Year in review

It's amazing, to think about all this year has been. There's so much to think about, regarding the actual events which have taken place during the units of time which have compiled within the year- and also regarding the life in the Spirit-of Christ- eternal life-outside of measurable time being lived, (and overflowing through moments) in the year.
Talking with siblings in Christ last night, a brother was asking questions which really blessed me to thoughtfully go through where I'd been taken, what relating to parents has been like, and highlights in different adventures- how cool, that each of these have been!
Last January, I'd been preparing to leave for Uganda. it was a miracle, study abroad semester, placed together through people like academic advisors, friends, and parents. Though I was wrestling with being an adult, relating to the parents God has given me seemed to be like a struggle in measuring value.
I wondered how much value to be placing on having a part in American society, knowing Jesus, having a family, and other things. Actually studying in Uganda felt very freeing. I was learning what seemed like so much, regarding culture, the Gospel being planted with a people group, communication, etc.
A couple highlights through that semester season, included: being a part of an amazing group of Jesus-loving American students, bird watching, climbing hills, enjoying the sun rise, stargazing, and visiting siblings in Jesus who were both East African, and non-Ugandans choosing to work in the country 'long term'.
Returning from the journey to Uganda, I didn't go, 'home'. This definition had 'changed' you could say- as did the purpose I had for living, the value of thankfulness, idea of humility, and the reason I would choose to 'do' things. Another huge change would take place, with the rebuilding of a 'house' of sorts, which I'd had with the parents I've grown up with. (This, being reference to what has been called the 'house of hate' I'd had toward them, which has been demolished for the sake of Love's house replacing:!)
The Lord had taught our group so much about hearing one another- hearing Him, and being honest about following Jesus. We asked questions, and aimed at Jesus' Kingdom for our answers together. We were learning to get rid of selfishness, and in this came a large beginning.
Walking from a class session one day, I entered our library area and searched for a book. Prayer was changing in all of what I knew it to be, and I just seemed to be left standing with the reality that Jesus prayed, so I will too. In so many ways, the fact that Jesus lives was becoming the reason for a lot of things in my life.
Another end to myself, came after much of the group's semester-long, meaningful, diverse, contemplations about Love. This 'thing', which God showed to us in sending Jesus, really was beginning to show itself to me as impossible. It may have been like the first twelve disciples, when Jesus referred to the rich entering the kingdom of heaven:
Jesus looked at them and said, "With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible." (Mt 19:26) Another picture was brought to mind, as my heart reached to touch the reality of its deprivation to independently love. A friend began telling me about her journey upon the Nile river- rafting. "It's like being in a giant organism, which you can't really do anything to change...you're just moved by it, and (it's awesome!)."
Love had become, in my mind, the hinge-point for living. No longer, could looking to the parents which I'd been given be the basis by which I lived. As much as they'd loved me, and promised to always love me, no one's love but the living Love of God in Jesus Christ could satisfy the longing for life.
As the summer season matured, I was brought to camp Qwanoes (which actually means, 'peace' in aboriginal language:). A peaceful place, filled with many people who weren't about living for themselves, or for their government (which is believed by some, as society continues to proclaim.) We shared testimony in Jesus that summer, as well as awesome beauty in relationships with so many people involved in the camp.
The Lord had begun something in me. A reason or two began to originate, for not returning just yet for school. I was certain that I would not just 'return', and 'finish school'. Jesus is Shepherd, and 'my' life, I wanted to completely be giving Him- just as he said to "Give to Caesar what is Caesar's, and to God what is God's." (Mt22)
Many questions by others soon followed. I needed to respond, as to whether I simply didn't value schooling anymore. It's not that I was aiming to be radical, or even choose to say something specifically to someone. I finally had turned to the problem within me, about the problems which exist in the world.
God was creating conclusions within me, about seeing that His love is for the world. His love is also, the most individually personal that any love could ever be. School continued to be a place which He allowed me to visit- seeing the family that He'd blessed me to be a part of through being there.
A season of rest seemed to ensue. I didn't even know how I needed rest- it simply seemed to be what ensued, becoming an important value. After life began to take shape around having 'quiet-time' with the Lord (which is gently forceful in testifying that Jesus lives:), it was like the next year was being set aside as a 'quiet time'.
"Be still, and know that I am God" -ps 46:10, was a continual theme through these weeks. I began learning (it felt like a beginning:) about things like balance, peace, purity. I'm really glad, that I was with the precious 'Coquitlum' (bc) community during the first part of this rest.
So many beautiful adventures I've been able to have this year! All I can do, is thank the Lord for this; I like adventures! I feel like He's been teaching me to live- allowing the core of life to blossom, from knowing Jesus- knowing that God has made me and loved me.
His making is much of what my eyes have been turned to- like with questioning roles, relationships, purposes (of people with one another, in the world, with God) Living is being cleaned of 'shoulds', and regrets, and guilt- and replaced with the lifeblood of grace in Christ.
Realization that resting has been created, makes me want to not forget how God has literally made/ created us in image of Him, and to be made into the image of Christ:) All the people around me are living with the image of God in them- and Jesus' life is to be living from I, and the siblings I share, in Christ.
I don't recall what others have claimed to see about me, much less do I know all the thoughts, or hypothetical situations which could be posed to me. It's like the disciples who were being told (-John 16:) about the Counselor to come, once Jesus had gone to the Father:
"the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things...they will make you outcasts from the synagogue, but an hour is coming for everyone who kills you to think that he is offering a service to God...the Spirit of truth... will guide you into all the truth."

