Parenting in Africa

This is an article that I recently read.  Thought it was so well said, that I wanted to share.  It's so true:)

Some people tell me it is brave to raise my kids in Africa. They could get malaria or be bitten by a poisonous snake. They don’t have a Sunday School class. They can’t eat gluten-free foods. Their friends are Muslims. They live far away from cousins, aunts and uncles, and grandparents.

My initial reaction is to be tempted to say, “Well, I think it is brave to raise kids in America.” I know my heart, my soul-shriveling tendency to love the world. I know my kids, how quickly they could be sucked into the idolatry of a nation whose church is the shopping mall and whose God is the latest iPhone.

But this kneejerk reaction is wrong because it assumes brave is the right word to use to describe parenting, whether in Africa or in the United States.

Brave is the wrong word.

Life As Fasting

Living overseas is a form of fasting. Fasting from the comforts of a would-be heaven on earth where there are hot showers, dishwashers and clothes dryers, fully-stocked grocery stores and someone else to teach piano lessons. Living overseas is fasting that says, “this much, O God, this much, I want to know you.” And, “this much, O God, this much, I want you to be known”.

I want to know God deeply and I want him to be known so much that I will risk scary diseases, fast from my beloved family and worldly comforts, and teach my children to engage with neighbors of differing faiths. But to live and fast like that, to raise my children like that, isn’t brave.

When I think about mothering my three children who love this steamy, desert nation, I don’t feel brave. I feel dependent. Helplessly, desperately, breathlessly, clingingly dependent.

Dependent

Any mother, anywhere in the world, could receive a phone call in the next five minutes about a car accident. A child could decide Jesus is an imaginary friend and reject truth. Another could fall into immoral living.

There is nothing brave about loving little people who will grow up and could choose to abandon the things of God. But for dependency on the promises and character of God, there is terror and anxiety.

Being dependent isn’t just for mothers living in Africa. The only way to parent is with faith that God is able to keep and hold our children. The only way to parent is to be dependent on his sovereign plan and tender care for them. Dependent on the strength of the everlasting arms to hold us, to hold our children, and to keep us in perfect peace with our minds stayed on Him.

No, brave is not the right word for parents.

Dependent is.

Rachel Pieh Jones is a wife, mother, and freelance writer. She and her husband Tom have three children: Magdalene (11), Henry (11), and Lucy (6). She lives in east Africa and blogs at djiboutijones.com

Things That Make You Go Hmmmm....... In Africa

There are so many things that I find interesting living here. Uganda is a place where most things are not done with excellency and so you bear the fruit of that. Some examples are

- buying new items and within a few days they no longer work

- electrical outages for days because company doesn't have vital parts needed

- electric gets turned off because of not paying your bill, which you did but they
were behind on billing- so to turn it back on all you have to do is switch the
breaker back on inside the electrical box:)

- electrical boxes outside that are not water tight so wires rust and catch on fire

- dogs barking/kids screaming all hours of the day. This last week there was a dog on our lane that has barked all hours of the night.

- when getting dependent and student passes for family, lawyer tells you that immigration has lost the file. Waiting to see what to do about this one:)

- still waiting for screens to be finished on guest house from January when the man told me that he would be back the next day

- when you go purchase cooking gas, all the gas stations say "it is finished"

- security company that you have hired doesn't pay guards for weeks and if we were not to pay our workers we would be taken to court

So these are just a few things off the top of my head in the last few days I've been dealing with. Life here is a huge adjustment and sometimes frustrating. The Lord has said we will have trials, which can be every day trials such as these. In James 1:12 it says, "Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial." We are blessed because if he exude the Love of Christ through these small trials then God will bless us with "the crown of life." My interactions with the people around me is a direct correlation with how much I love the Lord. Sometimes I don't want to think this because then I would realize that sometimes I don't love the Lord very much. My sinful nature takes over and I'm not very loving to the people that I'm speaking to because of by own desires (retaliation for what I think is right) as Peter wrote in 1:14. Peter 1:15 states, "that desire gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death. I thank God for the trials here, because if we didn't have them then I would think I could live here without seeking God's wisdom and direction. Daily I'm reminded that is not possible here in our new home nor in the U.S. either. But it becomes much more evident when you are constantly out of your comfort zone:)

