Sabbath Sunday

Olyotya from Ntinda!

This morning a small group of us went to a church called Watoto North, and I LOVED it! (www.watotochurch.com). I actually had a lot of time today to think about a lot of things, so this post is going to be a compilation of random thoughts. -- The rest of the group went to Kakumba Chapel, and this Sunday's theme was about stopping child sacrificing. I feel so naive because I had no idea that it was still going on here. They told a story of a little boy that was found right before he was sacrificed. He already had a hole in his head, so now he's going through multiple surgeries.

One thing that is so obvious here is that the Ugandans know how to worship the Lord. They hold nothing back. On the other hand, the spirit of religion is so huge here. They say they believe in God, but they don't have a relationship here, which breaks my heart because that's what it's all about. When missionaries first came here, they didn't teach what it means to have a relationship with Jesus. They just wanted to make sure everyone believed in Jesus, which is important, but still.. I think slowly the Africans are learning that they are free from that. -- At first I thought it was because it was like Mexico and Jesus is all they have. That is part of the reason, especially with the people in the village and the people we met yesterday. They have to rely on God to provide because they have no clue how they are going to feed their children and the extra kids that they took on so that they wouldn't be orphans. However, that is not the case with everyone. I just love watching them. It's so encouraging and uplifting.

This morning at church, the pastor said something along the lines of, "If you don't have a home church, we are so glad you chose to worship with us. If you do, accept our love and blessings." I feel like in America, a lot of churches focus on how many people they have, so they're always trying to take people from other churches. Some of you could be reading this and thinking, "That is not true at all." It may not be, but that is the vibe I get sometimes.

Sometimes I catch myself thinking, "Gosh, if only Africa had this or that like America does." It's just a terrible mindset to have. They are just fine without a dishwasher. They waste less water that way. They are just fine with everyone not having a cellphone, even though it does make days like yesterday frustrating. They don't need all of these things that I think, "If only they had." Sure, their roads could be paved and that would actually be something that would benefit them because their cars would last longer, but they are just fine how they are. They don't need all the expensive junk we have.

One of my favorite people here is a girl named Sarah that has been here since the beginning of May. I instantly felt a connection with her because she was the first and only person to hug me when I got here, and we all know I love hugs. I also instantly liked her because she showed me around, and then I saw her sit down to the dishes while everyone else just hung out. She has such a big heart for missions and for serving other. We also see eye to eye on so many things. When people start debating here or trying to start stuff, we just walk off together and laugh. We also have very similar taste buds. It's almost scary. Anyways, we were talking about we don't understand how someone can see the poverty and the lack of love and care that the some people receive here, or even in America and not be moved to do something .. anything. I understand that God gives everyone different passions, but still .. It says in James that true religion is taking care of the orphans and the widows. In Isaiah it talks about what true fasting is, and it is taking care of the less fortunate. I really hate when people say, "Oh, Africa is totally for you. It's just not for me." Are you kidding me?! Do you really think that I'm comfortable here and really fit in? No. Do you think I'm tired of being hit on everytime I leave the house? Yes. Am I tired of having to use the bathroom in a hole in the ground or in the woods? Yes. I could go on and on. Being uncomfortable isn't for anyone, but God doesn't call us to be comfortable. Why would we need the Ultimate Comforter (God) if we were already comfortable? Sometimes it just makes me so frustrated that people can just push people aside in society because it takes too much out of them to help or even pray for them. It's easier just to ignore them and push them aside. It makes my blood boil sometimes. I try and be open minded because we are given hearts for different things. I get that. Just remember that Jesus was homeless (And Jesus said to him, 'Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.' Luke 9:58), and he hung out with dirty people with nasty, contagious diseases. Not only did he hang out with them, but he LOVED them! He touched them .. he made them feel human!

I got hit by a boda boda today. Don't worry, parents, I'm really okay. I was walking down the road, and some guy was walking straight at me and wasn't going to move. (Women are seen as inferior here, whether the Ugandans want to admit it or not, so I think that had something to do with it .. that or the fact that I was white). So, yeah, I moved over slightly and a good 5 or 6 seconds later someone clipped me. He didn't even stop. I kind of think it was on purpose because it was a little delayed. Oh well .. just another story to tell. I have the blood of Jesus on me, he couldn't have hurt me if he wanted to.

I got my whole head braided today for less than $10! We had to go outside at one point because the electricity went out, and EVERYONE stopped and stared because a Mzungu was in Uganda getting her hair "plated." haha. It was great. I'll post some pictures tomorrow or sometime soon.

Fun Facts:

- It is socially acceptable here to pick your nose because there is always so much dust.

- People still kneel to their elders. All of the kids that we greeted yesterday knelt for us.

So, this has nothing to do with Africa, but it's a way you can help if you have Facebook. Click this link: http://apps.facebook.com/chasecommunitygiving/charities/205019981-lespwa-worldwide-inc

and vote for LESPWA! It's my friend's orphanage in Haiti. God is doing big things there, but there is so much more that needs to be done. It's really simple and only takes a few minutes. m

I feel a little bald. hah.
the sweet design they did.
Loran got her hair done too. It was actually her idea.
In the process. I think the lady that did just adds to the whole experience.

Thought of you, Hope, when we sang this! love you!

PRAISE THE LORD!

-Auntie Brooke