scripture Union (SU) Gulu is partnering with Kyambogo University students of Youth of Divine Destiny (YDD) to hold a one-day Youth Conference in Gulu.

After jumping through the hoops of the Ugandan education system, we succeeded in gaining approval from the necessary local government and church-heads for their stamp (literally for their stamp) of approval for this conference. It would be way too straight forward if we were permitted to go directly to the schools themselves!

After joyous experiences of making copies of the letters announcing our Youth Conference (ha ha! Check this out if you want details: http://daneenleidig.blogspot.com/2010/06/challenges.html) it was time to deliver the letters. HAND DELIVER! The postal service is not reliable enough (or fast enough), email is simply not available to most all schools and phone calls are not formal enough.

I spent the past 2 weeks visiting 3-4 secondary schools a day to meet with the Head Teacher (Principal) to inform them about the Youth Conference. I, Daneen from the USA, would have loved to have been able to inform the schools weeks ago. Alas, this is Uganda. Most Head Teachers and SU Patrons (teachers who head-up the SU clubs at their schools) were NOT phased when I said the conference was next weekend!! I was very encouraged as, at nearly every school, I was greeted with much welcome and support for the SU ministry. Very few even bothered to ask me what country I was from. I found this positive, as if that’s their way of simply accepting me for who I am and not where I come from and the assumptions that go with what I can “provide” being a white person . (Or maybe because they’re s use to all the NGO’s in the region!??)

Most of the large details are set. I fully expect there to be a variety of last minute issues and items. Now we just hope that students show up. We’ve budgeted and planned for 400 students. Yet, when I went to make the official request for buns at the bakery (for tea break), Susan (my SU co-worker) suggested I only comment to ordering 200. Hmmmmm!!? What does she know that she hasn’t shared??!! Oh yeah, experience of working with students in northern Uganda! :-)

Challenges - 5/24/2010

2010-05-25T10:33:00.001-07:00

“Work” in Africa. Not always the easiest thing. Often filled with challenges, which individually are small and irrelevant, but added together, frustration easily sets in. On this day, all the small things hit together within a matter of 2 hours!

Office “work”. We, Scripture Union, don’t have an office in Gulu. We have a building where another organization allows us to store a few boxes of literature and we can come and meet there. There is no desk, no internet, no computer, no printer, no copier, no office supply room. Today’s task: receive a document from my “boss” (located in a town 2 hours from me), print and make copies. Sounds easy enough, right? Here’s the process:

Printing. Go to the internet café and download the document. Save document to USB drive. Insert USB drive into internet café computer and pray it doesn’t transfer a virus. Café techie prints document. Pay for internet usage and prints. Forgot to use letterhead paper, so reprint. Why we can’t put the letterhead into the Word document of the actual letter I haven’t figure out yet!!??

Phone usage. While at the internet café, a fellow customer sees the “Scripture Union” logo and inquires to me about Bibles. I explain that SU doesn’t have the resources to provide Bible’s but there’s the Bible Society in Kampala. I can get him a contact from my colleague, Susan. I know Susan has her Warid SIM card in her phone today; but I currently have my MTN SIM card in my phone. So I swap out the SIM cards, and using my Warid Pakalast (the ability to talk “until you have nothing more to say”, all free for 24hrs at the cost of 65 cents!!!) I call Susan to get my new Reverend friend a good contact. Yay for the Rev. BUT, in the is process, somehow I misplace my MTN SIM card, something I’m normally very cautious about the placement of the tiny piece of cardboard which preciously holds all my Ugandan contacts! After searching in the normal places in my backpack, searching around where I was sitting and standing, it can’t be found. :-( Not good.

Make copies. Hoping the SIM card will show up later in my backpack, I move on. Take print-outs to photocopying business (thankfully only a few doors down the street). Ask techie to make desired copies. No self-serve Kinko stations. Attempt to use provided large paper cutter only to have it not work ends up “spoiling” your copies. Finish up. Pay. Now back to the office to assemble documents.

This process of the internet café, printing and making copies, somehow took 1.5 hours!

Food. At this point, I’m pretty frustrated already. I decide to head back to our shared office and try to relax and re-group myself! And I want to grab some food on the way. I swing by a café. I’m craving some muesli (granola) with yogurt. Of course, the muesli “is not there.” The person who was to bring it from Kampala had a different “program.”
So I decide to go to the office and then go to the Supermarket; don’t’ get too excited, it’s only the equivalent of a large 7-11.

Sharing an Office. Only to arrive at the office and find it locked. I don’t own a key. It’s not our office, remember. The person is not around. I move on to the Supermarket three doors down, and buy a yogurt. I take it to the office and sit on the ground in front of the doors.

Garbage. I eat my yogurt quickly as it’s after 2pm by now. In following with Ugandan procedure, I take my empty yogurt cup (now garbage) and throw it in the drainage ditch with the rest of the garbage. It’s pointless to carry it around town searching for a garbage can. They simply do not exist.

RESTORATION!!! Now I’m pretty much to the max of my cultural flexibility! I want to just cry as I’m sitting on the ground in front of my locked office, but instead I call a friend. A friend who I can always count on for amazing wisdom and reminders of the Truth. He comes through and really lifts me up…as I cry on the phone explaining my day of all these silly petty little things…to someone who has real issues (like not being able to find work!!) Yet he simply says he’s sorry for my day and reminds me of God’s promises to carry us through all life’s circumstances!

And just like that…with a Pakalast phone call, I’m able to turn my day around and keeping going.

The moral of this story?? Ummmm… work in Uganda is often challenging. Even the small things which back in the western world are so simple can add up and just become frustrating. Yet, at the end of the day, or the middle of the day, whenever you can wrap your mind around the Truth and faithfulness of our Father, you remember Jesus is walking beside you or perhaps carrying you along.
Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you. Heb 13:5

Huge thanks to my dear friend Bernard who allowed God to speak through him to encourage me! A great blessing in my life!!! As I know he would so humbly respond to this comment: Glory to God!!!!! :-)

Family Visit - 5/23/10

2010-05-24T11:08:00.003-07:00

Last summer, I would visit Alex’s family a few times a week. Each time, they would insist on feeding me. It’s Ugandan culture, so it’s only right that I stay and eat. Sometimes just tea, sometimes a special meal if they knew I was coming. Always very hospitable. And now that I've returned, it's the same!! :-) I’ve always wanted to return the kindness and have them to my home and make them some of my dishes! So we did.

On May 23rd, the day before Alex went back to teaching for Term 2, the family came over to my house (where I stay) for dinner. Alex, Concy, Fortunate and Baby Daneen (now 10 months old).

Everyone had a fun time playing with some volleyballs before we ate.

Fortunate did NOT like Chogo, the dog. Chogo wanted to play with her and was nipping at her toes as I was carrying her. She was NOT okay with that! I tried to get her to pet him, but that just made her cling to me more!

With some help, we made roasted chicken (in the oven), chips (French fries), hamburger with cheese mix (which Alex saw and thought was pizza), pasta, cold sodas, and….BROWNIES! Fortunate LOVED the brownies. She had at least 3 (it might have been 4) throughout the night.

It was a great evening. Nice to finally be able to host them!

My 2 Acholi families: Tom, Concy, Alex, Fortunate, Rose & Aber Daneen (x2)

The Thousand, by Jordan Brothers

2010-05-23T00:59:00.000-07:00

My friend and awesome High School student in Colorado, Jordan Brothers wrote this poem. We had been chatting on Facebook and when we were finished, she felt inspired to write this poem, for me! :-) Ahhh, these students are such a blessing to me; even thousands of miles away! Thanks Jordan!!!!!!!! :-)

The Thousand

a thousand voices singing, a
thousand hearts praising on the
shores of the lake. a thousand ears
listening to one mouth speaking, a
thousand other voices answering
with song.

a thousand children here, singing
from their hearts, souls like flames
in the blackness of the world, minds
alive and filled with thoughts, prayers,
songs to the One who makes clouds
cry over the earth.

a thousand hearts filled tonight and a
thousand souls saved. a thousand
beautiful songs sung, carried to me on
wings of one heart that beats to the
love of the One who breathes the breath
of life.

a thousand children choosing to
stand, a thousand voices rising from
that one place. and what of us, the
hundred here, a thousand miles away?
shall we stand, shall we sing to Him,
our Lord?

what of the thousands elsewhere, do
they sing as the thousand sing? do they
praise the One, do they worship without
fear? who am i to know, for i am of the
hundred, i have only one heart to give and to
love with.

God and Spirits – Christianity in Africa

2010-05-19T23:57:00.005-07:00

This is why I’m here! This is why Scripture Union Uganda exists!!

I had a conversation with Aunt Catherine about God, faith and spirits. She is an educated woman. A doctor! Traveled around the world (including Nigeria, Korea, UK and US.) She was born/raised in northern Uganda (Acholi tribe), married a Kenyan and has lived in Nairobi the past 30 years.

