Laura4Literacy

A Thank You to Our Soldiers from Children's voices

2009-11-11T18:44:52-06:00

So often we can say "Thank You" and the words fall off our tongue too easily. Out of the innocence of children, though, the words are more heartfelt.

On this day, a tribute to our Soldiers, let the childrens' voices ring true to all of our thoughts of appreciation.

Let the Children Sing - One More Time

2009-11-07T18:22:29-06:00

Snapshot (more like a video) of a Memory #12

It's been over three months since my return from Africa. Some memories are still so fresh that just a brief recall brings tears to my eyes. Others need to be resurfaced as I either scrapbook my photos or talk with others about my experiences.

I've had two conversations that continue to haunt me. Both of them included getting back to the "normal" routine of life. Even though both of these individuals were forever changed by Africa, the images and feelings fade a bit into the background a life's daily requirements suck up all the energy we have.

My challenge to all the sponsors who I traveled with and all those who are following my blog and supporting my cause of literacy for Africa is this :

We Cannot let the Children Slip Onto the Backburners of Our Minds!

In an attempt to remind you of the remarkable little souls we encountered, I will let them tell you what they are looking for - Sing my little ones!

Compassion sponsor trip July 2009

The Resourcefulness of Ugandan Women

2009-11-02T16:30:00-06:00

Snapshot of a Memory: #11

So answer me this - What do you do with your magazines after you're done reading them? If you are a Ugandan woman, you make bracelets and necklaces out of them, of course. This pictures shows a rather remarkable use of such a disposable commodity.

Day One of our Uganda trip we were introduced to resilient women at the Child Survival Program (CSP) Project in Kampala. Among many other products they make to help them support their families, I was fascinated how they could take strips of magazine paper and make these beautiful pieces of jewelry.

As willing students, we watched as the women took the long strips and tightly rolled them into beads. With a straight needle to start the process, our patient teachers guided us as we "tried" to roll these very small beads together. The ends were so small that it was difficult to keep it all together.

Trust me - It is much more difficult than it appears!

This painstaking act of love is one these women have mastered. Their jewelry is lovely. I purchased a green choker for myself and have received many compliments on it. I absolutely love my necklace! This piece of jewelry is priceless to me. It is a physical manifestation of a mother's ability to use any and all resources at her disposal to provide for her family.

For more information on the CSP or Compassion's work, please visit their website.

Roommate in Uganda - Friend for Life!

2009-09-28T20:44:20-05:00

Snapshot of a Memory #10

This was my roommate in Uganda. Her name is Rachel. She found me on facebook (I know, but this is proof that good things come out of facebook) and we started communicating before we actually met face-to-face.

Since we had already "met" online, our initial meeting in London was effortless. We were already friends. We are both teachers. We both love the Lord, life, and children deeply. God had appointed us to be together.

Little did I know how close we would become from spending 10 days together. She was my strength from day one of our trip. During a home visit, I almost broke down and cried from the despair a 19 year old girl has to face every day of her life. All I said was "Rachel?" and she grabbed my hand. From her touch, I drew a breath and lived in the moment of this lovely young lady instead of imagining her loss.

Every morning of our trip, she opened a letter her husband had written before she left. I looked forward to what delights he hoped for her. Every night, we journaled side by side, reliving the day's events, trying to process sights and sounds that would be with us for months to come. In those quiet nights, we shared joys and sorrows that I still hold deep within my heart.

Funny - we grew so close that our leader called us by each other's name. It got to be quite the joke. I was honored!

Rachel is an amazing soul. This picture shows her in her giftedness. She lives in a state of openheartedness and loving maturity. Her quiet strength is only matched by her need to serve others.

I love this picture because the woman in the purple dress tried as hard as she could to get me to cackle like all of the Ugandan women do. I, however, sounded like a dying hyena. All of the villagers laughed at me when I tried this amazing call. The next day, Rachel rips out this phenomenal cackle just like the Ugandan women. I think she was just as amazed as we were of her new-found talent.

Of all the memories I cherish of Rachel, one stands out above them all - the moment we made a mosquito go into "time out." It can't possible be funny to the reader, but let me tell you, at 11:00 pm at night, it was hilarious!

Thank you Rachel for your love, support and friendship!

Compassion trip 2009

Swarming Greeting!

2009-09-23T14:05:46-05:00

Snapshot of a Memory: # 9

I found a couple of good things about twisting my ankle on a group trip - I not only get the best seat on the bus, but I could be the first one off at times. This was one of those times.

Every greeting from a project was different, yet deliberate. This one was not. As we approached our last project, only a few children were visible near the road. But when we stopped at the project, hundreds of children ran to us from all directions like locusts flying to crops. They were simply glad we were there. Their joy superceded their formality for visitors.

As I climbed out of the bus, I was literally swarmed by smiling faces. (This is part of my trip I had dreamed of for months prior to my trip). With my arms stretched out, I roughly had 30 kids holding on to me. They began chanting something in their tribal language. It had such a nice rhythm, I started jumping to it (I know - with a bummed foot - I was jumping on one leg, ok?). Before long, the children and I were jumping in unison.

