Sadly,...the Final Day in Marare

Our final day in the village:

As soon as we arrived at the village, Matt, Ashley and Sara went straight to work on showing videos to the last 3 children and then taping their replies. The ladies of the village had their crafts laid out for us to see and purchase. They had crocheted items, woven purses/bags, beaded decorated bowls & doilies, a woven mat (which we didn't purchase because of the size), a handmade ball and an ingenious 'lamp' that looks like a toy airplane. We purchased a few things personally and the rest we purchased to bring home and sell at the sharing evening. After we had completed all the transactions, someone arrived with jewellery... so we had to purchase more. It is so exciting to see that they are making crafts, as well as sewing clothes.

Soon, it was time for them to dress us. Different women had donated outfits for us to wear... It was hard for them to find a gomez to fit Erin's stature, but the one they settled on suited her coloring so well. We all felt very special, even though we were very warm! Matt and Brian were dressed in the long white shirt dresses with a suit jacket over top... also warm! But the approval of the villagers when they saw us was worth it!

Then the ceremonies began... The children's choir sang a number of songs... the first one was very sad and several of the children started to cry. It is so touching to see these emotions from children we had met such a short time before. Then the women sang several songs for us... their voices are beautiful. Many speeches followed, full of appreciation... and many admonitions to greet the people of Northgate and send them love and appreciation from the people of Marare. Brian was called on once again to give a response speech on our behalf. The speech-giving is really not in his comfort zone, but he has risen to the occasions and done a great job. Speeches in Africa must be long... if they are too short, it's not a good thing.

A contingent of students and mothers from the neighbouring village of Nashisa had walked over to take part in the day (that's a LONG walk). These children sang 2 numbers for us.

The final speech was from the "guest of honour"... the head of the parish in that area (includes about 12 churches I believe). And all of these speeches had to be translated, phrase by phrase.

The ceremonies ended with gift presentations to us. The 5 women on the team received a simplified gomez, complete with the large, heavy sash. Matthew and Brian received the traditional long, white shirt/dresses. We felt so honoured.

Following the formal time, they served us lunch in one of the classrooms. We line up to wash our hands as someone pours water from a jerry can (it's so gratifying to see how they do take care to wash hands).

Sam and Justine prepared all the food and brought it out to the village. It's a lot of work for them. Their is no such thing as disposable plates/cutlery, so they had to bring all that and take it back to the office to wash.

Following lunch, we changed from our borrowed clothes to our gifted clothes, which were cooler because there wasn't the multiple layers of cloth, and participated in a net ball tournament. First there was a game between the girls of Marare against the girls of Nashisa. It has started to rain by this time, but they played anyways. Eventually the rain stopped and the spectators gathered round. Nashisa won that game. They moved the court because it was too muddy/slippery and the women's game began, again between Marare and Nashisa. It was very competitive and Marare won this game.

It has been an amazing adventure! God has watched over us and it has been so exciting to see Him in the people of Marare and the FH staff!

Thank you to all of you (Northgate church family and the family and friends of the 2013 team) for your love, support and prayers!

FH Staff Shares the Gospel Message

This was our debrief day to spend with the FH staff. We had 2 vans to fit everyone and drove to Wanale... a nearby 'mountain'. The drive up was so interesting... there were homes/villages built all the way up so lots of children to wave to and hear "Muzungu, Hi!!". The area is known for growing "Irish" potatoes. They call regular potatoes "Irish" ... to differentiate them from sweet potatoes, casava, banana (what we would call plantain). All along there were terraced farmer's plots. The view from the top was spectacular... we could see Mbale and Marare far below. We all sat around a large rock and enjoyed a lunch of plain chapatti and pop.

The best part was that Livingstone and one other of the FH staff wandered off because Livingstone felt the Lord was telling him that someone needed to hear the gospel today. They came upon a man, shared with him and he accepted the Lord! The FH staff are such a witness to us!

