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Thursday, 22 January 2009 11:33 |
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I wrote in a journal almost everyday in high school and college, and continuously compose papers as a perpetual student, but have yet to figure out how to consistently blog, which involves the elusive skill (or art?) of expressing in words the wonders of everyday life in a meaningful way. This year, I have resolved to tackle this enigmatic e-discipline. This year is our last year in Uganda. Here, among our teammates, who are are being challenged and changed in similar ways, and with our Ugandan friends and co-workers, who have become woven into the fabric of our family, we have learned about faith and life in community, and we have been shaped and continue to be shaped as a family. I have been unable, so far, to put into words what this looks like and what it means to us (which is why visits from family and friends are so special), and am uncertain whether I'll miraculously acquire this ability. So I am going to try to write so that I can remember:
how my children have embraced Uganda and how they fill our home with life,
the incredible places we find ourselves - along the banks of the Nile River, traversing Mount Elgon, camping on Hairy Lemon Island, walking through villages in Busoga, and playing in our own backyard!
rummaging through local and national archives conducting research for my recently begun PhD in history,
working on a team of talented people that I trust and respect,
the people I encounter everyday in Jinja: missionaries representing many different groups, expats from all over the world, and of course, Ugandans from all walks of life. (If you live here, chances are you have a good story),
and Life with Lori! There is no other person on earth whose words and presence shape who I am and how I experience life, which is something better expressed than assumed! |
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Thursday, 28 August 2008 05:11 |
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Tom Ngobi entered into our lives over three years ago, when we met on a stormy night in Bugaya, where Lori, Luke, and me "bonded" for the first time in an African village. From that moment God drew Tom and our family into a special relationship, that took an exciting turn last week when Tom arrived in our hometown in Rochester, MI where he will "bond" with our family and friends during the next four years while studying at Rochester College. The plane that transported Tom out of Uganda for the first time in his life carried more than his plans and dreams, it carried our friendship across an ocean and allowed our worlds to converge in a unique and special way.
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Friday, 23 November 2007 13:15 |
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It is the uncommon privilege of a father of four to embark on multi-day adventures. With my family in the States for a month to share Tessa with family and friends, I seized on the opportunity to tackle Uganda's Mount Elgon again, this time with two of my closest Ugandan friends, Richard Bazonoona and Tom Ngobi, and reunited with the guide of my first trip, Fred Kipsang. Our itinerary: six days, five nights, and four camps along the Sasa and Sipi trails covering a total of 54 Miles, including the summit, Wagagai which stands at 14,259 feet, the fourth highest peak in East Africa. For those who prefer only pictures to these thousand words you can link directly to the photo album. To share life on the trail with me, read on!
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Welcome to Buzaaniro Village! |
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Friday, 27 July 2007 06:50 |
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Buzaaniro, Lusoga for "Place to Play," is our recently finished backyard playworld on which our children and their friends can release their imaginations. Building Buzaaniro, however, was actually a cultural learning experience for me, from collecting local materials, communicating seemingly bazaar ideas during construction, to continually explaining what Buzaaniro is to my Ugandan friends.
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Page 2 of 3 |
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This is a place where worlds meet words - my hopeful attempt to explore the almost infinite interaction of people, places, ideas, and cultures that fill God's creation, preferrably accompanied by a cup of coffee. An ongoing conversation emerges that is nurtured and shaped by many voices in my life. Sit and join me for a while...
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Mark's Table