Alisha on Location

What Blog?

2010-02-06T04:34:00.000-08:00

I can't say that I forgot that I had a blog, but I kinda forgot. I'm not sure what this says about me...most likely terrible, terrible things. Anyhow, I'm back and better than ever. How have you been? I'm sure you (all 7 of you) have been sitting by your computer screens with baited breath, waiting for my next blog entry. Well, wait no longer.

I thought I'd post a funny picture to get us going again. This one is of Shelly and I at Uncle Dick's wedding in the village. They had this deliciously funny screen for photos. People would line up and pay to have their photo taken in front of this screen. IT was prom picture like. It was hilarious. We couldn't resist. Isn't a great shot?

The Latest

2009-07-30T10:20:00.000-07:00

Hi All,
Are you ready for more? I must admit that I am ready for more of your updates! I have so much loved getting some of your summer updates. Thank you to those who have filled me in on swimming floaties, beach trips, birthday parties and reading lists. Hearing from you makes me feel not quite so far away. So, thank you. Now, it’s my turn to bring you a little closer to my world.

The Latest. You know how much fun it is to have a slumber party with your best friends where you stay up late and giggle and eat ice cream and tell secrets? Well, I have just had 2 weeks of slumber parties! Amanda and Erin came to visit. For those of you who may not know these two characters in my life story, Erin and Amanda are some of my most kindred spirits. Erin is my best friend and roommate of 8 years. Amanda is one our besties from university who has stayed a constant source of friendship even though she lives thousands of miles away. While Erin has been to Uganda several times, this was Amanda’s very first time out of the U.S., and she loved it! We ate street food, rode public transportation, visited the village, played with the kids at Christopher House, rode boda bodas (motorcycles), made macaroni and cheese, hosted a 4th of July party with a house full of Ugandans singing “The Star Spangled Banner” and we even managed to paint our toe nails by the light of our headlamps. It was so good to show Amanda the rhythm of my life here.

Oh, quick story. We took Amanda out to Shiloh for a couple of days of sleeping under a grass roof and walking around a place that the city air has yet to pollute. Shiloh is technically a property of CHM about an hour outside of Kampala. It is Shelly’s home when she’s not at the center. She, Galabuzi and Dick have been growing a few crops out on the land—eggplant, green bell peppers, carrots and lots of other veggies to use during our meals at the center. Shiloh is basically what we call a resting place—a quiet getaway when the busy city pace becomes too much. So, while we were out there Shelly wanted to take us to meet some new friends, Yusef and Alice. They must be in their 80’s at least. As we approached their yard, Yusef spotted us and began waving us in. We sat and listened to the story of how they fell in love and how they have lived in that house nearly forever. I sat next to Alice on the floor and held her hand. We all laughed like old friends. It was getting late in the afternoon when a hurdle of school children passed by on the road. When they spotted us they came running up to the yard. Alice waved them in too. Soon enough the room was cluttered with about 25 school children singing to us. Of course after they did, Shelly insisted that Erin and I return the favor. We did, and they clapped ferociously. It was one of those moments when I clearly remembered, “Oh, I am in Africa!”

Amanda left not too long after our afternoon visit with Yusef and Alice, but Erin has stayed for an extra two weeks. We’ve been drinking lots of tea, talking late into the night and drifting into our old routine. It’s hard to remember that she won’t be here forever, and each time I am reminded my heart aches a little more. Still, it has been such a gift to have her here to ease this time of transition and to remember our first days in Uganda. How far we have come!

The Greatest. So, one of my Creative Drama classes is attempting to write monologues from their own life experiences. At the end of the term they will perform them for the class. It has been a pretty challenging task to expect creativity from each student when uniformity is what they are accustomed to producing in their work at school. It took a couple of weeks for them to understand that they had something to share. They sat with blank stares for the first writing session. But then, finally, there was a breakthrough! Charity approached my desk and asked if I would look over her work. After reading a handful of the similar, if not identical stories, I was reluctant to read another. But her work totally surprised me! She wrote a monologue about the first time she saw a television. Throughout the piece she describes this box in her house. It frightens her, and she fears that it is evil. She calls out to her dad to take it away, and then suddenly gets caught up in watching it and laughing at the figures on the screen. Finally, she calls out, “Dad, what did you say this thing was again? Oh, a television. It might not be so evil after all.” It is a monologue that oozes with creativity. The audience doesn’t know it is a television until the end, and she keeps them guessing. I am so excited to see her perform it, and she beams with delight every time I ask her to show it to someone. Since sharing her example, the class has begun to challenge themselves with their work—trying new concepts and beginning to feel like they have valuable stories to share from their lives. Being with this group feels like so much more than giving assignments. I cannot wait to see how things unfold with these precious students.

At the end of each class session we gather in a huddle for prayer, and each time I tell them, “You are precious gifts, and I am so glad that each of you are in this class.” I am trying to learn each student’s name in order to call them all out, but I am still learning. It is amazing how these kids respond to such a message. For some of them, it’s as if they have never heard those words before. When they hug me before leaving, it’s as if they sink into me and hold on tight so the hug will last until the next week when I see them again. Oh, it’s my favorite part of the job!

The Worst. Every community has those little places—stains of cruelty, signs of injustice, places where the worst kind of humanity is displayed. Bunga is no exception. With the rise of robbery here, people have become restless and fed up with crime. Most thieves have been murdering as well as robbing. Unfortunately, the police force in Uganda does little without monetary bribery, and when they do come to help, the thieves usually get released soon after they are arrested. The community has become enraged by the trends of crime and injustice, and last week they chose to take it in their own hands. When a young man stole from an outside refrigerator, a group surrounded him, beat him, poured kerosene on his body and burned him to death. I never have understood the mob mentality or the cruelty of killing that a group can justify against any individual, but I also stay baffled by the police department here and what they call a justice system. Even now my stomach turns to think of the ashes that stain the sidewalk where the life of this young man was taken. My heart breaks for this community, for this man’s family, for this way of dealing with injustice, and for this community reaching such a breaking point.

Prayers. Please pray for Bunga and the challenges this community faces. Pray for the leaders in this community to function out of a commitment to justice and not personal advancement. Pray for Christopher House to continue to be a place of noticeable difference—a place where peace is promoted and children are lifted up. Pray for Shelly, Dick and Enoch as they continue to lead this organization—financially, spiritually, operationally.

Pray for our older kids who come on Saturdays. We are beginning to do a new time of discussion, and we’re focusing on the body. We’re calling it “Everybody Matters.” We’re going to be talking about theology of the body, HIV/AIDS, pregnancy, rape, condom use versus abstinence. We’re going to cover everything, and these kids are desperate for a safe place to talk about these things. Most parents are not educating their kids on the significance of knowing the facts and protecting themselves and making wise choices. Pray that this series will open doors for honest conversation, education and godly results.

