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From January through May 2011, I will be serving as an intern at Bread for the World in Washington DC. Specifically, I will be working at Bread for the World Institute, Bread for the World's policy and research arm, on the 2012 Hunger Report about food and farm policy.
Mission: "Bread for the World is a collective Christian voice urging our nation’s decision makers to end hunger at home and abroad."
Websites: bread.org, bread.org/institute, hungerreport.org
Monday, January 24, 2011
Non-Governmental Organizations based in the US
In September, I did something incredibly dorky. My friend, Kristen, and I took an East Coast road trip, which could be summed up as: Tour de Lutheran. I did try to set up meetings with other organizations, but I ended up focusing mostly on Lutheran organizations, since I didn’t know where else to start in the hundreds of NGOs on the East Coast and these organizations quickly responded back to two Lutherans. The tour served two main purposes: after learning a lot about Lutheran and NGO efforts in South Africa, we wondered what do Lutheran institutions in the US do and should I pursue working on the East Coast, specifically in Washington DC. Kristen and I met with a representative from each of the organizations listed below that include the mission statement; I spoke with a representative with the rest of the organizations throughout the last four months. To learn more about the ELCA’s advocacy efforts, visit: elca.org/advocacy . If you would like more information on my meetings with representatives from the organizations, I would appreciate talking with you further.
Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Services
Mission: "Witnessing to God’s love for all people, we stand with and advocate for migrants and refugees, transforming communities through ministries of service and justice."
Website: lirs.org
Lutheran Services in America
Mission: “Lutheran Services in America creates opportunities with people in thousands of communities throughout the United States and the Caribbean as an alliance of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, The Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod, and their over 300 health and human service organizations.”
Website: lutheranservices.org
Lutheran World Relief
Mission: “Affirming God’s love for all people, we work with Lutherans and partners around the world to end poverty, injustice and human suffering.”
Website: lwr.org
Lutheran Office for World Community
Mission: "The primary task of the Lutheran Office for World Community is to gather information of interest and concern to Lutheran churches worldwide, including the ELCA, and utilize it in the church's social ministry response."
Website: elca.org/Our-Faith-In-Action/Justice/Advocacy/Advocacy-Ministries/Lutheran-Office-for-World-Community.aspx
ELCA Washington Office: elca.org/Our-Faith-In-Action/Justice/Advocacy/Advocacy-Ministries/ELCA-Washington-Office.aspx
Bread for the World: bread.org
Lutheran Office for Public Policy in Wisconsin: loppw.org
Lutheran Social Services of Wisconsin and Upper Michigan: lsswis.org
Project Promise – A Fox Cities Poverty Coalition: projectpromisefoxcities.org
Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Services
Mission: "Witnessing to God’s love for all people, we stand with and advocate for migrants and refugees, transforming communities through ministries of service and justice."
Website: lirs.org
Lutheran Services in America
Mission: “Lutheran Services in America creates opportunities with people in thousands of communities throughout the United States and the Caribbean as an alliance of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, The Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod, and their over 300 health and human service organizations.”
Website: lutheranservices.org
Lutheran World Relief
Mission: “Affirming God’s love for all people, we work with Lutherans and partners around the world to end poverty, injustice and human suffering.”
Website: lwr.org
Lutheran Office for World Community
Mission: "The primary task of the Lutheran Office for World Community is to gather information of interest and concern to Lutheran churches worldwide, including the ELCA, and utilize it in the church's social ministry response."
Website: elca.org/Our-Faith-In-Action/Justice/Advocacy/Advocacy-Ministries/Lutheran-Office-for-World-Community.aspx
ELCA Washington Office: elca.org/Our-Faith-In-Action/Justice/Advocacy/Advocacy-Ministries/ELCA-Washington-Office.aspx
Bread for the World: bread.org
Lutheran Office for Public Policy in Wisconsin: loppw.org
Lutheran Social Services of Wisconsin and Upper Michigan: lsswis.org
Project Promise – A Fox Cities Poverty Coalition: projectpromisefoxcities.org
A Favorite Quote
“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, and fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small doesn’t serve the world. There’s nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We are born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It’s not just in some of us; it’s in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.” – Marianne Williamson, quoted by Nelson Mandela in a speech
Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) based in Tanzania
John, a fellow YAGM volunteer, and I traveled around Tanzania for two and a half weeks. A main purpose for this journey was to see how a few NGOs function in a Less Developed Country and, as I love spending time in other cultures, I wondered if the people would want a person from the US in their community. The people warmly welcomed us, but many competent people from the community could better perform the jobs I would be interested in doing since they were a part of the culture and the people. I would probably be more effective working among my people in the US. While in Tanzania, we primarily stayed in a northern city of Arusha. We chose Tanzania, and specifically Arusha, because Arusha is the home of a vast amount of NGOs and we could travel to Tanzania without many prior concrete connections and make Lutheran connections while there; the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania (ELCT) has more members than the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). For more information, please look at the websites or I'll happily share more stories!
