Waiting

The last week or so has been a week of firsts for me:

Trying the fro yo with Sarah and Rachel

My first time to try frozen yogurt, ably assisted by my American friend Sarah.

My first time to have my eyebrows threaded (painful but worth it for £1.16!).

And I had hoped that by now I would have had my first sewing training session under my belt. But things here just don't work that fast. I've been here for three weeks now and although I’ve made progress with plans and preparations it’s easy for me to feel that I should have done more. In light of this, God had to have a word with me to tell me not to rush things; everything is moving in His perfect timing.

Divine meeting

I’ve had a few divine meetings this week, and I’ll tell you about the others another time, but the most significant was only a very short conversation with a girl called Hannah who I met on Saturday. She volunteers as a nurse at an organisation I greatly admire called Revelation Life. It went like this:

Me: I’ve never known a project or community here where I could feel the tangible presence of the Holy Spirit so much as when I visited Revelation Life. 

Hannah: I think that has a lot to do with the fact that we never ever go out without seeking Him in some way beforehand, whether that’s worshipping, praying, or just soaking in His presence.

And that was it! That’s what I want Alli Wano to be – ALL about Him. It made me realise that it’s important to DO but it’s equally, if not more, important to WAIT on HIM.

Preparations

Oliver, one of my potential students, 
whose son Peter has Cerebral Palsy.

Most things are ready for Alli Wano; I’ve bought tables and chairs for the sewing machines, have a place to set them up, around eight people wanting to come for training, and all the fabrics and equipment I need for the first set of training. I just need to finalise a Ugandan seamstress to come and help train and I’m all set! – I’ve had a few failed attempts at finding one.

I guess God is deliberately holding off on providing the seamstress for me so that I can WAIT. Whether that’s the case or not I’m choosing to wait on Him in this time and allow Him more and more to take control of the process that He started and the outworking of the vision He planted in me.

To find out more about the work of Link International or to donate to the work of Alli Wano please click here. 

The Reason

I want to share a little of the heart reason I’ve come to live in Uganda again. 

Naomi

Few people know this but the thing that has impacted me most out of any visit to Uganda over the last eight years was on my 2009 trip here. And that was meeting this beautiful little girl with Down’s Syndrome in the village who we’ll call Naomi. You’ll know that I have a soft spot for children and adults with Down’s because of my own special sister Lucy.

Me and Naomi

In 2009 Naomi must have been about 6 or 7 and she seemed to be quite a happy child. I think because I showed her some attention and affection she would follow me round when she saw me and always wanted me to pick her up. I didn’t see her that much while staying in the village but after only a few days she started calling me ‘mama’. That was when I realised that I needed to distance myself because I knew when I left it might be hard on her. The day that really broke my heart was the day that her mother asked me to take Naomi away with me – she didn’t want her.

Reality

My sister Lucy

I can completely understand why people find it so hard to look after a child with special needs here; it's hard even in the UK. There is no benefits system and there are very few day care centres, and certainly none in the remote rural areas, not to mention the social stigma attached to any form of disability. Everyone is expected to play their part in the running of the house - cooking, cleaning, fetching water and if someone doesn't have the capacity to do that, unfortunately they are seen as a burden.

Recently I went back to the village and Naomi is still there but she has grown so much taller! It was great to see her again and to know that she is ok. The other children tend to push her around and tease her and it crushes me, partly because I realise that if my own sister had been born here, her experience of life could have been so different, but also because I recognise that Naomi has a value of her own.

My project

I'm setting up my sewing machines in my good friend Sarah's outhouse. She runs a fantastic project called Suubi House which ultimately Sarah and her husband Godfrey want to be a community day care centre for children with special needs. I hope parents will be able to come here for sewing training - Suubi House is somewhere parents in Sarah's programme will be familiar with and hopefully feel comfortable in. I don't know how my project will work practically yet because it may be that I need to take my services to the parents – some may not be able to bring their child or they may not have anyone to leave them with. I will have to play many of these logistics by ear.

However it works it will be such an honour to help Sarah and others with a passion for empowering these children and their parents. I want to help parents realise more and more that there are people and a God who value their children and therefore want to invest in them.

So if you ever hear me wavering in what I’m doing here please just remind me of Naomi and her precious precious life.

Courage

Today I went to Kiyembe in downtown Kampala to look for some fabric, zips, lining and other bits for my project and had an enlightening time.

