Trained and Equipped

WOW I can not believe that it has already been two weeks sense arriving in Uganda. And yet, two more weeks of training and then I go on outreach to teach and train pastors.

In classes, I have been so enlightened, equipped, and trained. This week, I have learned all about learning styles (how individuals take in info differently), different styles of how info is stored in each individual’s brains, as well as the different styles of how info is then repeated or used. This has enlightened me to know how to teach in such a way that each person’s mind is fully engaged, comprehending and focusing on my teaching to its fullest capabilities.

Secondly, we have learned about how to teach to oral communicators. Oral communicators are usually illiterate as well as from cultures who tell stories to teach. With that being said, I have been learning to become a STORY TELLER. Everybody loves stories, especially Africans. Saturday night, we had a bon fire guess what the entertainment was at the fire. STORIES passed down from African tribes to the generation today. This is the standard I have to meet. I have begun telling stories and have learned to thoroughly enjoy it.

On top of becoming a story teller, I am learning to be a teacher. I have given a 45 min practice teaching (teaching inductive method). On Monday, I will give another (practice) sermon. On Sunday, I am going to church. I was asked to teach, but considering the fact that I have never even had the opportunity to go to church in Uganda yet, I have decided to teach next Sunday. This Sunday, I will build relationships, learn my audience, and learn how they do church in Uganda. (This is my plan, but often they like to surprise Americans by calling them up to preach anyway so I will be prepared with a sermon anyway). 

As I said at the beginning, we have 2 more weeks before we finish with our training and go on outreach to teach. There are a few Ugandan’s in my class who would like to go on outreach with us as well. They have completed all of the bible courses and training that I have. They have so much to offer as they understand the culture, have had experiences that relate so well with the people, (such as being abducted by the LRA [A rebel army lead by Joseph Koney who raided Uganda killing thousands). These people are not able to raise support like Americans can. They are from poverty stricken villages and can not come up with the money but God has called them to teach truth to people who have had the same experiences. Please consider donating for them to go on outreach with us as Uganda is so hungry for teachers of the word.

WHAT IS IT LIKE IN AFRICA?

As I write this, it is raining outside. Infact, it has been raining for the past 18.5 hours with out letting up at all. Now I know what “rainy season means”.

Laundry is done by hand. It took me 2 hours to hand wash 2 American/washing machine size loads of laundry. At the end of it, my hands were raw and blistered.

When I sleep, there are bugs crawling on me all the time.

Chickens walk through the (indoor) kitchen.

Cooking is done over a earthen stove with a fire inside (something you would see in an Indian hut when the mayflower came over).

The people are extremely hospitable. If you go to a person’s house (even if their house is 5 sq feet, they will do everything in their power (even borrow from neighbors and go into debt to them) to feed you and show hospitality.

The people are extremely friendly. Yesterday, I was walking down the road by myself. I came to 2 boys, I had never met before, and they said hello and gave me a hug. I chatted a bit and walked further, then the preschool had just let out and about 10 toddlers came running full speed toward me with their arms wide open. I did not know what was happening until they reached me and all of them gave me a great big group hug and would not let go. I am still a bit confused as to what the hugs were fore because then other people from Colorado came walking behind me and they did not hug them, just said hello.

PRAYER REQUESTS

• Every student gets their money for outreach as well as extra so we can serve the communities we go to.
• I fell yesterday as I was running from the storm that was as black as night. I hurt my knee and walking is now difficult. Pray for quick recovery and against infection (I have many gashes and scrapes all over).
• Continue to pray for those villages that we will have an opportunity to bring teaching to. They are very hungry for the word.
• Continue to pray for grace for all of us as teachers that the Holy Spirit would help us. Some of us have been experiencing spiritual conflict as the enemy has resolved to hinder and stop the word from going out.
• As I pray where I am to go on outreach, continue to pray that God would guide me to the right place with the right team members (as the 9 of us are splitting into 2 teams to impact about 7 villages in Uganda). 

PLEASE IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS, PLEASE LET ME KNOW. I CAN PERSONALLY EMAIL YOU OR ADD IT IN THE NEXT BLOG.