Break my heart for what breaks yours

With almost every blog post so far, I’ve told you of how I couldn’t put into words what I’m experiencing here in Uganda. It is endlessly frustrating to be having what I consider to be the most significant experiences of my life thusfar, and not being able to find the right words to share them with the people I love most…you all, who take the time to read my blog.  But, Thursday night, I finally got to witness someone else experience all the of things I’ve been trying to put into words for you. I’ve met a wonderful friend, Sheli, who is staying at the same guest house as I am while in the process of adopting her son from Uganda. Last weekend, her 14 year old daughter, Avery, arrived for her first visit to Africa. 

I was lucky enough to be present for Avery’s first experience with children in the village and to witness the myriad of emotions that takes over someone experiencing this for the first time—and I got to witness it all through a camera lens. As much as I wanted to be involved in the interaction with the children, I knew this was a moment in Avery’s life that HAD to be documented and I (selfishly) wanted to be the one to do it. I also (again, selfishly) wanted to see what this experience looked like through someone else’s eyes. When I'm in the middle of it, I’m just too involved to process all that I am thinking and feeling— and when it’s over, I'm just too emotionally(and often physically) exhausted to even think about anything. That's not to say that I don’t TRY to process it all—but trying is usually as far as I'm going to get. I still don’t have the words to describe it, but that’s why it was so important for me to get it on camera. I had spent a few days with Avery at this point and I knew that she would be determined to find the words to describe all that she saw and thought and felt. I also knew that, if she was anything like me, those words would fail her. But I feel like pictures won't….they often tell stories so much better than words are able. These pictures also convey the joy and spirit of the children of the village that I’ve attempted to describe in my previous posts. 

Here is Avery’s story, from my perspective...

coincidentally, or maybe not, both mine and Avery’s first encounter
with a child in Africa just happened to be with the same child, Patience.
(she look slightly different in my picture—it was pre-haircut)

These two pictures speak for themselves  

 Avery’s first taste of village life. warning: there will be tears….

the two older ones on the left drove up (yes, I said drove)
on a Boda Boda… 

It didn’t take long for them to fall in love with Avery...

….and for Avery to fall in love with them

She just sat and talked with them (and more importantly, listened to them) 
for the entire night 

Avery teaching the children “Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes"

Alex teaching Avery the same song— just a more rhythmic version :) 

she was hanging on their every word...and they, on hers

The kids teaching the muzungu how to dance…she held her own, I must say 

The next pictures provide a VERY small glimpse into life in the village— and all of the heartbreak, despair, curiosity, hope, pure happiness and infectious joy that comes with it 

I mean, I have absolutely NO words for this one

all of the kids, in all of these pictures—
just…my cup runneth over

seriously with this little man? holy cuteness

What all of these pictures fail to show is what happened when it was time to leave the village. This part of Avery's story really isn’t mine to tell, but I will say that the tears present on the car ride home were plentiful and they did not belong to Avery alone. It is just such an overwhelming experience and, while my heart ached for her, it was also so full of joy for the change I had seen taking place in her. She said at one point a little boy, Alex, who she’d had the strongest connection with asked her, “How am I going to remember you”? To which her mother responded with, “You just make sure he knows that you will always remember him”. 

I am so grateful that I got to experience this with Avery. I am so thankful that there is one more person who has experienced their wonderful spirit. That she will always remember the faces she’s seen. And that the children she encountered that night and will continue to encounter during her time here know that Avery knows that they are there, that she loves them and that she will always, always remember them. 

But, most of all, I am thankful that person is Avery. Because, if there is anyone who has a heart big enough to carry all of these children in, it is her. While this is her first trip to Africa, it will certainly not be her last. And everyone she meets along her journey will be truly blessed by her grace, kindness and selfless heart. 