Maasai Women Development Organization (MWEDO)
MWEDO staff welcomed us and generously gave of their time. The first day, Haika, Scolastica, and Ndinini, the director of MWEDO, shared with us about their organization and their relations with Americans, which you may read sound bites of below. On Saturday, Diana and Solomon accompanied us to Longido to meet a community of Maasai. The Maasai women and children welcomed us with lively song, kind words, and sweet tea. Although we could say little more than “ashe”, meaning “thank you” in Maa, I felt deeply connected to the soulful Maasai women.
Mission: “MWEDO aims to work towards the empowerment of disadvantaged Maasai women economically, politically, culturally and socially through implementing activities in Education, Economic Empowerment, HIV/AIDS, advocacy and promotion of human rights within the Maasai community.”
Websites: http://www.maasaiwomentanzania.org/
http://www.youtube.com/user/maasaiwomeneducation
To support the Maasai craft: learn more at the “Maasai Women Fair Trade Centre” tab, located on the upper bar of their website. Purchase Maasai crafts, including jewelry, leather, and home décor, at www.globalgoodspartners.org.
Sound Bytes
Ndinini Kimesera Sikar, Executive Director of MWEDO
“If you want to do anything in this country, you have to go to the communities.”
“The moment you are in this world you learn so much.” – On how people know so much without formal education
“People are the same everywhere.”
“We need to learn from each other.”
Scolastika Porokuia, a staff member at MWEDO
“The Americans are very good friends of the Maasai.” – Describing Americans as open and that Americans share information that helps others change for the better
“We [Maasai] can’t change our own level of capacities without help from the outside.”
“One day they [Maasai] can stand on their own and do their own things in a better way and level.”
“They [some Maasai] do not know there is a better life until they see a better life.”
The gracious and humble Maasai taught me about how looking for the soul in each person makes life better.
Maasai Visions Organization (Induat E Maa)
Thomas, a staff member, escorted John and me from Arusha to Maasai Visions Organization’s office. From the moment we arrived, Luca, the organization’s director, and Thomas’ shared their passion for their fellow Maasai and their organization’s efforts. Luca and Thomas answered our questions with endless energy.
Mission: “Our mission is to rehabilitate the destroyed Maasai land ecosystems, protect and educate communities on sustainable use of environmental resources, and provide the necessary support for the social, economic, and cultural development of communities within dry land ecosystems.”
Website: http://www.maasaivisions.org/
Sound Bytes
Luca Rikoyan, General Director of Maasai Visions Organization
“We know where we come from and we know the needs of the community.” – Responding to why they started the organization
“The benefit of education to me is the same as the benefit of education to you.”
“We [the Maasai] have been left behind for so many years.” – Referring to the Maasai’s lack of rights
“You are a slave in your own home.” – Referring to the Maasai’s conditions living under national governments
“What I have in my heart I can tell you.”
The School of St Jude
John and I had worked in South African schools during our year of service, so we curiously walked through the front gates of The School of St. Jude. Color inundated our vision as we walked into the main courtyard, surrounded by colorful buses, playground equipment, and buildings. Shawn, a staff member, gave John and me a comprehensive tour and shared with us how thousands of children take entrance tests at the well-known school, which accepts intelligent, economically poor children.
Mission: “The School of St Jude is an independent sponsorship-supported school that provides education for Tanzanian children from the lowest socio-economic backgrounds. The school demonstrates leadership, promotes critical thinking and expects high moral values from its students, staff and the school community.”
Website: http://www.schoolofstjude.co.tz/
Mwangaza Education for Partnership
When John and I reserved a room at Mwangaza Hostel and Conference Center, we thought we were merely signing up for a place to stay while in Arusha. However, upon arrival, we immediately realized that we inherently became part of Mwangaza’s warm, soulful community. The Mwangaza staff embraced us as family. If you ever stay in Arusha, I highly recommend staying at Mwangaza Hostel and Conference Center, which benefits Mwangaza Education for Partnership.
Mission: “Mwangaza Education for Partnership is a grassroots faith-based union of all twenty dioceses of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania and their companion synods of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. A holistic literacy program responds by developing seminars on topics requested by Tanzanian secondary teachers (English, Math, Science) as well as church leaders (water-borne diseases, women's health, conflict resolution).”
Website: http://mwangazafriends.org/
Venance and Loruvani Lutheran Church
Venance Abel accompanied John and me to Loruvani Lutheran Church in Arusha. He seems to have endless talents; Venance helped build the beautiful church, teaches technology, paints, makes furniture, sings in a choir (which toured in Germany, Belgium, Uganda and Kenya), serves as the treasurer of the church, leads the evangelism department, and is Maasai. He reminded me of Jesus. Venance requests that all people of faith pray for him and his companions, especially those people living with HIV.
