"When we live in the wreckage of an old industrial neighborhood that has lost over two hundred thousands jobs and now has seven hundred abandoned factories, we start to ask questions about the corporate global economy, especially when we see the same companies abuse other "neighbors" overseas. Dr. Martin Luther King put it like this:'We are called to play the Good Samaritan on life's roadside... but one day we must come to see that men and women will not be constantly beaten and robbed. True compassion is more than flining a coin to a beggar. It comes to see that a system that produces beggars needs to be repaved. We are called to be the Good Samaritan, but after you life so many people out of the ditch you start to ask, maybe the whole road to Jericho needs to be repaved.'"
Over the past 30 years of my life I have been priviledged with many opportunities to travel and experience being in relationship with my global neighbors. Each trip, what begins as privilege is transformed into a rich blessing for me and hopefully for those who welcome me into their lives, their stories.
Kampala has not been any different, only that the transformatoin began long before I stepped onto that NW flight. Many of my steps in this city give birth to the question, "Maybe the whole road to Jericho needs to be repaved?" Honestly, there is very little maybe that comes with the question. Life lived with my poor and rich neighbors confirm that atleast most of the road needs to be repaved, if not the whole thing.
The role of the Good Samaritan in Kampala is proving to be more difficult for me than back home where I am familiar with all of the implications of my choices. Here there is a different level of complexities and implications that I cannot even begin to comprehend only being here a week.
Huh... patience has never been my virtue.:) No doubt, this is one of the many ways God is refining me on this pilgrimage journey. Believe me there are a few more, but I do not want to totally expose myself on this blog. :) hahaha! Pray for me though and now that God is constanting re-creating me.
On another note... I went breakdancing last night and I will go to class again on Monday. YAY! I think I stumbled across another story that I hope to tell when I return. If you have a chance check out:
www.myspace.com/breakdanceprojectuganda or www.youtube.com/abramz
Hope to sit over coffee with him, Abramz, next week to learn more about the Breakdance Project Uganda and hopefully write an article or something back home. New thing for me. Sure Ciona can help me out with that a bit.
Speaking of Ciona, I miss her dearly today and my other friends in Nashville. There is something to be said about being known within a community and sharing all of life with them or atleast as much as you can. I am so thankful my community in Nashville, NYC, North Carolina, Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina and Cali have chosen to journey with me in prayer. I feel those prayers, cherish them.
Oh well, I must go now. I am off to Acholi Quarters with Robin and Kristen to spend time with the beadmakers and my young friends. YAY!
Love you all.
Peace of Christ.
lanecia
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Praying with my feet and drinking with my eyes
Yesterday we went back to Acholi Quarters. I am a bit more comfortable with the area now and decided to wander out a bit without James, George or one of the beadmakers. I was blessed.
We spent a few hours there. I did not get to talk to the women as much as I would have liked, because they were meeting and I spent time with a few children in the quarters and a family that lives next door to George's (Acholi Beads Manager) home in the quarters. When you see the pictures you will understand why I connected with the children, especially two little girls and two young boys these two little girls my first full day in Kampala. Their names are Seila, Fiona, Stephen, and Jac-George. I have taken pictures of them everytime we have been at the Quarters. Yesterday, Seila and Fiona's mother gave me two paper necklaces she had made me for "being friend" to her little girls.
My heart was so FULL!!! What an honor. I spent time last night trying to figure out what I could offer them as a token of friendship that keeps our relationship pure, beautiful, and sacred. They love when I take pictures of them, so I decided to take the polaroid camera tomorrow and give them pictures of the three of us. How fun is that!?!
The boys took me around the quarters yesterday, back to the rocks. They ran dogs away and everything! :) I prayed with my feet as we walked, and drank the sweet bitter cup of life in the quarters with my eyes. At times it was a very hard cup to swallow.
I saw children laughing, singing, washing, playing in the water, searching the trash collection for food, praying, studying, working the rocks, playing football, sitting with nothing to do and waving with a smile when I came their way. I saw it all within an hour of time. The boys took me to the rocks and immediately started working. I did not want them to work, but it was so natural and they almost seemed to like it.
So since I could not stop them I decided to join them. OH MY...it is so hard and dangerous, but also a bit satisfying especially if you can receive what is $1.25 for a days work. That is nothing for us, but so much for them. Breaks me... something does not seem right about that.
Education is SOOOOOO important. The rocks is the only option for a number of children, women and men in Acholi Quarters. If a child is not in school, but is of age there is a great chance that they will spend many days & years working the rocks. I am still trying to understand how it all works, so I will share more later when I have a better grasp of it.
Anyway... I better get going. Time is limited.
Peace of Christ,
lar
Thanks for your prayers.