What’s next? August is an exciting month for us at Christopher House. Christine, who works in the Athletic Department, is getting married! We are all so ready to celebrate with Christine and her husband to be Patrick on August 9th. We’re all going for the ceremony and then returning to the center for a Shelly inspired reception. I’m sure there will be pictures coming soon. Shelly and Harriet have made the wedding dress, and we’re pretty sure the food is going to be amazing too. Christine has been waiting for the pastors to select a date and now she is growing impatient to say “I do.” I’ll be sure to fill you in on the celebration next time I write.

Well, a day of work awaits. Loving You from Uganda,
Namubiru Alisha

... the Bad, the Ugly

2009-07-30T10:16:00.000-07:00

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

Top 10 Favorite Things

2009-07-30T10:13:00.000-07:00

The Good—I’m starting with the good so that you all will be reassured that I do continue to love this place, the people and the work God has called me to, but as the two month mark is made comes a set of frustrations and struggles that are real and difficult to navigate. So, you’re getting an earful of that too! Ok, I’m beginning with a list of my Top 10 Favorite Things about the rhythm of my life here so far. I suppose these are in no particular order.

10) The ice cream truck, which is really a motorcycle with a cooler strapped to the back seat, rides throughout the neighborhood playing “Silent Night.” Who doesn’t love Christmas in July?!

9) I’m so green! I walk to work!

8) My morning commute involves passing one adorable goat, greeting at least 3 or 4 roaming chickens, jumping over a stream, brushing past a corn field, hugging an old woman who usually sells me mangoes, trudging through a trash heap (which might require a Top 10 list of its own), and cringing at the squeals from pig slaughtering. All before 8 AM. In its own way it is beautiful.

7) The Muslim call to prayer that often interrupts my sleep. I love being reminded that there are faithful people praying even as I am drifting into sleep.

6) While “mzungu” is a common way for children and strangers to identify a white person in their midst, I am slowly being greeted as Namubiru (my African name) by my friends and neighbors…and sometimes even strangers!

5) I get at least 25 hugs a day from students who usually run up to me in delight, “Auntie Alisha!” It’s the best job ever!

4) I can now successfully light and maintain the charcoal stove whenever I want to cook with it, and when I don’t want to, I just turn on my gas stove. It’s divine.

3) I can hand wash all of my underwear in an hour! Miraculous, I tell you.

2) I haven’t gotten malaria yet!

1) The people who work at the grocery store where I shop know my name. It’s the ultimate!

Sunburned & Sweating

2009-06-11T10:14:00.000-07:00

Three almost over the weight limit suitcases. One stamped passport. One shrimp po-boy. Three precious friends to hug before boarding. Three plane rides. Four disastrous meals on board. An entire row on the plane just for me from Belgium to Uganda. Four movies to watch on the way over. One unexpected hour delay in Rwanda. Three almost over the weight limit bags to find at baggage claim. Three friends with open arms to welcome me home. One crazy tired traveler. And just like that I’m back in Uganda.

These few days of transition have felt warmly familiar. There were plenty of hugs waiting for me when I arrived at Christopher House Friday morning. And soon after that we got right to work, preparing for our first classes which began Tuesday, June 2. At least four classes out of the ten schools are new to me. Preparing and planning for new students is always an exhausting and yet exciting task. My prayer is that these students, like our other school groups, will find Christopher House to be a safe place to explore their talents, to build their self esteem and to be spiritually formed.

Settling in has been somewhat of a challenge. While I feel so at home here, I’m also feeling anxious to unpack in my new apartment. I’m still living out of suitcases until my apartment is ready for me—we’re hoping it will be done in a week. I think it lacks a toilet and a bathroom sink. Still, the place is so much more than I imagined. I am so excited about having a space to call home and a place to offer hospitality to visitors and friends. As soon as I move in and get things put in their places I’ll be sure to take pictures for you.

While I don’t start teaching at the International School of Missions until September, I did have a chance to pop in and say hello to several of the pastors during their break time on Tuesday. Two of the pastors asked in advance that I be patient with their limited English. Because they are from the Congo, they primarily speak French. I made an attempt to spout out whatever French I could remember from the French Candlestick character in Beauty and the Beast. It was pathetic. Still, I couldn’t help but to get excited about the work ahead and the wisdom I will learn from the faithful work these pastors do in their parishes. Of course, they insist that it is I who holds the wisdom—little do they know I’m faking it until I make it. Shh! Let’s keep that to ourselves.

Ok, I’ve got to run. Cooking dinner tonight with friends and creating a few more lesson plans with my co-teacher Sylivia before the week gets too busy.
You’ll definitely hear more from me soon. Love from UG,
Namubiru Alisha

No! Not 53 Lbs.

2009-05-25T20:54:00.000-07:00

So, for the most part I have been packed and ready to go to Uganda for over a week. Still, as I piddle around the house I keep finding things that make their way to my suitcase, and now, with only one day to go, I have a suitcase that is 3 lbs. over the weight limit. I can't help myself. Now, I'm going through rounds and rounds of elimination. Scotch tape and extra staples--stay. Picture frame--goes. Walking shoes--go. Colorful permanent markers--stay. Favorite quilt--goes. Top 10 favorite novels--stay. Wait! Take 5 at least! Ok, take 3! Deal.

Packing has turned into a constant battle of negotiation. Which parts of my life will get squeezed into these bags in order to land in Uganda? Which things are the most important to help me turn an apartment into a home? I can't decide if I'm more disgusted by all the stuff I feel like I need or if I'm more sad that my paintings and complete collection of throw pillows must remain behind. Is 3 suitcases too many? I'm pathetic. I'm going to bed.

Tonight I will dream about my new neighborhood and where I'll position my bed in my new place. I should have it completely decorated by the time I wake up tomorrow (P.S. I don't even know what it looks like). HA! Goodnight!

I Can Almost Taste It

2009-05-17T16:21:00.000-07:00

As I sit here on the sofa watching Extreme Makeover: Home Edition (don't judge me) and feeling slightly chilled from the air conditioning blowing gently in my general direction, I am reminded how different my life will look in just 10 days. This is the worst part...waiting! I have packed and unpacked just for fun, trying to master new techniques. I have everything ready to go. I keep saying goodbyes, and I'm ready to get gone already. I can't wait to laugh with Sylivia, cook with Shelly, sit with Abdul, love on all the kids I've been missing for months, and eat the best pineapple on the planet. But I know that just as I am craving all things Uganda, it won't take too many months of being in Uganda before I'll begin to crave things from here...fast Internet, my own transportation whenever I want it, Netflix, evening walks with Erin, hugs from my mom, and cheese. So, for now I'm drinking it all in...watching television, sleeping late, hugging my friends longer and tighter than usual, and eating entire blocks of cheese.