That evening we took them out for supper as a thank you for all their care for us. We were at the hotel that previous teams have stayed in (Kayegi...sp?). We started out sitting on the patio, but it started to rain and we were getting wet, so moved indoors. We had a lovely time visiting and sharing together. So sad that our time was drawing to a close. One very special day left...

Tuesday - Neighboring Village Visits, and the Serving Hearts of the FH Staff

It is amazing to see the FH staff in action. These people are devoted and diligent. They love their work amongst the villagers and have just the right people skills to encourage and bring out the best in both children and adults.

Note Sliva, a passionate agriculturalist, up-to-date with experimental farming, who takes courses and studies on the weekends.

Then there is Steven, always flashing a big smile. He's delightful to watch as he brings the sponsored children to see the videos. He prompts them about their sponsors' names, explains what they are saying, and suggests ideas about what they can say in reply. During this time he's laughing and joking, making the shy kids feel at ease when getting them to talk is like pulling teeth.

Another FH friend is Miriam, who works in the office and stands in for Moses when he is away. She pitches in wherever needed. Miriam took us shopping, bargaining on our behalf so we didn't get cheated. She takes a genuine interest in our personal lives. What a blessing she is!

Then there is Sam, a busy cook who cheerfully prepares our meals. He's a university student hoping to eventually earn a degree in social work and administration. Sam is always praising the Lord, and loves singing!

We're also blessed by Moses, Justine, Livingstone, Sarah, David, Molex and Julius. These servants of God are the connection between Marare and Northgate and serve as witnesses and models for the communities. It's Moses who sets an example for us all in humility, wisdom, and love.

Today's Events: Today was our day to visit 2 other FH villages in the area. First was Bufukhula, which will be graduating in November 2013. The children performed some wonderful music and dancing for us. Three boys played a large xylophone carved from wood - it gave beautiful sound. The girls came in and danced a highly energetic dance. In the middle of the performance, the rain started. The skies opened and the sound on the metal roof was deafening. It was decided we better leave before the muddy road became impassable. We did get stuck, but the 3 FH staff with us (Moses, Sliva, and David) pushed us out.

In the afternoon, we went to Nashisa: got a full tour of all the classrooms. In each one the children stood and recited a welcome and introduction to their school, including their school motto.

Then in the church building there were speeches, welcomes and performances from the children. The place was packed! In the middle of the program they served us bananas and water, which really hit the spot. After the performance we split up and enjoyed spending time with the children and adults.

Supper at the FH office, included the chance to try suger cane (as Gary Zander said, "its' like chewing on sweet wood"). Moses, who returned to Marare to help with the construction of the church when we went to Nashisa, joined us after supper. He looked very weary, but eternally optimistic and praising God for the progress of the day.

Please continue to pray for him as he is so vital to the work of FH in the Mbale area.

Day 8 (Monday) - Brick by brick

Monday, August 5.... NOT FINISHED

Backtracking a bit here, on Saturday the church leaders as well as pastors from neighbouring churches, joined together at St. James Church and then went out visiting church members asking them to contribute to the church building. They were "stalled" in construction because the money ran out and they needed more cement. On Sunday, there was a form of an altar call and people came forward with contributions towards the building... this included a goat, several chickens, eggs, corn, tomatoes and even some cash. The perishable items were auctioned off for more cash.

Because of the successful fundraising, the villagers were determined to continue work on the church while we were still here. After devotions at the FH office this morning, they wanted us to wait at the office until they were ready in the village to start laying more bricks. BUT, we asked if we could proceed to the village because there were still many children who needed to see the videos from their sponsors, and others needed to tape their reply videos to bring home. It turned out to be a very productive day. Ashley and Matt spent many hours showing videos to one child at a time, waiting while Steven or Molex coached the children and had them practice what they would say, and then Ashley would video them. It was a very slow process and involved a lot of waiting. After the child was finished, then Sara would take a portrait photo of each child. By late afternoon, Sara released Matt and Ashley to go play with the children. Huge thanks to the 3 of them for persevering. There are only 3 children left to show videos and tape reply videos.