To watch a clip of the Loruvani Lutheran Church Choir, check out the website: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Y3wG-_GOU4
Sound Bytes
Venance
“We have many people living with HIV; don’t live far from them, care for [them] and share the word of God.”
“When you meet with someone who wants what you have and you have [it], you can give it to them and you will get blessings from God.”
“Faith without actions is dead.”
“[A person] Must first give something for God to give. Anything you want, you must give first.”
“If you want to be a peace man, you should let Jesus enter your heart and share your Jesus heart with others, then every time you pray with me and I pray with you…[we] stay connected.”
“If you live alone and pray without believing, you don’t get what you want. All people, we love him [Jesus] and we like to sing together, pray together with you.”
“If you pray with others and believe you will get what you ask for from God.”
Maasai Women Development Organization (MWEDO)
MWEDO staff welcomed us and generously gave of their time. The first day, Haika, Scolastica, and Ndinini, the director of MWEDO, shared with us about their organization and their relations with Americans, which you may read sound bites of below. On Saturday, Diana and Solomon accompanied us to Longido to meet a community of Maasai. The Maasai women and children welcomed us with lively song, kind words, and sweet tea. Although we could say little more than “ashe”, meaning “thank you” in Maa, I felt deeply connected to the soulful Maasai women.
Mission: “MWEDO aims to work towards the empowerment of disadvantaged Maasai women economically, politically, culturally and socially through implementing activities in Education, Economic Empowerment, HIV/AIDS, advocacy and promotion of human rights within the Maasai community.”
Websites: http://www.maasaiwomentanzania.org/
http://www.youtube.com/user/maasaiwomeneducation
To support the Maasai craft: learn more at the “Maasai Women Fair Trade Centre” tab, located on the upper bar of their website. Purchase Maasai crafts, including jewelry, leather, and home décor, at www.globalgoodspartners.org.
Sound Bytes
Ndinini Kimesera Sikar, Executive Director of MWEDO
“If you want to do anything in this country, you have to go to the communities.”
“The moment you are in this world you learn so much.” – On how people know so much without formal education
“People are the same everywhere.”
“We need to learn from each other.”
Scolastika Porokuia, a staff member at MWEDO
“The Americans are very good friends of the Maasai.” – Describing Americans as open and that Americans share information that helps others change for the better
“We [Maasai] can’t change our own level of capacities without help from the outside.”
“One day they [Maasai] can stand on their own and do their own things in a better way and level.”
“They [some Maasai] do not know there is a better life until they see a better life.”
The gracious and humble Maasai taught me about how looking for the soul in each person makes life better.
Maasai Visions Organization (Induat E Maa)
Thomas, a staff member, escorted John and me from Arusha to Maasai Visions Organization’s office. From the moment we arrived, Luca, the organization’s director, and Thomas’ shared their passion for their fellow Maasai and their organization’s efforts. Luca and Thomas answered our questions with endless energy.
Mission: “Our mission is to rehabilitate the destroyed Maasai land ecosystems, protect and educate communities on sustainable use of environmental resources, and provide the necessary support for the social, economic, and cultural development of communities within dry land ecosystems.”
Website: http://www.maasaivisions.org/
Sound Bytes
Luca Rikoyan, General Director of Maasai Visions Organization
“We know where we come from and we know the needs of the community.” – Responding to why they started the organization
“The benefit of education to me is the same as the benefit of education to you.”
“We [the Maasai] have been left behind for so many years.” – Referring to the Maasai’s lack of rights
“You are a slave in your own home.” – Referring to the Maasai’s conditions living under national governments
“What I have in my heart I can tell you.”
The School of St Jude
John and I had worked in South African schools during our year of service, so we curiously walked through the front gates of The School of St. Jude. Color inundated our vision as we walked into the main courtyard, surrounded by colorful buses, playground equipment, and buildings. Shawn, a staff member, gave John and me a comprehensive tour and shared with us how thousands of children take entrance tests at the well-known school, which accepts intelligent, economically poor children.
Mission: “The School of St Jude is an independent sponsorship-supported school that provides education for Tanzanian children from the lowest socio-economic backgrounds. The school demonstrates leadership, promotes critical thinking and expects high moral values from its students, staff and the school community.”
Website: http://www.schoolofstjude.co.tz/
Mwangaza Education for Partnership
When John and I reserved a room at Mwangaza Hostel and Conference Center, we thought we were merely signing up for a place to stay while in Arusha. However, upon arrival, we immediately realized that we inherently became part of Mwangaza’s warm, soulful community. The Mwangaza staff embraced us as family. If you ever stay in Arusha, I highly recommend staying at Mwangaza Hostel and Conference Center, which benefits Mwangaza Education for Partnership.
Mission: “Mwangaza Education for Partnership is a grassroots faith-based union of all twenty dioceses of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania and their companion synods of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. A holistic literacy program responds by developing seminars on topics requested by Tanzanian secondary teachers (English, Math, Science) as well as church leaders (water-borne diseases, women's health, conflict resolution).”