Long Overdue: Catching Up With My Dad

2009-04-30T06:36:00.000-07:00

I realized this week that my dad blogs more than I do. Now, I'm feeling pathetic. So, in an attempt to redeem myself, I thought now was as good a time as any to sit down and start blogging again. So very much has been happening as my last year of graduate school has come to an end. I've written 10 papers in two weeks. I went to my last class ever! I got dressed up for the senior banquet, and danced around onstage at Duke Divinity School's 3rd Annual Broadway Revue. Now, classes are over. Exams are turned in. I'm just sitting around in this cloud of weirdness. There are no deadlines. Graduation isn't until next week. I'm almost confused. What do I do now? WHATEVER I WANT! I slept in late this morning. I got sunburned by the pool yesterday. I'm loving this free time! Of course that won't last long. There's plenty of shopping, cleaning, packing and organizing to do before I leave for Uganda on May 27, 2009 at 2:20PM! It's all seeming really unreal. I feel as if I've been waiting for so long to get back there, and now that it is only 26 days away I can hardly stand it!

While I feel like I'm on an emotional roller coaster--graduating, leaving life in America, adjusting to new surroundings and a new rhythm of life, goodbyes and hellos--it has been such an affirming journey. People have given so graciously in order to make this work possible. Some have donated toiletries, money, time, craftiness, and all of it has helped to raise the support needed to get to Uganda and get going! I'm forever thankful to all the folks who have given and joined me in this work!

And just so you know, I'm totally going to blog more. Promise.
For now, I'm watching Regis & Kelly in my living room, Signing off.

Am I Done Yet?

2009-03-04T17:57:00.000-08:00

The finish line is in sight, but the frustration is building. The papers keep piling up. The reading assignments never seem to get completed on time. That's right. It's my last semester of grad school, and the only thing that preserves my sanity is the knowledge that one day I will yearn for hours of time dedicated to reading. I will miss the days of learning and debating and taking lecture notes. I can barely conceive of such mad ideas right now, in the middle of my last semester at Duke, but I am certain that in time I will miss the discipline of studying. You would think that this understanding would settle me down, but no! I still feel restless for Uganda. Restless to return. Restless to dive into the work that waits for me there. Restless to pack and unpack, to get settled and see the people I love, to hug kids that I have been longing to hold for these past 9 months.

My time is coming, but my patience is waning. Still God's steadfast love and goodness never seems to fade. I began fundraising my salary for Uganda during the horrific economic crisis that continues to plague our country. I worried about it. I prayed and bargained with God. I made demands. I pouted. And then someone said to me, "Alisha, God has called you to this work. God will provide for you to do it. And in this journey you must learn what it looks like to need the church." Being the one in need has never been something I have done well, but God reminds me daily that this calling is one that demands I surrender my "I can do it all" mentality. It is the anonymous donations and committed friends and faithful folks that make this ministry possible. Every donation is a reminder of my need for the body of Christ. So, thank you for flooding my life with words of affirmation, money to make this happen and prayers to sustain my spirit throughout this wild ride!

For those of you who are still interested in partnering with us to do the work of equipping and teaching children as well as pastors in Uganda, there is still time to join us. What do I need? Well, I am still looking for 7 folks to join my TOP 40! ($25 a month for 2 years=$600). This is my most pressing need to make sure that my salary is covered for the two years. Still, I am very aware that a commitment like that is not possible for everyone. All one time donations are welcome. I am grouping them together in $600 intervals to fill TOP 40! slots. Already, two TOP 40! slots have been added because of one time donations. There is no contribution too small. Just click the DONATE to AOL link to the right and submit a donation online or contact me if you're interested in joining my Top 40!

I'm sure I have a paper to write or a book to read, but I think I'm going to bed early instead. Try and stop me!

This is Alisha on location in Durham, NC... almost asleep on the couch. Goodnight.

Aprons for AFRICA!

2009-01-18T20:11:00.000-08:00

It is such a great gift to have good friends! One of those good friends in my life is Magen Quiroz. She is a daughter, a sister, a wife and now a mother! And beyond these roles, she is a seriously creative craftswoman. It's like craftiness seeps from her pores. Anyhow, she was gracious enough to donate her time and talents to make aprons, broaches and patches out of some African fabric that I purchased this summer in Uganda. With the making of these items, Magen is helping me to put the "FUN" back into Fundraising.

To launch the selling of the aprons, we hosted a Tea Party to give a sneak peek at Magen's masterful work. In one afternoon of sales, we raised over $200. We look forward to see people get excited about this fun new project!

The aprons are officially now on sale! I've posted a few pictures of the aprons. Let me know if you're interested in purchasing any of the items, and I'll be sure to hook you up!

Full Aprons, $40
Half Aprons, $30
Broaches, $10
Patches, $5

And feel free to check out Magen's blog and some of the other things she creates!

Evangeline Gifts

This is Alisha, Beginning Her Last Semester, On Location at Duke Divinity School.

O, We're Halfway There...

2008-12-28T06:01:00.001-08:00

Since I wrote last so much has happened! I've narrowed it down to my TOP 10 things that have taken place!

1. completed my chaplaincy at Duke Hospital

2. went to the gym 4 days in a row

3. finished another semester of grad school

4. read a book NOT required for class

5. baked a turkey for Thanksgiving

6. painted my bathroom in the new house

7. lived in a 5th wheel trailer with 3 other people without any major catastrophes

8. turned 26

9. created a Bible Study curriculum in 3 days

10. found 21 of my TOP 40! which means I'm financially halfway to Uganda

It's been a BIG month...I'll be hibernating until classes begin in January.

But for now,
This is Alisha on Location and living on a prayer in my parent's 5th wheel trailer somewhere in Texas.

There's No Place Like Home

2008-11-22T14:45:00.000-08:00

Well, she did it! Erin has purchased a house and for the next few months, before leaving for Uganda, I get to help her make it her own. Now, for those of you who don't know Erin, she is the person I have shared life with for the last 8 years. To me she is a soul sister, a constant source of encouragement and the person who will forever be called "best friend." She and I started off as college roommates and now we're family. And as I celebrate with Erin in this monumental accomplishment of becoming a homeowner, I am also acutely aware of something sad inside me. Grief. With the joy of this new home comes the end of our life together. We will soon separate to honor the calling God has on both of our lives. The next months will be a time of transition and letting go. It will be painfully sad and beautifully fun too! I'm sure this season of transition will be full of late night giggling sessions, deep conversations over pizza, Sunday afternoon naps, bursting into song with our morning coffee in hand, paint fights as we decorate the new house, negotiations about who will take out the trash and a thousand other things that fill up our everyday life. I cannot deny the rich joy I feel to be moving to Uganda in June, but I'd be lying if I didn't admit that there is sadness there too.

