Morning Meditations

10/26
It has been many days since I have been still enough to let pen and paper absorb my thoughts. It is not as if I'm moving around that much or that I'm that busy. Making the time is my only responsibility, and somehow that is not always easy to do. I just read a morning meditation on joy. I don't know why I don't do this every morning. With each sentence, I squeeze like fresh orange a glass of nourishing words into my empty glass. My senses sharpen and my breath quiets as I read and reread each thought. What can I say about joy? I know who she is and where she lives, but lately we've been missing each other. I have been taking myself too seriously, which is something Joy would never do. I have been worrying about things I know I can't control. This is my form of suffering: self-indulgence. "What about me?" I'm screaming. Then like a mother distracting her child from crying, life shows up and shakes my hand. I'm totally there: feeling the skin, the strength of the handshake, looking into the eyes of acceptance and friendship, and then letting go. I notice myself screaming again. Why do I want more than what life gives me? This is the challenge of enlightenment, to suffering. Today I have made room for Joy. She taps me on the shoulder with a pineapple in her hand and asks me for breakfast. "Thank you," I said.

27/10
I woke up this morning and found that the spirit was already awake in me. Some mornings I can miss it completely, and I go all day without it because sometimes fighting with my energy is easier than accepting it. This morning though as I saw Spirit stretching its arms high into the air breathing into every space of its existence, I smiled and stretched with it. I love meeting the day this way. I sense that Spirit would like to stretch every morning with me. Quietly it whispers, "Come when you want and just as you are."



30/10
GOOOOOOO DAWGS! Mollie and I are devoting the whole day to DAWG awareness. We will have all of Ndejje chanting by the end of the weekend. We are even planning a little trick or treating to help our new friends get their heads around our Halloween traditions. Be safe and have a Wonderful weekend.

Putting Money to Work

The skies are blue today and the clouds look like cartoon sketches of explosion in the distance. Yesterday was a very big day for Global Ties in Uganda. For just about a month now, we have been assessing the needs of our partnering programs here in Ndejje. The school has many, but I think we would all agree that food and water is a good place to begin. The Kamba shop and the its members also have many needs, but there it begins with materials.

As Mollie and I work to address these needs by applying for grants and visiting NGOs to gain support, we see that there is an opportunity for Global Ties to get the ball rolling. While we were living in Florida, we made a very purposeful effort to allot 10% of our paychecks into a savings that we could use as our donations during this trip. Mollie and I did not know what Global Ties represented then. Donations are just half of the story. What happens when the money actually changes hands? Well, this is what Global Ties can represent. With the money that we saved before arriving to Uganda, we have made two contributions through Global Ties. Our first project was the micro finance loan for 20,000 Ush. ($10) that we loaned to two Kamba members. We have seen a financial gain for Kamba members of about $5 over a two week period. The loan has moved on to two new members. Because of its success and a profit projection we created, Global Ties decided to take an additional amount of $150 to add to Kamba's business account(not individuals). That of course was the easy part, and now that we are here, we as Global Ties have the chance to learn side by side with Kamba on how to be successful. We will meet twice a week to discuss all our challenges and all our successes. We are also creating an accounting method with Baunda (the treasurer), and with the very generous donation of a computer from Mollie's family, we can be very organized.

We did not waste any time getting the project started. Yesterday with Sarah, Jacques wife, we gave the money some real value; we bought materials! We were able to buy 20 kitenge fabrics and enough tailoring supplies to get us going. According to the projection we came up with, from this investment Kamba has the potential to realize a significant profit.

p.s.
It seems that our picture uploading device does not want to work anymore. We will get more pictures up as soon as we figure out the problem. Sorry!

Staying Busy

For some reason every time I go to update the blog, I feel like so much time has passed. It has been just two days though. I think it must be because we are always having these new thoughts and ideas about how to really be involved within this community, and even more, how to connect all of you to our new community. I don't want to forget anything.