Website: http://mwangazafriends.org/
Venance and Loruvani Lutheran Church
Venance Abel accompanied John and me to Loruvani Lutheran Church in Arusha. He seems to have endless talents; Venance helped build the beautiful church, teaches technology, paints, makes furniture, sings in a choir (which toured in Germany, Belgium, Uganda and Kenya), serves as the treasurer of the church, leads the evangelism department, and is Maasai. He reminded me of Jesus. Venance requests that all people of faith pray for him and his companions, especially those people living with HIV.
To watch a clip of the Loruvani Lutheran Church Choir, check out the website: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Y3wG-_GOU4
Sound Bytes
Venance
“We have many people living with HIV; don’t live far from them, care for [them] and share the word of God.”
“When you meet with someone who wants what you have and you have [it], you can give it to them and you will get blessings from God.”
“Faith without actions is dead.”
“[A person] Must first give something for God to give. Anything you want, you must give first.”
“If you want to be a peace man, you should let Jesus enter your heart and share your Jesus heart with others, then every time you pray with me and I pray with you…[we] stay connected.”
“If you live alone and pray without believing, you don’t get what you want. All people, we love him [Jesus] and we like to sing together, pray together with you.”
“If you pray with others and believe you will get what you ask for from God.”
Final Snapshots
For the final newsletter, the Sound Bytes and Snapshots section are in a different format. The Sound Bytes are in the next section, Non-Governmental Organizations based in Tanzania. For the Snapshots section, I have included my journal entries for my last few weeks on the other side of the ocean.
July 2nd, 2010
I thought I was wealthy-
Then I saw people who allowed the Spirit to move them.
I thought I was privileged-
Then I learned about my blindness.
I thought I was positive-
Then I met people who made less than $100 per month to support
two people, lived away from their family and still shone with light.
I thought I was friendly-
Then I met the ELCSA Youth League members.
I thought I was strong-
Then I learned that true strength comes from letting go of control.
I thought I understood how to love selflessly-
Then I lived in an ubuntu culture.
I thought I was self-aware-
Then I realized how much I have grown and how self-centered I
have been.
I thought I knew how to live faithfully-
Then I watched others joyfully take leaps of faith.
I thought I lived through love-
Then I realized how much I analyze and strategize first.
I thought I was mature-
Now I realize how much I still have to learn.
July 2nd, 2010
Can you feel it? The Spirit – it is here!
July 11th, 2010
Luke 10:25-37 The Parable of the Good Samaritan
In many ways, they [my fellow church members for the last year] are my Samaritans. Helping me when I am lost (especially in the Zulu language), giving me food and lodging, and picking up the tabs.
I’m still in denial that I am leaving my family. Wow-I didn’t even hesitate to write, “my family”. Not “host family”, “family”. What am I doing-coming and leaving these communities? Yet, we’ll stay connected-in Christ, in love.
July 19th, 2010
I am here in this place, Tanzania. The people are warm. Their eyes lead to their souls. They say, “Karibu”, meaning you are welcome in Swahili. “Asante” we say in response, meaning thank you in Swahili.
July 26th, 2010
Wow. God. What are you doing in my life? I feel so blessed. As the DAR Express bus transports John and me back to Dar Es Salaam [the largest city in Tanzania] from Arusha, the last week seems to be a whirlwind of blessings. You took care of us every step of the way. We connected with amazing people in the most surprising places: the pastor played guitar and sang in the guest house yesterday with us; our housemates in Arusha, Mike and Sharon; ELCA missionaries; girls serving food on the street; all the people we ask for directions; people at the craft market… I feel connected. Wow. What amazing brothers and sisters I have. Now, how do we walk beside one another to make the world a better place-or allow ourselves to be tools of the Holy Spirit? I feel more needs to be done on the US side of relations to ensure the system is not used to exploit people. Sigh-I see movies, documentaries, or people’s lives and want to do something, but I can’t do everything, nor am I called to. I don’t feel lost, I just don’t know what I am doing next. If you, God, guided me through this past week, then how could I not trust you to guide the rest of my life? God, please walk, or ride, with me every day.
“The Europeans came
They brought their modernity,
And made us dizzy.”
- a Swahili saying
July 28th, 2010
I’m reading Blue Like Jazz, which spurs in me many spiritual questions. Why do we attend church? Attending church solely via our bodies does no good-do we just attend to nourish our bodies? Or just our minds? If we want to be moved in mind, body and spirit-we need to engage with all three-not just stand and sing words, then leave. Plus church isn’t just about us-Christianity is about loving God and our neighbors. Does our church do social outreach? Do we help our neighbors?
