Manual Labor

During the three days of TAPP training I had been eye balling this medium size tree whose lowest branch was about 10 ft. off the ground.  Everything in me wanted to climb this tree, so I gathered my courage and ran full steam at the tree.  With one quick jump and another small jump up off of the trunk, I grabbed the two lowest branches and began to pull myself up into the shade of the tree.  Once settled in my new playground I began calling to some of my Ugandan friends who looked utterly confused about who was shouting.  Finally they spotted me and were shocked that someone could climb (or maybe even would climb) the tree.   It was quite funny until I had to tackle getting down.

So our three days of TAPP training ended with many wishes to one day see one another again and a planting of a tree which symbolized our new and growing friendship.  I want to take a minute to introduce you to some of these people who haven’t evaded my heart’s eye ever since we met.  (The following is what I wrote in my journal)

James: Biggest smiler in the world, who works hard at making us feel welcome and at home.  He loved our girls and cherished friendships with everyone.

 

Patrick: We bonded during our home visits when love he translated for me and talked to me about the culture in which they live. 

 

David: (pictured below on the right) What a wise man of God!  He holds my deepest respect and I admire his heart for service/teaching.  He is the one who founded TAPP in Kasube (2004), which has now spread to three different countries and has sparked my heart for those infected and affected with HIV/AIDS.

 

Sancto- Also has a smile that could stop the world, but he stands out for some reason.  Him and Samson (not pictured) are great workers for the Lord.

 

Levi- Humbleness is the core of this man’s heart.  He has many inspired ideas that are held in reserve.  (I pray God he will allow God to begin to pour out through him) We sat together for the last two days of the TAPP training.

It was hard saying goodbye to our brothers and sisters, but we left with great hope already planning to return some day. 

Friday Jan. 5th-  Even though we had been sweating the entire trip, the next two days were our planned “sweat times.”  We traveled to Kakiri where we began to completely remodel this home into a new TAPP center that Pastor Patrick would be heading up.  Within the first 15 minutes blisters the size of pennies appeared on my hands much to the amazement and dismay of the Ugandans.  I had been mixing cement for the walls/ veranda that would all receive a fresh smoothing coat. 

This was a day of learning new trades as I quickly was introduced to paraffin putty which is used to insert windows.  Carefully placing the windows after strategically globing putty onto the frame, three natives taught me the uneducated the tricks of the trade. 

Another job that I quickly learned was that of smoothing cement that had previously been slapped onto the rough brick.  With an oddly shaped wood piece and a cup of water I found myself making more holes than smoothing out anything, that is until I was taught once again the tricks of the trade.  This job was offered to me by a Ugandan who I caught when as he was falling from a make-shift scaffolding that was about 7 ft off the ground.  We received many laughs as this Ugandan looked at me with astonishment. 

Here’s my initial journal thoughts after the 1st work day: “Today was straight from my heart’s desire.  We served all day, served for no benefit of our own.  We worked on building the new TAPP center in Kakiri.  The sun beat down as the sweat poured out.  Many people joined in by the end of the evening.  The whole group poured our hearts into the work and were all exhausted.  What a wonderful feeling!”

As we worked the number of children only grew as they became very curious of all the smunzungoos (didn’t spell that correctly) that were running around.  Needless to say we took time with the children as we waited for water to be pumped and transported from 7 miles away.  One little girl sat down beside me and became quite fascinated with my arm.  She pulled at my arm hair ever so gently for a while before she started to use her own sweat to wipe away the splattered dirt that was caked down my arm. 

Saturday was another hard day of work, but we pressed on to finish the renovation of the TAPP Center.  The highlights of the day included the cement splattering machine called a rough caster and playing with the children. 

 

After rough casting the house and working most of the afternoon I decided I wanted to give some quality time to the children who had encouraged me so greatly.  So with a translator near by I taught them games like toilet tag, elbow tag, and a weird game of Simon says where all they do is mimic me (so much fun!). 

After planting yet another tree we headed home only to be delayed by an overheated vehicle.  On one of the busiest streets (cars and walkers) in Kampala we were pulled off to the side.  So I decided to take in a little of the city life so I climbed to the roof.  As the people passing stared down the two car loads of “pigmentally challenged” people (I like that)  I soaked in the pollution of the streets/ cars and the beauty of the people. 