That’s really what this entire journey is about for me. It’s about making sure that I convey to every single child that I encounter just how very special they are. That every single one of them know that I have seen them, that they know I will always love them and, perhaps most importantly, that they know they will never, EVER be forgotten. They need to know—they HAVE to know, that they I will carry them with me in my heart, wherever I go...and that I am leaving a huge part of my heart with them, as well.   

all of my love and happiness, 

Bliss xxxx

Mercy for Mamas

When I was informed that there would be a mission team of women (and one very brave guy) coming to stay at the guest house for 10 days, I couldn’t wait to meet them. I was eager to hear their stories and see the impact they would have on the people they met on their journey. They rode into my life in a Japanese imported 20 passenger bus, who kindly informed everyone one within a mile radius when it was backing up or making a turn by announcing over the loud speaker, “Excuse me…this IS a bus”. While I was totally impressed by such a well spoken and cautious bus, I was even more impressed by the passengers that were on board. That’s why, when their fearless leader Melissa asked me if I’d like to join them on their trip to Jinja and Mbale, I eagerly accepted (I’ve never been one to pass up an opportunity for a long road trip on a crowded bus). While I could tell right away that I was going learn from and love these people, I was totally unprepared for all the all of the love, laughter and kind hearts I was about to encounter….never even saw it coming. 

I want to dedicate this post entirely to Mercy for Mamas—how/why it began, what their mission is and how this team of 10 women and 2 men (yes, we added a man along the way) changed my life forever, in the span of just one week.

First, a little back story how Mercy for Mamas came to be and what their mission is. The founder of Mercy for Mamas, Melissa, came to Uganda on a mission trip where she fell in love her daughter, a baby girl called Mercy. Mercy’s mother had passed away during childbirth, which is an all too common occurrence in Uganda (on average, more than 20 women die daily due to childbirth complications). It was during this time that Melissa learned of Mama Kits and decided they would be a great way to honor Mercy’s mother. Melissa came back to Uganda later to adopt Mercy and it was during this time that she began distributing these Mama Kits to pregnant women in the village. A Mama Kit contain all of the necessary supplies needed to ensure a safe and healthy delivery. I was able to witness the distribution of these Mama Kits to pregnant women in villages (as well as pregnant women on the side of the road) firsthand and am certain that they will save many, many lives. You can learn more about Mercy for Mamas and how you can help at  http://www.mercyformamas.com/ ….and I HIGHLY recommend that you do.

This is Melissa, the founder of Mercy for Mamas
and our fearless leader :-)  

Her dedication to helping the women of Uganda
knows no bounds. There is no telling how many lives she
has helped save by distributing Mama Kits.  

Melissa doing what she does best…showing love without condition

The Mercy for Mama’s team handing out Mama Kits

Handing out Mama Kits to women on the side of the road

Next, I need to tell you about my time with these amazing women and men that I had the privalege of spending a week with. This group of people love the Lord with all of their might, believe fiercly in their mission here in Uganda and changed the lives of everyone they encountered during their 10 days here—and I do mean everyone. I can personally attest to this fact. From the orphanges we visited, to the nights of encouragement for missionary women living in Uganda that the team hosted, to ministering to and feeding the people of a village in Mbale, I saw the impact they were having on everyone they met. And I felt, with great force, the impact they were having on me. Their selflessness and dedication completely filled my heart with joy and reminded me, time and time again, exactly why I’m here.

Now last, but certainly not least, I have to mention the 3 ladies who stole my heart in the back of that Japansese imported 20 passenger bus. Kerri, Becki and Kim—you have NO idea the impact you had on me. I will forever cherish my time with you all and know that I have found lifetime friends in each of you. Kim said it best, we are soul-sisters. I know I will see you all here again soon…and I am counting down the days until your return. I love you all so very much. I am so very blessed that I am able to carry you in my heart with me everywhere I go…JUST BLESSED.

This is Becki and I think this picture speaks for itself. 

Pretty Becki, again. She is a a fiercely dedicated mother, loyal friend
and a ridiculously talented musician. 

This picture describes Kim PERFECTLY.
She is filled with love, kindess and an intense desire to better the lives of others

This is also Kim, aka Katniss…
and yes, she did carry that bow and that drum through airport security.

This angel face is Kerri…holding a dead fish. 

Angel face Kerri again….this time kissing the fish that she just ate.
Don’t let these pictures fool you, her heart is selfless as well.