My prayer is that people (my family, workers, students at the seminary, other missionaries, shopkeepers and parking attendants in Jinja) when they see me will know that I love them like their Creator loves them. In some ways I do wonder if that is possible, but since I have the Holy Spirit in me which is the same as Jesus walking right beside me, then it is. I pray that each day I learn how to be more and more like Jesus. To do that every interaction I have needs to be more and more like Him. Please pray that every step I take is one step closer to being like Jesus:) For everyone who reads this, I pray that we all will heed what Colossians 4:5-6 says, "Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person."

Teaching at the Seminary

It still sounds strange to me to say that I'm a teacher at Uganda Baptist Seminary. As I wrote in my last post, this is never what I thought I would be doing here when we came. I think most times when I step into the classroom I'm feeling excitement and nervousness at the same time. Soon after I start teaching that soon disappears and I just feel at peace. Never in a hundred years would I have envisioned myself standing in front of a classroom teaching pastors and teachers in East Africa. But God has put me there and surprisingly, I have found that I love it!!!

Last week I began teaching a five day English class to a new Diploma class. So for five days we sang grammar songs, diagrammed sentences, and learned how to construct a well written paragraph. I would have never guessed that you could have so much fun learning grammar, but I was bound and determined not to make it boring for them. So with drum in hand, I entered the classroom and many of the students thought I had gone and lost my mind:) However, we had a great time of learning and by the end of five days, most had great improvement with their English skills. Most importantly I could see how many of them were starting to see how improving their English communication skills were going to benefit them and their church community when they returned. Many of the students were excited to understand how organizing their thoughts better would lead to better sermons and better communication about God's word. I'm still in awe how God is using me in a way that I would have never ever expected.

This week I have been teaching Community Health/Leadership to a Certificate class. The class has been interesting, fun, and an education for me. It's one thing to be prepared to teach them the knowledge that I've gained over the years, but it's another for them to teach me. But many times that is exactly what happens. The students have taught me something new every day. What I've determined is that I can stand and teach the facts, but if I don't understand what they are thinking and where they are coming from, I will not be effective. So yesterday I allowed them to share what information has been passed on to them about malaria. Here are some interesting comments from the class: malaria is contracted from eating too many mangoes or paw-paws, eating cold food, walking in the rain, drinking contaminated water, letting your child cry and scream, or having an evil spirit. There were many more:) But, what was neat is that students were starting to make connections today as to why some of these myths have come about. To be part of teaching them, to think critically and to use knowledge from the Bible to mold their thinking, has been wonderful. Needless to say, there have been times this week that students would ask me a theological question, and I thank God that He anointed me with His wisdom and knowledge. Sometimes I would think where in the world did that just come from. But I know God is in the business of getting His message across to those who really want to know Truth.

So I thank God that He has given this opportunity to show me things that I would have never experienced or known. I am learning more about the culture every day by learning from the students that come from all over East Africa. My prayer is that they will be able to take the information that I have taught them back to their communitites and villages. Hopefully they will educate others about God's word and what it says about creation. That may be in the form of better English and communication skills, or it may be in the form of Biblical health education.

The family is doing well. Marie just got over a stomach bug which left her very weak and tired. We praise God that the virus was short lived and she is on the mend. However, Joey has it now and is working hard to get the vomit in the bucket:) We pray by tomorrow he will be feeling much better. Nick and Dylan are growing like weeds and doing great. Aaron and I are looking forward to celebrating our 18th wedding anniversary on Sunday. It's really hard to believe that we have been married that long. I still feel like I'm 25:) It has been a wonderful 18 years with Aaron and I praise the Lord for such a Godly man in my life. Please continue to pray for our health and safety. Also for Aaron and I as we continue to teach and interact with the students at the seminary. We so appreciate all of you who walk alongside of us through prayers and encouragement. We are so blessed!!!!!!