A kindred spirit from Duke Divinity School (Hey Dominique!) has just started her own blog. She titled it "Remember Home." In her first post she reflected on the words of Jesus. "'Foxes have holes and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to sleep.' No home, house-----white picket fence to point to." She goes on to reflect on the 34 million refugees in the world and the sacred responsibility of hospitality. And in the middle of reading this blog I was reminded so clearly and so simply that God is calling me away from the place that has been my home in order to participate in the radical hospitality of a community called Bunga, Uganda. I don't know what this will look like, but I hope it will involve deep conversations, bursting into song, giggling sessions and my arms open wide in order to be and receive a tangible reminder of God's love. Because strangely enough, no matter our geographical locations, it's in God's embrace where we are all welcome. It's home. And there's just no place like home.

Goodbye Sweet Moses

2008-11-02T17:23:00.000-08:00

I've been avoiding this blog. I just hate what I have to say. But I feel like you should know. The baby we were so privileged to love and take care of for a week this summer died in October. It was Malaria, and it was completely curable. I wrestle between my anger and my sadness over the loss of his life. He was so new to the world, and even in our short time with him, we dreamed big about his future and talked about the ways in which we wanted to stay in his life. I remember the last time I saw him. Shelly, Sarah and I had driven to where he was staying with relatives in order to take him a fresh batch of formula. But really we were all just itching to see him. For the first few minutes it was as if he had not known us at all. It was as if he had forgotten about the package of coconut cookies he almost finished single-handedly or the Sunday afternoon of snuggling with me in the loft or the warm water basin baths or the three sets of arms that rarely let his body lay idle. But within a few minutes his giggle returned, and we were all able to wrap our arms around him once more before having to leave.

I cannot imagine that loving and letting go will get any easier once I am in Uganda for good, but what a precious gift it was to lavish love on Moses for those few days in the summer. Thank you Moses, for being so easy to love. I'm sorry. I'm so sorry. May the loving arms of our Lord hold you til I get there.

I Can Explain...

2008-10-10T10:57:00.000-07:00

Don't jump to conclusions. I promise I have not been ignoring you. This semester has simply swollowed me whole. "What have I been doing?" you ask. Class. Reading. Working out at the downtown YMCA. More reading. Working at Duke Hospital as a Chaplain for the Pediatric Unit. Evening walks around the neighborhood. Having my favorite college roommates in town to surprise Erin on her birthday. What else? Oh, I did yoga once. And did I mention that I'm working as a chaplain? It's taking lots of time. There is something so exhausting and energizing to be with families and kids during both painful and precious moments in the hospital. But these kids keep me so busy. Painting finger nails. Coloring. Video games (I'm so bad at video games). Karaoke. Yes, karaoke. Playing with dolls. Watching Little Bear and Bug Rangers (and occassionally Seventh Heaven). Singing. Praying. Listening. Crying. Hugging. I. Love. It.

Also, last weekend, Erin helped me host my first Uganda Fundraiser. Woo Hoo! We had a Yard Sale. Several Duke Divinity students donated some of their own items to the cause. While it wasn't the busiest day of business, we did raise $300. It was a great start! Plus, we got rid of some serious junk. It was so cleansing. Who knew?

Well, as I write this, I am on call at the hospital, spending the next 24 hours waiting and ready to respond to the needs of families and patients. So, for now, this is Chaplain Alisha Damron on location at Duke University Medical Center.

Three Weeks Since...

2008-08-30T08:01:00.001-07:00

It's been three weeks since I got back on American soil after spending three months in one of my favorite places in the world. Three weeks since my clothes have been covered with Ugandan clay from the touch of tiny hands all over the edges of my skirt. Three weeks since I’ve had to spend an hour to log into my email. Three weeks since I’ve eaten the best bananas on earth. Three weeks since I crammed into a public taxi van to go to the grocery store. Three weeks since I’ve held four children in my lap at one time. Three weeks since I have been called by my African name “Namubiru.” Three weeks since I’ve taken a basin bath by candle light. Three weeks since I have cheered on my favorite Christopher House Ministries football team (which now I have to refer to as soccer). And three weeks since I’ve hauled jerry cans of water from the well to the kitchen.

Now when I wake up in the morning I hear the hum of the air conditioner instead of birds chirping or children playing in the early hours of the morning just outside my window. And from the first moments of the day I know I’m not in Uganda anymore. I’d be lying if I said that my heart didn’t quietly ache for Christopher House, for the kids, and for my life and work in Uganda. But still, returning to North Carolina for my last year at Duke Divinity School offers its own whirlwind of elation and richness of struggle. This semester I am participating in a course of Clinical Pastoral Education at Duke University Medical Center. Basically, I will be learning the ministry of a chaplain. I have been assigned as the chaplain of the Pediatric Unit. While I have barely spent a week on the floor, I am quickly falling in love with these people and find myself so honored to briefly collide with their lives during moments of joy and sorrow, pleasure and pain, death and new life.

So it’s true. My location has changed, but God continues to put children in my path for me to love. And as I love on them I continue to learn from them and pray that God would continue to teach me and prepare me for the many locations that I will encounter on this journey of ministry and life.

P.S. I am beginning now to pray and plan for my return to Uganda in June of 2009. I am committing two years initially to serve at Christopher House Ministries and The International School of Missions. At CHM I will be working with the Creative Drama Department, creating programming and discipleship for the youth at the center, and helping to coordinate volunteers. At the International School of Missions I will be serving as a lecturer of Basic Theology. The school is a training center for Ugandan pastors, and they are in desperate need of more teachers. Pray with me as I begin this long and exhausting journey of planning and searching for financial support. For all the ways you love and support me already, thank you. Now, let the fun begin…

This is Alisha on Location in Durham, North Carolina

Bath time Disasters

2008-08-08T01:28:00.000-07:00

Don't you just hate it when you go to take a basin bath late at night, and you take your phone because it has a flashlight in it (and that's clearly genius--thanks Nokia!), and you've just soaped up when your phone falls, the battery goes flying across the floor and you're standing there soapy and slightly panicked by the huge spider you saw climbing on the wall as your flashlight cascaded to the floor? I hate it too!

Well, these last days are filled with cooking dinners, drinking coffee with friends, preparing for the new school term drama class, gathering supplies and creating lesson plans, and saying goodbyes. I'm sure I'll write once I get back on American soil.

