Jinja Mission Team - Busoga Churches of Christ

Whether in Michigan or Africa, Kristen enjoys exciting adventures (especially when experienced with her boyfriend Michael!). Eating bugs and living without air conditioning is not Kristen’s idea of an exciting adventure in Africa. Rather, her interest in a different people, culture and lifestyle is what draws her to foreign mission work. She hopes her experience in Uganda is humbling as she learns to appreciate all people. Kristen is an Elementary Education and Language Arts Major at Rochester College, not far from her home town of Royal Oak, Michigan. As Kristen considers her future, she deeply desires to fulfill God’s purpose for her life. She appreciates the way her parents have encouraged this desire in her. She is also thankful for the way her parents and her two sisters, whom she considers her very best friends, have supported this internship opportunity. Through the Holy Spirit’s prompting and her family’s support, this mission opportunity became a reality and is quickly becoming a meaningful adventure in faith and missions. 

Every time I try to gather my thoughts about this experience in Africa, I am bombarded with congested images and memories that are too complex to be described in words. This makes the assignment of sharing my thoughts difficult. Therefore, I will do my best to interpret.  When my heavy eyelids lift open each morning, I feel as though a new page in a storybook is about to be written. My first thought is typically,what is the next thing I will be wrong about today? Since I have been here, the Lord has revealed so many questions to me about my place in Him, and has also completely changed my style of thinking for the better. 

Up until a few days ago, I was struggling to adjust into Ugandan culture. Walking around in the villages and even in town initiated mixed emotions and wonders if this was truly where "God wanted me to be." I didn’t know that “spiritual” culture shock, was the cause of uncertainty I was having about doing mission work one day. However, the more I prayed about it, and the more conversations I listened in upon and had with the missionaries (whether they knew it or not), I knew that it was just that: complete “spiritual culture shock.”  

Since I was a girl, I dreamed of a far off place, where I would one-day grace the land with my humble, servant’s heart for the Lord. I would help all those who were poor, and needy in spirit, bringing light to all in darkness. Therefore, no one would ever have problems again in Africa (myplace of choice), and every sickness would be healed immediately because I was “sent-by-God.” Ha!  My romanticized rendition of what missions were like was quickly dampened as soon as this internship began. This is no fault or wrongdoing of the missionaries here, or of the program they designed for us. It is pure reality. I struggle with depression, and thought maybe the thoughts that were fuming inside of me were created by that. As Sara and John Barton prepared us the best way that any previous missionary could possibly do for this trip, they would never be able to explain the way I was feeling the first couple of weeks here. I am still struggling to find the words myself.

I have seen the poverty I dreamed of. I have heard the cries for help from the people. I have prayed for the needy and broken inspirit. I have laid hands and hoped for healing for those who are sick. No matter how much I thought I, “lowered my expectations,” I am still finding myself looking for the spiritual fantasy of mission-work I always expected. Where are the healed? Where are the rich in spirit? Where are the changes we’re “supposed” to be seeing? If there is one thing I have learned being here so far, it is to never give up hope for what you cannot see. If we (followers of Christ) give up hope, who will be Jesus for these people? Who will their encouragement come from? Man, Allah, Museveni?

My hope is that by the end of this 7-week internship, my understanding of who Christ is will completely unfold and I will walk in His presence everywhere I go. Unfortunately, I already know the response to that statement. We may never fully understand who Christ is, or who we are in Him, but we can certainly give our thoughts to Him, and hope that He will take complete control in those situations where we are uncertain. We can trust Him to teach us what we need to learn, and reveal to us more of who He is
through His word.  I may never experience the Love of Christ the way I have always imagined, but I would be a fool if I waited around for it. The only presence I want to be apart of is Jesus’, and if my own pre-set notions are getting in the way, then shame on me. So for tonight, I will just close my eyes and wait for the next page of this story to unfold.

Disclaimer: Even though I can’t find every explanation for my thoughts, it is important for you to know that I am having an amazing time. The missionaries and their families are great, and I love the Busoga people. Did I mention it’s beautiful here! :)

Comments (14)

Roxanne Corbett said:

Hello from NC Wow Kristen. What a great opportunity to grow in the Lord and learn what life is really all about. I have always wanted to visit Africa. I can only imagine how beautiful it must be and how interesting it is to learn another way of life and culture. I hope this mission trip is all you hope it will be. Have a wonderful time.