Almost finished

This past, and last week in Uganda has provided for very good meetings with friends that I wanted to spend time with before I left. I was able to see my friend Lazerous race at the big “Mandella” stadium, (he got second place in the 200) and afterward, we enjoyed a meal with one another in a tiny restaurant by the side of the road. My friend Immanuel has been so nice, walking me half way home (this is called “giving me a push”). We also could spend tea time with one another the other day, playing Hawaiian checkers (which I’d brought)
Our housegirl has gone, and she took her son (Chafik). My understanding is that she’s to be married. Our mama knew about this for a short while, so she found another girl, whose name is Sarah. Something really neat has happened this semester at home, with my little brother Ronnie. He’s about 11 months old, and he’s learned to walk since I’ve been at home. I feel blessed to have witnessed this. (not to mention his smiling face at the littlest things.) The other day, Ronnie amazed me by eating a winged ant off the ground. He grimaced at first, but seemed to enjoy what went down after that. It’s been so fun to play with him and spend time just living with him.
We had a great opportunity recently, to play in “Olympic game” here at UCU. It happened to be American students vrs. Many of the friends which the on campus students have made. There were foot races, basketball, soccer, Frisbee, volleyball, and some post competition dancing too. This provided for weeks of perpetual fun as I would train in the neighborhood, letting our neighbors giggle at the sight of a white man running- I admit, I’m not as elegant in my form as a Ugandan usually is.
Something quite culturally tragic occurred as I walked through the dining hall a few days ago. I found myself delighted by the smell of matoke and gnut sauce, so I smelled my plate- only to see a few people around me laughing. Come to find out from a friend, it is extremely rude to do so. If only I’d learned this in one of my classes at Biola☺ All this to say, we’ve been very well nourished at meals, and tea times.
Tonight is our “Farewell Dinner”, in which we say thank you, and goodbye to the wonderful families which have hosted us throughout the semester. We will also be sharing a few stories from the semester, and hearing from our director. I have the privilege of representing the IMME program students by giving a "thank you" speech, so I’m both nervous and excited.
Thursday morning, we leave for a short study trip in Rwanda. We are departing from our home stays, and finishing papers. I do thank each of you for simply caring what this time in my life is like. Please feel welcomed to request further info about any part of this semester- including papers, thoughts from my journal, deeper experiences with friends, etc. God bless you so much!
Love, Geoff

