I was in Africa when Bill’s Alive Day came around this year. It seemed a bit odd to be so far away of marking such a significant event in our lives. We celebrate the day each year on Feb. 2nd, when 31 years ago the accident that should have killed my husband, didn’t. It was … Continue reading Cleansing Tears
Uganda
Shake, Rattle, and Roll
As far as I can tell there are not many traffic laws in Uganda. It seems to me, the walkers have the outer edges of the roadway, then the bikes are right beside them. Just inside the bikes are the bota botas (motorbikes), and next to them the cars. The closest to the middle of … Continue reading Shake, Rattle, and Roll
The Children Are Watching
How do you lead a literacy conference without books? That was our question going into our second teacher workshop at Hope Primary School. Last year’s conference brought with it evidence that the teachers themselves were not very strong readers. In fact, the illiteracy rate in South Sudan is over 80%. Remember, most of these conference … Continue reading The Children Are Watching
Humble Prayers
There is something about hearing a refugee pray which humbles my heart. Their prayers are so genuine, so heartfelt, that sometimes my eyes tear up. I doubt that if I was in their place I could be as grateful as they are. They thank God for their safety, and I wonder if they are safe … Continue reading Humble Prayers
Why Have You Come?
My eyes are wide and deep as pools. When you look at me they are the first thing you see. They have wisdom beyond my years, because I have seen much in my short life. They have seen more than I can understand. War makes no sense to me, only running from war. Now I … Continue reading Why Have You Come?
Blessing for Teachers
The blessing we gave to the teachers at the end of the conference... We bless your mind, and proclaim you have the mind of Christ in all your work.You will think on things above and have positive thoughts which reflect His ways. We bless your vision to see your students in God’s image. You … Continue reading Blessing for Teachers
A Day in the Life
My alarm either startles me awake, or I get up an hour before it goes off. The determining factor of which way I start my day is complex. If the electricity is on the night before so the fan runs, if the noise outside my window ends before 2 in the morning, if the heat … Continue reading A Day in the Life
The Nuts and Bolts
So, how do teacher conferences happen in refugee camps? I’m glad you asked. It is quite a process to be honest. Not just anyone can go into the camps. There must be a sponsoring organization who is registered with the UN. Since my friend Uche partnered with the Church of Uganda to work towards their mutual goals. On … Continue reading The Nuts and Bolts
Life is in the Blood
I just woke up, in my African room, from a dream…one of my former students was in the hospital for some medicine. This particular student had significant trauma in her life while I was her teacher. In the dream, I was the one giving the meds directly into her vein. (I assure you this was … Continue reading Life is in the Blood
Across Days and Above Time
Allowing 3 hours to get through security during the government shutdown was recommended. Being the rule follower that I am, and being averse to running through airports to catch planes, I arrived 3 ½ hours early to be on the safe side. Ten minutes after arriving I was through all check points and at my … Continue reading Across Days and Above Time
Michelle's Mosaic 