July 18, 2008

Sara said:

bonding Kristen, Bonding must be coming up soon. I'll be praying that you'll bond with Ugandans in a special way while you are out there alone. Depend on God. Listen to the Holy Spirit, and seek the heart of Jesus. I've seen you doing that all along the way, and it's a testimony to see how God is sustaining you. I can't wait to talk more when you get back. Want me to cook you some Africa food . . . nah! Maybe some chocolate chip cookies! Sara

July 17, 2008

Michael Chabot said:

... Hey Bud, I love you! I enjoyed your paper and just want you to know that God does move in miraculous ways! As you said, we may not always be able to put it into words or see right away what the Lord is doing, but He is moving and He is affecting your life and the people around you. You are beautiful, and I can't wait to see you when you come home changed by His presence. God may not always move in the way that we think, but I can tell you that His plan is even more romantic than the ones we plan for ourselves. His love is real and desperate to be with His people. Fairy tales don't have anything on the reality God's will for this earth.

July 16, 2008

Nikki G said:

African Queen Hey girl! I am so proud of my baby! All the people at the bible study have been keeping you in prayer. Keep doing the work of the Lord...that is the only thing that matters on this Earth. I hope you are not getting too homesick. I love you. We need to get together when you get home. Love, Nikki

July 15, 2008

Aunt Gayle said:

Hi from your Aunt in Ohio It is pouring down rain here and thundering like crazy. I probably shouldn't be on the computer during this storm, but wanted to write you TODAY! I've been thinking about you and praying for you even though we've been extremely busy moving Grandma and getting our house ready to sell. I love you sooooo much and am so proud of you for following God's path for you. You'll never regret finding out what pleases the Lord (Ephesians 5:10). See you when you get back! Love, Aunt Gayle (and Uncle Chuck too)

July 12, 2008

Alex said:

Miss you!! Dear Miss Kristen, I hope you are having good days in Africa. I miss you so much. I love you too and am waiting for you to get back. I pray for you every night! Love, Alex

July 10, 2008

Ju and Shawn Doom said:

Uganda eat that? hey girl, everytime it rains, shawn runs to the window, plays the song "all by myself" and slowly puts his hand on his reflection while wondering how you are. shawn misses you..deeply. and as for me, i keep aljost speed dialing you while im at work to see if you want to hang out when i get home, then i hang up and cry because youre not. but it looks like youre having the best time ever! please bring me back a little african boy for my pocket. or girl. with braids. marian misses you. talk to you soon, facebook me! love ju

July 08, 2008

Sandra Shanaman said:

Hi Dear Kristen, Your Mom gave me your info to write. So happy to hear you are finding God's purpose for your life at your young age! It takes some of us a quarter of a century! Would love to hear more about your mission there. Write when you can. You are all in our prayers! Love, Sandra Shanaman

July 07, 2008

Sarah Galecki said:

Whaz up Africa?!!! Can you really believe you are there?!!! God is so faithful... and I am so proud of you for faithfully following the path He has ordained for you, Kristen. Remember that your friends and family back home love you so much and are keeping you in prayer. God is amazing Girl... and He's amazing in you. I'm praying for signs and wonders to follow you!

July 07, 2008

Tara Jordan said:

You are an Inspiration!! Hey Cuz!! I'm so proud of you for choosing to do this along your journey of life. You are my inspiration to never underestimate the power of God's plan. Enjoy your adventures!! Take care and God Bless!! Love, Tara, Kenny, Shelby, Steven and Sean

July 07, 2008

Stephanie Mills said:

Hey Cuz! I love you and I love that you got to go to Africa finally! This is so awesome! Just wanted to let you know that I'm praying for you. Let God do amazing things in your life and use you on this trip and after. Love you! and I left a note for you in your bedroom for when you get back. ~Stephanie

July 07, 2008

Laurie Tarasi said:

... WOW! We are so proud of you and all you are doing! What an unbelievable experience and journey! Enjoy every moment. You are a such a beautiful person, both inside and out. I can only hope that one day my daughters can be so blessed! Have a blast....take lots of pictures....and keep a journal. Best wishes on your adventure! Laurie, Mike, Ella and Sophia Tarasi

July 07, 2008

Mama Shar said:

I'm happy to see you HI Kristen, Thanks for sending this link. I will not write you anymore. I want you to write when it is convienent.I will keep up from this site. There are so many others wanting you to write. Just let someone hear from you once a week . Ok I love you and it looks like you are having a great time. Love, Mama

July 07, 2008

Michael Chabot said:

Hey! Hey Beautiful, Your profile pic is pretty. I love you and am so excited about what the Lord is teaching you and what you are teaching all those around you See you soon.

July 03, 2008

Name

Email

Title

Comment

smaller | bigger

Subscribe via email (Registered users only)

Write the displayed characters

Add Comment