She’s a strong and educated Christian woman. She prays often (when someone arrives from travel safely, for all meals, when she hears of something bad to someone.) She’s attended a number of Bible Studies. Helped start Winners Chapel in Gulu (a Nigerian-based church, aka Living Faith Church). She talks openly to anyone and everyone about her faith, beliefs and God.

AND… she believes in evil and ancestral spirits.

At the time of this conversation, I had known Auntie Catherine for nearly 2 weeks. Her family members would refer to her as a bit crazy. Partly true. :-) But when it came to her faith, she seemed to be decently solid in her beliefs of Truth. A bit over the top, slightly in-your-face and charismatic, but nonetheless, solid truth. Then this conversation came up.

There’s God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. The Godhead. They’re like the leaders. Then there are the workers; angels. Angels can be good or evil. They are like the spirits. We all have good and bad spirits. Even when we’re alive. If we die and have people who we never forgave or hold grudges against, our spirit will haunt them. That would be a bad spirit. Therefore, when someone dies, there are certain “rituals” which need to be done in order for that person’s [bad] spirit to not continue to cause problems on Earth.

There is heaven and hell. But there are stairs of heaven. Which tier or “step” you end up on, depends on your merits [on Earth]. At this point, I had to bring in scripture and and reminded her of Ephesians 2. “For it is by grace you have been saved - it is the gift of God - not by works”.

There’s something called the Myriads of the Ages – The belief that success is determined by your ancestors. The reason why she and her brother and their other siblings have done so well (doctors, engineers, entrepreneurs, pilots) is because their parents and grandparents have done well.
The Western view – Yes, it often seems to carry-thru to future generations but that’s because you pass on the value of working hard, or obtaining success.

She also talked about:
- Parents could put curses on their children.
- The Nigeria Bishop, David Oyedepo who started Winners Chapel in 1981, has attested to breathing into dead people and thy return to life. As well as breathing into people and getting rid of HIV.
- Reverse Resurrection when your spirit comes back to life in a relative or if maybe someone you’re very close with (in the case of an only child.)

I kept trying to bring it back to the Bible, asking her where in the Bible it explains these things. She’ll respond with: the Bible is a difficult book to understand. I agree. You can’t just read it, you must study it. I agree.
She would tell me to Google these things and I’ll find it’s there. Of course it is. Anything and everything is on the internet. That doesn’t means it’s what God intended for us!!!!

I tried to lay out what she was saying. For my understanding.
Option 1 – There is God (God the Father, Son & Holy Spirit) and he says to trust in him and him alone. Meaning, there is no other supernatural being or power other than him and his power. Fear not, if you trust in him, he’ll take care of you.
Option 2 – There is God (God the Father, Son & Holy Spirit) and then also these evil spirits that you have to worry about.
I ask her if I’ve described the two ideas. She says Yes. I say, you can’t believe in both. Only one option can be true. So I go back to the Bible. And we just go round and round.

This conversation was very insightful. I’ve always been aware that this is the situation throughout much of this region (believing in God living your life for Him, yet at the same time having beliefs of evil spirits from ancestors), but I’ve never first-hand spoke to someone! This is why I’m here. This is why Scripture Union exists. To bring people the real truth of who God is and what Jesus can mean in their lives.

When Paul tells us: “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast.” Eph 2:8-9
Period. God does not measure our good works!!There are no stairs to climb; not during this life and not after.

When the Bible author says: “My soul finds rest in God alone: My salvation comes from Him.” Psalms 62:1
Period. He meant it. He is the only one and if your put your trust in Him and HIM ALONE, you have rest; you will have nothing else to fear. Including spirits.
When we trust in Him, he will not fail us: “The Lord’s unfailing love surrounds the man who trust in him.” Psalms 32:10

So… when I have those times of questioning why I’m here working with SU.. Just another NGO…another ex-pat… all trying to have their stake in helping rebuild northern Uganda. There are already solid churches… BUT… the reason all comes down to the real truth. Not just telling people about the Bible or about God or having a fun camp for youth. But sharing the TRUTH of who Jesus is and the Freedom in His promises!! Period. Nothing more. Nothing less!

NOTE: I’ll be the first to admit that it is not right or fair to generalize this as being an issue for all East Africans, nor is this a full representation of all traditional beliefs. This is me expressing one conversation I had!!

1st Month - 5/13/10

2010-05-13T12:33:00.005-07:00

I’ve been in country for a month! Hard to believe! While I only plan to do a formal newsletter update quarterly, I would like to share with you on a monthly basis what is going on in Uganda.

GLORY
Why did God create us? Why does He want us to love Him? Why do we live each day trying to praise Him? All for GOD’S GLORY. This month I give Him glory for PROVISION. In so many ways: My smooth arrival to Uganda, a wonderful welcoming by Scripture Union (SU) staff and immediate acceptance into the SU family, a great place to stay while in Kampala my first week, a lovely place to stay in Gulu, an encouraging experience at Camp, and new friends in the SU family.

LOVE
I say that I came to Uganda with my love; to give love. It’s true. But it’s really Christ’s love for why I’m here and it’s what keeps me going. During my 2nd week in Uganda, I attended the Central Region Scripture Union Youth Camp. It was an incredible camp! I was very impressed at what a solid program the amazing SU staff and volunteers put together. My time at camp was very encouraging to see first-hand the work of SU and the ministry I’m blessed to be a part of over the next year. It was also a great blessing to be surrounded by 20 other brothers and sisters in Christ. I really connected with many of the other adult volunteers and SU staff. Genuine friendships were formed. Friendships based on love for one another. Even though all these new friends live in Kampala (5 hours from where I live), I’m still so thankful to have them in my life. Ugandan culture is such that many don’t show much affection; especially male to female. This is changing, especially within Christ’s family. And it’s a wonderful thing. Something I personally have a need for in my life is genuine love and affection from friends…and HUGS! I’m very grateful to be part of the SU family in Uganda who provides all these things!
What was the most amazing love displayed at camp, was the students’ love for Christ. They know their Savior and are hungry for His love. They were an inspiration to me. Read more about the Youth Camp here: http://daneenleidig.blogspot.com/2010/05/mwiri-su-youth-camp-43010.html

MINISTRY

The more and more I learn about Scripture Union (SU) and the more I engage with the staff and volunteers, the more impressed I am with the great ministry! Their vision is: “Children and Youth following Jesus, filled with hope and transforming the families and Nations of Africa“. SU Uganda’s theme this year is “Light Your World” (Matt 5:14). The ministry here in Gulu has a long way to go! Many schools (primary or secondary) might have an SU club, but very few of the leaders have been trained on how to lead the club nor do they have the Bible study materials. Only last year did the outreach to Gulu district begin.
On June 5th, we will hold a High School Rally which is a one day mini-conference with worship, a speaker, small group Bible study, quiet time, and fun fellowship. Last year, they held a half-day rally and around 120 students attended. We’re hoping to double that number this year. I have taken my first attempt at writing a Bible study for this event. I felt lead to put together a study about Courage and Boldness. The idea that in order to be a Light our world, we need to be bold and have courage to stand up for Jesus. Using scripture in Acts 4:1-21, & v. 29-31 where Peter and John act with courage to continue to speak about Jesus.
In July, we will travel around Gulu district showing the Jesus film. A large portion of my time in June will be spent visiting schools and their SU clubs, as well as and requesting time with the Head Teacher to see if we can visit them in July to show the Jesus Film to the students. We’ll try to hold 2-3 showings a day, for 6 days in early July.
It is my role to coordinate both of these programs. There are two other part-time (as available or needed) volunteer here in Gulu. Both are students at Gulu University. I’ll for sure be requesting their assistance as well as seeking out other volunteers to assist with the HS Rally as Bible study leaders!

PRAISES & PRAYER
- Praises for God’s provision. For housing, the SU family, friends in Kampala, Watoto church in Gulu & God’s faithfulness.
- For community and friends in Gulu
- For financial provision for SU Uganda. Programs are being cut back due to finances.
- Success for the HS rally on June 5th. Still searching for venue and speaker, hope that many students will want and be able to come, need donations for food for lunch (asking schools), need volunteer assistance.
- For Jesus to continue to walk with me and help me EVERY day to get through all the cultural differences, annoyances and frustrations of living in Uganda! Many things become normal but that doesn’t mean they’re always easy to continue pushing on! :-)
- For me to live my life so that others can see Christ’s power and love

WAY FORWARD
Church on Sundays at Watoto Church Gulu
Visit SU clubs at primary and secondary schools in Gulu District
Send time with Alex, Concy, Fortunate and baby Daneen
May 22 – Mwiri Youth Camp Facilitators retreat. Gathering at the beach along Lake Victoria with the other volunteers who helped at camp.
May 24 – Term 2 begins for students
May 29 – Watoto Gulu Youth Workers service project with local prison
June 5 – HS Rally in Gulu.
June 14-18 – Jesus Film in Lira district
July 6-11 – Jesus Film in Gulu district

Scripture Union Anthem - 5/12/10

2010-05-13T06:14:00.005-07:00

The SU Anthem is known by all the students, staff and volunteers of SU! I was amazed at camp when everyone broke out in song to the tune of “What a friend I have in Jesus.”

