Jinja Mission Team - Busoga Churches of Christ

After one month at a tanning bed, Adam is ready for the African sun! Though missing Taco Bell, he’s looking forward to experiencing what he’s only heard in stories told by John Barton, his professor at Rochester College. He hopes this mission internship gives him some sort of direction as he considers his future in ministry. As the son of a pastor in Monroe, Michigan, Adam himself is preparing for a role in ministry as a Christian Ministries major. His relationship with his two year old nephew, Jackson, has him looking forward to playing with the Ugandan children in the village.  

America vs. Uganda, English vs. Lusoga, Taco Bell vs. village food, football vs. futball, dollar vs. shilling, schedules vs. freedom, rush vs. patience, tasks vs. relationships. This is how I first reflected on being here. Now being almost 3 weeks into our trip, I am beginning to get past the culture shock and this way of reflection. I am looking more deeply into my time here and what have been my strengths and weaknesses. And since we have talked a lot about sports with the missionaries here, I want to do my reflection with sports illustrations.

I first want to talk about the things that have been a home run, a slam dunk, and a touchdown. These are the missionary families, the Source Cafe, the friendliness of Ugandan people, Ngobi Tom, the scenery, the village children, sweet bananas, and boda boda’s. These have been the things that I have truly loved since being here. There is nothing like holding on to the seat of a boda boda driver as you await the next bump or horn of a car coming behind you. Playing with the village children is what I was looking forward to the most and it has surpassed my expectations. Being called a mzungu has become more common to me than being called Adam and I love it.

Secondly, I would like to talk about the things that I have popped out on, had a turnover, fumbled the ball. These are not bad things but things that have been a struggle for me. These are village food, begging children, learning lusoga, Giardia, and Coke Cola (since I am a Pepsi man). I have loved the challenge of some of these and hated some also, but learning through the challenges that I have had have been beneficial to me. Going outside of my comfort zone is hard, but I signed up for this when I came to Uganda and I enjoy the challenge.

And lastly, I view this trip as to going into extra innings, overtime, or a tie game. These are the things that have yet to be decided and are still up in the air. These are long term missions, bonding (which has yet to come), and what I am to do with all of this. Understanding what my calling to missions and its extent is something that is still being decided. Bonding is something that will be challenging and yet unforgettable at the same time. And then, finding out what I am supposed to do with all of this when I get home is something that I anticipate finding out.

I would like to finish with adapting a great Allen Iverson press conference into my experience… We’re not talking about America here people, we’re talking about Africa, not America, Africa, we’re talking about Africa. 
 

Comments (19)

. said:

Biashara Supermarket... if you need to fulfill a Pepsi craving. Many apologies if you find this strange... amazing work Jinja missions is doing-- I've come across the website while researching a little further into missions and not for profit work in Uganda. I read your entry here and it brought me back to sajosas and sweet bananas at the source cafe-- and I can picture every single child's face from the villages I worked in. I spent ninety days living and working in Jinja last fall. I hope you find what you are searching for-- every time a child asks "mzungu how are you", in the stars, in the laughter, in the sorrow, in the food (i have a rather serious love for matoke), in the language, in the hope on every face and in the heart of every Ugandan you connect with. And surely you can stumble upon a can of Pepsi in Biashara Supermarket????? betsy

July 23, 2008

regan quatro said:

happpppppy belated birthday! heyyyy adam! i hope you had a wondeful birthday and i hope everything is going great. we all miss you!

July 20, 2008

Bethany said:

... Happy Birthday! I'm glad you are enjoying yourself! I pray for you everyday! P.S. I hope you when the comment competition! lol

July 18, 2008

Sara said:

Happy Birthday Happy Birthday. We'll have to eat cake when you get back. Keep eating that matooke until then! Sara

July 17, 2008

BiRdMaN aka Lettuce said:

DUDE! Hope it's goin good brother. Be safe. Thanks for keeping us updated.

July 17, 2008

Big Bizzy Bates said:

Yeah Big Cheese! Sounds like you're havin a blast man! Things are definitely different without you around, but I know God is working in your life and in ours (mine). I hope your trip keeps getting better and that God shows you direction, cause thats what we all seek after right? lol oh and T-Bell is still the best food ever! I'll treat you to whatever you want when you get back haha! Peace Bro

July 17, 2008

Buck & Denise Trouten said:

... Happy Birthday to you. Happy Birthday to you. Happy Birthday dear Adam. Happy Birthday to you!!!!!

July 17, 2008

Debi Rutledge said:

Sports, birthdays & Veggies Nice job with the sports analogies. It's comforting to know that amidst all of the difference and change you are experiencing some things will remain the same! I hope you have (or had depending on when you read this) a great birthday. I hear you are eating vegetables ... I am so proud!! Can't wait to have you back on campus and hear about your adventures!

July 16, 2008

Terrill said:

HAHAHA Hope that you had a great b-day. So the word on the street is that you're eating veggies. Glad to hear that. Hope that you felt very prepared for the African sun from all your tanning. LOL Look forward to you getting back and telling stories about your experience. Continue to enjoy the learning experience and look for God's beauty everywhere.

July 16, 2008

Morgan Irene said:

Back From Costa Rica!!! :D Hey Adam! Im glad your having a great time! Im praying for you while your there! I hope you continue to have fun and enjoy all the little kids. Costa Rica was amazing!!! Ill have to tell you about it later, enjoy Africa and i hope this helps out in your comment war! p.s. we won our game last night against the team we lost to.. twice.. lol! and Taco Bell is still delicious... Love ya, Morgan Irene

July 15, 2008

Cindy Jenko said:

Happy Birthday I know it's early but I never know when you guys will get to a computer! Have a great day on the 17th - I'll be thinking about and praying for you. July babies Rule! Enjoy your time in the village this week-end too. God Bless. Cindy (Courtney's Mom)

July 15, 2008

Randy & Denise Trouten said:

Far Far Away.... Love hearing about your adventures and look forward to seeing what God has in store for you in the future. Praying for you!

July 14, 2008

David and Rhonda Iocoangeli said:

... Hi Adam! We are so excited for you. We know that your heart is in missions and evangelism and we are so happy that this trip is helping you to find where God wants you to be. You are very special to us and we can't wait for you to get back and show us your slide show! We'll even have some good home cooking for you! Love, David and Rhonda

July 13, 2008

Laura W. said:

... Adam - glad to know you're enjoying this experience. God guide you as you prepare for a possible future in Africa.

July 12, 2008

Debi Rutledge said:

... Thinking about you and praying for you!

July 11, 2008

lori G said:

... Hi Adam..... Praying 4 YOU!!

July 11, 2008

lori G said:

friend Hey ADAM!!!!!!!! We are so thankful to hear from you and wow we need to get you some comments... We hung out with Jackson last week and he was soo funny.... wishing we could send you some Taco bell... take care and know that we are lifting you up in prayer....

July 11, 2008

Kristin Rice said:

Miss you! I miss you! Give Jaron and Travis big hugs for me! I hope this it turning out to be a life-changing experience for you. I hope you are accomplishing a lot, and growing spiritually. Have a safe and fun trip. Love you!

July 09, 2008

Kristen Cannon said:

ARRRRGGHH!!! I didn't know you were such a GENIUS!!!!

July 07, 2008

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