A Scandalous Grace

Somewhere along the way of my time here in Africa, I stopped doing the one thing I came here for. The environment in which I was working began to look a lot more like questioning rules and policy, and a lot less like showing love.

I needed to let go of the “laws” that were overwhelming my days. I spent some time looking at what Jesus says in the bible about laws, and settled in on the all too familiar verses in Mark 12:28-34.

“Of all the commandments, which is the most important? The most important one, Jesus answered, is this: Love the Lord your God will all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. The second is this: Love your neighbor as yourself. There is no commandment greater than these.”

My extra little bible notes tell me that at this time, the Jews had, by historical count, over 613 laws. 613 things to do, or not to do. But a list of rules isn’t what following Jesus is about.

Following Jesus is as simple as loving Him, and loving others. That’s it.

And boy do we (I) get it wrong so often. With our hypocrisy. And judgment. And actions. And our holding too tightly to rules that hurt others instead of love others. It’s a wonder anyone would want to follow God with us misrepresenting Him all the time.

But what if we started living life through the filter of “love God and love others”? Crazy thought, I know, but just hear me out. What would happen? We’d love more? People would love us more? I’d be okay with that, wouldn’t you?

Choose love, folks.
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One of my favorite things about my time here has been meeting new people. I’ve had the privilege to work alongside some amazing, God-fearing people within the AIM organization. The stories they tell from their 25+ years on the field are inspiring and at times, down right unbelievable.

And then there is the special group of girls that I got to know over the past two months – you can read about our adventures on Safari here.

But then there is this other group of people out there. Other “westerners” who you pass on the street, or on a boda. Most of the time, you just acknowledge each other with a head nod or a smile while passing. A silent recognition that you’re aware neither of you are from here. But where are they from? What’s their story?

I had a lazy day planned at a pool nearby. When I walked in, I noticed a couple with two small children in the pool. It was just us there, and it’s not a big pool, so you’re within talking distance. I heard them speak and knew they were American. The kids were so cute splashing around, so I offered to take a few photos of them while they were playing.

Photos turned into stories. The couple has been here for 5/6 weeks working on the adoption of the two boys. But the process actually started 2 years ago! You guys know how difficult it’s been for me to get my Visa here, just imagine how difficult it is to adopt from here.

Adoption regulations have been increased all over the world given the child trafficking problems out there (and rightfully so). So, this couple, and countless others, spend their time in the system working towards the goal of taking their children home with them.

It’s such an honor to be surrounded by people with such big hearts. People who want to do good. People who love out loud. People who see the world differently, and set out to change it.

Tiffany and Derek, will stay here till they can take their boys (Coco and Lulu) home with them to Seattle. So, I thought that on this Mother’s Day, we could add this sweet family to our prayers.

Happy First Mother’s Day to all my friends back home with little ones, and to Tiffany on her first mother’s day with her boys. And a special little love to my own mom!

You can read more about my mom here…
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Notifications from the countries where people have been when they’ve read my blog. Certainly a blessing to have friends all over the world.

Hello there. I do hope you are doing well.

I wanted to update you all on my Visa situation here in Uganda. As of today, I am still Visa-less. After submitting the paperwork in December, and then being deferred, and held up, and waiting – the board has asked for a copy of my contract with AIM. This is also the same contract that was submitted previously, and lost. But, I will turn the signed contract back into them next week, and hopefully with a little bit of luck and prayers, this will be the final step in the Visa journey.

It will be a welcomed sense of peace for me.

Last Sunday I took a taxi, filled with 18 people, to Entebbe to visit my friends. I spent the hour ride just sitting – not thinking about anything. Before – I was worried where I needed to get off. If my bag was going to be stolen.  What that smell was. Why was I so hot. Why wasn’t there air conditioning. Could we possibly fit anyone else on here. Yes, we can fit more people because someone is now sitting on me.

I’ve become aware that I am a victim of time. And as time does with most thing-you start to settle down. The excitement wears off. The once amusing happenings of the day have turned into normalcy.

And you start to realize that you actually can make it on your own. Anywhere. Honey, you’ve already been doing it for 4 months, going on 5…

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Hey friends – I wanted to introduce you to a couple of friends of mine here in Kampala. First up, we have Christine!

