Jinja Mission Team - Busoga Churches of Christ

Philosophy. Sleep. Religion. The Pacers. English. Funnels. Writing. Erin. Sports. Reading. Jaron is a man of many interests and talents! As an English major at Rochester College, Jaron can foresee a future in teaching and possibly writing for a college newspaper. His parents are also a part of the Rochester community. His father is a professor of music and his mother leads the education department. Jaron’s interest in understanding Christianity in different contexts, as well as the Barton’s testimonies about the ministry in Jinja, prompted his participation in the internship. He hopes this experience will give him a better understanding of his own faith within a global context. Though an introvert, he’s proven himself to be quite the team player – just ask Adam Southerland!

Only during experiences like this trip can an English major like me be found at a loss for words. A simple summation of events is inadequate- every hour and minute is part of the adventure.

We haven't been here long- not even a week yet- but it's long enough to feel the difference. We've raced around Jinja, been to church, rafted the Nile, and eaten millet. That's the "have-done" list. But if you were to ask me what's happened, you'll get a lot of stuttering, a lot of umms and uhhs to buy myself time to articulate.

The honest answer is that, already, too much has happened to fully relate. Every activity on this trip is preceded by at least eight months of praying, wondering, and planning, so running a health clinic is more than it's face value. For some of us, life plans are finally coming to fruition. For me, a lifetime of inaction is meeting its match. A whole reality lies behind the actuality we've encountered. How can it find expression outside of first-hand experience?

But it's the world of language that keeps making demands on us. The most important Busoga social custom is greeting. It can last for fifteen to thirty minutes- you can't get by without attempting some Lusoga. The only way we can share our lives with the Ugandans, the missionaries, and the other interns is by telling our stories. Through words we learn about the work here, we discover the mission of the trip, we process the reality around us. In attempts to come to terms with it all, repetition and reiteration have become primary activities.

This trip has immersed me, all of us, in that struggle. And a struggle with words leaves you with few of them to put to use. So if you were to ask me what I've learned so far, it would come out as a lot of fumbling and a lot of silence. But that fumbling and silence reflects the inspiration for this trip. It's in the struggle to articulate what is happening here that comforts me, frustrates me, excites me, and validates this experience. God Himself is ineffable, elusive; I wouldn't expect trying to follow Him and do His work to be anything else.

Comments (8)

Hannah Springer said:

... So excited to read you are learning much from this experience, Jaron! You’re right, words don’t do it justice...but on that thought...please greet everyone for me . Tuka Bulungi, hs

July 21, 2008

Donna josley said:

... Hello Jaron! Thank you so much for posting some of your thoughts and feelings, and for the joy that you bring to the people of Jinja. You are all in my prayers for health and safety. Blessings, Donna

July 16, 2008

Vikki Bentley said:

... Jaron, We love you and miss you, and we are thrilled that you are involved in this experience. We enjoy reading what you have to say. See you soon! Love, Mom

July 16, 2008

Debi Rutledge said:

Greetings Hey there! Sara is back and just sent out an email ... it sounds like things are going well. I look forward to hearing all about your adventures when you get back!

July 16, 2008

Erin said:

Giardia I researched Adam's illness on wikipedia... You can imagine my reaction.

July 13, 2008

Debi Rutledge said:

... Jaron it's great to read about your experience so far. You are in our thoughts and prayers!

July 11, 2008

Cindy Jenko said:

Hi Hi Jaron, We are praying for you daily. Enjoy greeting all those you meet! Cindy (Courtney's Mom)

July 11, 2008

kristen said:

! yeah Jaron! you said it all...

July 05, 2008

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