Until then,
I'm probably eating a samosa and chatting with friends,
And if I have a free hand I'm most likely pinching a cute kid,
This is Alisha on Location

They'll Know We're Christians by Our Love

2008-08-06T00:33:00.000-07:00

Here's my second reflection paper that I wanted to share with all of you who have been keeping up with my journey. This paper focuses on one person--Shelly Grivette. Shelly is one of the directors at Christopher House. She has spent five years in Uganda, and our friendship began when I first came to Uganda in 2005. This summer Shelly has served as my supervisor, and I decided to spend some time reflecting on her work and ministry. I wrote this paper at the end of July.

It doesn’t take long to see Shelly’s strength. She’s just tough. For the three years I have known her, it is her strength that has always amazed me. But when she least expects it, Shelly shares glimpses of the richest compassion and the most beautiful pieces of her life’s pain. It’s always the highest honor to see these parts of her life as a woman in ministry. In the last few years Shelly has been a dear friend, a guide in this strange country, a voice of wisdom, a person with which to exchange dreams and ideas, but this summer she has been my field education supervisor. And as I watch her work and minister here, I see a model of ministry that inspires me.

This past week when I returned from a few days of rest in Zanzibar, I found Shelly at the airport with a bright grin. “We have a small visitor,” she said as she unlocked the van and lifted my suitcase into the back seat. For several months Shelly has been taking baby formula to malnourished babies in the neighborhood, but when one of the babies was abandoned by his parents, and too sick to be cared for by his extended family, Shelly offered to take him for the week and make sure he got to the clinic. And when I got back to the apartment, there was Moses, our small visitor sleeping soundly. By the end of the week, the baby who was barely able to keep his eyes open began laughing and crawling and making the sweetest baby noises. Returning him to his family on Sunday was not an easy task for Shelly, but she never hesitated to stop her plans or put the demands of her work on hold for a few days for the care of this child. Whatever the cost—medical fees, gas money, baby clothes, and the pain of letting him go—she spared nothing to lavish love on him. And when giving Moses back to his family brought up the painful memories of the loss of her own son, Christopher, she began to cry. And in her tears I saw love, a kind of love that is pure and yes, sometimes painful. It’s the kind of love I hope to have for people I minister to and with.

When a house fire took the life of a toddler in our neighborhood and burned most of the clothes and personal belongings of nine of our kids at Christopher House, Shelly was the first to talk solutions. “What can we do? How can we surround this family with support? Let’s do something.” She brought the kids over to the center to lie down after an exhausting day of grief. And for a few hours they rested. She made them sandwiches and juice. She held them as they cried, prayed over them, and cried with them. Then, she gathered her money, went out and bought them some clothes. Shelly is quick to respond to the needs of others. She knew she could not bring that child back. She was limited in what she could offer this family, but that didn’t hinder her efforts to do what she could to help. It is this beautiful balance of care and awareness of her limitations as a minister that I hope to model. Things will sometimes be too broken to fix, but offering presence, prayer and comfort is sometimes the most powerful gift to those in pain.

In Shelly’s life and work I don’t see perfection, but I do see a person open and willing to be used by God in powerful ways to lavish love and care on people in this broken and confusing world. It’s that openness that I pray for as I prepare my own life for ministry. May I always be willing to sacrifice for the call Christ has made on my life. May I always be willing to reveal my own struggles, pain, and humanity before others as I strive to love people the way Christ first loved us.

For all your love, prayers and support, THANK YOU!
This is Alisha on Location (for a few more days at least)

2008-07-30T11:37:00.000-07:00

Don't hate me, people. Turns out things got kinda busy out here. Oops! Trust me, I haven't forgotten about you, but I've been cramming lots into these last few weeks and time just slipped away. I'm pretty seriously cheering on the Christopher House football team who is participating in a community tournament. Currently, we are undefeated and moving toward the semi-finals! When I'm not handing out water at the games and pretending to be a soccer mom, I'm smothering kids with hugs and kisses, going on lion hunts with my creative drama classes, playing in the mud box that I'm pretty sure used to have sand in it and doing mosaic art with my girls' Bible study group. But just yesterday I looked up and realized that it was already the end of July! What is happening?!

Before I know it I will be back in the classroom, surrounded by the gothic architecture at Duke and overwhelmed by the amount of reading that the professors think is actually possible. I'll be writing papers and missing this place like crazy...but until then, I've gotta run. One of our kids just walked by the Internet cafe, and it looks like they need a hug.

Don't panic! I'll write more later...
This is Alisha on Location

Duke Divinity Reflection Paper

2008-07-05T13:37:00.001-07:00

As part of my summer abroad, learning and ministering in Uganda, Duke has asked me to report back with short "Reflection Papers"... this is the first of many more to come...

Home Sweet Uganda

I knew exactly what I wanted to write in this reflection paper until I sat down to actually write. Now I feel lost in the layers of details, memories and experiences that have flooded my heart during this month of ministry. From the moment I walked through the gate to Christopher House, something felt familiar—something felt like home. This place became part of my life in 2005 when I ventured out to Africa after graduating college. It was an adventure that will forever have a grip on my life. I think God knew what great companions Africa and I would be. This summer ministry placement, while familiar and comforting, has opened a new chapter in my book of Ugandan experiences. I have come to see what kind of ministry I might do in the future. Since my first trip to this country I have been energized at the possibility of returning to work and live here. Exploring why I fit here and why here fits with me has been dominating my prayers, thoughts and conversations. And so, this question of calling and gifts of ministry seems to cast this bizarre but beautiful light on all the work I am doing this summer. Teaching creative drama, facilitating a teenage girls’ Bible study and being with members of the community during moments of grief have been such essential elements of the ways I see God’s presence in this place.

Creative drama—it is an odd way of ministering, but it has been a precious addition to my time here. I work to encourage school students to get creative, expressive and silly. In our class, there is this invitation to freedom and comfort. Students cheer one another on. They clap. They cheer. They laugh. It’s a strange concept to the school system of Uganda. Life here is about perfecting skills and performance on exams, so to insert an aspect of fun and unity, love and full acceptance—it’s just so new to them. For the first few weeks, they were reluctant to receive my hugs and affection. But slowly, they began to sneak a hug or two, and now there is a line for hugs as they leave the compound. My prayer is that God will use me as a channel of God’s love, and connecting with these kids has been such a great reminder that God’s work is all about love. I feel it in every hug I give, and every hug I receive. It means something—and somewhere in the middle of it, God is there.