We're closing out our last few class sessions this week and the next. We've had virturally a "reading week" to prepare for finals, so around the campus students can be seen enjoying the beauty of UCU land, which used to entirely be a forest/jungle on the side of monkey hill. (Regarding final assignments, we're going to be presenting to our program instructors a slide show of sorts as to what community engagement we've had this semester. Also, I have a final reflection paper due in Missions class, and a paper for ATR (African Traditional Religions class) addressing a common theme throughout Islam, ATR, and Christianity. For African Literature, I get to write an essay about the use of Scripture in two of our books from this semester ("A Grain of Wheat", and "Cry, the Beloved Country").
Our time of sharing in Community Worship went well- thank you for your prayers. Throughout the preparation, I think I learned more about taking initiative, listening to God's direction even amidst my own desires, and I was made to realise through dissagreements and confusions that God cares most about relationships (which of course, can be very hard to keep healthy). The passage the message team spoke on was Ephesians 1:17-24. The speaking went well- a fellow sister from Biola did that part, while I prayed:), and then after worship in music for a few songs accompanied by keyboard, guitar, and drums, we had a cardboard testimony time which was really neat- students from our program wrote notes of their life before Christ, and on the flipside they wrote of how Jesus has given them new life and hope. (Some of the notes are as follows: "I carried baggage from broken relationships-(flipside)-God taught me to forgive"; "I did not know that I am valued- God has shown me my worth"; "Pressured by Alcohol and Friends- I was redeemed through Jesus' Grace; "I struggled with lying to people I love- God is leading me in ways of Truth".
In the very beginning of the program, I should note, we had a play to the tune of a Lincoln Park song, in which we illustrated the importance of letting go of sin and "running to" Jesus. I was especially encouraged at that point, when I (being the sinner illustrated in turning from my old ways to Christ) fell into the arms of our brother who was playing Jesus- and almost everyone gathered for community worship that day, began to cheer for the decision:)
Easter was a day of celebration for a lot of people. I went for a short walk to Church and spent a time there enjoying service and fellowship, then I jaunted off to school for a special Easter meal (soda, matoke- which is steamed unripe banana, rice, posho- which is like rice mush, and gnut sauce- which is like purple, nonsticky, natural, unsweetened peanut butter). After this I went home for a tiny while to enjoy another soda with my little host brother Ronnie, then I travelled by foot with a brother in the Lord to his little Church about 45 minutes from the University. I had been introduced to him one day on campus as he rode his bycicle into the grounds and maintenance crew area, where he works. On Sunday, I got to meet his family, and walk through some georgeous land. (Funny thing is, they blessed me with a couple of hard boiled eggs and a mountain dew to enjoy as I visited with them- I was able to eat eggs afterall:), and I don't think I've had so much soda in one day!) The sunset was heavenly, and I had a lot of fun waving to children who were surprised to see a mzungu. I think I'm beginning to realize, as I reflect on missions class and Easter too I guess, that it's really good for me to be hearing or reminding myself of the Gospel everyday- even of the parts that I think I already know.
Recently, we traveled into Kampala to visit the Kabaka's (king's) palace (which he was not inhabiting at the time). It looks nice on the outside from what we could see, and just a little ways away is a small lake which was intended to originally become connected to Lake Victoria. We also were privaleged to visit the parlement and to learn a little more about the capital city (Kampala), and the governmental structure of Uganda. The other night, something really neat happened with a group of friends here from the school. We gathered at one of our host homes, and invited many of our Ugandan friends and classmates for spagetti and dancing. I dangerously helped with the cooking, while the others were swingdancing. After dinner, we grabbed the small drum and were privaleged to learn beautiful pieces of dance moves from different regions of Uganda. We have some very good friends:)
Lastly, we had a gigantic, but short-lived rain and wind storm here on saturday. I had to laugh, for a few reasons. One, I've never seen such fierce wind in my entire life, and the rain created little rivers within a matter of 10 minutes. Two, I'd given my keys to a friend so I was happily able to enjoy the wind and rain from the outside of the building. I had my small Bible and another book, so I enjoyed such literature at the back of the building where it formed a small corner for a short while. Amidst the storm, I heard a large crash, which spurred me to pray that people on campus would be protected. Little did I know, about 7 very large trees were uprooted and broken throughout the storm, and the one I'd heard happened to land about 10 feet away from me on the other side of our building breaking part of the roof. I know little else what to say, but: God's grace surely is sufficient for me.
May He continue to have the freedom to do as He pleases with each of our hearts and lives. Love,
Geoff