Kiyembe is the area to go to for any kind of quality textiles or sewing paraphernalia at cheap prices. It’s also extremely busy and can be tiring, especially in the 30 degree weather we’ve been having. After half an hour of wandering round and being told to sit on wooden stools while people brought me items such as foam padding and cotton wool in the hope that it might be ‘felt’ I gave up and bought this lovely traditional Ugandan cloth. I want to line my Kindle cases with felt but it looks as though no one has it or knows what it is here, or perhaps it just has a different name.

On my way down to Kiyembe I had passed an older looking woman sitting on the roadside begging for money. She had mutated fingers and toes. Some of you will know that I’ve started to think about how I could empower adults with physical disabilities and I knew that I wanted to talk to this lady when I saw her. I chickened out of talking to her on the way down the hill but on the way back up clutching my new fabric I asked God for courage and for Him to remind me of useful Luganda phrases so that I might be able to find a little bit out about the woman.

It transpired that she was from the north of Uganda – an Acholi woman who spoke Luo. There are estimated to be around 40 languages spoken in Uganda so it shouldn’t have been a total surprise to me. Luganda is spoken only in Kampala and surrounds and is the most useful language for me living here. The lady knew a little Luganda and we managed to have a stilted conversation about where she lives and I discovered that she is a grandmother but I couldn’t get much further.

En-couraged by this small but largely unsuccessful encounter I turned the corner and decided to speak to a young girl sitting on the pavement with a money plate in front of her. This girl, Sarah, also spoke Luo but unlike the last lady she didn’t know any English or Luganda. She was from Lira. Sarah had a problem with her legs and used crutches. She couldn't understand anything I was saying to her so she beckoned for a lady to come over and translate. Left is a picture of my wonderful translator Pasiss (sp?) for the next 10 minutes, who, it turned out loves Jesus passionately and was so excited to help me.

It emerged that Sarah was actually 7 months pregnant and had been stuck in Kampala after her belongings had been stolen – all she wanted was money to get back to Lira and her family.

People’s situations are never simple here, and while I may want to help them, my kind of help is not always what they are looking for, and it’s good to recognise that. But having tested the waters today I feel that I have got over a fear of approaching people and am hoping to go out next week with a translator to find more people and see if they would be able and interested in learning to sew.
 

Striking a Balance

(This is a special blog post for St Philip’s, Sheffield)

Being out here in Uganda for only two full days I have suddenly realised how much Jesus has changed me whilst being at St Philip’s. I just want to say thank you for helping me become more ‘me’ over the last few years and for helping me develop the areas that I’m not naturally so good at - striking that Myers Briggs balance.

Then

I have historically been quite a shy person who doubts herself and can’t handle any kind of failure; I wouldn’t try anything much in case the inevitable happened. I’ve been someone who has wallowed in my room as a bit of a loner, feeling sorry for myself and generally not seeing the benefits of being with people. I’ve been a massive procrastinator (now I’m just a little one) who sees no need for forward planning and therefore found myself stressed out multiple times a day.

Now

As I’ve been adjusting to life here and thinking about my sewing project I’ve had a few significant kairoses:

• I’m not sure how to process things without other people
• I want to be challenged and to push myself
• I crave deep levels of community
• I appreciate the importance of planning, preparation and rhythms (with room for spontaneity built in of course)

Being me

Something happens to me when I’m in Uganda that allows me to be FREE and I realised that I now have that feeling when I’m in England too, I just didn't know it until I moved away. 

Yesterday I felt more like me than I’ve felt in a long time; I made a prototype of a sleep mask (NOT a bra) on the sewing machine, I painted a picture (which might portray a bit how I’m feeling right now), I went swimming, I journalled by the pool, and I skyped Line and Hannah (yes Matt Broughton, that’s more than one thing in a day!) One of the things that really impacted me from the Internship was that I realised I feel closest to God and have revelations of Him when I'm being creative.

I have blessed the room where I sit right now (thanks Sharon Earl for the oil) and although I’m alone I am using this time constructively to plan the weeks and months ahead. Later I’ll go out for a swim after I’ve done some sewing and later I’ll see my friends…

Alli Wano

My new project – Alli Wano

Anyone who knows me will know that I talk about Uganda A LOT - everything and anything can be linked back to Uganda in some way! Well now I've decided to go back to the place that has captured my heart all these years - The Pearl of Africa.