I know that I say this at least once in every post and I must sound like a broken record at this point, but there really aren’t words to adequately describe what I’m experiencing here in Uganda. There are times where my heart is so full of love and hope, that I feel it really might explode. My time with the Mercy for Mamas team was just another one of those ‘you had to be there’ experiences. I only hope that this post can give you all a little bit of insight into how amazing each and every one of these ladies are. Again, please make time to visit http://www.mercyformamas.com/. You will be glad you did. And ladies (and men) of the Mercy for Mamas team, please know that you have greatly touched my life and are forever in my heart.

All of my love and happiness, 

Bliss xxxx

**side note: We spent much of our time visiting orphanages in Kampala and Jinja, but I’m going to save all of those tales for another blog post.  

Trivial Pursuit: Uganda Edition

First, I’d like to begin this post with a brief explanation (apology) as to why it has been almost a month since my last update. Every single day that I have been here has contained one, if not more life changing experience. And while I want nothing more than to share every last one of them with you, it takes every ounce of anything I have in me to process everything that has happened. Simply put, after convincing myself that the events of the day really did happen—that I really did see what I saw, I have absolutely NOTHING left to give. I know that sounds disgustingly selfish, but it’s the truth. On a similar note, I feel like nothing I say, no words that I write can possibly express what I am experiencing on a daily basis and what an impact it is having on who I am. That being said, all of you who take the time to read this blog—every single one of you—deserve to experience these things with me, because you are the reason I am here. I suspect the longer I live here, the less overwhelming all of these experiences will be, which will make them much easier to write about (let’s hope my suspicions are right).

What I’m going to attempt to do in this blog post is catch you up on any Ugandan laws (or lack thereof) facts, customs, sayings, etc. that have just totally blown my mind. Which is pretty much all of them. These are in no particular order and with no real train of thought behind them so buckle up, because it’s going to be a bumpy ride. Which brings me to the first bit of trivia….

1.) In Uganda, buckling your seatbelt is for sissies. That’s right, no seat belt laws here. And to top it off, your child doesn’t have to be buckled up, or even ride in a carseat. But, you can be assured, any ride you take WILL be a bumpy one.
2.) Along those same lines, a passenger wearing a helmet while on a boda will definitely lead to some snickering from the passers-by. (I still always try to find a boda driver who is wearing a helmet—suggests some level of cautiousness on his part)
3.) To pass a car in Uganda is called to ‘Overtake’—and that is exactly what they do...and they do so whenever the hell they feel like it. There are no passing lanes in Uganda, and if there were, they would most certainly be ignored.
4.) The traffic here in Uganda, namely Kampala, is absolute MADNESS. I can’t even describe it. I promise to take a video the next time I feel brave enough to open my eyes while going through it.

**Now, let’s move on to common words, phrases, customs, etc. because they are most definitely my favorite

1.) The national language in Uganda is Luganda….here are some key words or phrases that you must know in order to ensure that you are not complete ripped off at every opportunity, or that you don’t die on a boda.

-“Muzungu”-  what Ugandans call white people…what white people call themselves 
-“Nedda” (pronounced Neh-da) - No
-“Kale” (pronounced Cal-le)- Ok
-“Oli Otya”-  How are you?
-“Wangi”- Pardon/What did you say?(as you can imagine, I use this one A LOT)
-“Ssebo” (prounounced Say-bo)- Sir
-“Nnyabo” (pronounced Nyabo)- Maam 
-“Mpola! Mpola!”- Slow down (I use this often with boda drivers)

2.) Ugandans eat with their hands--no untensils desired or required. It is seen as a sign of respect for us to do the same, although utensils are always provided when Muzungus are around.

3.)You will haggle with Ugandans over prices for almost everything…especially Boda rides and things you buy from roadside markets or craft markets. I was advised to just say, “needa muzungu prices” (no muzungu prices). Thusfar, it has been rather effective. They usually laugh and say “ok” and lower the price.