Another place where I see God peeking through is on Tuesday evenings from 6:30PM to sundown. I sit with 7 teenagers and we talk about women in the Scriptures, their lives, their struggles, their courage, their fame, their demise. We try to see how God saw them and how God loved them. Then we think about how God might see us and love us too. Last week we talked about the tragedy of Tamar’s rape. We lit candles for women around the world who have survived abuse. One participant quietly lit a candle and said, “This candle is for me, and the sexual abuse I have survived.” And when she broke through the silence, God was there. We wrote prayers and read them aloud. We told God how angry and confused we were about such hate in the world. We looked for God in those places. We are still searching together to see God in our lives, but for me I do not have to look very far. In each of those young women I see God. In their strength, their survival, their faith—God is there.

It was a scorching hot afternoon when we were told to rush up the road. There had been a fire in the house where eight of our Christopher House kids lived and one of the children had died. In a haze of disbelief we hurried up the red clay road to find a crowd and the faint sounds of wailing. As I approached the house I could smell the burning, and as I knelt down in the living room of a small concrete walled house the smell of burnt flesh invaded my nostrils and made me sick. Just two years old, taking a nap, and within a few minutes the fire had spread and there was no way to save her. Aisha’s body lay exposed, and people crowded in to see. I found her sister Joan and pulled her near me. And then I let her cry, “Auntie Alisha! Auntie Alisha! Auntie Alisha!” And with each of her cries I responded, “Oh God, why? Oh God, hear us!” And in those moments, I felt like I was with them, part of them, not simply a visitor or a missionary, but a family member, a friend. There was nothing magical about my presence. There was nothing I could do but hold Joan and let her cry, but there was such beautiful power in that afternoon. And while that day remains a dark memory from my time here, I will never forget holding Joan and the gift it was to be with her, to pray with her and cry with her. And I must also believe that somewhere, God was there, heartbroken but present.

In the simplicity of hugging a school kid from the city or talking about biblical women with a handful of teenagers or weeping with a friend, God continues to show up, gently guiding me down paths of ministry. Being here this summer continues to affirm that my gifts for mentoring and teaching as well as my passion for the ministry of Christopher House and the work of loving the children of Uganda is something that I desire to spend part of my life doing. I do not know what this next month has in store (or the next few years for that matter) for me or the tasks that I will encounter, but I trust that God will be with me, going before me, and lingering long after I am gone.

A Firebase 4th of July!!!

2008-07-05T13:22:00.000-07:00

It's time I introduce you to Seruyange Abdul. Maybe it's past time. Either way, his friendship has been such a gift to my time here not sharing him with you would be silly. Abdul. Let's see. He's the football coach at Christopher House, a kindred spirit, a man who laughs with ease and loves people like he'll never run out of kindness. When the school program began, we had assemblies for each school. Several staff members got up to talk to the kids and welcome them to the center. Abdul rose quietly, walked to the center of the stage and said, "I want you to know how welcome you are here." Then, he walked around to every student and gave them a hug. He's a hugger! He's also a great teacher. He's been teaching me Rudo, a really fun game that people play on the streets here. He's also teaching me Luganda. I want so badly to learn to speak the local language. It's not going so well. We also talk football. Well, he talks and I try to understand. I'm doing my best to learn the ins and outs of this soccer situation. So, far I'm doing really well with cheering loudly and learning what players go where.

It's Abdul that introduced me to the Firebase. It's a shop where he hangs out with his closest friends in the evenings. There's Mutebi who calls himself my brother because our African names are in the same clan. Then there's Johnson who runs the shop and wants to study law. There's Musa and Vincent. Ben and Toni. And finally, Nestor, the style genius. The Firebase sells juice, water, sodas and other odds and ends. I'm not exactly sure why they've nicknamed it the Firebase, but nobody can deny the level of cool associated with such a name. Come on! It's really an exclusive little club. There are members of the Firebase and friends of the Firebase. I'm not sure if they have membership cards or shirts or a secret hand shake, but it's very serious and very official. Anyhow, for the 4th of July we decided to do it up right. You got it folks, the Firebase got patriotic! We made a flag, sang the national anthem, and they even surprised me with sparklers! We ate icecream and laughed until midnight, and then they announced me an official member. I'm not sure what it means, but I'm feeling pretty good about it. It was an unforgettable celebration! A 4th of July I will not soon forget!

So, I have alot to say...

2008-06-24T00:05:00.000-07:00

It is with the most inspiring blend of relaxation and contentment that I curl up in my bed, tuck my mosquito net into the edges of the mattress and settle in for a night of writing. While I begin this update in the comfort of a cozy grass roofed cottage an hour outside of Kampala’s dirty city streets, I will most likely finish this update in a sweaty, crowded Internet cafe in town.

I’ve been in Uganda for a little over month now, and each day seems to overflow with an ample supply of successes, struggles, lessons and memories. But it’s far too exhausting to try to commit them all to writing, so look’s like you’re just getting the highlights...some good, some bad and a few ugly. Go ahead, snuggle in with me. This entry is a long one. Grab a cup of tea or coffee or a cold soda, a piece of pie or a hamburger or a slice of pizza (oh, I miss pizza!), and read on...

The good. Where do I begin? Ah yes...samosas! While I do tend to crave some of the comfort foods from home, being here provides me with a whole new menu of food to crave when I am in the states. Samosas are by far my favorite...triangular fried meat pies stuffed with green onions, spices and ground beef, wrapped in a flaky crust. But then there are all the fresh foods that make our grocery store produce sections a really elaborate joke. The pineapples, mangos, bananas, and grilled maize are amazing! There’s also the African tea with milk and ginger—Shelly’s specialty. And let’s not forget the chapatti—it’s basically a glorified tortilla, thick and delicious! Food is always something that fascinates me about cultures, and Uganda is no different. I’m still trying to master the skill of eating with my fingers—yes! it’s a skill. Some of my friends here can eat sauces and all without dirtying their fingers. It’s a gift really. Now, don’t get me wrong, I use silverware when I’m at restaurants in town, but on days at Christopher House with the kids it’s fun to try out my finger eating, although I am still failing miserably. I’m a complete mess by the end of the meal.

More good. Every afternoon I teach creative drama. Four local schools have enrolled in extra curricular activities through Christopher House. Many schools cannot afford to hire teachers for art, music, sports or drama, so the schools have been going without this element of education. Now, CHM has opened its doors to 4 schools with the hope of eventually partnering with up to 12 schools to offer these extra-curricular activities. My biggest group is made up of 40 students on Tuesday, but my most wildly fun group comes on Fridays—all girls! We have been having a blast! Each child was given the opportunity to select one class for this school term. We have about 100 students from each school and each school comes on a different day. And I have around 80 students who chose reading and creative drama. So far we’ve played acting games, learned new emotions and even put them into practice (on Tuesday I had 40 kids acting tearful...it got quite loud! Furious and frightened are also class favorites to act out), and we’re reading story books galore! On Wednesday, the class actually groaned when I told them class was dismissed. It is beyond thrilling to introduce a love of learning and see it ignite in these children! And I haven’t even talked about the hugs...for the first few weeks they were bashful, resistant, unsure about my attempts to love on them, but now they run through the gate straight into my arms. They even line up for hugs before they leave. Even the boys have grown accustomed to hugs and high fives. While it may be a tiny part in the day, I feel, in those moments, like a channel of God’s love to the lives of a few kids in this little corner of the world.