Hello again! It's been quite a while- thank you friends, for your continued support from such a far away place.
Two nights ago, I came home under a beautifully starry sky, and was greeted by my two younger "brothers" (Chafik and Ronnie) they came over to me- each wearing one shoe, and they hugged each of my legs. I had to giggle when I saw each of their other shoes lying at the edge of the veranda, by the door. I partly understood their hesitation to wear both shoes, because they've always just played to their heart's delight without shoes of any kind. They are very fun, and good at being the Lord's instrument for teaching me patience and kindness.
Just last week, our University held elections for the student body. Outside the school's main gate, there were a lot of energetic people trying to gain support for different candidates. After buying a small snack, called a rolex (a tortilla like thing called a chipote, which wraps itself around a fried egg- it's wonderfully tasty), we walked back into the University and I had the great opportunity of climbing a guava tree for the first time. I must say that I was encouraged to do so by the few female students already doing so- and they were certainly surprised to see that I was actually doing it with them.
It has been so fun to meet students in different activities such as this. I've been blessed by a brother from Arua- a northern part of Uganda. He (Pastor Stephen) shares time and prayers with me every once in a while. We first met as he asked me to pray for him (what courage he showed me!), and since then, he's told me stories and testimonies from work he's had in the North among children and families, and now he's teaching me how to play the Adungu (a small harp/drum-like instrument that will surely be played in heaven:)
Next Tuesday, the 31st, our program's students have been given the opportunity to lead the community worship service- including music, message, prayers, etc. The University's theme this term has been Christian maturity, and we are working in different groups to finish planning. I'm on the message committe, prayerfully considering the Lord's calling to me in the way of speaking/ opening His Holy Word before others- we would love your prayers for our unity, and for wisdom as well. I'll report as to how these things work out.
We've been learning primarily about AIDS/HIV as of recently, so our trip last weekend was to Luweero. Our purpose was to visit a Bishop, and a priest from the Luweero Diocese, and to spend time at a family's home. We learned of how these brothers in the Church of Luweero are serving the Lord, and we were priveleged also to attend a Catholic church service (I smile to remember how it was about a 15 minute drive down a red dirt side road to arrive at the gathering). The family we visited were Christians who have chosen to take in 3 other families fighting with AIDS, and often they will invite children from the neighborhood to join them for worship, games, fellowship, visiting- for the sake of growing in Christ and destroying stigma created by AIDS rumors. The Lord's mercy is seen through the actions of this family, and their faith in Him- it was very encouraging, especially after wondering what the right response to the disease would be for Christians.
Being a Christian is something we've been critically analyzing this semester- visiting muslim sites of worship, learning of African traditional religions, colonialism, and discipleship. We just finished the book, "Compassion", and are now zooming toward the book, "Mere Discipleship". My faith is being tested and shaped and purified in the living Lord, Jesus.
Last story for now, encouraging me in my faith: We'd just arrived in Luweero at the Anglican guest house, and I went over to a huge mango tree, to gaze at the almmost ripe fruit when a man on a bicycle named Joseph came over to talk with me. I began to talk with him about the mangoes, and I put my hands out, asking if they just wait for them to fall or something. Before I'd finished the sentence, my eye barely caught sight of the small green mango that fell about 14 feet- straight into my hand! Joseph and I were the only physical witnesses of whatever you want to call what happened. All I know is that it blessed me. May God bless each of you in many ways.
His,
Geoff

Rural Kapchorwa

When we went to rural homestays this past week, I thought I would climb a lot of trees. I didn’t climb too many of those, but living in the mountainous town of Kapchorwa allowed plenty of opportunity to climb and scurry about the hilly land. I learned from my friend Lazerous (the runner I met in the dining hall), that Kapchorwa is known by runners for a college named Sebei that allows them room and board- this for the sake of the world class training opportunities which surround the college in the mountains. 

One of the main purposes for our stay in Kapchorwa, was to gain exposure to more than a couple small cities of Uganda- it would be easy to return home and say, "Uganda is this... or that, but now our statements and understanding upon return won't be so nearsighted at least:) I do say, it felt like moving from a place like Sacramento, to maybe Lodi (both CA cities)
 

The course of the week was pretty relaxing. We weren't allowed to bring much homework, so our job as students was to be a part of the family. My family's name was, Sabila (from the Kapquecha tribe). John was my dad, and Claudette was my mom. This couple had 2 sons (about 4th grade), and one daughter (about 20 years old) still at home.