Members of the Scripture Union
Reading in the Book each Day
Though their languages are many
To one Lord alone they pray

As I read the Daily Message
Teach me what I ought to know
Trust and Love and Serve my Savior
And more like Him daily grow

SU’s Vision:
Children and youth following Jesus, filled with hope and transforming the families and nations of Africa.

SU’s Mission:
- To make God’s good news known to children, young people and families
- To encourage people of all ages to meet God daily though the Bible and prayer so that they come to personal faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, growing in Christian maturity and become both committed church members and servants of a world in need.

Growth - 5/10/10

2010-05-13T06:08:00.001-07:00

Time + Solitude = Growth. Overall everything is going well. Yet, that doesn’t mean it’s ideal or ideal as I had hoped! :-) I am very thankful to be living with the family I am. My temporary housing in Gulu has turned into long term. (There is no other housing in Gulu). It’s a wonderful home. Clean. Spacious. Beautiful grounds. Great people. Outside of town, therefore very quiet. And there’s a great dog who makes me smile every day!! The 4 others that live at the house (Tom and Rose, the parents, and two sons Ob and Apollo) are often out and about. It’s common to be home alone. Which is nice yet gets lonely at times. As much as I’m not a city girl and enjoy the country, it’s challenging being farther from town without the ability to take a quick walk to get into town if I’d like to. I’m trying to view this time as an opportunity to spend more time with God. Since the schools are still on holiday for another 2 weeks, and I’m still figure out my job (which is slow right now), I have a lot of time. I read a lot. Been trying to exercise at least 3-4 times a week (jogging around the house area.) I have been trying to instill a better habit of daily devotional and prayer time. A chance to really focus on God and Christ alone. Something I easily struggle with. I know, too soon, I will be very busy and not have this much free time so I’m doing my best to embrace it and put God first!

Laughter - 5/9/10

2010-05-13T06:04:00.001-07:00

“This is an ambassador sent by Obama.”
Yup, that’s me, as declared by Auntie Catherine!

Auntie Catherine is and old Acholi woman, sister of Tom, the first female gynecologist in Uganda, married to a Kenyan and lives in Nairobi, the self-declared International Mother-in-law of the year after attending her son’s wedding in Nigeria and now claims to be the bridge between East and West Africa, visits Pres. Obama’s grandmother in Kenya often, seems to be the leader of the East African women empowerment movement, she’s a spit fire and the woman cracks me up with her stories!! She’s staying with us here at the house along with a family niece visiting from Kampala. She took us on a tour around Gulu district insisting we see the “good structures” in the area. Mainly St. Mary's Lacor Hospital and Gulu University. Upon arrival at the hospital during non-visitor hours, she somehow gets us right thru the gate. When I asked her how, she said that she had with her an ambassador sent from Obama. And she says it with such boldness I’m sure the they didn’t question her. She walks us up to the door to the hospital director and walks right in. No knock. Never mind the person waiting outside. Walks in and sticks her head in. Now we are the ambassadors from both the US and Kenya. As she’s talking to the director, she adds another ambassador from Sudan! The niece visiting worked in south Sudan for 5 years so she was now an ambassador as well. “An International Community” she kept saying. It was hilarious. And we just had to go along with it because she makes her statements so boldly!!! It was actually great to get the inside tour. Lacor was the only proper hospital in the north that stayed operational during the war. It saw a break out of Emboli in 2000 which took the lives of 20 workers who stayed to help while others fled. It housed thousands of “night commuters” during the war when it acted as the only safe place for projection against the rebel army. It was a long day with lots of walking and boda (motorcycle) rides to various places but very insightful and thru it all Auntie Catherine talked the whole day long with some wild story to go along with everything! We all laughed…a lot!!

Housing in Gulu - 5/8/2010

2010-05-08T08:23:00.007-07:00

My temporary housing in Gulu has turned into being more permanent; at least for now. There is NO available housing in Gulu! Thankfully, Tom and Rose have been very gracious and offered for me to stay as long as I’d like or need.

It’s a WONDERFUL home! 4 people live here; Tom and Rose (dad and mom) and two of their sons Ob and Apollo; who I also became friends with last summer. I have my own room kind of in a separate “wing” of the house where there’s a separate bathroom and shower. Ob also stays in that “wing”. However, most everyone is always out and about. Very rarely is everyone at home. It’s a quiet house in the country. Very lovely. Super clean. Very reliable water supply. Power doesn’t reach this far so they have a generator. So during the day there’s no power (unless you really need it for something), only at night. But…it’s there (the power) whenever you need it. You don’t have to rely on whether or not the town is out of power!!!

The beautiful house and the road heading out of town to the country!!!

My 4 favorite things about living here are:

- HOT running water and an awesome shower!!!
- A great doggie who makes me smile
- Access to non-Ugandan food. Since they own businesses in town they can transport food from Kampala and store it. During my first week here, Apollo made us proper hamburgers!!!! It’s not an every day thing, but even on occasion, it’s so nice!!!!
- The quietness of being outside of town.

It’s really a great blessing!

Yet with being outside of town, it’s also challenging. I can’t easily take a 15 min walk to go buy something, or have better internet access (stronger connection). If I want to be social and hang out with people (which happens in the evenings) it’s more of a challenge to get transport back home; especially if I’m alone. It can also get a bit lonely or boredom can set in. Yet, I’m very grateful to be here. I’m seeing this time of being in the country as more time to slow down, read, and spend with God. I fully trust that God is in control of even the details of my living arrangement. This is what He’s put before me (and really the only thing after I sought out other options). So this must be where He wants me. At least for now. Hopefully I’ll start making friends soon and maybe in a few months housing will open up and I could live with others in town, and with people I know and would enjoy living with. But for now, it’s a great place.

Awranga is a small village about 5km outside of Gulu town (about a 10 min car drive, 15 min boda ride, or 30+ min bike ride.) That’s where the house is located. The whole area is filled with relatives of Tom and the O’lalobo family. I met Tom and Rose last summer when I was in Gulu. They hosted our group of teachers to their
house for dinner and shared with us their story. Tom is Acholi and from Gulu. Born and raised in the same area where he now lives. Strangely enough, Tom and I are Alumni. We both went to Embry Riddle Aeronautical University in FL. After university, Tom returned to Uganda and flew for East African Airways. He was also very involved with politics; so much that Tom and his family were close friends with Pres Obote who in 1985 was overthrown in a political coup by Tito Okello. After Okello was in “power”, Tom and his family’s lives were literally in danger and they were forced to leave Uganda. To make a long and amazing story short… they moved their family to the U.K. where they raised their 8 children for the next 20 years. Tom and Rose returned to Gulu a few years ago to their house (where we now live). The house had made it through the war but clearly required a lot of work; it was filled with bats and bees…even trees!! They moved back because this is home and they are all (everyone in the family) committed to helping turn around Gulu. Rose runs the only bakery in town which supplies the whole town with fresh bread and other goodies. Tom overseas a farm which grows a number of crops, pigs, and they’re starting a chicken house. All his employees at the farm are returned soldiers from the rebel army. As they say here, “They’re from the bush.” They were part of Joseph Kony’s LRA (whether voluntarily or by force) so long that they have no other skills so he’s been dedicated to providing them with skills to get through life. Here at the house, they’re finishing a new building to produce peanut butter. They have the equipment to make vodka but all vodka production was put on hold for the past year or so by the gov’t. They recently received the go-ahead to start again. And with 3 sons working for NGO’s or other sustainable businesses (son Tom is opening a coffee shop and café in 2 weeks), they’re doing great things for this area. Often, out of no where, Tom or Rose will just share some amazing story that’s always insightful!

You can read more about Tom & Rose’s story here:
ERAU Alumni Magazine Article (Lift, Spring 2010) – http://www.eraualumni.org/s/867/images/editor_documents/LIFT/Spring2010FINAL_all_links.pdf
Last summer’s blog, Exile from Uganda – http://daneenleidig.blogspot.com/2009/06/61409-exile-from-uganda.html

Mwiri SU Youth Camp – 4/30/10

2010-05-01T02:09:00.014-07:00

What an awesome camp for the students of Uganda! Incredible!! For these students, this was their CIY Conference!! 4 full days packed with powerful praise & worship, prayer, Bible Study, fellowship, workshop sessions, life skills, lots of food and lots of fun! All at a location on a hill overlooking Lake Victoria…which brought us lovely cool weather which I loved while most of the Ugandans were freezing!! :-)

Approx 400 students attended the camp at Mwiri (east of Jinja) for Central Region. Praises to God for so many students being able to attend during their school holiday after Term 1! What’s even more amazing is that it seemed clear the students were not there because their friends were there or because they heard it was going be a fun time… they were there because they are on fire for the love of Christ! Wow! These students GET it. They know Scripture... They know their Savior and have a hunger for His presence in their lives!