Still more good. Though the Bible study with the teenage girls hasn’t become a place of honest or open sharing yet, there is an energy in that space that offers me hope that there is much for these precious girls to learn and much wisdom for these girls to offer one another. These young ladies are quiet but strong, reserved but insightful. I have so much to learn from their wisdom. One of these girls has endured sexual abuse, one is battling cancer, and another is learning to care for her mother who was recently diagnosed as HIV positive. At such young ages these girls have faced the fierce and cruel reality of life. They are survivors!

Bible Study Boom...So, I had to add something before I send this off for you to read. I met with the girls today, and they simply glowed with interest and excitement for the Bible Study. We talked about the women surrounding the birth of Moses’. We explored the fears they might have had. One girl suggested that Moses’ mother might have worried that the basket would tip over in the river or that someone would find him and kill him. Another suggested the fear that Miriam might have had by running along the river alone. What if there were snakes? They each explored these characters in varying ways, but what a beautiful tapestry of ideas and insights! It felt like a break through. I found out from Zalia, one of the older girls whose depth of insight always catches me off guard, and she told me the silence in the last weeks was from the girls’ fear to speak English. They are so timid , and when speaking of emotions and depth, they simply communicate better in Luganda. So, we did some fun translating tonight, but everyone contributed something to the discussion! They argued that their answers were wrong, and yet each answered with such creativity. Next week I think they want to teach me some new dance moves. Pray that I don’t humiliate myself...

The bad. With brute force HIV/Aids seems stronger than ever. One of our staff members at CHM was diagnosed as HIV positive as was Sylivia who does the house keeping out at Shiloh where we stay on the weekends. They are both single mothers, and one of them is caring for 7 children. With malaria, flu and the common infections around, everyday living can be a threat to their survival. Pray for these women to be strengthened and sustained, loved and encouraged.

It is such a gift to be here in Uganda. The more I am here, the more I feel drawn to return. I continue to pray for God’s guidance as I serve here until August. And in a spirit of gratitude and humility, I ask that you join me in praying for:

1.Sylivia and Edith’s healthcare needs, their adjustment to living as HIV positive, and that God would bring comfort where there is anxiety, peace where there is fear

2.the staff at CHM—Shelly, Enoch, Elijah, Fred, Rami, Rita, Sylivia, Christine, Abdul, Dick, Helen, Vincent, Edith—that God will continue to strengthen the bond that grows within this ministry team, and that God would equip them for the demands of the new school program.

3.the students who are coming to CHM from local schools...that they would encounter the love of Christ in what they are learning and in the teachers who instruct them

4.Shammim. At 17 she is living with a cancerous tumor growing inside her head. She is in the care of hospice while she waits for the cooperation of a US hospital and the Ugandan government to issue her visa.

5.Pray for the health of all of us who work at CHM. First, I was sick with worms, then Abdul with intense migraines, then Enoch with malaria, then Shelly with worms. Pray for healing and fresh energy for the work ahead.

6.Lastly, pray with me as I discern God’s calling in ministry. Christopher House feels like such a beautiful fit with my gifts in ministry, but I desperately don’t want to misunderstand God. I’m asking that God slap me in the face with the right timing, task and direction, so I’ll be unable to confuse anything.

I am continually strengthened by your presence in my life. For your love, your support, your prayers, I am forever thankful.

For Now,
This is Alisha on Location

Not Guilty

2008-06-10T11:23:00.000-07:00

It's not my fault. You can't play Celine Dion over the loud speaker of your grocery store and expect people like me to keep quiet. It's simply not possible. Here's how it went down. Shelly and I were doing some shopping for the week when Celine came on, and naturally I chimed in...some other shoppers stopped to look. Shelly spoke up, telling them I was famous in the US and that I just didn't want anyone to know. They were trying to guess who I was...Shelly is a troubled individual, I tell you. She's just sick! But grocery shopping hasn't been that much fun in a long time.

In other news, the creative drama class is fantastic! It's two hours a day of sheer delight...kids acting, playing and trying new things. Thinking and having fun...an unusual combination for this culture! My group on Thursday clapped after each activity and sighed with disappointment when the class was finished. What an encouraging sign that things are going well. It's encouraging.

Their Bible study has been slow coming...no worries. I'm sure it will happen, but for now the schools have been keeping the older students on Saturdays to study, and this is keeping our girls from Bible study. We're back to finding a time that will work for them, but they continue to ask about classes. Pray that we will find a good time for these girls to have this spiritual formation group. They crave time to learn and be together...oh, these precious girls are survivors of sexual abuse, cancer and the hard life that Uganda throws at adolescent girls.

Well, I'm off to eat something fried for dinner.
This is Alisha on Location.

One Big Blur

2008-05-28T12:37:00.000-07:00

This past week is a blur--a cluttered collection of days and happenings that will at least fill up this blog entry. A busted window in Shelly's van by careless boys throwing rocks. The lecture that followed the broken window. A game of pictionary with the kids. An afternoon at the Internet cafe. Dinner with Duke Divinity Friends. A call from home. Attacking the kids with kisses. A couple of hours separating beans. A lesson in Luganda. Napping at Shiloh. Teaching the teenage girls about the life of Eve.Going to the Dry cleaners for my dirt stained linen skirt. Playing cards with Shelly to pass the time. Losing at cards. Playing netball with the boys. Attending staff meeting. Going to a Muslim funeral for a beloved grandmother in Lukwanga. Cutting my finger nails to the quick. Washing my clothes by hand. Attending another staff meeting. Riding a boda boda to church. Eating M&Ms. Holding Isaac and chasing him around the compound. Trying to teach Freddles to dance the Tush Push. Bathing from a basin. Seeing Indiana Jones during its opening weekend. Drinking African tea. Sweating. Walking the kids up the hill to cross the street. Loving Uganda.

Well, I'm off to buy juice and bananas for breakfast.

This is Alisha on Location.