While the "film" crew was working, Erin, Miranda, Brian and Jennie had lots of different adventures. At one point they went over the the church building to see if they could help. There were some young, able bodied men, who had built a scaffold and were beginning to lay bricks on top of the structure. We found out later that these men were skilled brick layers who chose to not go to their jobs (and therefore, gave up their regular wages) to work on the church and receive only a pittance. Erin, Jennie and Miranda carried a few bricks (Erin is by far the strongest and pushed the wheelbarrow). Brian was busy taking photos. The church leaders wanted us to at least symbolically help because we are partners in all the development in Marare.

The brick layers really didn't need their help so Jennie, Erin, Brian and Miranda went back to interacting with the small children who weren't in school and visiting with some of the ladies and FH staff. Erin was blowing bubbles, singing action songs and making up games to play with the small children. Miranda wandered into the existing church building and found a class with no teacher, so she began singing songs with them. The teacher arrived and announced it was break time, so they all went outside and kept singing. Erin arrived with her entourage of small children and she and Miranda taught the children some songs. The best arrangement was when they asked the children to sing... these children love to sing and are very good at it!

Jennie spent some time watching the video process. Stephen was so gifted in helping the children figure out what to say and encouraging them along. Later she, Brian and Miranda were sitting outside the hall in the shade and a crowd began to gather. Somehow the conversation turned into English lessons.

There is some "healthy competition" going on between Sara and Brian with regard to photography... competing for the best shots and constantly comparing cameras.

There are 2 older ladies with the name Alice... one speaks good English and the other speaks no English (who I will call Alice #2). Alice #2 has taken a real shine to Miranda and goes into a prolonged greeting, including some dancing and singing whenever they meet. Today she was sewing and Miranda watched and helped her in a small way, which resulted in many thank you's!

Most of the children are dismissed from school by 4 pm and that's when the games begin. David was hoping to run AWANA, but somehow various games and activities formed by themselves. There was a netball game going on with the older girls and women, with Ashley taking part. Matt spent a long time with a group of children and a circular tug-of-war rope (from the AWANA supplies). Erin was with her usual group of many small children, just having fun together. Miranda spent some time taking pictures of children and then showing them the images on the small screen of the camera... they love that and tend to swarm anyone who brings out a camera. At one point, she was able to sit on the grass with a group of girls and have a great conversation. Brian was directing what looked like some volleyball drills.

Sam, the FH staff member who cooks for us, has a strange sore on his leg. It looks like a hole in his leg and is very swollen around the main site. We have so wished that we had a medical person on the team. Miranda has been doing her best cleaning the site with antibacterial wipes, trying to squeeze out the infection and applying clean bandages. It is quite painful, but Sam never complains. We have encouraged him to go to a doctor, but he said unless the infection was throughout his body, he wouldn't go to a doctor because of the cost. We don't realize how blessed we are in Canada.

Day 7 - In the House of the Lord

Sunday Blessings

Hi Northgate, (and all other readers!!),

Erin here! Today was a very special day in Marare. We have many things to be thankful for today. Ashley was able to teach in the children's service and Mandy interacted in the children's Sunday School. Some of us are still trying to be more flexible and accepting of a different view of time and schedules... and today was a testament to that. The church service was in both English and in Lugisu. We heard from Brian and Jennie. Jennie shared her testimony which focused on forgiveness; mainly about being forgiving ourselves after we've forgiven others. We've prayed many times this week and today was no exception. Brian has been asked to pray so many times this week he's becoming an expert with 'on the spot' prayers.

Today, I witnessed a lot of blessings within the church of Marare. It's amazing, after a week, we are all able to carry on very basic conversations with adults and children. We even converse with our Taxi driver in basic Lugisu. Many times throughout the service I was able to pick up on certain phrases that were spoken. Although I still had to ask Miriam what was going on a certain times. The team was asked to come to the front of the church during the presentation of the wedding albums for the two weddings the 2012 team was able to attend. Both the couples were extremely grateful and indicated that never in their wildest dreams did they ever think that they would be able to have a wedding album. The whole church was excited and those books made their way around the church in no time flat.

