Many gifts...

It's been a very interesting 3 weeks - there have been some hard times, but - as always - God has brought me through beautifully and in His unique way. As I thought over everything that has transpired, I've realized a sense of great gratitude in my heart (even with the bounty of spider and mosquito bites plus the infestation of biting red ants in my back pack:). I am attempting to cover a lot of ground in this entry so I apologize if it seems a bit scattered…

The gratitude I'm speaking of largely comes from what I've been learning about what it means to be living in community. It seems that in the U.S., we really have to try to find community - or a way to form it - and "community" has sort of become a buzzword. Here in Africa, it happens naturally. And, it's beautiful and refreshing...not without its deep challenges and frustrations, of course. I'm not trying to say that it is perfect here by any means.

As I mentioned last time, Jaclyn and I were on our own here in Adjumani for one month while Jeff and Michelle were back in Portland. But, in reality, we were hardly on our own...Each day, Sunday (gatekeeper), Esther (cook), and Palima (housekeeper) and I were together. We began to sit out on our back porch and pray each morning. We shared the things that were concerning to us or were causing our hearts pain. It was amazing to be with them - those whose lives are so vastly different than mine - yet really share our hearts together. When each person shared, there was a care for that person that was real...not many words would be spoken – and, they didn't need to be. There was a natural sense of care and concern...And, I learned that underneath all of the things that make us up as different human beings - psychology, biology, history, race, etc. - we all share much when it comes to things of the heart, and especially when we share the same faith in Jesus Christ. Many times, our prayer time ended with the five of us singing a praise song with the beat of clapping, and one day we even began dancing – many neighbors took notice of that, and for days afterward many of our little neighbors would clap and sing as we had been doing just a few days before.

If you read Jaclyn's blog, "Hope for Healing", you will see the last entry is on dying. It was inspired by the death of many in Adjumani, and at home in these last several weeks, but mostly by the death of Pale's (our night guard) younger brother. He died of malaria, typhoid, and yellow fever. It was an honor to be such a part of Pale's life at that time, and to be able to help contribute to the funeral by supplying a good amount of cassava flour and beans for the many relatives and friends who would come to mourn. (Family members of the deceased are responsible for providing food and shelter for many people who will come to visit during the funeral and for the following weeks.)

Jaclyn and I were at the funeral with many, many others (of course, we were the only mundus there:) - We are getting used to this now. In fact, it's strange to go to a place where there are a lot of white people...more on that later). Again, the deep level of community was apparent and so beautiful. There were probably at least about 100 or more people there in a circle underneath several mango trees that surrounded all of us. The coffin was brought into the middle covered by a white sheet, flowers, and sticks of incense. The Catholic priest from the local mission was there to give the service. Somehow, I ended up with a photo of the young man when he was alive. I kept looking at it thinking, "Why, out of all the people here, do I have this photo?" Jaclyn and I had been invited just as everyone is, when we first arrived, to go into the tukal (hut) where the coffin was lying with the women of his family. There I was, sitting right next to it as we were all praying for him and his family-among the women in his family who were weeping and wailing...Again, I couldn't believe the way we were just welcomed in to participate...As with many things here that are new, I may feel some hesitation but I just go and experience it, and through each I experience I grow a little more (or, at least I’m stretched a bit more;). What a gift. Again, I'm grateful.

Here is where I learned the phrase, "Death does not discriminate". It's true – we are all going to die no matter what our race, socioeconomic status, or religion. But, in the U.S. we isolate ourselves so much from it, and many times avoid talking about it at all costs. Here, the dead are brought to the family's home and put in a coffin right away rather than taken to a morgue or funeral home. They stay at the home until the funeral and then are buried right in the family's compound - many times right in front of their home. At first, the thoughts that ran through my mind were of the, "why would they put themselves through this"? sort. Then, quickly, I began to realize that I have not really accepted death as a part of life. Why would I want to do that? Our U.S. culture does not want to accept it as that at all. I'm realizing now, that to truly realize the gift that life is we must embrace death. As I thought more and more about it, I also saw that it helps us to have the proper perspective on life here on earth. It actually sets the things of life in their place...Suddenly, the things that seemed so important, and would take much of our focus and energy, no longer hold the place in our lives that they once did…again, a gift as I strive to have perspective that is more of God than of the world.

During the time of Jeff and Michelle’s absence, several of the pastors we work with also came to check in on us...They would come by on their bicycles, and stay and talk for a while. They met us with big smiles and warm greetings, and always prayed with us and for us before they left. We felt so loved and cared for…another part of our Adjumani community.