The SU staff and many volunteers are equally incredible and full of love for Jesus! It was very refreshing and inspiring to be around such amazing brothers and sisters (and UNCLE’s) for a few days! Everyone at SU is an Uncle – U Need Christ to Live Eternally!!

Bible study material was amazingly written well…and written by volunteers, most who only recently finished university! All the programs were truly wonderful and applicable to the students lives, to their growth with the Lord as “Trasnformers” and to their desire to Praise God!

----- My two most favorite programs were Cultural Night and Worship Celebration night. Cultural Night was a time for everyone to dress in their traditional wear of their respective tribes. Over 10 Ugandan tribes were represented and also Malawi, Tanzania & Congo. It helped the students learn about each others background to hopefully form a sense of UNITY. Worship Celebration was a lovely evening with a candlelight dinner. We sat at tables with our Bible Study [family] groups, ate dinner together, exchanged gifts (to instill the idea of having a giving heart), light candles together so the whole room was bright with candlelight and worshiped our Lord! Simply beautiful!!

These students love to worship and they LOVE to dance!!!!

My time at camp was a great reminder of how I enjoy the JOY of Ugandans. They are always playful and like to enjoy life…and smile a lot!! Everyone is very affectionate and big huggers. And I LOVE HUGS!!! :-) YAY!!! So wonderful to make some good friends...just sad they all stay in Kampala and I'm up in Gulu! :-(

Time at camp was 5 days of restoration and spiritual renewal and building great friendships. Still with some frustrations or annoyances...this IS Uganda: There are cultural differences, time is not kept well, we stayed in dorms where ~100 girls shared 6 bathing stalls and one faucet of water outside (which was often out of water) and had to go mountain climbing down to the latrine (outside toilet!!). While that’s all part of life here…it’s not always easy! :-)

Looking forward to the next camp! It will be up here in the north; Kitgum in Aug! Just like camp back in the U.S.; it’s so much fun and overwhelming uplifting, yet also physically, emotionally and spiritually draining and you just want to come home and sleep!!

To my HS students back in CO: Do not worry, you could never be replaced! I love you all and miss you very much! CIY is CIY and amazing in it’s own way. I truly wish I could go to camp with you in June!!!!

African Politics – 4/29/10

2010-05-01T02:03:00.002-07:00

In early 2011, Uganda will hold a democratic election for President. I was talking with Tom O-lalobo whom I am staying with about the upcoming election.

Daneen: “So what do you think about the election this year.”
Pause. Tom searches for the words.
Daneen: “Will Museveni win again?”
Tom: “Of course he’ll win again.”
Daneen: “How? Will it somehow be rigged?”
Tom: “It’s not an election!”
...
Daneen: “Will you vote?”
Tom: “I’ve retired from politics. I just want to live in peace.”

From my time in East Africa, this is a common thought of most educated Africans. They have no desire to be part of politics. They see it as pointless and just causes you more frustration. This is the same thought when I talked with friends in Zambia who were Zambian, South African and Zimbabwean. They simply want to stay out of it.

For those who recall Tom’s family’s story, you will understand why he has no desire to be involved with politics. Back in the early 80’s Tom was very involved with politics and was close friends with then President Obote. When Tito Okello took over the gov’t in a coup (1985), Tom and his family’s lives were literally in danger and they had to flee the country. Tom, Rose and their 8 children spent the next 20 years in the U.K. while the conflict in northern Uganda was at it’s worse. They have only recently returned to their home outside Gulu town (where I’m staying) about 3 years ago. Now, Tom, Rose and 3 of their sons all are involved in development or local businesses to help restore Gulu!!!

Scripture Union Transformers Camp – 4/23-28/2010

2010-04-21T09:17:00.000-07:00

Starting Fri night April 23rd, I’ll be at the SU Central Region Youth Camp in Mwiri, near Jinja, Uganda. This camp is for Scripture Union club leaders (in High School’s in Central Region) to attend. Camp is from Fri night April 23rd through Wed morning April 28th. It’s a residential camp where the students stay at one location all week. Most camps around the country are held at a boarding school; however, SU has built one Campsite (between Entebbe and Kampala) with hopes of building more! The SU Children’s Camp will be held at the Campsite this term.

From the training material I’ve seen, the camp will be very similar to our U.S. youth camps (perhaps a scaled down version of CIY.) Worship, quite time, prayer, Bible study (small group), free time, games, activities, late night movie and lots of great tasting food!! LOL! :-)

Camp location: Busoga College, boys school, Mwiri
Camp theme: “Light Your World”, Matthew 5:14
Daily Focuses: The Making, The Calling, The Destiny and The Commissioning of a Transformer
Workshops: Influence of the Media, Financial Entrepreneurship, and Nutrition, Health, Hygiene
Worship: Watoto Worship Team, SU Worship Team, Student Choris

I will be at the camp in Jinja as an adult sponsor/volunteer/facilitator/Bible study group leader/etc. In August and November, we will host similar camps up in the Northern Region. So this will be a great hands-on learning experience before trying to plan our camp in August.

I’m leaving Gulu early in the morning on Thur to catch the bus to Kampala. Then I’ll transfer to a bus to Iganga (just east of Jinja). I’ll get to spend a day and a half with Andrea and Morris at Musana Children’s Home, www.musana.org. I got to know Andrea and Morris during Passion 2010 (this past January) through the Flatirons Community Church group! Andrea and I quickly connected and become friends with our common interests and passions. We’re both really looking forward to seeing each other. Yes I’ve only been in country for 2 weeks (which means only 2 weeks removed from life in the US), but it seems longer. It always does when you’re in a new place where you plan to start a new life!! So it’ll be great to see her!!!

YOU can be a part of this great camp as a Prayer Partner!
Ways to pray:
-Safe and on-time arrivals for all attending camp
-Students will be open to the messages and grow in their relationship with Jesus.
-Camp leaders will have everything well organized and camp will go smoothly.
-Facilitators and adult leaders will have the energy to be physically, emotionally and spiritually available to the students.
-The Holy Spirit will be present at the camp and in the lives of everyone there.

Acholi Family – 4/18/2010

2010-04-18T10:42:00.003-07:00

Omony Alex and I were co-teachers in the Summer of 2009. Together we taught his Biology classes to the S2 students at Keyo Secondary School outside Gulu, northern Uganda. Invisible Children’s Teacher Exchange program is designed to create an exchange of teaching methods as career development for the Ugandan teachers. Alex and I were more than just co-teachers we became good friends and his family accepted as part of theirs. He is my Acholi brother. During my time in Uganda, Alex’s wife, Concy, was pregnant with their second child. Their first, Fortunate, had just turned 2 years old. I spent 6+ hours at Lacor Hospital with Concy the day she gave birth. The named the baby girl, Daneen. What an honor.

I returned back to Gulu on Sat April 17th. On Sunday I spent a good portion of the day with the family. Of course they feed me, as is the Ugandan culture! Concy even made rice as they know I don’t enjoy their posho so much!! It was good to spend time with them and see the kids growing. Baby Daneen is now 9.5 months old and she doesn’t like to stay in one place. She’s on the go and wants to check out everything. Crawling or walking by holding on to things. Alex even got her a little wooden walker to help her!! And Fortunate was not afraid of me like she was when we first met. In fact, she told some young neighbor kids “It’s okay. Greet her. She doesn’t eat people!” :-)

BIKE – 4/14/2010

2010-04-18T09:46:00.003-07:00

Foot..ride..or pedal. Now I have 3 options for transport around Gulu. Walk, ride a boda (and pay $), or ride my bike. Duncan, SU Special Needs Ministry Coordinator, took me to a bike shop in Kampala to be my Negotiator and ensure I got a good bike. He wanted me to get one that was a bit fancy and had really nice paint. I had to talk him into allowing me to have one that was a little rusted and had chipped paint. That way, I don’t stand out as much (ha, ha) and others won’t want to steal my bike!! :-)

It was a good time of fellowship spending the day with Duncan. He has a BS in Psychology with a focus on Special Needs. He previously worked for World Vision and then started the Special Needs department within Scripture Union Uganda! He’s getting married in July and leaving SU in Aug to work on his masters degree. All of that, and most importantly, an incredible follower of Jesus! Just one example of the many amazing people at SU!!

Ugandan Mobile Phone & Update - 4/15/2010

2010-04-15T02:18:00.000-07:00

I got my mobile phone here in Uganda!