From my experiences in Uganda over the past eight years and following a month’s research trip to Kampala this summer, I believe that God is calling me to set up a project there called ‘Alli Wano’ (meaning ‘He is here’ in Luganda). The project will be a part of my uncle’s charity, Link International, which has numerous such enterprising projects already under its umbrella. 

Why?

My real passion in life is seeing children with disabilities and learning difficulties experiencing a good quality of life. Having worked for international children’s charity, Viva, in Kampala previously, I have witnessed many families who simply cannot afford to look after their children. Children with disabilities unfortunately tend to be last on the list when it comes to basic needs being met; in Uganda children with special needs are still largely thought to be the sign of a curse on a family and of little value.

How?

I will be working with contacts from a number of Kampala’s disabled children’s charities who advocate for the rights of children with special needs and work with parents to educate them about the value of all children. My aim is to come alongside and empower the parents of these children by teaching them sewing skills so they can sustainably support their families.

What?

By partnering with local seamstresses and translators, I will teach the trainees to make items such as kitenge (African fabric) bunting, cushion covers, tablet and phone covers and baby slings and we will sell the products in the tourist markets of Kampala. I also hope to hold specific training sessions on subjects such as managing money and skills for running a small business in the hope that ultimately the families could have their own sewing businesses.

When and Where?

I am moving to Kampala in January 2015 and have committed to living there for at least two years. My training centre will be set up in the compound of two married friends (Sarah and Godfrey) who also have a heart for children with special needs. Sarah and I are below.

And Finally...

This project has changed a lot since my initial vision for it and even in those few short months I have experienced heartache and turmoil as it has altered but it has never moved away from the focus of helping the parents of disabled children to help themselves and that's what I will continue to hold on to.

I love America!

Thurs 11^th

Went to Kabira to type up blog. Had nachos. 

Felt depressed.

John cheered me up with a chat about the possibility of helping adults to read and write.

Fri 12^th

Pamper morning in Uganda = washed hair and shaved armpits and legs = normal morning in England.

Had the Americans over to the centre and played the chocolate game, spoons, and psychiatrist. Illnesses included being Bailey, being children and being racist Africans. They had never played the chocolate game before. Deprived.

Craig very excited to see a) a TV and b) The Discovery Channel.

Sat 13^th

Walked into Ntinda with Beki who was told by a passing man called Patrick to, ‘dress like an African’. Small debate about clothing, modesty and the fact that Beki isn’t African.

Watched Beki have extensions put in her hair. For three hours.

Played psychiatrist. Our illnesses will not be repeated here.

Went to Bancafe Coffee for our last night with Paula and Rachel before they return to Chicago.

Sun 14^th

Went to Watoto Church Central. Craig played lead guitar and a solo during the collection. Go Craig!

A man called Humphrey preached.

Bought a dress from the craft market.

Asked God for a sign about a job in Uganda and he gave me a big one. Go God!

Paula left for Chicago. Sad times.

Mon 15^th

Put new dress on and went for breakfast.

Me: Morning Ephraim. Do you like my new dress?

Ephraim: Yes. I like it. Thank you for buying it.

Me: That’s ok.

Started application form.

Met Rachel at Nob View Hotel for last swimming before she goes home.

Said goodbye to Rachel then bumped into her at the gym. Said goodbye again then bumped into her at the internet cafe. Walked to Quality Supermarket and said goodbye.

Tues 16^th

Beki rang at 8am to say she had gone into work but there was no one there because it was a public holiday and no one had told her.

Decided to surprise Rachel by going to the Americans’ house.

Took Rachel’s braids out.

Had an American geography lesson.

All went to the pool.

Beki said her ideal honeymoon would be two weeks going round Disney World Florida in a fat suit.

Said goodbye to Rachel for the last time. Sad times.

Had pizza and a glass of wine. Mmmmmmm.

Wed 17^th

Rained after two days of no rain.

Played with Anita.

Did more of application form.

Thurs 18^th

Sent application form in after praying over the email.

Rachel Hall and Jenny arrived! Wahoo!

Just creepin

Thurs 4^th

Went on a TV report with Jonathan who very very nearly fell down a manhole backwards.

Got caught in rain on boda boda. Large 4x4 drove past and covered me in dirty water.

Accidentally ate some ants that had crawled up the hollow stick of my lollipop. Eew.

Fri 5^th

Had a dream last night that mum was still alive and it had all been a horrible prank. Woke up and felt sad.

John’s mum, ‘maama’, came to stay. John says my Luganda is better than her English. Mmm awkward.