We spent a few hours there. I did not get to talk to the women as much as I would have liked, because they were meeting and I spent time with a few children in the quarters and a family that lives next door to George's (Acholi Beads Manager) home in the quarters. When you see the pictures you will understand why I connected with the children, especially two little girls and two young boys these two little girls my first full day in Kampala. Their names are Seila, Fiona, Stephen, and Jac-George. I have taken pictures of them everytime we have been at the Quarters. Yesterday, Seila and Fiona's mother gave me two paper necklaces she had made me for "being friend" to her little girls.
My heart was so FULL!!! What an honor. I spent time last night trying to figure out what I could offer them as a token of friendship that keeps our relationship pure, beautiful, and sacred. They love when I take pictures of them, so I decided to take the polaroid camera tomorrow and give them pictures of the three of us. How fun is that!?!
The boys took me around the quarters yesterday, back to the rocks. They ran dogs away and everything! :) I prayed with my feet as we walked, and drank the sweet bitter cup of life in the quarters with my eyes. At times it was a very hard cup to swallow.
I saw children laughing, singing, washing, playing in the water, searching the trash collection for food, praying, studying, working the rocks, playing football, sitting with nothing to do and waving with a smile when I came their way. I saw it all within an hour of time. The boys took me to the rocks and immediately started working. I did not want them to work, but it was so natural and they almost seemed to like it.
So since I could not stop them I decided to join them. OH MY...it is so hard and dangerous, but also a bit satisfying especially if you can receive what is $1.25 for a days work. That is nothing for us, but so much for them. Breaks me... something does not seem right about that.
Education is SOOOOOO important. The rocks is the only option for a number of children, women and men in Acholi Quarters. If a child is not in school, but is of age there is a great chance that they will spend many days & years working the rocks. I am still trying to understand how it all works, so I will share more later when I have a better grasp of it.
Anyway... I better get going. Time is limited.
Peace of Christ,
lar
Thanks for your prayers.
Monday, September 8, 2008
Overwhelmed
So, this is a quick note to let you all know I am well. I wish I could say more, but my time on the internet is limited and I have too much to say to even try to begin.
Know that I feel your prayers and desire them. A new week has begun for me in Kampala, and I am thankful. I am looking forward to being with the beadmakers today in Acholi Quarters, I missed them this weekend. The weekend was lovely though and restful in ways. I got to explore a bit with Robin and James, read, write in my journal (I have written about 8 pages each day), worship, listen, cry and be still.
Lovely!
It is a pretty quite day in Kampala. The weather is cool, it is a national holiday so people are resting definitely note the hustle & bustle of the past few days. After a meeting with George in the city, we are heading back to Acholi Quarters. YAY!
Hopefully, this heavy weight will be lifted as soon as I encounter the first Acholi child's smile. I had prepared myself for some aspects of life here, but over the past few days I have learned about the many dimensions of social ills that exist here & within the Global Community. I have also witnesed so many places of hope, joy and redemption. Prayer for me that I will have the wisdom to accept the things that I cannot change, offer what little I can with great love towards the places God calls me to, and the wisdom to know the difference.
Pray for me this day.
Peace
lar
Know that I feel your prayers and desire them. A new week has begun for me in Kampala, and I am thankful. I am looking forward to being with the beadmakers today in Acholi Quarters, I missed them this weekend. The weekend was lovely though and restful in ways. I got to explore a bit with Robin and James, read, write in my journal (I have written about 8 pages each day), worship, listen, cry and be still.
Lovely!
It is a pretty quite day in Kampala. The weather is cool, it is a national holiday so people are resting definitely note the hustle & bustle of the past few days. After a meeting with George in the city, we are heading back to Acholi Quarters. YAY!
Hopefully, this heavy weight will be lifted as soon as I encounter the first Acholi child's smile. I had prepared myself for some aspects of life here, but over the past few days I have learned about the many dimensions of social ills that exist here & within the Global Community. I have also witnesed so many places of hope, joy and redemption. Prayer for me that I will have the wisdom to accept the things that I cannot change, offer what little I can with great love towards the places God calls me to, and the wisdom to know the difference.
Pray for me this day.
Peace
lar
Saturday, September 6, 2008
3 Days In and Loving Every Minute!!!
Life is AMAZING here! I spent most if the morning dodging the bodas (spellling...motorcycles) on the city streets of Kampala and bracing myself from slipping on the side of the road. I failed at one point, falling on my back on the side of the road. HAHAHAHAHA! I still have the red dirt on my clothes and cut on my hand to prove it. After falling I decided to play in my mind over and over again the words of one of the beadmakers, "Slow down. Slow down." She thought I tried to walk around the Acholi Quarters (one of the many slums in Kampala) too fast.
The fact that I am typing right now on a computer in downtown Kampala is proof that God does have me in the palm of His hand. The past 3 days I have been welcomed with great hospitality, introduced to some beautiful people and seen so much... I know we are all in the palm of God's hand.