Call or text from the US: 011 256 0787612126

You will be charged extra for international text messages. To both send and receive. My plan with Verizon was like 50 cents each. So it adds up quickly…but I’m sure you love me enough and can manage 50 cents every once in a while!!! :-) Or even a whole dollar in case I text you back. Yes? Good! :-)

For me, all incoming text messages are FREE. And for me send Int’l messages is only the equivalent of about 25 cents! So send away! It will surely be a wonderful surprise!

I’m doing well! STILL in Kampala. Soooo ready to be out of the city. It’s C-R-A-Z-Y and just busy and transport is always an issue. Takes an hour to get to the SU office from where I’m staying…or an hour to town..or an hour to cross town. Gulu will be refreshing. We should be heading up tomorrow (Friday).

The benefit of being in KLA longer is that I’m able to spend more time with the rest of the SU staff and volunteers here. Once I’m in Gulu I won’t see them too often.

When I arrive in Gulu I’ll be staying with Tom and Rose. I’ve confirmed with their son Apolo that it’s all good for me to stay there! Tom is the guy who went to ERAU (my same university). Apolo and Ob, two of his sons, are my age. It’ll be nice to spend time with them. But I’ll hope to find permanent housing soon.

I won’t be in Gulu long before leaving again. :-( Probably next Wed (Ap 21st) I’ll be heading down to Jinja (southern UG) for the SU Youth Camp. We have Youth Camps up in the north twice a year after Term 2 and Term 3. So since Term 1 is ending soon, I can go down and see what camp is all about before we have ours up in the north. “Youth” Camp means High School. From what the SU staff have told me it sounds very similar to our youth camps back home. Great themes, facilitators come in for workshops, small group Bible study, activities. Should be great!!!!!
While down in the south, I hope to also go and visit my friends at Musana in Iganga, Andrea and Morris. Andrea has mentioned she’ like me to come before the Youth Camps as her students will all still be there and I can meet them.

That’s a brief update from the Pearl!! :-)

Send a short email when you can. Even 1-2 sentences makes my day that much better! And…for my Skype number, I finally was able to record a msg so you can hear ME when you call! Skype Number: 303-586-4969

Erased - 4/12/2010

2010-04-13T02:06:00.002-07:00

The night before I left Colorado, one of my most wonderful friends gave me the best departure gift for my time in Uganda. An Eraser. Just a plain pink eraser, the kind we used in elementary school for standardized exams. On the back she wrote “Just Breath”. It’s a tangible reminder of how, over and over again, here in Uganda, I might have a set plan or idea in my head about how the day will look or what I might accomplish with a program….yet, many times, I will need to ERASE my plan, just breath, and go with what happens. Go with what the day brings. It’s the Ugandan way. The African way. Thank you ba-Laurie!!

I’m totally comfortable with this. It’s part of being able to survive over here without going insane. Yet, at times it can for sure get frustrating; especially when it comes to getting work accomplished. Yet, if you can embrace it, you can find how it’s a more relaxed way of life. And I think I’ve learned, it allows room for God to do His work. Sometimes when we’re so busy to accomplish what WE think needs to get done, it doesn’t allow God to arrive in His perfect time, to let HIS PLAN come into play. An example…

I arrived on Friday morning. “My plan” was to try to get to the US Embassy on Friday, set up a bank account and purchase a mobile phone. That’s a lot to try to do in one day, in a city I don’t know and don’t have my own transport. However, since I didn’t know what the plan was (as far as Scripture Union goes for perhaps meeting with other SU staff on maybe Monday) I wanted to get my stuff out of the way. And it was a list of tasks to keep me moving and awake the whole day which is the key to adjusting to the time difference and jet lag. Ha, ha, silly me! I arrived and the great ladies who picked me from the airport drove me to where I was staying. Along the way I mention how I did need to work out things with the Embassy regarding my Visa, I needed to get a mobile phone, set up a bank account, etc. They said we could do those things on Monday. They wanted me to just rest over the weekend.

It was actually quite lovely to not try to DO anything my first few days. I was able to just relax and adjust to this new place. I was able to sleep for 14 hours!! Which actually really put me right on track with the new time zone. I feel great energy-awakeness-wise.

While I really would have liked to at least gotten a mobile phone before Monday, I let it go. It would have been nice to have the phone to start communicating with the people I know up in Gulu to sort out my future housing situation. Instead the various people I’ve meet have asked me where I’m staying in Gulu. When I inform them I don’t yet know and I’m depending on God to work out those details, they say they will be praying. Genuinely. Beth, whom I am staying with, is an amazing woman of God and a fearful prayer!!! It’s inspiring. She sent emails to some of her prayer partners to be praying for me and my housing situation in Gulu. So not only is my prayer team praying for this, others I don’t even know in Uganda are praying!

I don’t know what I could have maybe worked out this weekend with a phone, but it is certainly NOT going to be the same situation that God is working on!! I know this because it’s the same with my housing situation here in Kampala. I surly would have not been able to dream up a host as great as Beth and Lisa whom I’m staying with. I’m so thankful she has welcomed me here. It’s been great to create the relationship with her and her daughter, hear more about SU-Uganda, go swimming at the Kampala American Recreational Society (Beth knows some missionaries who invited her to come), take a walk around their home and have my first re-exposure to “Muzungu Bye” and “How are you”, and so many other things.

Oh and I even made my first African baby cry! The 1 ½ year old boy was walking with an older brother and erupted into a fearful scream as he saw me. Of course it brought laughter to everyone else on the path and the ladies sitting outside their homes!! Yet, another about 2 or 3 year old boy ran up to me and just wanted to hug me!!! :-)

Monday morning when I awoke at 6:30am to be sure to be ready by 7:30am in case my ride arrived on time to get me to the SU office by 8am…. By 9am I had to erase that plan. Beth made some calls and was informed they’d be over to pick me up in 3 hours! HA!!! So I settled into reading my book! -- This is why you must always abide by my ABAB rule when in Africa: Always Bring A Book. Always and Everywhere!! – Around 10am we received a call that someone else was coming, maybe even in 20 minutes. I kept reading . Around 10:30 I asked Beth if she thought someone would be here within 20 min or would it be longer. She said, oh no, it will be longer. So I got out my computer to type up this letter/blog post. :-) I arrived to the SU office at 1pm!!

Oh Africa!!! I have surely arrived!! Thank you for the warm welcome!!! Surely!

P.S. And yes, as you can read, I have already resettled back into using my British English! Ugandlish! It just happens!

SU Uganda Head Office in Kampala -->

Arrival to Kampala - 4/9/10

2010-04-10T05:59:00.003-07:00

I have arrived safely and happily in Uganda! I was greeted at the airport by Susan and Editar. Susan is the lady and SU staff member who I will work with up in Gulu! It was great to be greeted by familiar face.
On our way from Entebbe airport to Kampala, they took me by one of the SU campsites. SU uses these campsites for youth camps. It's a nice camp with large girls and boys dorms and a large dinning hall and multipurpose room! This one was by Lake Victoria so it has a lovely view.

I'm staying with Beth who works for SU-Africa and use to work for SU-Uganda. Beth has traveled a good bit and is very educated with western thoughts. We've been able to have some great conversations about development, cultural issues, ministry work, etc. A great blessing to have those conversations with someone how GETS it and yet also has a heart for similar things as myself.
She has a nice simple house and a guest bedroom with it's own bath room. So it's a very homey place to stay for while I'm in Kampala for a few days. And Beth has invited me to stay there any time I am in Kampala, even if she is off traveling out of the country for work.
My first day with them was nice and relaxing. After tea, a short nap, reading on the veranda, and lunch, I played Uno and Jacks with Lisa, Beth's 9-year old daughter who is home from boarding school for Easter break.

I went to bed at 9pm...took 1 Melatonin and woke up 13 hours later!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Wow! I was so refreshed!

Everyone I've met from SU is so excited for me to be here. Today Beth was saying how even 2-3 years ago they started praying for Gulu to open it's doors to SU. So they see me as an answer to prayers to really get things going. Yet Beth and I talked openly and honestly that it can't be ME doing it all or me doing it forever. My role needs to be sure to be looking for others to step up and really be able to take over. SO awesome that she gets that!!!

The next two days will be relaxing. I had mentioned about trying to go to the Embassy the day I arrived (Friday) or to the bank to set up an account, but they insisted that I just need to rest up! Very sweet. So... I will!!

Susan and I will drive up to Gulu on probably Tue or Wed. She has her own SU vehicle so we can drive up together in her vehicle. It will be great to spend time with her and talk about SU and how she sees me jumping into the work.

I'm being WELL taken care of. Awesome how God has all the details figured out. Better than I could have!! What a powerful and faithful God we have!!! How He's prepared things here in Kampala reassures me he has all the details figure out for once I arrive in Gulu!!