After the church service, we attended Moses' house and we were welcomed by the whole family. Those of you who have been to Moses' house will be aware of the family and I ask that you bear with me as I introduce his family. We met Moses' wife, Grace, his children, Emmanuel, Faith, Peter and Noah, his nieces Gloria, Lydia and Alice, and his nephew Sam, and his mother.

We also got to meet Livingstone's wife, Joy and learned about how they met. For those who were not aware, Livingstone is an FH staff member and he was married earlier in the year. His wife resides in Kampala and he stays in Mbale, so they do not see each other very often. It was God's handiwork that they were both able to attend church in Marare today and join us for lunch at Moses' home.

Lunch was served and there were again immense portions of food, but it was all delicious. Afterwards, we were welcomed by a song from Faith, Gloria, Peter and Noah. Both Faith and Gloria each recited stories, which we found impactful. Faith spoke about "All that glitters is not Gold." We heard from Grace, and she is very thankful that the teams that are coming from Northgate are fulfilling the promises made at the beginning of this relationship.

The family was given a few gifts from the team. Grace and her mother-in-law were given Canadian aprons and we took their picture together. The children received toothbrushes and toothpaste and pens/pencils for school. I even got to teach them how to use floss. Later, I was told that even hours after we had left the kids were still using the floss.

We got everyone outside for pictures in front of Moses' house. Moses mentioned that we should head back to the hotel, but we all got talking and interacting with his family. Matt, Ashley and I played Frisbee with Emmanual, Gloria and Peter. Peter, who as far as I was aware had not played before, showed some amazing natural talent. He was really good at throwing the frisbee at whomever was not paying attention. We learned fairly quickly to focus on him when it was his turn to toss.

Moses' son, Noah, who is 5, is also a very smart child. Despite having rickets, he is quite strong and showed us pushups and headstands. We ask for prayers for him as his final doctor's appointment is during the next month and he is on track to being healed by December.

Spotlight Moment: -Ashley

I got the opportunity to preach in the English Youth Service which took place at 8:30 am. I talked about Ephesians 4:20 to 5:15, where it talks about true righteousness and holiness and how to attain them. I also, got to share stories about Northgate's Youth group and some testimonial things. I ended off with stating they are the generation that is going to change the world.

Too soon our visit was over. Tomorrow is to be filled with many activities, but we are all learning that activities are contigent on what is able to be done.

I will leave you with these words, Kona Buliee (GoodNight) and Hebonane CumoCumba (See you tomorrow).

Day 6 - Heinz Ketchup

Saturday! It’s hard to believe that we have been gone over a week now!

Today we spent the morning around Mbale, seeing the sites and doing a little shopping. David and Miriam accompanied us in town, and were great guides and barterers. Brian is relieved to have his pants staying right where he wants them with the new belt he got. ;) He also hit the jackpot, finding a bottle of Heinz ketchup, as the local tomato paste just doesn't compare.

After lunch we went on two home visits as the entire group. First was Matthew's family's (Hayduk's) sponsor child, Shariff. We learnt that the family is doing well. Shariff lives with his mother and grandmother, who was very happy to see him for a second time, and insisted that he comes to visit again. The second visit was to Brian's sponsor child, Shafik. It was very impactful to see how the family lives, and to know that they were doing well. As a surprise, both children responded that they wanted to grow up to be doctors! We are very hopeful this will come true!

We returned to the school and the new assembly hall, which is being put to full use, and we are told has made Marare the new central meeting area. The church leaders were gathering together after being out doing a missionary walk. We had the privilege to share a meal with them in the village. Boy did they ever fill our plates full! We then retired to the FH office for a light snack on some fruit and debrief.

We are looking forward to the church service tomorrow and the visit to Moses' home.

