Out of Africa: Phrases to remember from our journey

From Marsha Campbell,

As our journey to Africa was nearing an end, we decided to share some of the phrases that have become memorable in capturing our life changing experience. To help with context, the people mentioned are Obed, who is the Parish Priest for The Father’s House. He is described as a “jolly fellow” who loves the children as a Father. Caleb is a wise community leader who serves on the governing Community Management Committee of The Father’s House. The Mamas are the women who live and care for the orphans in the ten homes of The Father’s House. The Mother’s Union is a 100 year old organization for mothers at each parish level to encourage growth, development and service.

“Having you all in my home is historical to all of us in this community” (Bishop George as we were given a royal welcome in so many homes)

“It was love that brought them here” (This is what many said to explain why nine women from the US had journeyed so far)

“I have read LOVE on their faces” (Ruth, said of our our group)

“Uganda is a land of ORAL CULTURE, ORAL CULTURE (Canon Alison schooling us in understanding the African culture vs. our western ways of communication)

“All will be revealed” (Daily, sometimes hourly, response to all our questions about agendas, schedules and type A western control needs)

“God picked each one of you to come” (Obed)

“I met Jesus today, as I learned to lay my burdens down” (a woman attending the Mother’s Union retreat)

“Do Justice to the matokie!” (We were implored daily to “do justice” to the food served. That meant eat a lot. Often, we were chastised for not “heaping” our plates and so had to have more! Food is precious – not to be left uneaten and unappreciated.)

“You are most welcome” (The hospitality was amazing, humbling and over the top. It was of utmost importance for us to be MOST WELCOMED! We have much to learn about the gift of hospitality.)

“You are part of my family; I am adopting you into my tribe.” (The community management team particularly “adopted” us; they even drove and escorted us over the border into Rwanda, which took several hours.)

“Time for Break Tea!” (Sometimes a twice daily ritual of breaking the day for a time of pause and relational bonding, no multi-tasking allowed. This was indeed a very “British influenced & civilized” routine that we could all benefit from in our frenetic American pace.)

“You are all our Aunties and Sisters!” (Many at the end of a full day women’s retreat)

“God is the God of Impossibilities; He makes a village out of a field of brush where there was nothing, He has made something” (Bishop George)

“Where there was an empty field He has made a village full of life”

“He has made somebody out of nobody” (Bishop George; his wife, Laura, was a pen pal of Laura Bush for several years.)

“Happy New Year!” (This was a standard greeting to all, hands clasped and eyes focused, celebrating a welcome, followed by, “How are Youuuuu? How was the night? God is gooood! We have so much to gain in really greeting people as our hosts do.)

“This is the happiest of days!”(One of the Mamas)

“The children will remember this day forever!” (This was said over and over by many)

“She is crying Love” (Pastor Obed explaining our tears)

“They are crying Love for you”

“Yes, Please” (following every yes, came an enthusiastic Please!)

“This is a divine appointment” (Canon Alison—she has many of these!)

“America has a watch but Africa has the TIME” (Caleb)

“Now that you have seen, you are responsible” (a new friend from Rwanda challenging us all in responding to having experiencing African in our visit to Uganda and Rwanda)

“When are you coming back????” (None of us wanted to leave our wonderful new friends! There was lots of “crying love” going on in answer!)

Blessings to all!

Marsha

Looking back as our group leaves Africa and says good-bye to the children.