Hugs from The Pearl!! :-)

Contact Information

2010-04-07T11:15:00.012-07:00

I'm VERY thankful to have good access to communication. Most of the time, I have wireless internet which is a huge blessing. Here's how you can stay in touch!

Email: daneenleidig@gmail.com
Facebook: Daneen Leidig

Ugandan Mobile: 011-256-787612126 (send and receive text messages and phone calls!)
Skype number (FREE from any cell phone): 303-586-4969 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 303-586-4969 end_of_the_skype_highlighting
This calls me on Skype. If I'm online I'll answer otherwise it'll go to voicemail.
Skype name: Daneen526 (For the face-to-face phone call!)

Time Difference - 9 hours (Uganda to Colorado)

Mailing Address - ...for all those letters, postcards and packages you're dying to send!!! :-)
Daneen Leidig
c/o Tom and Rose O'lalobo
P.O. Box 33
Gulu, UGANDA

P & P - 4/6/09

2010-04-06T21:32:00.001-07:00

It’s been incredible to see God’s hand in each and every step of the way. Even when not every detail has been worked out months or weeks in advance, He comes through with His good and perfect plan! It’s all about trust that He WILL come through. And he does! I’m so thankful for his faithfulness in our lives…and even more so, for his almighty Power to get stuff done!!

PRAISES
- Safe and enjoyable cross country journey from CO to PA
- I am excited! Still! This is truly answer to all of our prayers from a few weeks a back. What a great reminder that God wants to bless us for our trust in his power!!
- My house has awesome renters and someone I trust to manage it. Tina & Devan Bumstead will be there for the next year and David/Brittany Rusaw will manage it. These are friends from church who I know will take great care of the place. And they are both soooo excited about having a place that feels like they can call home after the 1st nigh!!!
- My last few weeks in CO were wonderful with lots of time with so many great friends! I'm incredibly blessed and glad I was able to spend good time with so many!!
- Someone from SU is going to pick me up from the airport!!!! While in Kampala I am going to stay with an SU worker named Beth Baleke, who I have emailed with in the past. She is happy to host me, with her daughter Lisa! They will take good care of me. Yay God!
- Susan, who is the Regional Director of the North that I will work with, will arrive in Kampala on Sun or Mon. So I'm sure we'll be able to travel to Gulu together (probably on public transport)!!!

PRAYER
- Paige to readjust to living with grandma and grandpa and two dogs. Even though she previously lived here for a year and a half, she's pretty nervous. She likes hiding out in my room which is in the lower part of the house where no one else is (once I'm gone).
- Travel. Flights and bags to all go smoothly. Along with 12hr lay-over in London on Thursday!
FLIGHT PLAN: April 7th, BWI to London. April 8th lay-over in London. Meet up with old friend for lunch in town. April 8th evening, London to Entebbe UG. Arrive to Entebbe April 9th 9:25am (Uganda time)
- During time in Kampala I have a lot of things to get sorted out with SU (like how I’ll receive my financial support disbursements from them). Just pray that it all goes smoothly and I’m able to communicate my needs well and they are receptive and understanding!
** Housing in Gulu. I'm responsible for locating my own housing. I've inquired with some people I know in Gulu but no one has come back saying they know of anyone looking for a housemate. Be great if this could get figured out somewhat quickly so I can move in and start getting settled.
** Great roommates. Ideally (please God, please), awesome Christian girls!!!!! But I'll take just good people! :-)
** Great friends. Pray for at least one if not more great girls who are followers and willing to open up and be friends with me.
- For Jesus to hold my hand through all of the above as I do it pretty much alone!!! Remember SU is NOT a sending organization, or a missionary receiving organization. That means it's all mostly up to me to get done!!

If you’d like to receive emails with future prayer requests, email me: daneenleidig@gmail.com

Mission: Love

2010-03-29T22:18:00.007-07:00

What’s love got to do with it? EVERYTHING!

“We can do no great things, only small things with great love.” - Mother Theresa
“Love because God first loved you.” – Jesus

What are my objectives or goals with my time in Uganda?
I have just one. LOVE. To love others wholeheartedly...unrestricted...non-critically...just straight love. I believe that from love, people gain hope. And from hope, so much can grow! Also, through us loving others, it gives them insight to Christ's love for them!
With one simple objective of Love, it leaves the pages wide open for anything to be written. By having no pre-set ideas of what I might accomplish or a set of goals, I'm allowing Jesus to work 100% through me...all for His glory!

Why is this my only goal? Because it's what best models Christ. During His time on this earth, the best thing that Jesus did was love others.

Jesus teaches us to...
Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. (Rom 12:10)... Be rooted and established in love (Eph 3:17)... Above all, love each other deeply (1 Peter 4:8)... Love binds it all together in perfect unity (Col 3:14)... Do everything in love. (1 Cor 16:14)

Love never fails. 1 Cor 13:8

So I go with the mission of Love...all for God's Glory!

Yes, it's all really that simple! :-)

Measuring Success

2010-03-26T22:21:00.005-07:00

A friend recently asked me this question:
How will I measure the success of my work in Uganda?

Ha, ha! It's Africa. In order to attempt to work and stay sane, you must learn to accept that you may not see "results". At least not results as we measure them in the western world. The same goes with success. We, the western world, have a very worldly perception of what success means. We often measure it by the type of job we have, or how "stable" our life is, how good our kids are, and many other ways. I cannot say this is wrong, it's The American Way. It's what created The American Dream. But in this process have we forgotten what life's all about? I have in fact been caught up in this way in the past. Heck, I aspired to be an astronaut years ago!! :-) But those who have known me for a while can attest to the change that has happened. How and why did this change happen? I listened to my heart. Honest, raw and genuinely dug inside to see what really matters. And, of course, Jesus had a lot to do with this too! Ahh, it's been so freeing! One of my favorite quotes is "On the way to a dream, you sometimes get lost and find a better one." YES! That's my life.

So...how will I measure success with my work in Uganda? It's not a concern of mine. I am fully going over for Jesus. To do His work. I'm a set of hands and feet. It's not my place to set goals for what to accomplish. It's NOT about numbers or how many people you can get baptized or any of that. I could be simply planting seeds, or maybe helping seeds grow. If I get to see the blossoming of a great ministry, AWESOME. If not, I know that what I will be doing is exactly where God wants me.

That's what leads me to my mission simply being about Love. Love others. So much comes from simply loving on people!!

"All that we call human history--money, poverty, ambition, war, prostitution, classes, empires, slavery--is the long terrible story of man trying to find something other than God which will make him happy." C.S. Lewis

"For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." - Ephesians 2:10

New Computer - 3/21/10

2010-03-21T14:36:00.005-07:00

I got a new computer!

Mine was on the outs. Basically, if you turned it off (including sleep, hibernate or a full power-down), it may or may not start back up! That's simply not going to work!

My wonderful friend Kay and her co-worker Jesse spent loads of time researching a great computer for me with what I needed/wanted. In their Geekish IT way they both thoroughly enjoyed it!!! :-) Then, when they realized the "perfect" computer wouldn't arrive before I left CO, they went to the stores in town to find the best off-the shelf computer for me! And, it happened to be on sale when I went to purchase it!! THANK YOU Kay and Jesse!!!! This was a HUGE help to not have to go through on my own!! Soooooo incredibly appreciated.

Thanks also to a handful of great friends who sent money for a new computer. Thanks for understanding the necessity of this for my upcoming work in Uganda, as well as to stay connected so I don't go insane!!! :-) You are each a true partner in this venture and I'm appreciative of your willingness to give.
Thanks to: Joi Denicola Vutpakdi, Chazz & Sonja Gifford, Sean Lee, Jean Murrell with additional funds from Rock4Uganda!

Rock4Uganda - 3/12/10

2010-03-01T09:55:00.005-07:00

A benefit concert to support Daneen Leidig in her work with Scripture Union in Uganda

The concert was a great success!! Simply a fun time. The bands ROCKED it. Everyone had a blast! Over 100 people came.
... And I raised $497!!! God rocks, that's for sure!

If you missed it you need to check out these bands. The Ineloquent have an incredible sound and are truly wonderful people!! http://www.theineloquent.com/

THANK YOU TO:
...All the bands, their members, crew & volunteers who helped!
...Domino's in Longmont for donating pizza
...King Soopers and Donna Sisler who donated funds for drinks & snacks for everyone!
...Matt Tibbit for getting the space for us and just all-around awesomeness and support!!
....Dane Voorhees for running sound all night (after he played!!)

Featured Artists and Bands:
Megan Jones http://www.myspace.com/meganjoneswhaat
Tell Me Again http://www.myspace.com/tellmeagainmusic
The Ineloquent http://www.myspace.com/theineloquent

Wish List

2010-02-27T20:40:00.007-07:00

Just a few items that would be really nice to have before heading back to Uganda!