Eventually we made it home to take a quick shower and eat a bite.  After dinner I went in to begin to prepare for Sunday’s activities when I noticed that every single one of the 6 other couches held sleeping Americans exhausted after two hard days of labor.

When the trip really began…

So the Safari was over and we were exhausted!  We woke up at around 7am so that we could get showers and eat a good breakfast.  We left the house around 8:30am and we headed to Nampunge where we would begin our training with the TAPP center.  We joined around 25 others from different parts of Uganda, Rwanda, Congo, and Kenya.  Immediately we were welcomed as part of the family, which we came to find so true!  We joined in with the energetic worship (drums and dancing my favorite   )… but more than anything we joined in learning how to love. 

The TAPP center is the Tumaini Aids Prevention Program that is focused on providing holistic home based care for those infected and affected by HIV/AIDS. 

The people in this part of Uganda (the non-tourist part) still exhibit the same extravagant smile we had been exposed to at the game parks, but the eyes of these people tell their own story.  These are the people who live in the trenches, these are people who have been devastated by the wars and the AIDS epidemic that has quite literally wiped out nearly a whole generation of people.  (25-35 yr. old)  My brothers and sisters welcomed us with open hearts as we got the chance to teach and learn from one another. 

My favorite part of a greeting in this culture is the handshake that doesn’t end… While you converse with your friend you hold hands as a sign of intimacy and equality.  This takes your conversation to a whole new level which I have never experienced. 

Our first day of training ended with a few home visits.  This is when the true purpose and ministry of TAPP came into view.  As David explained what we were undertaking I realized that we were doing “Neighbors” with an AIDS focus.  With interpreter ready we entered two homes that were in the surrounding community to Serve, Love, and Pray.  The first home was the home of a man who was HIV+.  In the last year he had lost one of his wives, which left him two wives (both were HIV-) and twelve children.  Because of the virus he was extremely weak which was apparent as he spent nearly 18 hours a day in bed.  He looked defeated he explained the difficulties of providing for his family.  His Banana orchard and vanilla tree had been stricken with some type of bug which ruined the crop.  The only source of income was a some sugar cane which his wives harvested when the need arose.  This wasn’t enough to pay for clothes, much needed matresses, medication, or the opportunity for his children to be educated.  Education was most important to this man who had already lost so much, but dared to face another day.  The Second home we visited was the home of a woman who recently lost her husband to an unknown cause.  She had been left with two children and was now renting a one room shack that was about 8 ft X 10 ft.  6 of us crowded into this space with the family’s only chicken to visit.  She told us how scared and alone she felt, but even before that I dared to look into her eyes which told of the pain.  We asked if she had been tested, but she hadn’t because of the fear of the virus. 

You see there are certain stigmas and misconceptions about HIV/AIDS that need to be cleared up: 

These are just a few…

• AIDS/HIV is by no means punishment from God for sin> the virus is spread not only through immorality

• AIDS/HIV is not the end of life… one can be treated and even though their life is drastically affected joy, peace, and love can still be found in life

• AIDS/HIV can not be transmitted by mosquitos

• If a person living with HIV/AIDS has sex with a virgin the virus does not leave

• Not every child born to an HIV+ couple is guaranteed to contract the virus

• The virus can not be contracted from mere touch, but is spread through blood, vaginal fluid, and semen

We learned so much about the virus and how it affects these people.  As we became closer with these people it became quite clear that every human world wide has the same basic need at their core.  That need, which may be visible in many articulations, is the need for relationship with God and others.  On this world we are limited to knowing God through His Spirit, His word, and His people.  Christ said “Whatever you do unto the least of these you do unto me.”  I’ve spoke time and time again about the eyes of these people.  Language is so inadequate to explain what can be experienced if you will just take a minute to lower yourself to the feet of someone who is hurting and as you are washing the dirt and grime away, which the world uses to cast them out of their fellowship, you look and see the love of the God. 

As people gathered back at the school where we were meeting I noticed that clusters of white folk and black folk were sitting among one another, but they were quite.  I couldn’t take it, so I grabbed two Ugandans and took them inside to teach me to play the drums.  Within 3 minutes the crowd that was quite outside swarmed the room and began to dance with one another in one accord.  It was beautiful as the walls that once separated us came crashing down as we worshiped together in Spirit and in truth. 