We also spent time with the women's Bible studies of two different churches: Liberty and Ciforo. There was one week where there were a few very heart wrenching things going on in my own life. During that week, I was so surprised to realize that I just wanted to go and be with the women of those two groups. There is so much comfort that comes by just sitting with them. There is a strength these women have from the lives that they live. They endure through so much – sickness, lack of food, money, sometimes failing crops that are their survival...And, they have a hope in Christ that is real and so strong. My spirit is lifted just by being with them and worshipping God. Once again, I realized the power of community through the Holy Spirit. There is a deep connection between all of us because of Him. I’ve never experienced the magnitude of community as I have here. It’s truly a bit of heaven.

Another thing I must mention about these women: Studying Scripture with them has been one of the most precious gifts of being here. There is a profound simplicity in reading and learning about Christ with them. It’s true that their lives more closely parallel the lives of the people in Biblical times than our lives in the U.S. do. And, when we discuss together – they have a perspective on Scripture that I don’t have, and understand some things better because their context is not so far removed from the context that the Word was written in. Scripture has become much more real to me here. Another precious gift…

Jaclyn and I realized that we had never spent as much time with anyone as we had spent with each other during the last four weeks. We both felt like this might be what it will be like to be married and spending lots more time with one person – And, getting to them REALLY well – in all kinds of ways. We shared so much in terms of laughter, conversation, descriptions of all kinds of health concerns and body functions, quirky thoughts, deep hopes and fears, decisions concerning ministry with the women’s groups and the kids at Amazing Grace orphanage, and – most important – a deep love for chocolate. We don’t have much chocolate here in Adjumani – so, she got very creative with making brownies from scratch with cocoa powder, and all kinds of cookies…yah, I’m not really losing weight right now as one might think.

We were both so grateful that God orchestrated us being here together. It really couldn’t have been more perfect. Another gift!

It’s gradually getting warmer and there is definitely a decrease in rainfall. We are working up to December when it will be very, very hot. So, I’m savoring any cool morning/evening breeze that comes our way these days. The stars here are absolutely amazing…and, with the sound of crickets and the frogs that sound like bamboo chimes I’m in heaven. We also have a hen that has nine chicks running around the yard right behind her. They are delightful!

As always, there is so much more I could write about…but, this entry is long enough and we are getting up early tomorrow to help Esther harvest the g-nuts (“ground nuts” – our peanut) from her field! 

Oh, by the way, my pet bat’s name is “Ding”. My friend Kimberly Solis suggested that name for my lovely little friend…(do you hear a hint of sarcasm in that?)

Here are some random photos that I thought you might enjoy and also help you to get a better picture of life here: (to be continued!)

Mosaic...

I do apologize for the length of time it has taken me to write this entry...so much is going on here in Adjumani, within our Adjumani Imago Dei Community, and in the depths of my heart. So many pieces God is putting together to form a glimpse of His amazing kingdom that is right here, right now. So, that is why I've given the name 'Mosaic' to this entry...And, even though I would like to be able to have you see everything that is going on here, I know that I will only be able to describe some of the pieces...

So, I would like to start with a bit of what God's been doing in my heart...as I believe that all we do comes from there. As I knew He would, but not knowing how, God has been shaping and forming the very corners of my heart...good and painful! I know this may be a bit too introspective for some-please bear with me. Our community - Jeff, Michelle, Jaclyn, and I - have begun to meet twice a week in order to converge on our understanding of being a community serving here in Adjumani. There has been a lot of refining and fine-tuning going on as a result of those times of sharing together. I share all of this because I think it applies to us wherever we are...God has a unique purpose for each of our lives here, but we are not here to each have our "own ministries" to claim is if they are ours. I have begun to realize how my culture strongly promotes and encourages this kind of thinking. It is not of God. And, I was struck by how that way of thinking strongly goes against what God has for me here. As I've let this sink in, I've discovered and confessed a spirit of competition and insecurity that has lead me away from genuinely trusting God and instead relying upon my own will & power to "find my niche" here. Once again, He is asking more of me - He has brought me to a place where I'm completely able to see the areas of my heart where it is much, much easier to just go on my merry way without looking to Him for guidance at all. But, I'm in the middle of realizing how that path only leads to more oppression of the spirit. The only way to true freedom of our hearts and souls is through trusting in Him. Yes, it truly is that simple...it's just not that simple to actually live out in our daily lives.
I'm so grateful for beautiful Jaclyn and how we've been partners in this journey here. She and I have shared a lot about our lives and the mix of wonder and difficulty of being here. God is so good. He knew exactly the kind of people I would need to be in community with...She and I have been living here in Adjumani - just the two of us - since mid-August as Jeff's mother passed away and they needed to be with their family in Portland, Oregon. God has used this time to really draw us closer to Him and to our community here...