Laptop – After various attempts to fix my dying computer, the consensus is a new one is needed. Since I need a computer for my work and since SU does not have a computer for me to use (not even a desktop as there is yet to be an office!!), I am fundraising for a new laptop. Goal is $700 to cover everything, including software. Donations for are most appreciated: Daneen Leidig, 7F Mumford Pl., Longmont, CO 80501

Other items:
- Sleeping bag compression straps
- Shortwave radio – mine from Zambia is on the outs
- H2O purifier (get in Kampala?)
- Books (various, see Amazon wish list)
- Gift cards for WalMart/Target to stock up on hygine items.

The big item I need to find is a good voltage converter & electric adapter!!! Haven't found a good option yet!! Suggestions welcomed!!

AMAZON WISH LIST: http://www.amazon.com/wishlist/BQOVCVBBSC9P/ref=cm_wl_rlist_go

"Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us." Eph 3:20

The To Do List - 2/20/10

2010-02-20T10:18:00.006-07:00

Ever since my time in Zambia in 2006, I have NOT been a person of To Do lists. WHY? If you want to do it, just do it. And if it doesn't get done, life will go on. Tomorrow the sun will still come up and it's a brand new day. Ah, I love this philosophy. Very freeing!! You should give it a try!

However, with the upcoming departure of moving to Uganda for a year, there are quite a few lose ends that need to be tied before I can leave. I was feeling a bit overwhelmed with the departure and all that needed to be done, yet I didn't really know what all needed to be done. So, I broke down. I made a To Do list.

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Phil 4:6-7

Big Items Completed:
Purchased airline tickets
90day Ugandan Visa
International medical & travel insurance

To Do List:
Mountain time!!!!
Lots of time with friends
Sell house
5 different 401k’s all into 1
Paperwork for DG stock certificate (to sell)
Meningitis updated vaccination
Direct Loans  Deferment
Purchase new computer
Fix Foot!
Eye doc  daily contacts?
Stock up on meds
Will
Back up computer files
Pay all bills
Get Skype local phone number
Letter from SU w/ dates of service
Taxes 2009
Taxes 2010 – someone?
Update travel photo album
Andrea: Missionary Visa?
Housing in Gulu?
Stay with Apolo/Ob?
Power of Attorney?
Notify bank
Notify credit card company
Forward mail
PO Box in Gulu?
Pack up house
Pack up life
Drive from CO to PA

Fundraising Update

2010-02-13T18:38:00.002-07:00

How do you raise over $14,500 in 4 months during one of the worst economies ever??? Very simply: Above all else…GOD RULES! Only the God who created us has the ability to go against current economic challenges and ways of our western world to pull together resources to get His work done! In this case, His work is sending someone as His hands and His feet.

I kicked off my fundraising in early October 2009. By the end of December, in just 3 months, I raised 96% of my needed funds! Incredible! After a few more partners jumped on board and a fabulous Chick-fil-A fundraiser, 100% of my funds were sponsored by 12 Feb 2010!!!!! Incredible.

And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus. Phil 4:19

All additional support will still go towards my funding. My budget is entirely just an estimate. Additional cushion will be beneficial to account for possible inflation, increased exchange rate (US dollar to Ugandan shilling) emergencies, or perhaps a special project of some kind during my time working with Scripture Union.

A HUGE Thank You to all my amazing supporters: http://daneenleidig.blogspot.com/2009/10/my-partners-aka-sponsors.html

Learn more about how YOU can be a part of this great partnership team: Learn how: http://daneenleidig.blogspot.com/2009/09/partner-with-me-3-options.html

For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Eph 2:10

Chick-fil-A Fundraiser - 2/10/10

2010-02-07T14:45:00.008-07:00

What a fabulous and fun night! Thank you to the 150+ friends who came out to support me and got to enjoy some yummy CFA in the process!!! I felt very loved, supported and encouraged from the evening.

A huge thanks to Melissa and Jeff Greene, the owners of Longmont CFA, for hosting this great fundraiser! They donated 20% of total bill on 123 recepits received. They donated $292.41!! Whoo hoo!! With this fundraiser, it put my support at 100%!!!! God's faithfulness is incredible! I'm immensely blessed with such a wonderful community!

Chick-fil-A Longmont: http://www.cfarestaurant.com/longmont/home

Chick-fil-A's mission statement:
"To glorify God by being a faithful steward of all that is entrusted to us and to have a positive influence on all who come in contact with Chick-fil-A."

Visa and Tickets

2010-02-06T14:38:00.002-07:00

On Friday, Feb 5th I received back my passport from the Ugandan Embassy in Washington DC with a Ugandan Visa. It’s a 90day, single entry tourist Visa. The Ugandan Embassy in DC no longer issues anything other than this type of Visa. Once I arrive in country, I’ll have to go to the Ministry of Internal Affairs in Kampala to request an extension or a “missionary”-type Visa with multi-entry.

On Saturday, Feb 6th I sent in a check to purchase my airline tickets.
Depart from Baltimore, MD on April 7th – Arrive in Entebbe, Uganda the morning of April 9th.
For now, my return flight is in mid-Nov coming back home (to Colorado) for a 2-week visit.

WOW… this is happening!!??!!

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." Philippians 4:6

Praises & Prayers - 1/21/2010

2010-01-21T21:55:00.002-07:00

Dear Partners, Team and Faithful Prayer Pals,

It’s been an incredible couple of months since I started this journey of saying Yes to God to return to Uganda. There have been very few, if anything to note, bumps in the road. And God has shown up in big and small ways to bring confirmation that this is the path He wants me to follow. He has even brought new friendships of people working in Uganda who will be fabulous community to have near-by. While the Praises are huge, there are also areas that still need the Lord’s blessing.

I have much to do over the next two months as I prepare to leave. But I know, before I can start thinking about the huge To-Do list, I need to stop and talk to Dad!!! Please join me in these praises and prayer.

PRAISES
- God continues to show up with clarity and confirmation.
- I have 97% of my funding!! And two upcoming fundraisers.
- I was invited to speak to the MS and HS students during Sunday Worship. To share my heart, my specific work, discuss community and hopefully get the students excited about our Partnership and God’s work in Uganda!
- Alex, my Ugandan partner teacher from last summer, has been in the US for the past 4 weeks and I was able to visit with him 2 weeks. This was a great tangible reminder of what my life will be like over in Gulu.
- SU-Uganda has asked SU-USA to distribute my start-up funds to me so that I can move forward; purchase airline tickets, Visa, addt’l vaccination, etc.
- Even with the time that has gone by and little communication with SU-Uganda over the past months, they are still very excited that I will be joining them. I think it’s a great encouragement to both sides that He is Faithful!!

PRAYERS
- God continues to show up with clarity, confirmation and peace!!!!!
- Total peace and trust in God. Knowing and believing that He will take care of every detail and He knows my heart and holds it in His care.
- Sell my house; or work-out details for renting. (Read as: Please sell my house!) This is probably the largest item to sort out, and the most burdensome.
- Discernment with selling my house and how much $ is okay to lose. :-(
- Doors open for SU office-space in Gulu.
- My parents’ hearts and minds to soften to at least accept ME and this decision, even if they don’t approve or understand.

THANK YOU, each of you, for your support, love and prayers!! It’s a powerful thing; prayer...friendship...community. I am grateful for you in my life!

Why Send Missionaries

2009-11-14T22:12:00.004-07:00

What is a missionary? Any Christian who crosses cultural boundaries to further the building of Christ’s church and the expansion of God’s Kingdom.
You’re not a missionary if you’re out for a joy-ride, or for an adventure. Or to escape the IRS! You’re a missionary only if you are obedient to the call.

Here are some of my thoughts and a Biblical perspective on Missions and serving as a Missionary. Much of this info was taken from Thomas Hale’s great book, On Being a Missionary.

Why do we send missionaries?
We do not send missionaries; God does. Throughout the Bible, God is revealed to be a sending God. He sent Abraham to the land of Canaan; he sent Joseph to Egypt; Moses to rescue his people; he sent John to announce the coming of the Messiah. And then he sent his Son!
Jesus told us to pray for the workers for the harvest fields (Matt 9:37-38.) We are the workers. Jesus said, “As the Father has sent me, I am sending you” (John 20:21). Jesus did not come to be served but to serve (Mark 10:45). And in the same way, he is sending us to serve.

The one major compelling reason why missionaries are still being sent: Because it’s God’s will. It is His method of bringing the gospel of Jesus Christ to the world. Jesus wants to send every one of his followers somewhere, whether across the sea or across the street.

3 Common Objections to Sending Missionaries

1. Why not just send money to support “local” missionaries; missionaries from the Third World? They are much cheaper and often more effective.
True. Unfortunately, there are simply not enough Third World missionaries to do the job alone. God doesn’t send missionaries to where they are not needed. And he isn’t going to send us to where our particular gifts can’t be used.
God didn’t send a check; he sent his Son.