July 29th, 2010
Sometimes I want God to speak to me in audible words. Then from somewhere inside I sense: “Isn’t this enough?” I look around at the beautiful nature around me and soak up the beauty and feel wonder. I lower my head with a smile and respond, “Yes, it is. Yes, it is.”
August 1st, 2010
“But more than anything else, put God’s work first and do what he wants. Then the other things will be yours as well. Don’t worry about tomorrow. It will take care of itself. You have enough to worry about today.” - Matthew 6:33-34, the Gospel reading at Azania Front Lutheran Church in Dar Es Salaam
August 7th, 2010
I just want to cry. We went to the Apartheid Museum and then the Hector Peterson Museum about the 1976 Soweto uprising. Why. Why. Why can’t we see the humanity in other people? How can we hurt others? How do we put ourselves-our power-over the lives of others? How do we loose our humanity? What are we afraid of? And they [the people with “black skin”] smile back at us [the people with “white skin”]. Why would I ever want to leave [South Africa]? They [South Africans] welcome us [ELCA volunteers] with warm smiles that light up their faces. Why are they [those people not classified as “white” under the Apartheid government, particularly blacks] so resilient and forgiving? I do not feel sorry for them. I feel sorry for those who do not know their secret to life-not requiring power that oppresses others. These people around me were told that they were worth less than gold because of the color of their skin. Oh humanity. God, why do you give us such capacity? Yet, we defile your gifts by acting out our hatred. We deserve less. God, what good did you expect by giving us so much? Help us to overcome, overcome ourselves. The human spirit-where does the joy come from? – from you.
We Shall Overcome (an anthem of the US Civil Rights Movement)
We shall overcome, we shall overcome,
We shall overcome someday;
Oh, deep in my heart, I do believe,
We shall overcome someday.
How do we call ourselves Christians when we do such awful things?
First victim…
A bullet burnt
Into soft dark flesh
A child fell
Liquid life
Rushed hot
To stain the earth
He was the first victim
And now
Let grieving the willows
Mark the spot
Let nature raise a monument
Of flowers and trees
Lest we forget the foul and the wicked deed…
Don Mattera, 1976, from “Azanian Love Song”
God. help me to serve your just and loving purpose. Help me to connect with people and empathize with their pain so we may empower one another to live life to its fullest-living love and growing from our mistakes and continually trying to right our wrongs. God, may I follow your will-wherever you guide me. May I live a life worthy of your calling-may I be willing to die for those gifts from above that give me life-love, peace, joy. Thank you for the gift of love and showing me the light that shines in your people.
“Black consciousness seeks to instill the idea of self-determination to restore feelings of pride and dignity to blacks after centuries of racist oppression. It is an attitude of mind and a way of life. It is the realization that the most potent weapon in the hands of the oppressor is the mind of the oppressed.” – Steve Biko
August 8th, 2010
And… we’re back at the Sunflower Bed and Breakfast [where the ELCA-YAGM South Africa 2009-2010 program stayed their first night in South Africa in August 2009]. Full circle. This is so weird. I’ll be back in the US in two days. Two days. Have I really lived in South Africa for one year? Did all that really happen? Was I living in a dream?
Geese are flying overhead-seasons are changing. Life is changing. Yet, I could not have asked for a better foundation for my life. God, what have you done in my life? You have given me gifts beyond my comprehension in wonderful people and challenges and inspirations. Hold my hand, please, over these next two days.
July 2nd, 2010
I thought I was wealthy-
Then I saw people who allowed the Spirit to move them.
I thought I was privileged-
Then I learned about my blindness.
I thought I was positive-
Then I met people who made less than $100 per month to support
two people, lived away from their family and still shone with light.
I thought I was friendly-
Then I met the ELCSA Youth League members.
I thought I was strong-
Then I learned that true strength comes from letting go of control.
I thought I understood how to love selflessly-
Then I lived in an ubuntu culture.
I thought I was self-aware-
Then I realized how much I have grown and how self-centered I
have been.
I thought I knew how to live faithfully-
Then I watched others joyfully take leaps of faith.
I thought I lived through love-
Then I realized how much I analyze and strategize first.
I thought I was mature-
Now I realize how much I still have to learn.
July 2nd, 2010
Can you feel it? The Spirit – it is here!
July 11th, 2010
Luke 10:25-37 The Parable of the Good Samaritan
In many ways, they [my fellow church members for the last year] are my Samaritans. Helping me when I am lost (especially in the Zulu language), giving me food and lodging, and picking up the tabs.
I’m still in denial that I am leaving my family. Wow-I didn’t even hesitate to write, “my family”. Not “host family”, “family”. What am I doing-coming and leaving these communities? Yet, we’ll stay connected-in Christ, in love.
July 19th, 2010
I am here in this place, Tanzania. The people are warm. Their eyes lead to their souls. They say, “Karibu”, meaning you are welcome in Swahili. “Asante” we say in response, meaning thank you in Swahili.