The food is FABULOUS!!! I have had a few meals out, but Thursday and Friday we had lunched at Acholi Quarters so it was authentic Ugandan food. The beadmakers are so beautiful and welcomed us so. Hospitality like you have never experienced before. No dog bites :), though a few encounters. Next week I will visit each beadmaker in her home and listen to the story.
Time is up, so I better go. All is well though, all is well.
The fact that I am typing right now on a computer in downtown Kampala is proof that God does have me in the palm of His hand. The past 3 days I have been welcomed with great hospitality, introduced to some beautiful people and seen so much... I know we are all in the palm of God's hand.
The food is FABULOUS!!! I have had a few meals out, but Thursday and Friday we had lunched at Acholi Quarters so it was authentic Ugandan food. The beadmakers are so beautiful and welcomed us so. Hospitality like you have never experienced before. No dog bites :), though a few encounters. Next week I will visit each beadmaker in her home and listen to the story.
Time is up, so I better go. All is well though, all is well.
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
On my way!
Cheers!
It is official... tonight I will step foot onto the continent of Africa. Craziness!
Right now we are awaiting our flight to Uganda in Amsterdam. Really enjoy this city, but will not have time to explore because our lay over is only a couple of hours. Anyway, it is nice to be back in Europe if just for a second. Flying in, over Ireland and England, many precious memories flooded my mind and a few prayers were said.
It was a great flight. The stars outside of the window were spectacular! Looking forward to resting underneath the blanket of stars that cover Kampala. Exciting times ahead.
Oh well, I must run. Love you all. Feel your prayers.
Peace of Christ,
lar
It is official... tonight I will step foot onto the continent of Africa. Craziness!
Right now we are awaiting our flight to Uganda in Amsterdam. Really enjoy this city, but will not have time to explore because our lay over is only a couple of hours. Anyway, it is nice to be back in Europe if just for a second. Flying in, over Ireland and England, many precious memories flooded my mind and a few prayers were said.
It was a great flight. The stars outside of the window were spectacular! Looking forward to resting underneath the blanket of stars that cover Kampala. Exciting times ahead.
Oh well, I must run. Love you all. Feel your prayers.
Peace of Christ,
lar
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Less than a week away!
James & me at Lake Junaluska this summer.Dear Family & Friends:
My flight to Uganda is less than a week away. WOW! I am so excited about boarding a plane with James and Robin next week, Uganda bound by way of Amsterdam.
The past few weeks have been nothing short of amazing. The paths I have crossed, the stories I have had the privilege of hearing from people native to Uganda & Rwanda, the opportunity to share why I am going to Uganda, and the gifts I have received have all helped to prepare me for the days to come. I am so thankful for the words of encouragement, prayer offerings and financial support that have been so graciously given to me by family, friends, and church communities who have all helped me grow deeper in the way of discipleship... love.
In light of the generosity of many I have been blessed with over $2,000 to date towards the missional journey. There are financial gifts still being sent to the church & deposited into the "Africa Mission" account to support my journey to Uganda and a deep calling to learn from and participate in the work of redemption that God is doing in the lives of the children in Uganda & throughout the world who find themselves stifled by injustices, unable to imagine life any other way.
I am still creating cards, working on photography projects and crocheting hats. I am looking forward to creative stirrings that will come during my pilgrimage. You may visit my photography and greeting card store: www.sunshinepapier.etsy.com to glimpse of my new pieces that will be posted by Friday, August 29. There you can purchase items that will help fund my expenses in Uganda.
You may also donate directly to the trip by writing checks to Metropolitan Community UMC with “Africa Mission for Lanecia” in the notes. Checks may be sent to MCUMC at 1975 Madison Ave., New York, NY 10035.
Thanks again for your time and support.
lar
Monday, August 25, 2008
Love Embodied... Shane Claiborne
Shane Claiborne is one of the most beautiful individuals I have had the opportunity to hang out with and call "Bro'". He is one of the founding members of a New Monastic Community called The Simple Way in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Shane is also a writer, faith-led activist for nonviolence and redistribution of resources to the poor, speaker, inspiration, dreamer, and friend.
Claiborne's outlook on ministry to the poor is often compared to Mother Teresa, whom he worked alongside with during a 10-week term in Calcutta. He spent 3 weeks in Baghdad with the Iraq Peace Team (a project of Voices in the Wilderness and Christian Peacemaker Teams). He was witness to the military bombardment of Baghdad as well as the militarized areas between Baghdad and Amman. As a member of IPT, Claiborne took daily trips to sites where there had been bombings, visited hospitals and families, and attended worship services during the war.
To learn more about Shane and the way he chooses to offer his life daily, go to:
www.thesimpleway.org
www.jesusforpresident.org
During the month of September Shane will be on Sabbatical, spending time at home in Philly. Drop him a note, offering him encouragement, support and above all things love.
You can send an Agape note to Shane Claiborne to:
The Simple Way
PO Box 14751
Philadelphia, PA 19134
(All photos of Shane are from the simple way website.)
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