Safari

So the next phase of the adventure began at 6am as the eagerness to see God’s creation tore us from bed.  We left just before 8am because we had so far to go!  Our drive to the North would last 6 1/2 hours until we reached the Nile River.  On the way to the game park we did stop twice.  Our first stop was at a restaurant where we got our first real glimpse of Ugandan food, even though there was a wide variety offered.  Most of our group order a traditional meal of Beef stew, rice, and Irish potatoes.  Our food was wonderful as the anticipation of what was in front of us continued to mount.  Our second stop was at a ranch that was owned by Disney’s Wild animal Kingdom.  There Rhinos were being reintroduced into the wild.  So we stalked a small herd of Rhinos with guards in military uniform close by. 

After that we proceeded to the largest game park in Uganda. (I can’t remember the name of it)   We were in two vans driven by two guides Dominique and David.  These two men both had unique personalities and kept us informed as well as on our toes, as they liked to joke around.  The first spectical that we laid eyes on was the mighty Nile.  The river is large except for when it drops down creating a huge waterfall that is only 8 meters wide.  The force of the water was breathtaking as the finger of God was evident.

That night we camped just about a mile above the river in this little camp that was made up of small huts, tents, a bath house, and a covered eating area which overlooked the valley that found its life with the Nile. 

The accommodations were nice for being in the middle of the bush.  The three of us guys stayed in one hut which had two rooms and a bathroom.  At night Hippos from the Nile would come up and graze on the grass in the camp.  It was a lasting joke that we would try to slap a hippo, but no action was taken as the nights were late and the hippos are actually the most dangerous of all the African creatures.  On our first full dayat the park we were able to see Hippos up close and personal as well as crocodiles, water-buffalo, water bucks, and other assorted animals when we took a cruise up the Nile. 

That evening and the next morning we did game drives which pretty much meant driving through the savannas looking for wild game and whatever else we could find.  Our vans had pop-up roofs so we enjoyed hanging out of the van as elephants charged the van (only happened once)  and as all the beauty that we had only seen in the movies came to life.  Wart-hogs, Girraffees, Baboons, all kinds of deer like creatures, and even two lions were among the creatures that we experienced. 

During New Years night we were all exhausted, but the music across the valley continued through the night keeping most of us awake and frustrated.  It was a good time for reflection and processing as the thumping just never ceased.  After our second game drive we headed back to Kampala (another 6 1/2 hours) for a good night’s rest and another day in Africa.

Reliving the adventure

Well it’s 8am here in Indiana and I’m wide awake once again.  Every morning since returning from Africa many of us from the trip have been waking up b/t 4am-7am only to be wide awake, even though our body begs for sleep.  I don’t know if it’s the jet lag or culture shock (maybe a little of both), but I do know that we are all rather intensely processing.  So let me begin my journey with you as I relive the trip through words and pictures. 

Travel Days:

After traveling to Chicago on the 27th and meeting a few members of our group, the entire group formed on the 28th in front of the NWA/KLM Airlines ticket counter.  What a joyful gathering as the excitment of the trip seemed to compile.  Despite the number of people I might have told you in the past there were twelve of us that embarked on this life-changing adventure.  We began the check in procedures about 2 hours before the flight and right away each person began to fill their roles as some worried, some smiled, some moved bags, some talked to the authorities… it was interesting seeing the group dynamic so early in the trip. 

Taking time to make a few phone calls, change my voicemail, and listen to a few last minute instructions moved the time right along until we began to board an hour before our flight.  Flying on the largest plane I’ve ever been in (747 double decker) was quite an experience, each flight has its own story (if your interested I’ll tell you sometime).  There were two eight hours flights with a layover in Amsterdam, Holland both times.  The Amsterdam airport is magnificent!  It truly has everything you might want or need in an airport terminal, even lazyboy like recliners for those slumbering travelers. 

We arrived in Entebbee, Uganda on Friday December 29th, but not before we jumped ahead in time 8 hours!  As soon as we stepped off the plane Africa took you in as one of its own as the warmth penetrated your deepest emotion.  Getting our luggage was an interesting adventure as luggage seemed to be thrown everywhere by everyone.  (Not the most organized system)  We proceeded through customs just fine, except for the lady who desired to collect any and all monetary donations.  Interesting.  We then got on a bus and drove an hour and twenty minutes through Kampala to the Stevenson’s house which immediately became home.  Because it was dark the countryside was barely visible, even though we were introduced right away to the crowded streets and the bussling night life. 