4.) Now, this is my FAVORITE custom, and I suspect that I will be adopting it fairly quickly. Whenever you ask a Ugandan a question, they don’t answer you with a verbal “Yes”. Instead, they look at you and raise their eyebrows (sometimes they’ll throw in an “mm” before they eyebrow raise). But most of the time, the eyebrow answer is the most you’re going to get. It is particularly adorable when a young child does it. I am determined to take a picture of someone answering in that way, and will post a picture as soon as I get one.

I know that I am missing SO many, but I am just too tired to think right now. I will be adding to this post as I remember or learn new ones…so keep checking back!

Also, if any of my Ugandan friends/friends living in Uganda who are reading this, please feel free to add any that I left out that you find important in the comment box :)

all of my love and happiness,
Bliss xxxx

Where the heart is

Today marks the 50th anniversary of Uganda’s independence from British rule. Unlike many countries, Uganda’s independence didn’t mark the end of their struggle for freedom, but the beginning. In the 50 years since gaining their independence, the people of Uganda have endured a 7 year reign of terror by Idi Amin, followed by another 6 years of total anarchy, and numerous rebel groups whose only objectives were to leave as much death and destruction as possible in their wake.  It has only been in the last 25 years that Uganda has begun the recovery process, and still they are met with government corruption and a disparity of wealth that puts the United States to shame. Yet, in the face of all of this adversity, the Ugandan people have remained hopeful for the future. This blog post is dedicated solely to the people of Uganda—it is devoted to making sure that as many people as possible are told of their unbreakable spirit, unconditional love, endless joy and the infinite amount of hope that they have for their country, their children, their future and for one other.

I’ve been sure for quite some time that my heart was in Uganda…what I’ve been less sure of is why it was here and what led it here in the first place. But today, while riding through town on the back of a boda (yes, the previously mentioned death machine that I vowed to never get on) and watching the Independence Day celebrations, the answer to those questions became abundantly clear—

Why is my heart here? It is here because of Ugandans.
How did my heart get here? It followed the pure joy and happiness that is abundant in the hearts of the people of Uganda.

There are no words that could EVER do the people of Uganda justice. These are people that, in the 50 years since their independence, have suffered more heartbreak and tragedy than anyone should ever have to endure…more than us as Americans can even begin to imagine. Yet, I have NEVER witnessed such perfect and true happiness. I’ve visited numerous villages which have no running water, no electricity, no indoor plumbing, no FOOD—you name it, they are in need of it. Except for one thing. There is one thing, without exception, that is plentiful in these places and that is smiling, happy people. Not only are they truly happy, but they are beautifully kind and wonderfully selfless. They would give you the shirts off of their backs and the shoes on their feet, if only they had shirts on their backs and shoes on their feet. The pure happiness of these people is usually explained away with a simple “oh, well this is all they’ve ever known…they don’t know that they’re missing anything”.
I call bullshit.
They see us with our clean clothes, bottles of water and fancy cameras. They see us and know that we don’t have to wonder where our next meal is going to come from, when that next meal is going to come, or IF that next meal is going to come. They see us and know that we have never experienced anything remotely close to the tragedy and devastation they have witnessed and somehow overcome. They know exactly what they don’t have. They are painfully aware of how much is available in the world, and how very little they have of it. But, here’s the difference…they don’t see it as missing any thing. They don’t feel sorry for themselves for what they don’t have, they feel truly blessed for what they do have.

In a place where so very much is lacking, joyfulness abounds.

As I said before, there is no way to adequately describe the people of Uganda…their spirit and happiness is something you have to experience firsthand to fully grasp. I will be forever thankful that, somehow, my heart knew this. Thankful that, long before I did, my heart decided to come here to live amongst their joyful hearts. Thankful that we, as human beings, cannot live without our hearts—if we could, I may never have found my way here. So whenever people tell me what a huge heart I have for coming here, I know exactly who I have to thank for that. If my heart is big, it has nothing to do with me. It is only because it has been with the people of Uganda for so long—it has fed off of their joy, love, kindness and hope—things of which Ugandans have more than enough.

all of my love and happiness,
Bliss xxxx