2. Why not rely more on radio and literature…and technology?
Yes, there are great resources in this category. However these resources, things like The Jesus Film, are less effective without flesh-and-blood messengers. The Word needs to be embodied in loving and sacrificial service for it to be most effective. People need to meet, see and interact with the witness.

3. We should invest in our local community and country. And...the responsibility of evangelism in each country belongs to the national church.
Yes, we absolutely need to invest our resources, time and energy in these areas. But the church in every land, belongs to Christ. There is neither Jew or Greek (Gal 3:28), national or foreigner, Ugandan or American. The responsibility to evangelize Uganda does not rest solely on Ugandan believers, though they must naturally bear a large portion. No longer is the world-wide missionary movement hobbled by narrow nationalistic concerns.

We don't take Jesus to a region or people group, but we instead show up and pay attention to the work Jesus is already doing." - Mike Erre , "Death by Church"

The Video: Journey to Uganda & Back

2009-10-18T21:00:00.004-07:00

This video captures my recent 6 weeks in Gulu, Uganda with Invisible Children and moves forward to show how God has been preparing me for a long-term return to the Motherland of Africa. To the Pearl of Africa. UGANDA!

You can watch it on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u83J5HAEfYk

Enjoy!

My Ministry with SU

2009-10-14T18:00:00.004-07:00

The heart of a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps.
–Prov 16:9

WHAT: Missionary with Scripture Union
WHEN: 1 year. Depart April 7th, 2010
WHERE: Gulu, northern Uganda
WHY: Keep reading....

What is it God has planned for my life?
You would think that after all of my various ventures throughout the US and overseas, after all of my job transitions and after all life’s seasons of trails and celebrations, I might have it figured out. I have. I believe God wants His followers, like ME, to be on a continual journey with him. Always seeking Him and always being open to His desires and plans. The result of this means we never truly arrive at our destination. It’s entirely up to the Lord as to how He might choose to use my life.

"I am His, and He is accomplishing His work and His purposes through me." -RBC Ministries

This is my belief; therefore, I am choosing to follow Him back to a place so dear to my heart; Africa. I will be serving for one year as a missionary with Scripture Union. I will be based in Gulu, Uganda serving in the role of a Volunteer Trainer. I will act as a liaison between SU clubs in secondary schools and the SU organization. My duties will include:
- Mentor club leaders (adults & students) and provide encouragement.
- Promote effective Bible reading.
- Support SU Regional Coordinator, based in Gulu.
- Train other volunteers and student leaders.
- Support regional and national youth camps.

I am honored and grateful that my church, LifeBridge Christian Church (in Longmont, CO), supports my ministry with SU-Uganda. I ask for you to consider partnering with me in prayer and financial support.

WHY SEND MISSIONARIES? Here are some of my thoughts on this: http://daneenleidig.blogspot.com/2009/11/why-send-missionaries.html

During my time in Gulu, I truly felt the Lord’s presence. I will return with an open heart ready to serve and love the Lord’s precious people in northern Uganda who are so similar to us...when we open our hearts.

In Kampala with Martha (SU staff) and her husband.

My Partners / Supporters

2009-10-12T20:55:00.051-07:00

MY PARTNERSHIP TEAM
Family, friends, brothers and sisters in Christ, neighbors, friends of friends. These people are able to look beyond their small window onto their front yard and see a whole world out there. God's world. His Kingdom. You are truly a partner with me in this journey of life!!
Thank you…Thank you…THANK YOU!!!!!!!!

MY TEAM: Support, prayer, accountability, encouragement and more! Brian Mavis, Chazz Gifford, Jalle Gebisa, Jon Cole, Laurie Bates, Mandy Foot, Marie Zwart, Michelle Short, Paul Comstedt, Sonja Gifford & Tim Foot.

BLSGIL!! My Family!!! - Julie, Laurie, Paul, Stacey, Jon, Brandon, Allory, Annie, Taylor, Tiffany & Matt!

Harry & Roberta Lozinski at POST NET - 200 free copies of my newsletter. Visit them on Hover St. in Longmont!!

Donna Sisler - My Communications Mgr & Prayer Team Coordinator --> My Lifeline!

Mary Mesikapp & Family

LifeBridge Christian Church - My Home!

Amy & Seth Holland

Becky Kencik-Kline

Pat & Mark McDowel

Michael Fontenot

Seth & Cari Talpin

The Feet in Australia

Kevin Whitacre

Rosemary & Matthew Jones

David Nutting

Kaylee Wilson

LifeBridge Student Impact - MY STUDENTS!! :-)

Jon Cole

Fiona Wolfe

Greg Edwards

Emily Smedra

Lindsey Laukaitis Cantwell

Margaret & Steve Strong

Ryan & Sara Hoppes

Rosmery & Matthew Jones

Amy & Ken Booth - Perspectives Sponsors!!!

Becky & Katy Nikkel

Gordan Hampton

Samuel Close

Nicole Hill

Anonymous co-worker

Kim Rinehart

Sarah Eckenrode

Chick-fil-A Longmont

Sue Nelson

Molle Powers Connell

Joi Denicola Vutpakdi

Sean Lee

Jean Murrell @ The Food Emporium -- Visit her store at 804 Coffman St in Longmont!!! $1 loaves of bread!!!

Sonja & Chazz Gifford

Kay Bloom

YOUR NAME HERE!!!!

"I always thank my God as I remember you in my prayers..." Philemon 1:4

* * * * * * * * * * * *

About Gulu

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GULU, UGANDA
The war in northern Uganda has been called the most neglected humanitarian emergency in the world today. Over the past 22 years, 50,000 children have been abducted; many forced to be child soldiers. Almost 2 million people, nearly all from the Acholi tribe, have been displaced by the conflict. The conflict was removed from northern Uganda approximately 3 years ago.

Today, the Acholi people are moving forward with their lives with hope for a better future. Northern Ugandans are beyond amazing. They will greet you with love and respect beyond what we deserve. They will soak up our stories of life in the West, yet always wanting you to understand the “Ugandan way”. :-)

Christianity is openly “practiced” throughout the region. They recognize that it is because of God that they are here on this Earth and have survived and persevered through the conflict and less than desirable situations. Yet, the idea of a strong committed relationship with Jesus, is a challenge. Much of their beliefs are rooted in Anglican and Catholic teachings and traditions. During my time in Gulu, I truly felt the Lord’s presence all around. In the people, in the environment; Everywhere! He is there and is seeking a personal relationship with each and everyone!

We don't take Jesus to a region or people group, but we instead show up and pay attention to the work Jesus is already doing." - Mike Erre , Death by Church

Where is Gulu, Uganda?

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MAP OF UGANDA:

MAP OF TRIBES IN UGANDA:

Partner with Me

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"Do not withhold good from those who deserve it, when it is in your power to act." ~Proverb 3:27

3 GREAT WAYS YOU CAN PARTNER WITH ME:

1. Bookmark this blog site & visit regularly and ask to receive my email updates. Learn about Uganda (people, culture, development) through my experiences. 3rd person learning is so valuable and key to spread the word of what is happening in our global community.

2. Join my prayer team. God is the ultimate planner and controller of this entire venture. Life in another country as a missionary is not glamorous; it is often challenging. I will NEED the prayer support of others to ensure God’s glory is fulfilled.

3. Provide financial support. Join my ministry as a monthly sponsor or by giving a one-time donation. Both are accepted, welcomed and greatly appreciated. I fully recognize that this is a challenging time to be asking for financial contributions. Pray and ask for the Lord’s guidance. Our God is faithful and bigger than any financial crisis. All donations are fully tax deductible.

Scripture Union has invited me to serve in a volunteer role; as most of their “staff” in Uganda. I will need to raise funds for all of my costs. These costs include airfare, in-country transportation, Visa, housing, food and or living essentials. See my Budget for details: http://daneenleidig.blogspot.com/2009/09/my-budget.html

CURRENT PRAYER REQUESTS:
- Clarity about my return to Uganda.
- Funding in a timely manner; Goal is to have 90% of funds by Jan 2010.
- Hearts to open for many to partner with me.
- Logistics with finance distribution and Ugandan Visa to go smoothly.
- SU to secure office space in Gulu; now a 4-month in-process venture.
* Email me to be included on future prayer request updates.

HOW TO MAKE FINANCIAL CONTRIBUTIONS

Make checks payable to: Scripture Union
In memo write: SU-Uganda, Daneen Leidig
Send checks to:
Scripture Union USA
PO Box 987 #1
Valley Forge, PA 19482

* ONLINE DONATIONS can be made at: https://www.scriptureunion.org/donate.php
* Monthly auto EFT withdraw available upon request. Email me.

“I have chosen to be faithful. I put my trust in your laws.”
~Psalm 119:30