Because of the nature of this trip, it is our responsibility to turn these thoughts and ideas into action. Most recently we helped the Kamba shop purchase materials for sample products that we were hoping would win them a spot at this years African Union Summit. Out of all the refugees that submitted items, Kamba and just two others were chosen! Jacques will now get a chance to spend all week at the summit discussing the progress and needs of Kamba and Hope Primary School with hundreds of people directly involved in improving the situation of refugees. This was a huge success for some much needed attention and awareness for our community. Additionally, during the second week, Global Ties in Uganda initiated a micro finance project that is also proving to be very successful. The first two members to receive the loans of 20,000Ush($10) have met the two week repayment period, made additional profit for their families, and deposited 10% of the loan amount into Kamba's savings account. We are to have another meeting tonight to discuss the next two members to receive the loans.

As the days pass here in Ndejje, Mollie and I see bigger and better needs to address that encourage us to dig deeper and get more involved. Before we left, we had a nice visit with Reverend Jimmy in Statesboro, who had visited Uganda. He told us that the needs would be great but to not let doubt interfere with our minds because as we are learning here there is no such thing as a small deed. We look forward to sharing our challenges and successes with you all as we progress.

How long did it take?

The answer: Three weeks!

Today we have been here three weeks. And guess what happens on your three week anniversary....guess...you get robbed! Yep, we got taken today!

We were wondering how long it would take before someone pick pocketed us in the overcrowded, bustling city of Kampala, and now we have the answer. Three weeks.

The guy strategically cut Jimbo off and got me in a tight place between lines of parked taxis and no people. Don't worry. He didn't approach me, he just followed behind me, unzipped my bag, and put his sticky fingers on my change purse, but most devastatingly my glasses! Pure talent I guess. I didn't feel one thing, and it only took him about 10 seconds. As soon as he peeled off, Jimbo stopped me as he noticed the bag was unzipped. Definitely a way to make you feel like a real sucker!

The change purse didn't contain any cards or important stuff, just a little over 20,000Ush ($10). The annoying part is that my glasses and glasses case seemed to be interesting to him too. Lucky for me i brought a spare, but as my friend Janna can attest, finding glasses you like is not an easy undertaking. Oh well, it could be a lot worse. We are just grateful that he only took what he did, and have tried to learn our lesson. Be more aware, and don't keep things in the top of the backpack.

As for our new sticky finger friend: I hope he can feast for a week on the profit he made today!

Running in circles.

(10/15/09)

Today has been a difficult day for progress. In the time that we are here in Uganda, Jimbo and I want to address a few different issues that are proving to be very tricky.

One: Garden = FOOD.

Most families in the refugee community can only afford one meal per day. However, with a school garden, children and teachers would be able to have at least one meal at school. This would be huge! Also, money from excess crops could help with administrative costs such as teaching materials, books, supplies, etc.
Full bellies means better productivity. People cannot work at their maximum potential without the basics of food and water.

Two: Water, Water, Water.

You wouldn't think that clean water is a luxury the way we use it in the United States, but here in Uganda water is definitely that: a luxury! Most toilets, showers, and/or irrigation systems all use safe, drinkable water in the U.S. It is hard to get my head around that concept.

Three: Loans.
Being a banker's daughter I feel like I should have some pull and know some tricks, but the customer service here is NOTHING, especially compared to First Southern National Bank. Man I wish you guys ran a bank here!
But I am getting it. Meeting face to face, tracking people down, and being on top of people/officials here is VERY important work!

Now, to the frustrating part...where are these people? Where are these organizations that have access to funds? How do you get in touch with the organizations? I have found tons of organizations that claim to help communities with gardening grants and water initiatives and loans, but either they have run out of money, don't assit refugees, or don't have any contact information for me. Or they do have contact info and they won't get back to me. I feel like I am running in circles. This is when knowing people is SO HELPFUL! You have to get real names and addresses and phone numbers so that you can schedule face time to PLEAD your case and advocate for this community! We are steadily working on this, and some days are more frustrating than others....today just happens to be one of those days. We will not give up though. Just one of the realities of working in Africa. Patience is KEY, and I am always working on my patience!

Catching Up

(10/8)
We should hear back from InterAid today. We are all hoping for good news. Today is also the day that Annet and Jacob, teachers at Hope, are having a seminar in town about working with refugees. So that means that Mollie and I will be sitting in for them at school. Mollie will teach Annet's English classes and I will teach Jacob's math classes until noon. I'm a little nervous. I suppose because I don't want to look silly or incapable. What ego, huh? There is also the understanding I have with myself that by doing something I'm not completely comfortable with, then I will have the chance to grow.