The Lord Continues to Stretch

A few weeks ago I was asked if I would like to teach the Community Health Education class at seminary. My first reaction was to say, "No, thank you." But before I could, I heard myself saying, "Sure." Oh, boy what had just come out of my mouth. Now, don't get me wrong, I love teaching. I would rather teach my children then almost anything at all. But this isn't teaching children, this is teaching pastors and church leaders. Big difference. Plus, speaking in a public forum is my least favorite thing to do. Or I had convinced myself of this. So after saying yes, I began to prepare for the six hours I would be teaching. I would be required to teach on HIV/AIDS and anything else that would be pertinent for them to take back, so they could educate their community and church.

So starting on Wed. afternoon, I walked into a large classroom to teach health to over 50 pastors and church leaders. Talk about being nervous, but with God, all things are possible (Matthew 19: 26). Starting out I was extremely nervous, but quickly I calmed down and found that it was enjoyable. However, not all was enjoyable. Like the students constantly stopping me and saying that they couldn't understand my accent, and I was speaking too fast. There were others who thought it was funny to make comments on everything, or try to get others to laugh at their jokes. All in all I learned alot that day and to be real honest, wasn't sure that I was where God wanted me to be because it was hard. I was being stretched. So I said to the Lord, "if you want me to continue teaching at the seminary, then you need to make it very clear within the next two days." More than anything, I just did not think I was connecting with the students. I was pleasantly surprised the next day when I was looking forward to going back in the classroom. After day two of teaching, I was kidding around with the students, they were understanding me better, and I was enjoying myself. I was a bit surprised at the quick turnaround, but God doesn't mess around:) By day three, I was sad to see the class end. I so enjoyed getting to know the students better, having the ability to educate on health diseases and nutrition where they would have the abilitly to impact hundreds of others with the information, and having the opportunity to understand more about this culture and people. Wow, God was stretching and growing me in a way that I could have never imagined. Now, I'm scheduled to teach an English class and the Community Health class for the next term. I know more growth and stretching will continue to occur. I have a tremendous amount to learn, and it seems here in Uganda it is constant or just more obvious than back in the states:)

I also had the opportunity last week of holding clinic at the seminary when the nurse wasn't available. I continue to learn so much each time I do this. My nursing skills continue to grow and again He stretches me. Another responsiblity that I'm enjoying is the bookroom at school. It doesn't require much time, unless it's at the beginning or end of term. Well, last week was the final week of the term. So I was getting packets together for the instructors for their classes, preparing the textbooks for each class, and intaking books from classes that were finishing. I really enjoy working in the bookroom and organizing the curriculum for all the classes.

So if you would have asked me before we moved here, if I would be teaching and working at the seminary, I would have quickly said, "I don't think so." I would have told you that I thought God would have me working in an orphanage doing nursing care. To me that is what made sense. However, God had/has another plan to stretch me and show me His plan and purpose for my life. My job is to stay obedient to what He calls me to do. I thank God I didn't allow the fear stop me from being obedient to walk through the door that He opened, even when I didn't understand. Psalm 128:1 says,"Blessed are all who fear the LORD, who walk in obedience to him." I pray that I will strive to stay obedient to Him.

Time of Reflection

I'm writing this on New Year's Eve 2011. First thing this morning I woke up and started thinking about when we had spent New Year's Eve in Kenya. Believe it or not, two years ago we were in Kenya trying to figure out if God had called us to work there. We were given the affirmation of the Lord to go ahead. Only later did we realize that it was the affirmation for Africa, not Kenya. Later we would find out that it would be Uganda. Now we celebrate this New Year in Jinja, Uganda which, by God's grace, is rapidly becoming home.

So much has happened in these two years that it is hard to recollect. Not long after we returned from Kenya I began this blog, so those who don't know the whole story can go back and read. For those of you who do, we thank God that you have been beside us on this amazing journey to Africa. God has done some amazing and miraculous things in these last few years. He sold our house in just 3 weeks, 100% of our support and start-up funds were raised, we have many new friends and churches that are working with us to further the Kingdom, and our family is adjusting amazingly well to life in Uganda. None of this could have been possible apart from God and the Lord has moved as a result of literally hundreds of you who consistently pray and support us. It has been an amazing ride and we so look forward to what the Lord will do in 2012.

