Jinja Mission Team - Busoga Churches of Christ

Glad to be away from the busyness of life in America, Courtney is thankful to be in Uganda, forming relationships with the people. Her interest to visit Uganda developed from having helped promote Invisible Children on the campus of Rochester College. Courtney hopes she is able to take in the meaningful moments and experiences of the internship, allowing them to shape her in a way that helps her connect with God, as she encounters him in a new culture and new people. As a Christian Ministry major, Courtney is preparing for a future ministry.  And according to her photography skills, she may very well have a future in this as well! Check out the website to see how she’s captured internship and Uganda so far.

Through the Lens

Uganda is this terrible-wonderful collision of Joy and Sorrow.  I always thought it would be this way- but being here- and trying to capture it through the lens slaps me in the face.  You really cannot separate the two—pull the Joy and Sorrow apart.  They are the foreground/background- background/foreground of this place.

~

I have learned
That the lens
Need’ent separate me
From the world around
But rather
Draw that world closer

~

I drive up to a village
My pale hand reaches for my camera
I question my motives
Why do I want this picture?
So people will say “well done”?
Can I really capture emotion?
Is a picture worth 1,000 words?
I have no answer
I snap the shot (take the snap)
I want to show those back home
What they may never see
But they can never understand
Not until they have
Looked at this world
Through the lens of their own life

~

These two poems reflect the tension I feel taking pictures here.  There are so many “poverty porn”* pictures floating around in America.  We see them in the movies and in the commercials: pot-bellied children staring into the lens, eyes begging for your pity.  That isn’t Africa.  It is so much more than that.  We see amazing Safari shots of Elephants and Lions in action.  That isn’t Africa.  Africa is more than a visual experience.  You need to smell it, eat it, talk with it, hold it in your hands.  

Make beads with the widows who are living with AIDS.
Laugh with the blind woman as she feels the hair on your arm.
Cry with the child in the hospital bed as you trace a heart on his hand because you are at a loss for words.
Eat with the church leader as he lists his problems.
Dance with the women in celebration of life itself.
Pump water at the well and carry it on your head, smile when you spill it all over you.
Cook with the new wife, cut cassava root, shell g-nuts.
Dig in the garden—plant a potato.

Do all these things and you have still only begun to experience life in Africa, a life that can only be experienced in relationships—not in photos.


*phrase coined by Robert Gordon Garner

 

Comments (21)

Candice Garner said:

Heartfelt Writing Thanks so much for sharing yourself with us this summer. Sorry your post was one of the last, but I really enjoyed reading it. I can't wait to see pictures of your new haircut & hear all about how your semester goes.

August 29, 2008

Cindy Jenko said:

Beans & Rice Hi Courtney, How about a pan of Beans & Rice for the pot-luck on Sunday? Can't wait to see you Thursday night. Be safe as you travel home. We all love you and miss you. Mom

August 05, 2008

Cindy Jenko said:

We Love the Pics Courtney, We love the new pictures that have been posted. So good to be able to SEE that you are okay. You have captured faces so well - as you always seem to do. Can't wait to pick you up at the airport. Have a safe journey. We all LOVE AND MISS you and can't wait to hear the narration to go along with the pictures. So many stories.... Love you soooooo much. Mom PS Our mission trip went well with lots of blessings!

August 04, 2008

Ashley Barker said:

Praying for you! Hi Courtney, I met your mom and sister while they were on their mission trip to Ohio. They shared with me a little about your trip and I was able to share with them about my travels to Uganda (and Jinja!) You have been in my prayers. I look forward to hearing of your safe return. Pastor Ashley Barker

August 02, 2008

Cindy Jenko said:

Love You Hi Courtney, Just want to say that we hope you have a wonderful time on Safari! and Survey trip. We leave Saturday for our Mission Trip and when we get home it will only be 6 days until you're home!!! Can't wait to hug you and then hear about all your adventures, and then WADE through ALL your pictures... how many will it be?? 6000 ??? Enjoy your final days in AFRICA and love on everyone before you leave. Miss you and see you soon. I know God is working on all of you interns - we pray now for your safe return with changed hearts. Love, Mom

July 26, 2008

sheila hylton said:

nice pics Hi Courtney, It is Shalmars mom. Just wanted to say the pictures are great. Hope your having a great adventure. Thanks for looking out for Shalmar. Love and Prayers, Sheila

July 24, 2008

Buitrago said:

You Go Girl! Great to know you are doing so well! We are keeping the homefires burning. For us, Ecuador was a blast! We continue to pray for you and know that whatever you do you are doing as unto the Lord. Isn't God great? All the time!! See ya soon, Deneen, Carlos, Ysa and Paola

July 22, 2008

Little Sister said:

why hello my little sunshine! I missssss youuuuu! But you'll be home soon =] camp was kinda tough this year but good I guess. I'll tell you more about it when you get home or call. Jake says hello! and that we look alike =] the variety show was hilarious. thanks for the letter...and kels and i get along lol. the mento's were a great touch too. i haven't watched many movies but I'm aljost done with the 4th season of buffy so that's exciting =] stayed up till 5am on the 4th of july to watch it, crazy me. I'M BUYING STEP UP 2 TOMORROW! very excited. and getting layers in my hair, exciting too. anyways, hope to talk to you soon. love you THISMUCH and more.

July 21, 2008

Cindy Jenko said:

Birthday Concert Hi Court - You'll never guess what happened so I'll tell you...DTE ENERGY Music Theatre aka Pine Knob - LOST it's power so many times that Steven Curtis only sang 3.5 songs and Michael W. never came on. They sent us all home at 10pm with the promise that they will try to re-schedule the show! Bummer. Dinner was good and Lori says she put an order in for Chocolate Chip Ice Cream for me so I'm ok . We will be praying for you during Bonding time in the village. Love you lots. Mom

July 18, 2008

Debi Rutledge said:

Oops! Yeah, so I found the pictures. Silly me! You ARE amazing with your talent! Love you!

July 16, 2008

Debi Rutledge said:

Greetings Hey Lady! I hope all is going well. Where are these pictures everyone is talking about? I want to see! In any case, I hope all is going well. I think of you all and pray for you often.

July 16, 2008

Linda Britton said:

Laundry? Wondering, of all things, where and how you do laundry?! But, I'm confident that you have been cleansed by the precious blood of Jesus and are clothing yourself with Him. The photos are heart warming -- what talent The Lord has gifted you with -- praise Him! God loves YOU, Courtney! Linda B.

July 15, 2008

Cindy Jenko said:

phone calls Courtney, It is so good to hear your voice when you call. It helps me to know that you are safe. Our God is so incredible and I love how he is working in the hearts of the team and the Basoga. I hope the pierogie turned out good...how could they fail - it's grandmas recipe! We will be praying for your time in the village for 'bonding'. Thanks for the birthday wishes. I love you sooooooo much. Mom ps. white couch is gone...Whiskers destroyed it.

July 15, 2008

Cindy Jenko said:

Sailing Hi Court, Dad, Grandpa, & Uncle Paul made it safely back to Au Gres from Mackinac City in 33 hours. Girls leave for camp on Saturday. Keep on taking those pictures - can you bring home the little girl??!!?? Love and lots of hugs, Mom

July 11, 2008

Kels said:

Nice Picture Haha, and I don't mean the photos you too. I mean your GORGEOUS person picture, the one I had to click on to get to this comment spot Well, i hope everything is going swimmingly over in the great yonder. I loovvve you!

July 10, 2008

Debbie said:

Love & Prayers I know everyday must be a wonder - so just let the Spirit of almighty God wash over you and lead you to every delight he has for you. You are missed and prayed over. Love, Pastor Debbie

July 07, 2008

Dick & Claudia said:

Hey Courtney, Your pictures are awesome and we've enjoyed looking at them. We hope you'll continue to post them as you meet new people and do God's work. Stay safe and God Bless.

July 06, 2008

Sue Barch said:

church friend Courtney, Thank you for sharing your wonderful pictures with us. I can't help thinking that each one has a story to go with it. You can supply that part when you come home! Thank you for all you are doing in Christ's name. Be safe! Love, Sue Barch

July 06, 2008

Cindy Jenko said:

Awesome Pics Hi Courtney, Your pictures are wonderful - thanks for sharing the beauty of Uganda - it's people! I know I'm biased but I've always loved your work. Hugs, GLYASDI Mom

July 06, 2008

Cindy Jenko said:

Happy 4th of July Hope you enjoyed the 4th of July in Jinja. We know God is working through you and the team so just let him do his thing! Stay safe, have fun (not hard I'm sure)and call me on the 17th. We are so proud of you and love you very much. Mom & Dad PS Grandma & Grandpa send their love too.

July 04, 2008

Cindy Jenko said:

Bless you! Enjoy this wonderful opportunity - we love you - God Bless you. Mom & Dad

July 02, 2008

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