I can't forget to mention the crazy journey home as we returned from Kampala to Adjumani. The road from Kampala to Gulu (where Blake is living and serving) is not so bad. But, from Gulu to Adjumani is another story...Fortunately, we are now driving a monster Prado (Toyota Landcruiser) which was lifted a bit and had thick mud worthy tires put on. Jaclyn and I feel quite cool driving such a vehicle ;). It should take about 3 hours to get from Gulu to Adjumani. This time it took a little more than six. I think the distance is about 50 miles or so...We drove in and out of potholes the size of small ponds of which some were filled with water from the rain that fell every so often on the way. We got stopped at least 3 times behind trucks and buses that got stuck and were being pushed by a dozen or so men to get loose...You just never know what you are getting into...But, we made it home. I was wondering why I felt a bit dizzy...

Living and serving in community has started right in our home with Esther (our cook), Palima (our housekeeper), and Sunday (our day guard). They are genuinely a part of our community and we are always inviting them in as such. Everyday we share in conversation, prayer, and lots of joking and laughing. There is always the tension that comes with us being white (mundus), living in a Western style home with conveniences like running water and electricity (most of the time;). But, we firmly believe that we are all equal in the eyes of Christ - Our world, and the way we live in it does not dictate that - But, in the mess of it all, we do our best to honor each person for the beautiful child of God that they are. There are many moments when I wish my skin color was totally invisible so that we could just see each other as fellow human beings and not as black or white and all that goes along with that.
Sunday and I like to work on our lovely garden together - We are growing carrots, tomatoes, cabbage, eggplant, peas, pumpkins, green pepper, and greens called 'osobi'. It's wonderful to grow these things that we and our neighbors can enjoy. Sunday is a sweet, humorous man of God who suffers much with asthma. The medication many people have access to in the States for asthma is just not available here.


So, as Jaclyn and I are here until the 15th or 16th of September on our own (and with the other three 5 days a week) we have been living, planning ministry, cooking, cleaning, praying, sharing about our lives, laughing tons, and serving others together. She has graciously invited me into the ministry she has had with several women at Ciforo Baptist church. We get to study the Bible and share about life together - AND, sing awesome praise and worship songs (these ladies KNOW how to sing and praise - as do all the Ugandan people we've fellowshipped with).


We are also spending two afternoons a week with the children of Amazing Grace Orphanage right here in Adjumani. Each week we try to help them learn more about Christ and who they are as beloved children of God. They are sweet, beautiful children ranging from about 6 to 18 years old. Pictured here is one day when we brought bubbles for them to play with...it was probably the most joyful day I've had here yet. They were absolutely playing with the freedom of spirit that all children should. As I look into their eyes, hold a hand, or help twirl a jump rope it is breathtaking to think of all they've been through - and yet - they are just children. They have wonderful caretakers that love and take care of them with the love and humility of Christ. Benaya (pictured here) is the main caretaker who is one of the most loving and gentle men I've ever met. He has his own family, but devotes his life to these children. You can see the fruit of his Christlike spirit by the way these children love each other like family. It truly is a blessing and a privilege to be there with them. Through a medical fund raised by some of Jaclyn's supporters we are also able to pay any medical fees incurred at medical clinics for the children.


Jaclyn and I are also meeting with a group of women at Liberty Baptist Church (where we worship each Sunday) to study scripture and share about life together. These women come with all kinds of background and history - just as we all do - which makes our time together very rich. Most of the women are middle-aged although we have one teenager, and my hope is that we have more teenage/young women join us. Just like any woman in this age group, they need to know how much they are loved and valued as beautiful daughters of God.

Last week, we also had a chance to assist a woman named Regina Adam who has a baking project where she bakes small cakes and rolls to support herself. This project was started by a man called Michael Idha who is a local who founded an organization called ATRUD (Appropriate Technology for Rural Development). She works right out of her home and has an oven that Michael designed completely out of local materials. Michael has also designed an oven that is very energy efficient in that it does not require a lot of firewood to stay hot. We are hoping that one of those will be placed at Amazing Grace Orphanage so that they can start their own baking project.

As I share these things, I am not doing so to convince myself or others that I'm being "productive" here in Adjumani. But, instead, trusting and following Christ as He opens the doors of ministry here. And, continuing to trust by stepping into those places even if I don't feel fully equipped to do so. I've also had it on my heart to go and visit women in Adjumani's prison - We'll see what happens there...

I know this was a looong entry. And, thanks for reading it! Much, much love to you all...And, please let me know how you are. (just in case, my email address is: eirekanani@gmail.com)

My prayer...