They have midterm exams starting tomorrow. It is so interesting to see how two very different societies do the same things, midterms are midterms. Teachers were in the office separating tests into piles for each grade just as I can imagine my teachers have done a thousand times. But here there are less chairs, tables, floors, walls, hallways. We all learn the Pythagorean Theorem, but these students do it without running water. I don't mean to impose a judgment. We are all where we are and that's that. There is no sense in fighting against reality, but fighting for a better environment is certainly worth while. I am simply amazed at how similar in character we all are despite our situations here on earth.

Sharing Equally

(10/5)
*Mollie in front of the cooperative displaying one of the unique products of Kamba, the refugee cooperative. This bag is made of traditional bark cloth and cotton*
Today my good friends is another day to celebrate God's creation. I will try to look through eyes that see God's presence in everything today. If I don't remind myself, then I often forget to.

We went on an urgent mission yesterday to Kampala for fabrics and materials because the Kamba shop was invited to make a few sample items for a UNHCR forum for refugee initiatives. Mollie and I agreed to purchase the materials needed: linen, cotton, zippers, elastic, thread, and a coal iron. They worked very diligently late into the evening until the fading sun left us in total darkness. No electricity has its disadvantages, but then again work time was over.

Today there are a few finishing touches the members had to complete before our deadline of 12p.m. The UNHCR has a branch called InterAid that specifically helps refugees get access to financial services like loans. This forum will be an opportunity for the committee of InterAid to see Kamba's products and potentially give them the collateral they need to get a loan. This would be monumental for Kamba Cooperative. Yesterday evening I asked Jacques what his vision was for Kamba. He sees the potential for Kamba to be a busy textile shop displaying beautiful Kitenge fabrics to passing customers, A business hub for refugee women who move about the area selling Kamba's products door-to-door, but most importantly a center of commerce helping people lead productive lives.

All the members working last night were from the Democratic Republic of Congo. He helped me understand the dangers their lives were in, and the reality that comes with being a refugee: families separated, no work, lost from the comforts of their own things. Why would they chose to become refugees? He told me, "Not a day went by without hearing a bullet. Someone died everyday. This project gives them hope. When people are busy they can have hope." This is our mission here: to help people stay busy and in time build a sustainable solution to living a decent life with opportunity for the future.

What a privilege to be a part of this effort. It feels strange sometimes though like when they thank me for the money we've spent. I think I am supposed to feel righteous, or that perhaps that is what they think of me. But that is not the truth. We live in one world where we all have the chance to share with one another something of ourselves. We are equally giving and receiving, equal sharing. This is why we are here. Remember that.
-Jimbo

Happy 30th Birthday Katie!

I just wanted to take this moment to recognize my fabulous sister's 30th birthday!

Katie David Mendenhall is not only my sister, but my best friend and I would be lost in this world without her!

I wish I could celebrate with you sis, but know that I am thinking about you and sending you lots of love and birthday wishes from Kampala!

I love you so much.

Big is Big

Big Monday! Maybe because we made progress or maybe because I've finally shed at least a little bit of my fear and worry, my selfishness. The day began with calmness! The rain came in the morning and tapped on our metal roof to wake us up. There was no rush. Each drop said, relax. relax. When it was time to eat we ate, and when it was time to work we worked. When I'm selfishly living, I notice how unfriendly time can be, but yesterday time and I were buds. At Kamba, the co-ops' shop, we expected all 6 members to be there. We got 4, and that was okay. We could have waited but that would have been mean to my new buddy, Time. Progress? Really I mean we moved throughout the day accepting the way things were.

We began a pilot micro finance program where 2 members received 20,000 Ush ($10) to be repaid in 2 weeks without interest. I met joy in the process: the discussion, the questions, the willingness. My heart and mind were connected, and they created something brand new out of love for what can be. The second part of our day was spent researching how to acquire a bigger loan for Jacques and his cooperative. As we were on our way to church on Sunday, Mollie yells out, BRAC! She had seen a sign for BRAC's headquarters, which is a micro finance institution dedicated to eliminating poverty. What is so special about the sighting though is that finding anything in Kampala is like flipping the phone book open to the exact number you are looking for. Here there is no directory, no phone number, and no information, just luck. You can imagine our delight. To top off that pleasant suprise, when we went to speak with the loan officer, Rafiq, we were not immediately discouraged. So we will return for further inquiry next week.