Since living in Uganda we have met some amazing new friends. The missionary community here has been so supportive and helpful in our adjustment to life in Africa as well as seting up our home. We know it was/is divine intervention from the Lord. The people who are helping in and around our home have been such a blessing. Mbusa who is helping with the outside work, Grace who helps with homeschooling and cooking, Prossie who helps with all other housework, and Peter who is our night guard. They may all think that we provide so much to them, but they don't realize how much they have given and taught us. There have been times when we were able to assist them, but we pray that those times they saw Jesus and not us. We are blessed now to have Prossie's two children, Manilla Hope and Dean, in our home daily with her. We have the opportunity to teach them about Jesus, so that they and the generations that follow will know the love of Christ. We also love the fact that God has placed us in the lives of our neighbors across the street. We pray that every interaction we have: taking the children to church, buying medicine for their child who has malaria, purchasing chapati/rolexes(tortillas with eggs) from the father at his duka (his shop), that they clearly see Christ and how He brought us to this new land to serve the people of Africa whom He loves so much. Even the times we spend talking to the parking people who collect the parking fees (there are human parking meters here), we pray we are seizing every opportunity to teach about Jesus and His sacrifice of love for all humanity (John 3:16). We even had one of them ask us to buy him a Bible :) We pray we have made and continue to make an eternal difference here in the lives of those the Lord has placed us here to serve.

I haven't even begun to tell you about the seminary. Right now the school is at capacity with student enrollment, and Aaron has been overseeing the building project of the newest dormitory. The next building project is tentatively slated for March with two new classrooms. Aaron is thrilled to have the opportunity to teach deep biblical truth to hundreds of preachers, teachers, and church leaders, who then take sound doctrine all across East Africa. It's almost too unreal to believe where God has put us and how He is using all of us!!

I have also had the opportunity to help out where needed at the school. For two weeks I was able to fill in for the nurse on site while she was traveling. I was stretched beyond what I thought I could do and learned so much during that time. I also have been working in the seminary textbook room, making sure that books are issued to students and then received back from them at the end of term. I'm also looking into other ways that I can support the work going on at Uganda Baptist Seminary.

In this last term at the school, Nicholas and Dylan had the opportunity to take Aaron's New Testament Background class. They really enjoyed it and did very well. In Jan. they look forward to taking another class on church history. It has given them a chance to learn more from the Africans in class and also gives them some time to discuss life and the Bible with others. Last term they spoke at length with a Rwandan pastor who lived through the genocide there in the mid '90s. Quite an education on world events and perspectives! We plan to continue to use the classes at the seminary to enhance their high school curriculum. What an amazing opportunity God has blessed us with to help us raise our children in the discipline and instruction of the Lord (Ephesians 6:4)! Marie and Joey have had fun learning Luganda, the local tribal language here. Marie is picking it up faster than any of us. Joey's favorite word is Bulungi which means good. He is either saying "No Bulungi" or "Bulungi" to Manilla Hope since she only speaks Luganda right now.

In reflection we want to thank God and thank you all for your vital role in this incredible adventure for Jesus. Please continue to pray for our family and our ministry here during 2012. We pray that this is only the beginning of many years to come!!!! Thank you again for being a part of what God is doing here in East Africa.

Thankful For So Much

This year was a Thanksgiving like none other. We celebrated Thanksgiving with new friends and missionaries in Uganda. It was a wonderful time with so many people that God has directly brought into our lives. We welcomed 28 people in our home for a time of thanksgiving and celebration for how God has blessed abundantly. With the help from our Peace Corps. friends, Christy, Lisa, and Drew, they searched and found, not one but two, turkeys for our dinner table. Among the turkeys we had stuffing, garlic mashed potatoes, pumpkin casserole, salads, deviled eggs, and the list goes on and on. I think the pictures from Thanksgiving day will explain much better than words:) Our family has so much to be thankful to God for.