July 26th, 2010
Wow. God. What are you doing in my life? I feel so blessed. As the DAR Express bus transports John and me back to Dar Es Salaam [the largest city in Tanzania] from Arusha, the last week seems to be a whirlwind of blessings. You took care of us every step of the way. We connected with amazing people in the most surprising places: the pastor played guitar and sang in the guest house yesterday with us; our housemates in Arusha, Mike and Sharon; ELCA missionaries; girls serving food on the street; all the people we ask for directions; people at the craft market… I feel connected. Wow. What amazing brothers and sisters I have. Now, how do we walk beside one another to make the world a better place-or allow ourselves to be tools of the Holy Spirit? I feel more needs to be done on the US side of relations to ensure the system is not used to exploit people. Sigh-I see movies, documentaries, or people’s lives and want to do something, but I can’t do everything, nor am I called to. I don’t feel lost, I just don’t know what I am doing next. If you, God, guided me through this past week, then how could I not trust you to guide the rest of my life? God, please walk, or ride, with me every day.
“The Europeans came
They brought their modernity,
And made us dizzy.”
- a Swahili saying
July 28th, 2010
I’m reading Blue Like Jazz, which spurs in me many spiritual questions. Why do we attend church? Attending church solely via our bodies does no good-do we just attend to nourish our bodies? Or just our minds? If we want to be moved in mind, body and spirit-we need to engage with all three-not just stand and sing words, then leave. Plus church isn’t just about us-Christianity is about loving God and our neighbors. Does our church do social outreach? Do we help our neighbors?
July 29th, 2010
Sometimes I want God to speak to me in audible words. Then from somewhere inside I sense: “Isn’t this enough?” I look around at the beautiful nature around me and soak up the beauty and feel wonder. I lower my head with a smile and respond, “Yes, it is. Yes, it is.”
August 1st, 2010
“But more than anything else, put God’s work first and do what he wants. Then the other things will be yours as well. Don’t worry about tomorrow. It will take care of itself. You have enough to worry about today.” - Matthew 6:33-34, the Gospel reading at Azania Front Lutheran Church in Dar Es Salaam
August 7th, 2010
I just want to cry. We went to the Apartheid Museum and then the Hector Peterson Museum about the 1976 Soweto uprising. Why. Why. Why can’t we see the humanity in other people? How can we hurt others? How do we put ourselves-our power-over the lives of others? How do we loose our humanity? What are we afraid of? And they [the people with “black skin”] smile back at us [the people with “white skin”]. Why would I ever want to leave [South Africa]? They [South Africans] welcome us [ELCA volunteers] with warm smiles that light up their faces. Why are they [those people not classified as “white” under the Apartheid government, particularly blacks] so resilient and forgiving? I do not feel sorry for them. I feel sorry for those who do not know their secret to life-not requiring power that oppresses others. These people around me were told that they were worth less than gold because of the color of their skin. Oh humanity. God, why do you give us such capacity? Yet, we defile your gifts by acting out our hatred. We deserve less. God, what good did you expect by giving us so much? Help us to overcome, overcome ourselves. The human spirit-where does the joy come from? – from you.
We Shall Overcome (an anthem of the US Civil Rights Movement)
We shall overcome, we shall overcome,
We shall overcome someday;
Oh, deep in my heart, I do believe,
We shall overcome someday.
How do we call ourselves Christians when we do such awful things?
First victim…
A bullet burnt
Into soft dark flesh
A child fell
Liquid life
Rushed hot
To stain the earth
He was the first victim
And now
Let grieving the willows
Mark the spot
Let nature raise a monument
Of flowers and trees
Lest we forget the foul and the wicked deed…
Don Mattera, 1976, from “Azanian Love Song”
God. help me to serve your just and loving purpose. Help me to connect with people and empathize with their pain so we may empower one another to live life to its fullest-living love and growing from our mistakes and continually trying to right our wrongs. God, may I follow your will-wherever you guide me. May I live a life worthy of your calling-may I be willing to die for those gifts from above that give me life-love, peace, joy. Thank you for the gift of love and showing me the light that shines in your people.
“Black consciousness seeks to instill the idea of self-determination to restore feelings of pride and dignity to blacks after centuries of racist oppression. It is an attitude of mind and a way of life. It is the realization that the most potent weapon in the hands of the oppressor is the mind of the oppressed.” – Steve Biko
August 8th, 2010
And… we’re back at the Sunflower Bed and Breakfast [where the ELCA-YAGM South Africa 2009-2010 program stayed their first night in South Africa in August 2009]. Full circle. This is so weird. I’ll be back in the US in two days. Two days. Have I really lived in South Africa for one year? Did all that really happen? Was I living in a dream?
Geese are flying overhead-seasons are changing. Life is changing. Yet, I could not have asked for a better foundation for my life. God, what have you done in my life? You have given me gifts beyond my comprehension in wonderful people and challenges and inspirations. Hold my hand, please, over these next two days.