There were many beautiful views near to our house, and it was especially neat to go on hikes to the river, through banana fields, along the road. One hike my dad took me on, came eventually to a very big cave that he'd apparently hid cattle in with fellow neighbors when a neighboring people raided them for livestock many years ago. On the way, we passed many smiling (and almost scared) children. We also passed goat, and cattle herders, and oxen plowing fields. It is about rainy season there now, so we saw many people preparing their fields. Another hike my neighbor friend (Andrew) took me on, went straight through people's property, and right alongside the river. We hiked for a couple miles on mildly hilly landscape, and there we also saw children- one group was fishing with cool hook poles, and my friend told me a phrase in the vernacular language to yell, so I did and I wish I could describe the surprised/funny look the children gave this mzungu (white man) who should not know their language. At the end of that hike, we watched the sunset over the long and wide valley at the end of the Kapchorwa foothills. The land we could see is where the city of Seroti is, and where the Karamajong people tend to live.
Other activities during the week included: watching the many wondering chickens and two mellow cows each morning, as our mom seriously milked them for our morning tea, and dad grabbed motoke stems for them to eat. Also, I visited the elementary school next to our home, and played frisbee and futbol with many of the students. I met a couple amazing guys who shared with me of their love for Jesus- one is a musician there in his town, and another is a farming Christian (I guess you could say a farmer man, fisher of men). It was neat, he told me, "I help people learn how to farm, and tell them they won't have true and full (harvest) until they commit life unto their Creator and Lord- Jesus Christ. Besides these two guys, I met a muslim man after watching a goat slaughtering. The scene was harsh- I'd never seen an animal have it's life intentionally taken in that way. Anyway, we began talking afterward and I learned that he had been a 'christian' , but then became a muslim, because many of the people he was with were muslim. Amazingly, my dad told me that his family had all converted in the same way, but he remained a Christian, and to this day he and his own children still seek the Lord.

I really enjoyed a hike that our entire group went on together on the last day, after we had reunited. Beginning at the entrance to Mt. Elgon national park, we hike down the mt.- stopping at 3 beautiful, and very large waterfalls. We also shared reflection about the different lifestyle in rural areas with one another- as a group, and we talked about gender roles, and fun questions we were asked about America, and our lifestyles at home. On Sunday, before we departed, we worshipped the Lord on top of a hill above our "lodges". We'd brought the guitar, and then looked at Psalm 121. It's amazing to think about God's hand upon beauty in so many places and people. This passage from Psalm 121 was especially neat, being in a mountainous area, and learning that in the days it was written- the hills were places typically used for idol shrines, and the Israelites would look up to the hills and say- "I lift up my eyes to the hills- from where will my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth...."

On campus again

We’ve returned from our home stays in a rural part of Uganda. Kapchorwa was the name of the town that our IMME group stayed in. I’m writing a small bit about the 10 days we spent there, and I shall post that very soon.
Half way through the week, my old roommate David went back to America for the semester, while I will remain at the home I’ve been staying at in Mukono.
I realize I’ve not been good at integrating into my community, and that I need to be intentional about serving around my home. At the same time, so much grace has been given to me- even in the way our heavenly Father is leading me into meeting people on campus.
Just last night I got to watch a soccer game here at our University for the first time. As I sat watching, a brother came and introduced himself, and sat next to me. His name is Michael Ommara (his second name awesomely means, "I am loved"). It was so neat to sit at this soccer game with Michael learning some cool stuff about bird hunting methods he uses, and to learn more about the intricate cooking methods required for things such as sweet potato paste, and white ant balls.
This last thing with the ants is especially cool- the white ants will come out of the ground a couple times throughout the year, and when they do, they are captured using small grass tents over the ant mounts, and also by setting flame in pits so as to attract the ants to a place from which they can't get out. Yesterday was a day for the ants to come out, and there were a lot of them around our campus.

Growing and learning

I thought it would be good to recognize that I've been graciously touched by the Lord's hand to grow in boldness. I think I've seen this most in conversations with others and discussions in class- I still find myself very timid though, in corporate worship settings. Something amazing happened in African Traditional Religions class today. Our professor wanted to illustrate how an African man or woman views themself, so he set for me an example in boldness by stepping out of the classroom and simply grabbing about three different passing students. It was wonderful to see these students share so kindly and peacefully who they were. Our professor's question to them was, "Who are you?". The lesson was proven, as they answered by giving us their clan name, their father's name, and where they are from. Largely, I'm beginning to see that perhaps the people in this country have a deeper understanding of what Scripture means by listing geneologies, or clan names and locations, etc. Exploring culture causes me to wonder about the Body of Christ. She is magnificent- mysterious, mind boggling.