Village rounds - Day 5

Aug 2, 2013

This morning many of us went to visit our sponsor children. Brian and Mandy visited Shamimu and had an unforgettable visit. Shamimu has a father and mother which is very unusual. Most children live with grandparents or other relatives because of the AIDS outbreak. Shamimu has a sister and 3 other brothers. They all go to St. James school in Marare, except for the older brother who is in college. Shamimu was able to converse with us in English. This is highly unusual because most schools teach in the local language but at St. James in Marare they teach school in English. At a recent singing competition Marare students placed 3rd, but the most interesting thing about the competition was that the choir was introduced by one of the students from the Marare choir. Every other choir was introduced by a teacher. Everybody was saying "where is this school that teaches in English to its students?" In the afternoon we showed the sponsored children the videos of their sponsors from Edmonton. The children were very excited to see these. In the late afternoon we participated in several activities, such as womens' net ball, football, dodge ball (piggy in the middle) and skipping. The entire open area was alive with games.

Jennie and Erin started out by visiting Sandra, Jennie's first sponsor child. Sandra's mother was very demonstrative when she first met Jennie back in 2010... this time she was so excited to see Jennie approaching her house she made that long wavering high pitched sound (ululation) that African women make. They had a wonderful visit.

On the long walk back to the school, they happened upon Jackson's house (the Linton's sponsored child) and they were able to have a little visit outside the home and take photos. Continuing the walk, they came upon Lana's child, Ivan. It turns out that he loves to sing and wants to be a musician when he grows up. He even sang a solo for them. How appropriate that Lana is his sponsor!

By the way, Brian is turning out to be a great source of entertainment to the younger members of our team. They can't get over his eccentric ways.

~ Submitted by Wahumitsa and Nahumitsa (otherwise known as the Leeders)

Today we got to experience showing the sponsor children videos that we brought from Northgate. The smiles on the kid’s faces as they watched the messages, recorded just for them, were priceless. After the videos we showed the kids, which by this time filled most of the community centre, some photos that various team members had taken in Marare. The kids loved seeing themselves on the big screen and there were many exclamations throughout the slideshow.

Near the end of the afternoon the women brought out some hoops and I wandered over to see what they were playing. The game is called net ball and I asked if they could show me how to play. I was put onto a team and told I was centre position. They then proceeded to play without informing me of any of the rules. I quickly learned what not to do with a quick whistle from the referee and an admonition of “You don’t do that”. By the half way point of playing I puzzled out enough of the game to actually join the play. The game ended and no score was kept but it was a close game.

~ Sara Tetz

This is the way we brush our teeth...

~ from the team

Day four started bright and sunny. Erin practiced her dental hygiene teaching the night before and was well prepared for her first session in the morning with the p1-p3 classes. The kids responded well to all she taught them.

Silva joined us in the village today and took us all on a walk through-out the village to explain the various types of agriculture. It was very informative and interesting. We saw yams, sweet potatoes, ground nuts (peanuts), avocado, papaya, bananas: he pointed out an improved banana tree that produce larger bundles because the current species is having problems with disease; coffee, rice, beans, corn, sugar cane. We looped around and were back at the school. During lunch it started to rain, but we continued on to Marare.

We were indoors in the newly built assembly hall for the second session of dental hygiene. After that we moved out to the now sunny field for afternoon games. Brian and Matt took penalty kicks with the children against Silva, which was a hoot for the kids to try and score. Sara sat and answered more questions about Canada while chatting with some of the girls. Ashley got lots of exercise playing football with the girls. Mandy, Jennie and Erin blew soap bubbles with the kids.

Later the teacher of p3 class went and got Matt, the day earlier the class promised to bring him all the foods that were not able to grow in Canada, they really did pay attention and learnt lots from us! He returned from the classroom with a bag full and a couple stocks of sugar cane. That was so amazing of them!

By then it was time to board the van, and we slowly loaded along with the usual crowd of handshakes and corus of byyyyeeeeee.