A Spiritual Word: Thanksgiving
“Give thanks to the Lord for he is good; his love endures forever.” -Psalm 107.1
“Ashe,” spills out of my mouth, but I communicate the meaning of ashe, thank you in English, mostly with my body language. Although the Maasai and I could only directly, verbally communicate “ashe” with understanding, our communication could not be contained by words that July day.
As John, my fellow Young Adults in Global Mission (YAGM) program volunteer and travel companion, and I walk, accompanied by a few Maasai, into a Maasai community, the women’s spirited voices in song and their traditional hopping dance mesmerize me. Their elaborate, beaded jewelry accent their beauty. A female elder warmly welcomes us on behalf of the community and we attempt gracious thanks, kindly translated by Diana, a staff member at Maasai Women Development Organization, who facilitates our day with the Maasai community. After John and I kneel on the ground and connect with many of the children, the women lead us to stools and invite us to sit down. Guessing that we will be served something to eat or drink, John and I smile at the two dozen children standing fifteen feet away, who intently stare back at us in curiosity. An old woman squats next to me. Through body language, I offer her my chair, which she refuses.
I am a wimp for hot drinks, so when a woman hands us a hot cup of tea, I smile and wonder how I will not burn my tongue while not offending our new friends. I hold my tea and smile at the community not drinking tea, who watch to see if the people from another place will drink their tea. The old woman sitting next to me sweetly watches as I take my first sip and burn my tongue. I try to explain to her, through actions, that the tea is good, yet too hot for me to enjoy drinking. She requests another cup, gently takes my cup, and gracefully pours the steaming liquid back and forth between the two cups, allowing the heat to escape. After a short while, she hands me back my cup, and I enjoy the sweet, milky tea. After drinking half, I hand her back the cup with a smile, trying to communicate the tea is good, but I am full and ask if she would enjoy some tea. She accepts the tea after studying my face, drinks, and passes the cup to the children near her.
Thanking the hostesses for the delicious tea, we stand up and, taking cues from their encouraging gestures, follow them. The old woman next to me, my new guardian angel, securely holds my hand and a woman around my age, who initially guessed I couldn’t be more than fifteen years of age, holds my other hand. Our tour of their community includes a couple of homes, their land, and a nearby lake for drinking water. Throughout our tour, the two women walk so that I have the easiest walking route and, when we pause, they quickly bend down and pick the thistles off of my skirt as, in vain and with an-in-awe smile, I motion that they do not need to pick them off.
As I look into these women’s eyes, I sense an innate connection. We are not that different; are we? Yes, my hair may look more similar to a lion’s mane than their own short hair. Yes, as these women recommend, maybe I should cut my hair short like them. Yet, when I look in their eyes, age, race, beliefs (even though many are Lutheran), living conditions, and traditions blur as I see humans with whom I share this planet, needs, and desires. We are sisters, innately connected forever.
When people ask me what I miss most about my time across the ocean, I barely allow them to finish the question before responding, “the people.” I could never thank my countless guardian angels enough, nor God, for making connections beyond description possible. At the beginning of YAGM orientation, facilitators told us we would receive more than we were able to give. At the time, I questioned them. Today, I have no doubt.
Like the Maasai women, people have cared for and supported me with every step this past year. My family in South Africa provided not only a place to rest my head, but consistent community. I could never feel truly alone when I had sisters with whom to enjoy family dance parties, good conversations, and laughter. Baba, Ma, and Auntie provided constant security, cared for my needs, and kept an eye out for me. The neighbor kids shared their energy and joy. The Cool Air community welcomed me with open arms. The Ntombela family and Nkomo family were my extended family-providing nourishment and support. My primary school challenged me to slow down and build relationships. The teachers patiently supported me in the classroom and shared their knowledge with me. The children taught me about the meaning of love. My congregation trusted me to teach their children and taught me about perseverance. Dean Myaka enriched my experience by giving me thoughtful advice and demonstrating what it means to give of oneself. The Myaka family reminded me of my own family with their three animated boys and strong family unity. The larger church family showed me how the Holy Spirit works through people. Sister Happiness, Sister Lindeni, and Sister Stembi demonstrated the joy of servitude. The PACSA staff taught me how to work for social justice and community. Sonia and her family opened their home to me many times and shared with me their curiosity. My country coordinators, Brian and Kristen Konkol, laid the foundation for my South African placement. My fellow YAGM volunteers served as my companions to share joys and challenges as we walked different journeys across South Africa. ELCA Global Mission staff sustain the basis and logistics of the YAGM program. Heidi Torgerson-Martinez and the 48 other YAGM around the glob encouraged me as we learned how to be disciples over this past year. You, readers and supporters, gave me strength and through your curiosity and words of encouragement reminded me of my purpose this year. I thank God for you. I thank God for endlessly demonstrating the power of love, working through people in ways I do not understand, and for being with me every step of the way.