Watched my first ever live basketball game with Beki, Kelsey, Craig and Rachel. Two blue teams playing. The blue team won.

Went to casino to see what it was like. Eastern European Mzungus dancing. Didn’t understand anything that was going on. Left.

Danced night away at Boda Boda club with Beki. Could have been in London. Great night.

Sat 6^th

Woke up at 12pm in Beki’s flat.

Had an argument in Ntinda Shopping Centre with the toilet attendant who asked me to pay for using it but wouldn’t tell me how much he wanted. Kept asking him but eventually told him if he wasn’t going to tell me, I wasn’t going to pay and walked away. Is there some toilet etiquette here that I don’t know?

Went for dinner at ‘Spur’, a lovely American style diner with Beki and the Americans.

Made our way to ‘Alleygators’, the bowling alley slash karaoke bar slash club.

In Alleygators a guy was freestyling on the karaoke to 50Cent’s ‘In Da Club’. Extract: ‘When I say OJ you say OJ’. Who or what is OJ? Orange Juice??


Scored a grand total of 5 singing 'Hit me baby one more time' with the girls.

Went to Iguanas club. Was asked if I was over 18. Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr.

Sun 7^th

Woke up late.

John got the most unlikely ringtone ever – Museveni’s rap.

Went with Americans to their friend Jeff’s gospel concert.

5pm. Arrived at the church at specified time only to be told we were late. Walked in – no people.


6.30pm. Finally the MC came out. Wished he hadn’t. Needed a Ugandan English to actual English translator.

7pm. The place filled up a bit and I was picked to pray for the event. Quite difficult when you don’t really know what event you are at. Did it anyway.

My name is such a problem. Think I might change it. Any suggestions?

MC: ‘What is your name?’

Me: ‘Fran’

MC: Blank stare ‘Huh?’

Me: ‘Fran – Frances’

MC: ‘Oh, does that mean you can speak French then?’

Me: ‘Yes, that totally follows.’

(Note: this conversation mirrors most conversations involving my name.)

Me to Rachel: ‘I’m so over this guy.’

Rachel: ‘I was over him yesterday.’

7.30pm. Various different performers came on stage and sang.

8pm. Jeff actually appeared. Very good. Turns out it was the launch event for his first album. Who knew?!

Mon 8^th

Watched Jonathan having a debate about politics on UBC. Very proud.

Made and put up a sign outside John’s house telling people if they dump rubbish they will be fined 100,000 shillings by the local council i.e. John.

John told me that many people who have a phone here have no idea what it can do because they can’t actually recognise letters or numbers. So perhaps a friend will have shown them that the green key means answer and the red key means hang up and, for example, press the third key from the left and you’re calling Bob. I may seem stupid but this is a revelation to me.

‘Ali’, the sweetest guy at Kabira Country Club gave me 2,000 shillings from the till because I didn’t have enough money to get back home.

Tues 9^th

John and I had another of our chats, this time about training versus culture. Apparently the custom here in hotels and restaurants is to leave the customer for approximately an hour before the waiter comes to take an order. To attend the table quickly is very rude. This explains a lot.

Cleared up all rubbish from rubbish dump that has appeared outside John’s house. Caused much hilarity amongst passing Ugandans. Had small audience at one point. Didn’t think it was that funny.

Spent most of afternoon doing a PowerPoint presentation about the UK for the children at Joy Kim’s place. Must go back one Saturday.

Wed 10^th

Woke up with massive spot in between my eyebrows. Perfect.

Later in the day, watching the news, Ephraim asked me if I liked spots. Got very offended and said ‘no not really’. Sophie and I very confused until it turned out he meant ‘sports’! Unfortunate coincidence.

Took 2,000 shillings back to Ali. Asked for my number. Actually didn’t mind giving it to him.

Still concerned about the people who can’t read. Talking to John about what I can do about it, as reading and writing is my passion. He says I can do something but doesn’t know exactly what. I suggested I could advertise lessons for learning to read but then we realised they wouldn’t be able to read the advert...


Went to another basketball game. Couldn't have chosen a worse place to sit for 2 main reasons:
a. The woman sitting behind me screamed 'deefence!' in my right ear for pretty much the entire game and she didn't lose her voice.
b. Halfway into the game the ball came flying towards Rachel and me and smacked us both in the face.


Good game though.

My cousin Rachel is coming in a week and one day! Woohoo!