This prayer is from Henri Nouwen's, "Gracias!", which was his journal from his time in Latin America. The prayer was written by a Catholic bishop for missioners going to serve in Latin America...But, in my opinion, it speaks for all in third world countries, and especially spoke to my heart as I attempt to serve in Adjumani...Here it is:

Walk with Us in Our Search


Help us discover our own riches; don't judge us poor because we lack what you have.

Help us discover our chains; don't judge us slaves by the type of shakles you wear.

Be patient with us as a people; don't judge us backward simply because we don't follow your stride.

Be patient with our pace; don't judge us lazy simply because we can't follow your tempo.

Be patient with our symbols; don't judge us ignorant because we can't read your signs.

Be with us and proclaim the richness of your life which you can share with us.

Be with us and be open to what we can give.

Be with us as a companion who walks with us -- neither behind nor in front -- in our search for life and ultimately for God!

My pet bat...

I'm sorry it has been a while since my last post. But, we have not had town power since I arrived in Adjumani. And, internet access is very off and on up there. So, I may need to say that I will just update my blog whenever it is possible around the 2 to 3 week mark. I just wanted to let you all know so that you don't think I'm just forgetting. :)

On to what's going on...Yes, I have a pet bat. Or, at least a little bat that lives between the screens above my window that I have chosen to call my pet...that is in the effort to not be too freaked out (or grossed out) by it. I haven't named him (or her) yet. Suggestions are most welcome.

Life in Adjumani in these last weeks has been great...I'm still getting my bearings and learning my way around. We ride our bikes a lot to get to places and to visit people - I love it! Adjumani really is beautiful especially as things are very green right now with it being the rainy season. My Madi language is coming along slowly, but well. Jaclyn, Rick, and Faye have been great teachers. It's fun to speak it with the people and then get a good laugh in return. We mzungus are quite entertaining. :)

In these last weeks we've had a few visitors come and stay with us at our place. Creighton Kearns, an elder from Imago Dei, and his family stayed with us for about five days. It was wonderful to have them. We also had a 20 yr old young woman named Sophie who is working up in S. Sudan at a Cornerstone orphanage. She was also delightful and was staying at our place for a much needed break. I've been with Rick and Faye as they've spent these last few weeks saying goodbye to many people and churches in Adjumani. We dedicated three chicken coops to churches that Rick constructed to three different churches. These will hopefully help them to generate income and also food for their community. A lot of the little chicks we've hatched at our home went to those new chicken coop projects.

I've gone along with Jaclyn as she goes to sit and share, do Bible study, and have language instruction with her good friend Beatrice in a place called Ciforo. That day it was Beatrice's birthday and so Jaclyn made chocolate mayonnaise cupcakes from scratch (most things we make at home are from scratch). Beatrice and the other ladies loved them!! We sang, laughed, praised, and prayed together...so beautiful.

We are in Kampala this week spending our final days with Rick and Faye before they leave us. It's been great to have really good sleep, a cool breeze, and constant electricity! But, sadly, not a lot of internet...Jeff, Michelle, Jaclyn, and I have begun discussions about our vision as a community from here...It will be the four of us now for a while - at least until December or early next year. We all are going to begin looking at each of our visions for what we feel God may be doing through us in Adjumani and in Magwi, Sudan. Jeff will also be training us in some aspects of community development. We are excited for what He has for us even if we don't have all the answers now...but, that just means we need to lean into Him even more as we move forward...never a bad thing, right? Please pray for us as we move forward into the projects, relationships, and directions that are ahead.

Well, my time on the internet is coming to a close here...I will post again when I have the chance. Please email me with questions!! There is so much to talk about...

I pray that all of you are doing well...love from me. And, now I have the software to resize photos and will get those on next. Thanks for your patience!!

I'm home...

Blake, John John (Restore International's driver), and I left Kampala on July 10th to head up to Gulu. After about four hours of some bumpy, windy driving we arrived with no problem at all...Along the way, I saw the Nile (!), baboons looking for a handout on the side of the road, and we ate freshly BBQed beef and goat on a stick, called muchomo. Once we were at Restore's office/home where Blake stays I was able to relax a bit, but I was hungry to start seeing and exploring...

I thought I would just go for a simple walk...hah! So, I had just started walking when a small group of school children came beside me. A few moments later, I glanced behind me and there were several more just walking behind me giggling at the mzungu. A young girl, named Santa Acan, came alongside me and asked me my name...and thus began my little adventure that evening in Gulu...