God, guide us to see your love in one another and to love as you love us. Amen.
“Ashe,” spills out of my mouth, but I communicate the meaning of ashe, thank you in English, mostly with my body language. Although the Maasai and I could only directly, verbally communicate “ashe” with understanding, our communication could not be contained by words that July day.
As John, my fellow Young Adults in Global Mission (YAGM) program volunteer and travel companion, and I walk, accompanied by a few Maasai, into a Maasai community, the women’s spirited voices in song and their traditional hopping dance mesmerize me. Their elaborate, beaded jewelry accent their beauty. A female elder warmly welcomes us on behalf of the community and we attempt gracious thanks, kindly translated by Diana, a staff member at Maasai Women Development Organization, who facilitates our day with the Maasai community. After John and I kneel on the ground and connect with many of the children, the women lead us to stools and invite us to sit down. Guessing that we will be served something to eat or drink, John and I smile at the two dozen children standing fifteen feet away, who intently stare back at us in curiosity. An old woman squats next to me. Through body language, I offer her my chair, which she refuses.
I am a wimp for hot drinks, so when a woman hands us a hot cup of tea, I smile and wonder how I will not burn my tongue while not offending our new friends. I hold my tea and smile at the community not drinking tea, who watch to see if the people from another place will drink their tea. The old woman sitting next to me sweetly watches as I take my first sip and burn my tongue. I try to explain to her, through actions, that the tea is good, yet too hot for me to enjoy drinking. She requests another cup, gently takes my cup, and gracefully pours the steaming liquid back and forth between the two cups, allowing the heat to escape. After a short while, she hands me back my cup, and I enjoy the sweet, milky tea. After drinking half, I hand her back the cup with a smile, trying to communicate the tea is good, but I am full and ask if she would enjoy some tea. She accepts the tea after studying my face, drinks, and passes the cup to the children near her.
Thanking the hostesses for the delicious tea, we stand up and, taking cues from their encouraging gestures, follow them. The old woman next to me, my new guardian angel, securely holds my hand and a woman around my age, who initially guessed I couldn’t be more than fifteen years of age, holds my other hand. Our tour of their community includes a couple of homes, their land, and a nearby lake for drinking water. Throughout our tour, the two women walk so that I have the easiest walking route and, when we pause, they quickly bend down and pick the thistles off of my skirt as, in vain and with an-in-awe smile, I motion that they do not need to pick them off.
As I look into these women’s eyes, I sense an innate connection. We are not that different; are we? Yes, my hair may look more similar to a lion’s mane than their own short hair. Yes, as these women recommend, maybe I should cut my hair short like them. Yet, when I look in their eyes, age, race, beliefs (even though many are Lutheran), living conditions, and traditions blur as I see humans with whom I share this planet, needs, and desires. We are sisters, innately connected forever.
When people ask me what I miss most about my time across the ocean, I barely allow them to finish the question before responding, “the people.” I could never thank my countless guardian angels enough, nor God, for making connections beyond description possible. At the beginning of YAGM orientation, facilitators told us we would receive more than we were able to give. At the time, I questioned them. Today, I have no doubt.
Like the Maasai women, people have cared for and supported me with every step this past year. My family in South Africa provided not only a place to rest my head, but consistent community. I could never feel truly alone when I had sisters with whom to enjoy family dance parties, good conversations, and laughter. Baba, Ma, and Auntie provided constant security, cared for my needs, and kept an eye out for me. The neighbor kids shared their energy and joy. The Cool Air community welcomed me with open arms. The Ntombela family and Nkomo family were my extended family-providing nourishment and support. My primary school challenged me to slow down and build relationships. The teachers patiently supported me in the classroom and shared their knowledge with me. The children taught me about the meaning of love. My congregation trusted me to teach their children and taught me about perseverance. Dean Myaka enriched my experience by giving me thoughtful advice and demonstrating what it means to give of oneself. The Myaka family reminded me of my own family with their three animated boys and strong family unity. The larger church family showed me how the Holy Spirit works through people. Sister Happiness, Sister Lindeni, and Sister Stembi demonstrated the joy of servitude. The PACSA staff taught me how to work for social justice and community. Sonia and her family opened their home to me many times and shared with me their curiosity. My country coordinators, Brian and Kristen Konkol, laid the foundation for my South African placement. My fellow YAGM volunteers served as my companions to share joys and challenges as we walked different journeys across South Africa. ELCA Global Mission staff sustain the basis and logistics of the YAGM program. Heidi Torgerson-Martinez and the 48 other YAGM around the glob encouraged me as we learned how to be disciples over this past year. You, readers and supporters, gave me strength and through your curiosity and words of encouragement reminded me of my purpose this year. I thank God for you. I thank God for endlessly demonstrating the power of love, working through people in ways I do not understand, and for being with me every step of the way.
God, guide us to see your love in one another and to love as you love us. Amen.
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