Miracles Do Happen

God has yet amazed me again!! I would think by now that I wouldn't be surprised with how God does what He does, but this time I'm amazed that I was the one who got to partake in a miracle. Please let me explain.

Friday afternoon outside our gate, while Marie and Joey were playing with our neighbor children, I asked about their health. Nabira, the 10 year old girl, stated that her mother was at the hospital with their 8 year old sister, Janette. Apparently a few days before Janette had gotten very sick and almost died at home. As the children were talking you could see the concern on their faces. One mentioned that maybe I could go the next day to visit her. Another one of the older boys said that maybe I could take them to see her. My heart was heavy with the thought of this precious child being so sick, and the mother having to be away from the rest of her children while tending to the sick one. So, I decided to visit the next day.

I was a bit concerned since I didn't know what the diagnoses was. I could easily walk into a situation where Janette could have TB, since we had heard a child coughing terribly a few days earlier. With much prayer of safety and for God to give me the right words, I headed to the hospital the next day with the oldest child in the family, Ashliff. Also, this would be the first time meeting the mother. Upon arriving I found Mother with Janette and another surprise. Not only was Janette in the hospital, but her 3 month old baby sister, Rasheeda, was also very sick. Janette was diagnosed with pneumonia and looked fairly well, other than a pretty yucky cough here and there. However, the baby was diagnosed with malaria and the flu and was not doing well. This little girl had a cough like none I've ever heard before. My children have had pneumonia, croup, flu, and bronchitis, but I've never heard anything like this before. Upon awaking the child continuously coughed, almost without being able to take a breath. All I could think was that if this had been in the U.S. she would be on oxygen, breathing treatments, and complete nursing care. The care she was receiving was intramuscular injections of antibiotics, steroid shots, some various cough medicines. and no doctor or nurse to be found. The major issue was that the antibiotic she was on was not the right medicine to eradicate the malaria. Baby Rasheeda was scheduled to get one more dose of the antibiotic, and then she was going to be released from the hospital. All I could think is that I needed to pray over this family and this child. God directed me to ask the mother if I could pray over them before leaving. She enthusiastically said yes.

I began by putting my hands on Mother, Janette, and baby. I prayed aloud with them that God would do a miraculous healing in Rasheeda, and continue the healing process in Janette. I prayed with a boldness like I've never prayed before. Afterwards, I quietly said to God, please show them that you are real. I left the hospital with my nursing mindset that new medical care was needed. So I started talking to other missionaries through the day about other options for medical care in Jinja. I also needed to find out if it would be okay to help them financially if that was a cause for them to not want better medical care. Later that day I was going to head back to the hospital, when I saw that Mother was back home with both children. I went over to visit to see how Baby Rasheeda was doing. The mother said better. We sat and talked for about 15-20 minutes while Rasheeda was fully awake and very responsive. By God's healing power the child did not cough once while being there for that amount of time. Many of you might say right away that God had healed. Yes He did!! But sitting there my mind didn't process all that had happened right away. I did tell the mother that it was because God heard our prayers. I again checked on them again on Sunday and the baby was continuing to improve even more. Thank you, Lord, for showing yourself to this family.

On Sunday we picked up four of the seven children of this family to take them to church with us once again. This has become a weekly treat now:) During church I was able to share about this miracle that God had allowed me to take part in. It was a joyous time of giving God all the honor and glory for what had happened. After church the oldest child, Ashliff, thanked me for sharing the story. I just looked at him and said, "Ashliff, thank God for what he did. I was only obedient to do what He asked." Come to find out, I have been told this is a Muslim family. Wow!!! God please work and help me be bold for Your namesake.

Family and friends...you never know what can happen when you are obedient to do what God calls you to do. Please don't let fear stand in your way, like I almost did. Step out on faith and know that God will work out all things for His own glory. Please join me in prayer for this precious family who needs to know and accept the free gift of salvation from my Lord, Jesus Christ. ------Blessings, Dana.