Peace Talks in Uganda

2008-05-23T11:04:00.000-07:00

There have been serious peace talks this week at Christopher House. In 2005, a certain 1 year old by the name of Isaac hated me. I mean it...HATED me! With clear conviction, he would scream every time I came near. I even tried to pick him up when he had fallen on the pavement, but he would have no part in it. it was clear, he did not want to be my friend. Oh sure, it got comical. Everyone thought it was funny that he feared me. I tell you, it was not funny. I am proud to announce that we have reached an agreement to be friends. I'm not sure exactly how it happened (or how long it will last) , but now he's calling me Auntie Lisha, falling asleep in my lap during staff meetings, running as fast as he can into my arms and playing jump rope with me too. I'm confident that there will be no more turmoil until I leave because I just might cry like a baby when I have to say goodbye in August.

In other news, my favorite thing happened this week during staff meeting. It was raining and the sun was shining at the same time. I just love that. "It's my favorite," I whispered to Sylivia who was sitting next to me. "It means something in Uganda--it means God delivers." What a beautiful reminder.

The Sylivia who works at Shiloh found out that she is Positive. She has also recently lost her husband and is working hard to make it financially. Pray that God will be present with Sylivia as she struggles with this new crushing reality. Her joy has not been taken. She still smiles from deep within,and her laugh is contagious. Still, I know she fears for the future of her children and the unknown future for herself. How I wish God could magically deliver her from this pain.

Well, I'm off to play with some of my favorite kids in the world.

From Bunga, this is Alisha on Location.

The Eagle Has Landed... on a Boda-Boda

2008-05-17T10:39:00.000-07:00

The eagle has landed, and by eagle I mean me. On an almost cool morning, I breezed through immigration and baggage claim (that's right, both of my suitcases arrived) and found Shelly waiting with a cup of hot coffee to share with me. There was something familiar in the air. Something sweet and welcoming. It was something foreign, but it was also like home. Maybe it was the smell of burning plastic that suffocates Ugandan air. Anyway, whatever it was, it certainly made me feel good to be back.

Shelly (who is the director of Christopher House, my supervisor, and a treasured friend) took me first to Christopher House for an afternoon with the kids. Plenty of hugs and "well be back" greetings. Then it was off to Shiloh. Now, Shiloh is a campground that is still being built. It's about an hour out of town and it just might be a piece of heaven on earth. It's one of my favorite places to be! Grass roof cottages, recently stoned pathways, greened trees, plenty of shade and the distant sounds of birds and children laughing or crying, and on top of it all...Galaboozi is there. He is a 63 year old delightfully joyous man who does all of the farming and land management for Shiloh. Last summer, I created a theme song for him. It's to the tune of "Don't cry for me, Argentina" from the musical Evita, but I sing Galaboozi instead of Argentina. We pulled up and I began singing as loud as I could out the window. Soon enough Galaboozi and Sylivia came running from the field. They're hugs almost swallowed me whole.

Only two days and there is already so much to tell you. First, a confession. I did something last night that I swore I would never do. I rode a boda-boda in town. For those of you confused by this confession, let me explain. A boda-boda is a motorcycle that transports people. They're fast, unreliable and possibly dangerous. No helmets are involved, not even cute ones. Let's just say, I nearly peed my pants. Something makes me so uneasy about riding on the back of a motorcycle while a complete stranger drives. Anyhow, I didn't die. I didn't fall off. It was a beautiful miracle.

So, this Saturday begins the Girls' Bible Study! Pray with me that these girls will connect with the material. We're studying 10 women in Scripture. We're not focusing on the all stars or the most remembered women. Instead, we're looking at some of the women in the shadows, some without names. We're looking at how God sees these women in their life situations, and then we're going to talk about how God sees us in our lives too. We'll be trying a few things that will be new to them...a foot washing service, communion, jewelry making and mosaic art. I'll definitely keep you posted on how this study goes. I know these girls have rich contributions to make to this area of study. Pray that they God will use this study to strengthen them, encourage them, empower them.

Well, I suppose I should get back to the center. My butt is getting numb from sitting in this seat too long. I love you all from here, and I continue to thank God for your presence, your prayers and your support. They mean everything...

This Alisha on Location, signing off...

Is it time to pack again?

2008-05-09T19:53:00.000-07:00

The last few days have given me the opportunity to re-connect with my secret passion for packing. Don’t be fooled—it truly is a talent. It involves lots of zip lock bags, a pinch of creativity, persistence and a dab of elbow grease. So, you won’t be surprised by my confession—since Wednesday of this week I have been packing and unpacking, then packing again. I can’t decide if this makes me really thorough and fantastic or just crazy. Either way, I’m pretty sure of one thing…I’m really excited! Last night Nyanga Moses (adopted Ugandan brother and the student that Erin and I sponsor) called about his school fees, and when I told him I’d be back in Uganda in May, he did one of those Ugandan squeals. It’s not loud or too high pitched. It’s the perfect blend of contentment and thrill. Call me sometime, I’ll be glad to do it for you over the phone. Anyway, his squeal was enough to remind me of all the squealing I’ll be doing in a few days when I get to see my friends again and dive into new ministry opportunities. Woo!

For now, I’m just waiting for the days to go by…I’m lunching with friends and saying goodbyes. I’m stocking up on duck tape, deodorant, cotton balls and crayons. Ok, my room’s a mess. I gotta go pack…again.

For those of you...

2008-05-05T08:44:00.001-07:00

For those of you who know me, you know that I am in love with Uganda. I fell in love with a place called Ekitangaala Ranch in 2005 when my best friend, Erin and I spent five months there teaching, tutoring, directing a high school play, and rocking babies. We returned to Uganda in 2007 for a two month summer reunion with our adopted Ugandan family and our precious Ugandan friends. And even then I knew I would return to Uganda again.

As of May 12, 2008 I will be off for yet another amazing African adventure. This time around I will be working with Christopher House Ministries, a community center focused on “Building Christ Centered Families." In order to have a long term, life-changing effect on the people of this poverty stricken, AIDS ravaged, war-torn country, CHM uses theologically based programs to teach children art, sculpture, music, sports, reading and soon theatre arts. They also teach parenting classes and English to adults in the community. Outside the city they are building a campground in order to do and holiday camps to take the kids out of the city for Bible Study, games and good times they would never have the opportunity to experience! I will be serving in the area of reading, theatre arts and spiritual formation groups for youth.

As my vocational calling takes shape, I see in myself the gifts and abilities to disciple and empower youth and children especially in international settings. There is part of me that always knew I would spend part of my life outside of the US. This summer will be a time for me to gain a more concrete sense of that calling. This summer’s journey will be a time for me to ask some difficult questions and do some serious searching as I seek a permanent ministry placement after I graduate from Duke in May 2009. So, the journey is definitely not over in August. But for now, I’m Alisha, (packing to be) on Location in Uganda, East Africa!