... the Bad, the Ugly

The Bad— I forgot how tiring it is to be looked at all the time. Because white faces are the extreme minority, most Ugandans find it at least mildly entertaining to see what the white foreigners are up to—when we walk, when we trip on a stone, when we drink water, when we pick our noses, when we shop, when we sit, when we stand, when we travel, when we sweat. I simply forgot how annoying it is…I’m sure I’ll find healthy or at least amusing coping mechanisms, but it is strange to be looked at during the most ordinary of daily tasks. Who knew buying bread or boarding a taxi was so exciting?!

The Ugly— it never seems to take very long before my ugly attitude makes an unannounced appearance. The latest episode happened at the office of Immigration. Ugh! A little vomit came up just thinking about it. Desperate to be approved for an extended work permit—which allows me to remain in the country, I reluctantly went to Immigration to fill out the forms, stand in the lines, convince someone to help me and NOT charge me hidden, under the table fees for them to actually do their job. Corruption is rampant in most government offices here. You must pay under the table to get anything done. I had 1 ½ months left on my visa and still the woman “helping” me insisted that I not only fill out the form for the work permit but I also apply for a special pass for when my visa runs out. A special pass costs 90,000 shillings and is a great way for them to slow down on processing the work permit while getting more money from you. Sick! “You people just love taking money!” I shouldn’t have said it. As soon as I did I knew things would not be going my way. Sure enough, she found something wrong with my paperwork and refused to process my request until I bring back another cover letter or some such nonsense. I had done it. I had mouthed off and made her mad. Now, she has refused to help me. I must prepare more documents and return to this office to waste another 5 hours of my life! “You have not been very helpful at all!” Well, I didn’t need to add that either, but I did out of anger. I suppose I could have also done without the grunts of frustration as I left the parking lot. I realize you might not be following me, but let it just be known that I really hate the office of Immigration, and my mouth is sometimes not my best friend.

And on to the Prayer List:
1. Transition and adjustment as I continue to get settled here. Erin leaves on July 27th and real life will resume. I am already sad about her coming absence from my daily life. She is such a source of joy and safety and encouragement. I will miss her terribly. Pray that God will guide us both to good friendships and healthy Christian communities to join.
2. The School program. Pray that God would continue to put kids in my path who need hugs, love, encouragement, mentoring. Pray that God would connect me with those kids as I teach and minister here. And we continue to pray for the schools that have not yet joined the program. We still have slots to fill. Right now we are working with 7 schools in hopes to add 3 more.
3. Pray for me as I prepare for my first term of teaching pastors. I begin in September. I feel excited, intimidated and overwhelmed by the task. These ministers are being equipped for such important work in the church. Many of them have already spent years serving their local churches. Their wisdom will be such a gift to our class sessions. Pray that God will be glorified in our time together.
4. Continue to pray for good health for all of the CHM staff. Our schedule is busy, and our bodies get tired.

There’s more coming in my full update, but I wanted to connect with you separately. Know how truly thankful I am to be here doing this work. I am forever thankful for you. I could not be here without you!

Namubiru Alisha