In that brief moment, I was alone in Uganda with my new friends.

Compassion trips change perspectives of life and love.

If you Survive, you get Treated!

2009-09-15T19:00:00-05:00

Snapshot of a Memory: #8

When you're sick, you simply call your doctor, get some medication and take it until the symptoms subside, right? What if 800 people you knew also wanted that same medication that accommodated roughly 30 people? Then what?

This picture is the medication room of the clinic that supplies medication for 800 children in one of the projects we visited. In the room next to this was four children with IV drips being treated for Malaria.

Having a strong medical background, I talked with the clinic's doctor about the need versus the distribution of medication. He shared with me news that still haunts me today. He told me the students receive treatment for Malaria every OTHER time they are infected. Yes, read that sentence again.

My thought - "What about the times when they do not receive treatment?"

Compassion trip July 2009

Bringing Books to Uganda

2009-09-11T19:00:00-05:00

Snapshot of a Memory: #7

One of my major goals in going to Africa was to enhance awareness of the educational materials needed in developing areas. As a bonus, I was able to bring a crate full of books with me to pass out. My perfect plan fell apart when I actually got to hand out books.

As soon as I handed the first book to a child, others saw and came running over. With arms outstretched and chanting "Auntie please" to me, I realized I would not be able to accommodate all of their sweet requests with the books I brought.

After just a few books were distributed, I ended up giving the stack I took that day to the project worker. He tried to tell the ones who did not receive books that the ones he had were meant for all the students to enjoy. That seemed to ease their desire. I watched as they huddled together and began to read. My heart swelled with delight!

My lesson: At the next project, I immediately presented the entire stack to the project director to add to their educational resources.

My goal of bringing literacy to Africa has only begun after seeing the joy of these kids as they engage in books. My dream is to connect with like-minded individuals to see how far I can take this awesome challenge.

I have already started collecting more educational materials for my next shipment. I have no idea when or how it will take place, but one this is certain - I will see to it that it does. These children deserve the same chances to grow in knowledge as children in developed countries. It is both my burden and my joy.

Compassion trip July 2009

In my Sweet Spot - Teaching!

2009-09-09T12:34:21-05:00

Snapshot of a Memory: #6

The only thing better than being in Uganda with the children, was being able to teach a lesson there.

As the teacher and other adults watched on, I took a lesson from a writing class I took and taught it to these eager students. It was a lesson about the things we have in our hearts and what we are thankful for.

With words and pictures, these students conveyed gratitude for rain, crops, family, education, friends, Jesus, etc.

There was no mention of Wii or Ipods. Their hearts were pure with the simple appreciation of LIFE. As a learner, I learned a very important lesson that day - hide in your heart the things that really matter.

Seriously, when was the last time your heart swelled as you drove past a field of crops?

If you are interested in giving the gift of education to a child in need, please visit Compassion's website.

Majestic Magnificence in the Midst of Paranoia

2009-08-22T19:00:00-05:00

Snapshot of a Memory #5

While traveling to Northern Uganda, we were told that we would pass over the Nile River. Yeah, I know - that's what I thought. THE NILE RIVER!! Scrambling for my camera, the next words out of our guide's mouth was, "Keep your camera put away. If the guards see them, they will confiscate them."

OK - hold on a second.

Why would they not want people to take pictures of this historic, scripturally dominate river?

Apparently the Ugandan Government is afraid the bridge might be jeopardized because this is a major thoroughfare between Southern and Northern Uganda. There are two armed guards (with rifles, mind you!) keeping vigil over the bridge at all times. So we passed right over it, without a single picture.

On the way back, our driver stopped and ask these rifle wielding and extremely serious gentlemen if we could stop to take pictures. Favor on our side, we were granted our request.

Standing over the Nile River was an exhilarating experience for me. Thoughts of Moses, the Pharoah, and God's people being freed flooded my mind. In that moment, the Bible was alive and flowing through me.

The roar of the Karuma Falls penetrated the peaceful surroundings. We all took pictures with a sense of reverence for the river. I left peaceful because I had experienced the Mighty Nile, in all it's magnificence.

Compassion trip July 2009

The Universal Language of Children

2009-08-19T20:31:30-05:00

Snapshot of a Memory #4

Notice children in the park. They immediately communicate with one another through play. Usually, very few words are spoken. They simply begin a game.

This was my strategy in Africa. It was less of a conscience effort as it was a natural way to break down cultural barriers and allow the kids to feel at ease.

Games with strong body gestures required no need for primary language. We simply played.

Baby Girl and I took every opporunity to leave the appropriateness of the adults' scheduled activities to participate in the spontaneity of play with children. From the Hokey Pokey (picture on the left) to concentrated hand games (BTW - She totally beat me at it!), playful games provided ways to connect to one another in ways that language barriers could not traverse.

A child-like heart and a need to connect gave us ways to commuicate in the universal language children still practice. - playful games. Where did we lose that sense of fun in our ever-so-serious world of adulthood?

See Compassion's website here.