Once the short night slipped by with little sleep we awoke with eagerness about the adventures we would soon face. 

Exhausted!

So I don’t have the strength to write much tonight, but hopefully some will be coming soon!  Thank you for staying interested in the trip and lessons we’ve learned.  Much to tell!  I do want to share with you this picture.  It pretty much speaks for itself!  Love God love people!

Tumaini

It is with great joy and sorrow that I write this blog… 

We are back in the states after a two week venture to Uganda.  Oh the unpacking I have to do.  I’m not talking in the physical sense, actually I’ve almost completed unpacking, but more in the emotional/ spiritual sense.  The experience was incredible and hopefully soon there will be time to begin unpacking the trip. 

Just to give you a taste I want to share this swahili word with you… Tumaini… It means hope.  Let me just say that I saw hope in the eyes of most of the Ugandans that I just don’t see in the states.  More to come on that.

For those who didn’t receive these emails here are my updates from Uganda:

Dad and Mom,

    Greetings to you from Africa!  I can’t believe we’ve been on the journey for nearly a week already!  This place is incredibly beautiful and the people bring hospitality to life as their smiles bring new meaning to the words radiant and joy. 

    The first part of our trip we spent traveling and on the safari.  I think I could seriously write a book on the safari alone, and I’ve got plenty of stories to share about bruised hips, bumpy roads, long nights, hungry hippos, and charging elephants.   All great stories all great learning experiences. 

     The past few days we have taken part in the TAPP training program and even have had a chance to share by teaching.  What a joy these people are and what an atmosphere for learning!  Sort of to give you a taste we are basically being trained to do neighbors to those who are living with HIV and AIDS.   What a great training experience which leaves me missing my “Neighbors”  back in Anderson. 

      O my heart is being tugged in so many different directions as we face the pandemic that has swept this great land.  Even though we are in the midst of such tragedy and hardship this place is truly where my heart is for the time.  I’m not to the point where I’m eager to leave by any means, but I’m excited about sharing stories and experiences. 

      Physically I am doing well except for allergies and jet lag.  Last night was the only night that I have slept the whole night through since we got here.  The only reason I slept the whole night through is because I took a Benadryl. 

      OK I’m trying to fit a ton in while still respecting my time on the computer.  There are 11 others who need to check their mail. 

Blessing to you family and friends and greetings from the church in Uganda who pray for you… be encouraged and be filled with Tuamani.  (HOPE)

Thank you for your prayers and support.

I love you all!

Love God love people,

Joshua Weiger

Sorry about the spelling etc.   I’m in a rush please forward this on to anyone and everyone.

Dad & Mom,

Good to hear from you could you please send out the message that is below for me?  Much love to my family half way across the world… so cool! 

    We are still kicking it here in Uganda…

O what a ride!  I mean that in two ways: first of all, the roads are awful here and so every trip is not only risking life (it’s not that

bad) but you are jarred silly by the time you get to your destination.

Secondly, it has been an amazing ride because of our experiences.  I think the past few days has definitely had the focus of relationships.  We took part in the TAPP training, which we all graduated from and today we had our first work day.  We are most certainly the minority in every sense of the word.  This fact opens conversations like you wouldn’t believe.  I’ve notice a few things about the people.  They love having guests.  We have been treated as dignitaries and for that I’m humbled.

Another thing is the importance of a greeting… Before every speaker at our conference there was a greeting from their home… o how I long to give you greetings from here when I return!  Another greeting is as simple as a smile and a wave.  Dark turns to light as one extends the gift of attention to an individual.  What joy I get from this as I think of sweet home Alabama and the southern hospitality that must have originated here in Uganda. 

     One more experience to share before I go…  We participated in what essentially turned out to be TAPP Neighbors.  It was such an encouragement to see that this is the method chosen for affecting people living with such hurt.  The similarities were almost frightening as we studied the theology and methods for reaching people through “serve love and pray”. 

OK — more about that later!

Anyway I hope and pray you are well. More to come later.

Love God Love People,

Joshua Weiger