How I've Changed

How I’ve changed

I’ve lived in Kabale about 8 months already. Time sure has flown! I am still Lianna, but I am definitely not the same person as before. Seasons bring growth and change, which is a good thing! It is my prayer that the Lord continues to shape me and mold me so that I can look more like Him every day.

I'm thankful the rainy season is back because the
dust was too much! 

The Community Development Department (CDD) office where I work has staff devotions a couple times every week, which are my favorite. It is amazing to see the difference in the days you spend time in prayer and meditating on the Word compared to the days that are rushed to check things off the to-do list. Last week, we talked about Mark 3 when Jesus commanded His disciples to go out into the world to preach the good news. One member reminded the group how important it is to first have a personal relationship with Jesus, and then to go out and preach the gospel. Without that close relationship, it is hard to do what He has commanded. We need to be like Mary (not Martha) in the sense that we need to sit at Jesus’ feet. He is longing for us to be with Him! When we become close to Jesus, our words become His words, our actions become His actions and our thoughts become His thoughts. The same happens with our closest friends… have you noticed that you start talking like those whom you spend most your time? Families use the same terminology, church members start to pray like their pastor, friends can even start to look like each other. That’s what happened with Jesus and His disciples! When Judas was going to betray Jesus, he even had to identify which one was Him with a kiss because they all started to look the same. 

This little girl ran up to me and gave me a big
hug on the street. I then noticed she had a
blanket on her back, and when I peeked under,
I found this mzungu baby and we all laughed :)
It's the little things in life...
Well, although I’m not looking like a Ugandan (no matter how hard I try with the African dress and braids), my terminology and actions are changing to match those I spend most of my time. I will list some of the phrases that I use daily that I picked up while living here: 
  • "I’ll give you a push”- meaning I will escort you to your next stop. This can be a “push” to the door. A “push” to the boda motorcycle stage. A “push” across town. It is not a literal push that we think of :) 
  • “What would you like as an escort?” We have tea everyday (which can be anything from hot milk with instant coffee to hot chocolate or just hot water with tea leaves). However, one can’t just drink tea without some food to “escort” it. This is usually a sweet yellow banana, a chapati, some g-nuts (ground peanuts) or bread. 
  • Ugandans add the word “ka” before any word to state that it’s small/cute. For example, they’ll say “can you pass that ka-thing” “it’s a ka-box” etc. 
  • We say “safe journey” before any type of travel. This is something that I took for granted in the U.S. Americans have cars that appear safe (with seat-belts and airbags) on roads that are paved with lines and signs on every corner. However, here anything can happen at any moment (which is the same all over the world, but it’s acknowledged different here). We pray for journey mercies from the quickest walk home to the long bus ride across country. 
  • One of my favorite greetings to say is “Ogumire,” which is asking “are you strong?” The person can then respond by saying “yego (yes)” or “ngumire nkibare” I’m strong like a rock.
  • "You are smart” - AKA you look good/beautiful/handsome. 
Not only have my words changed, but some daily chores have become a new routine. This includes ironing clothes to “look smart,” (since we don’t have dryers and our clothes get a line in them from drying outside…) polishing shoes to wipe off the red dust, bathing with cold water using a basin, eating dinner at 9PM, brushing teeth outside while looking at the stars, and praying for protection before sleep every night. 

I am learning (or should I say still learninghow to be patient. African time still annoys me. The “mzungu”  calls from strangers still drive me crazy (especially when I’m tired and/or hungry). The miscommunication between people is still frustrating… but ALL IS WELL (another common phrase said here). How can it be “all well”? It’s all well because the Lord is God through the peaks and valleys. The Lord’s promises remain true. He is faithful and remains the same and offers us a hope and a future. He is working out our salvation and we are secure in Him! Because of that truth, all is well, even when it doesn’t seem well at the time (with earthly perspective). My friends, keep your eyes on heaven and on the One in control and all will be well. 

My Ugandan sister, Sarah, and I at a giveaway ceremony
far off in a village. It was the first time a mzungu went to that'
village. Details of the ceremony will come next blog:)
I want to mention how I’ve changed in regards to my mentality on food/eating habits. I have gone through many healthy and unhealthy seasons when it comes to my relationship with food. There were stressful seasons (like in nursing school) when I would go to food for comfort. There were other seasons when I was so obsessed with healthy foods and what I was eating that I was controlled by it. I had to eat at a certain time and consume a certain number of proteins, carbs and fats. It was also routine to look at every food label, track calories and meal prep. I’m not saying that being health conscious is bad, but it can become so consuming. It’s amazing to see changes in your body just by adjusting food intake… God created our bodies so beautifully that way. However, I am so thankful I haven’t looked at a food label or tracked my food for over 8 months now! When I eat, I am more thankful that God provided the food. In America, we have fridges and pantries and freezers (maybe even two freezers) full of food. When we have that, it’s easy to forget that God is the one who provided that food, not you. Here, God provides every meal, and we pray that the food will sustain our bodies and give us strength so that we can continue with our day and worship and glorify Him through our actions. It is freeing to have this mindset! I hope it will last when I return and adjust back to Costco life and food labels.

Highlights:
  • Overnight at church- Members from church come bundled in jackets and blankets from 9PM to 6AM the next morning. The night is full of praise and worship, prayer, testimonies and sharing of the Word. The first overnight I attended, I could only stay until 11PM because I was too tired to stay awake. The second time, I stayed until 2AM… the third time I’ll be able to make it the entire night:) 
  • World Renew visitors- I love World Renew visitors for two reasons. 1) The team from Kampala comes and I get to hangout with more great people. 2) I am meeting WR workers from all over the world who have a lot of experience, knowledge, and a passion for God and compassion for His people. God is at work all over the world and I am always encouraged to hear testimonies (and also to connect again with fellow white folks)
  • Volleyball/Gym- being active is still my best medicine! I need that time to “escape” and take care of myself (especially since Ugandan food consists or 80% carbs).
    Last week, I went with Bishop James and visited
    his farm. I learned you never ask a Mukiga (Ugandan)
    how many cows they have because it's like asking
    someone how much is in their bank account. 
  • Kabale Assisted Living Nursing Home- UPDATE: Proposal is complete and now we are presenting the project to PAG church to see if the pastors are willing to be on board with this idea. Please continue to pray for God’s guidance and wisdom as we take small steps towards this vision. 
    Webare munonga (thanks so much)  for your continued prayers. I appreciate all the love and 'am thankful for you!  



JJ chilling on his auntie's back before his baby
sister comes this week! 

Comments

  1. Lianna, What an inspiring blog post. You remind me of the simple things. Life is really simple and yet becomes so complicated. It first starts with our focus on our creator. He brings simplicity and pleasure to our life. So exciting to see you moving towards the goal of building an assisted living home! We are so encouraged and inspired as you follow God's calling! Your friends at APU SON.

    Karen

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