My hair happened to be down and she said I looked like an Acholi (the predominant tribe around Gulu) woman. I guess some Acholi women have long hair...most of the young women's hair is shaved off. We continued to talk and she told me of how she had once written a letter to someone in the States, but somehow she lost that connection. She said I've been praying to meet someone like you...and asked if I would send her letters once I returned home. I said yes, but she did not know an address for me to send them to...Santa asked if I would like to see her house - I said yes not knowing where that would be or how long it would take to get there by foot. Off we went, and we wound through some neighborhoods of tukals and on up a wide path where there were many children getting water from a pump. I was greeted by many, and also asked if I would buy paper beads...Some of you may have seen these in Portland or elsewhere...they are beads made out of tightly wound paper and then coated with lacquer. They are really beautiful. Everyone here is looking for ways to support themselves...
Santa wanted me to meet her mother...we walked further into Gulu center and found her mom selling rice in the middle of a tucked away market. I met many women selling their grain or produce there. Her mother was so gracious and gave me two small bags of rice and two tomatoes.
We met many little ones who were delighted to see a mzungu or munu...I shook many little hands. :)

We left the next day for Adjumani - It took about 3 hours and the road was quite full of large potholes and large vehicles heading toward Sudan. We arrived safe and well to warm hugs and welcomes by Jeff, Michelle, Jaclyn, Rick, Faye, Esther (the cook), and Palma (housekeeper). Also, the 8 chickens and chicks that live here also came to say, karibu (welcome in Swahili)!

Blake and John John stayed until the next morning, and then left for Gulu. This is such a peaceful place...I felt at home immediately. I am so grateful...God always knows what He is doing. ;) The only hard part was saying goodbye to Blake. I am hoping he can come and visit in the not too distant future...This place will be like a retreat for him from all of the responsibilities he carries with Restore.

So, I've been here five days - Here is some of what I've experienced so far: Lots of laughs with Rick and Faye, and Jaclyn - they are wonderful, a tour around town with Jaclyn, meeting a few pastors and some of their wives, digging out in the fields with the kids from the Amazing Grace orphanage, Bible study with the same kids, church service at Liberty Baptist church, shopping at Gaga outdoor clothing market (mostly secondhand clothing/some new) for a new outfit for one of the young girls who is singing in a choir, and just getting my bearings!! Living in community is really great, and I've been learning my way around this kitchen and how things work here at our home. I will get to learn how to cook from scratch!

Some quirky things: We don't have electricity most of the time...or, we don't use it a lot of the time - They have solar panels on the roof and also a small propellar sort of thing for wind power. Green Oregonians would be proud! We get power from town from 7pm to 11pm each night...but, someone in charge of town power forgot to pay the gas bill and we haven't had town power since I arrived. So, dinner is by candlelight, and getting ready for bed is by the light of my camping headlamp. I love it!

Life is so difficult for those who live here...many people are sick right now with malaria and other health issues. Just today, Rick and Faye took a little one to be treated at the town clinic for some open wounds that have not healed. It is easy to feel completely overwhelmed by the deep physical need here...and, that's just the physical...Please pray for the people of Adjumani. And, please pray for us as we try to be who we need to be in the midst of all that is going on here...

Just arrived...

I just arrived on Tuesday night, July 1st. The flights went great, and all of my luggage arrived! Hooray! Thank you for all of your thoughts and prayers for safe travel...

It was wonderful to be welcomed by Blake, Jeff and Michelle, and Jaclyn (the last three are the ones I'll be living with in Adjumani, N. Uganda). Blake stays at this wonderful family's home in Kampala called the Lorenzens. They basically adopted him after he arrived about 7 weeks ago now. I have been able to stay here and enjoy the cooler air of Kampala, warm showers, wonderful food, and a nice bed with a mosquito net :) (It is actually very green here - very tropical like Hawaii-It will get more dry as we head north). So far, I've been shopping with Jeff and Michelle, and Jaclyn, for supplies for up north, I've met some cool new friends that are also serving with WorldVenture, and also went for a walk with the Lorenzen's black lab, Jasper. I don't think it's very common to see someone walking a dog here - let alone a mzungu (white person), so it was great to see people stare and then smile when I said hello.

I am so grateful for having this beautiful place to make my transition into life in Uganda, but I am so looking forward to being with the Imago Dei Adjumani community and everyone I will come to call my neighbors in Adjumani. Blake, and a few others, and I will be heading up to Adjumani by the end of next week. First, we will be in Gulu where he is working with Restore International (an amazing non-profit you should check out online).

I named this blog hope, faith, and love because those are words that I hope to keep at the center of this journey. God is so faithful and I hope to glorify Him in all that I do here...and, not just in what I do - but, in who I am.

ps: I'll post some photos as soon as I figure out how to do it! ;)