I am going to keep a close eye on how I treat my new friend Time because yesterday felt really good.

Random Facts about Kampala

I thought that you might be interested in knowing a little more about what we see and encounter on a daily basis. I hope these random thoughts help you visualize where we live.

1. Matatus = Budget mini bus taxis that take you anywhere you need to go. One ride may cost 500 Ugandan shillings ($.025) or 1200 USh ($0.60). The matatus pack us in, though only 14 legally and semi-comfortably fit.

2. Money = Ugandan Shillings. 2000Ush is about one U.S. Dollar. A meal costs about 2000Ush. Food and services are very cheap here.

3. Mzungu = Mzungu means white person. "Hello Mzungu, how are you????!!!!!" or "Mzungu, Mzungu...Bye!!!" Children scream at the top of their lungs EVERY time they see us. No matter how discreet we are trying to be or how hard we are trying to blend in (almost impossible to do) the children always find us. And they have such big smiles and sweet hearts that you can't help but wave back and reply, "I am fine, How are you?" and so they reply and ask you again until you have passed.

4. African Internet = Slow, slow, slow. Practice patience because you will need it. As they say, a watched pot never boils. Same rules apply here...you can stare and click and hope and click some more, but you cannot speed up the service, so just slow down my friend. And if it begins to rain, just save your work before the power fails and come back later.

5. Food = Unfortunately, the truth is that people in my community do not have enough money to eat but 1 meal (usually dinner)...possibly 2 meals if they are lucky...a day. But typical food consists of boiled or fried bananas, mashed bananas, cassava, or sweet potatoes served with greens, rice and beans, or rice with beef/pork/or chicken (if you have money. Eggs too, but only if you have money as they are $0.20 an egg. We eat bananas and peanut butter for breakfast, and for lunch and dinner: typical food or spaghetti with vegetables - eggplant, green peppers, onion or rice and beans or omlettes.

6. The air = Dusty, smokey, and clouds of diesel. We do live in the capital city, so obviously air quality is worse/more severe here than in smaller villages and other parts of Uganda. (We hope!)

7. Toilets = We are lucky because we have the only flushing toilet in the area. However, ALL other toilets are holes in cement. You must squat, and when I say squat, I mean all the way down.

8. Body Odor = Well, you know what this is, but you have no idea how intense until you come to Africa. There is is constant cloud of b.o. that blankets the people here, including us every so often...especially Jimbo :)

9. The Language = The local language is Luganda, but people in our community (refugees) speak Swahili and/or French. Lucky for us, almost everyone speaks some English.

10. The People = I love the people here. Everyone is so friendly and helpful and curious to know what we are doing here in Kampala. I cannot say enough about the people in my community though. These refugees are TRUE SURVIVORS and they give me so much inspiration and hope!

Mind Races

Thoughts and thoughts and thoughts. I wanted to bang my head against the wall this afternoon to make them be quite. Control has me messed up right now. It is a symptom of a developed society. I am spoiled, and as I try to involve myself here in Uganda, in Africa, I get frustrated and overly anxious about the things I want to accomplish which turns quickly into defeat. But I know that frustration is just a thought, and I could just as easily feel wonder. I mean I am working with a cooperative of refugees in Uganda on learning how to tie fly-fishing hooks. What isn't there to be amazed about. As I write, Jacques is teaching each one of the members the procedures of tying this fly. With patience and proper support, they seem to be having success. What courage they have to listen to me and to try something so new and completely foreign. I get caught up in my own ideas of success that I forget to see how successful we have all already been.

It really seems like we are doing what we have set out to do. Some evenings though people we meet ask us if we would take them back with us to America. My mind gets lost and my heart has a hard time holding it together when people seem desperate. Carry a light heart, Mollie reminded me. Cherish the opportunity you have to be here with them discovering how it feels to be from somewhere else. Opening my heart and mind was always the only objective, but my thoughts can be very distracting, and all I can do is let them in and then let them go.

Oh and by the way Go Dawgs!!!