Christine and I met one of my first days here at church. We have slowly become dear friends. I asked her a couple of questions while we were at dinner last night…

A: What is your favorite thing about Uganda?
C: I love the weather here. And I know it’s my home, but I love the people – they are so nice!

A: If you could visit anywhere in the world, where would you go?
C: Switzerland!
A: Why Switzerland?
C: Because it’s very green and I’m interested in it. And also Dublin, Ireland.
A: I want to go to Ireland!
C: We could go together.

A: If you could tell my friends and family back home something, anything, what would it be?
C: Not to take anything for granted.
A: Any reason why that?
C: Yes, people who have families take not having a family for granted. Like me, it is very hard to not have a biological family.

A: What is your favorite meal, or foods?
C: Almonds.
A: Almonds!?
C: Yes, almonds. Because you can’t get them here. And the thing I can have with every meal and not complain is french beans.
A: You know you can put almonds IN your beans?
C: Oh, I would love to eat that!

A: What would you tell Americans about Africa?
C: I don’t know how they perceive Africa, so I don’t know. But I’d like to know what they think of it.

A: Okay, well what do you think about America?
C: Well, on the one hand, the ones I’ve met have a lot of self confidence. And you can be whatever you want in America. But, I think Americans want to be in control of everything.

She sends her greetings to you all. And so do I! Also – I told her that I’d share with her your responses on what Americans think of Africa. So, don’t be shy!

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One day a week I am going to start working over at one of our partner organizations. In June it’ll be more of a full time position.

Today was my first day. The morning started with singing. One of the staff played a keyboard that had keys that light up when they were played. We sang two songs in English – but had a lot more clapping and moving than I’m used to. And then one was sung in Luganda, or at least I assume it was Luganda. I had chills. I just love hearing people praise God in another language.

The rest of the day was spent learning the organization, and taking a tour of the facility. It’s an organization that works with street kids, and during a tour of the facility, I  saw the shoe shown above.

I often wonder how the “one shoe” ends up where it does. And why the person doesn’t come back looking for it. And I thought about this shoe – and the tiny one that it belonged to and the stories that child could share.

Excited to work alongside this organization.
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March got away from me and I missed my book report, but am happy to bring you April’s book: Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers.

The first time I remember hearing about it was back in my BLC small group – so 2006/7 ish maybe? Several friends suggested I read it. I went to Kenya and one of the girls was reading it. I know myself well enough to know that if everyone else likes something, I will question it. So I never read it – or wanted to.

And then the book crept back into conversations in August of last year. So, I asked around for a copy to read and my friend,  Jill had an extra copy that she gave me. (It smells of her apartment and reminds me of her everytime I open it.) The book sat in a stack of other books I wanted to read in the corner of my room. For whatever reason, I brought it with me to Uganda, still a little reluctant about the story.

I started it on a Thursday night. And finished it Saturday morning. I could NOT put it down. And when I got to the end, I had those hysterical, embarrassing tears that you don’t want anyone to see you cry.

It’s a love story set in the late 1800s, based on the book of Hosea. The words jump off the page and the characters are brought to life – dancing, stumbling, seeking God. And you see a woman who doesn’t feel worthy of love because of her mistakes. And a man who tells her those mistakes aren’t who she is.

Each chapter begins with a note, or verse that goes along with the chapter: “The prince of darkness is a gentleman” by William Shakespeare, or this one in Romans:

After finishing the story, I couldn’t help but flip to Hosea in the bible and read through again the story of God’s powerful love for sinful people. And just like the incident with the lion – reading the words takes on new meaning for me now. Not only the unfailing love of God when I am wayward, but also for Hosea’s obedience to God in doing something that would bring him pain. Which, seems to be a common theme for me this year.

I think this book would be a good read for anyone, but just understand that bible verses are woven into the story. You don’t have to read into it as much as I did. And to be fair, halfway through the story, the main female character’s name changes to Amanda – so I was probably going to internalize the words anyways. If your name isn’t Amanda, you may not have this problem.  :D

Got any books you would suggest as a good read? Want to borrow this book? Let me know!
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