Jinja Mission Team - Busoga Churches of Christ

Even though Shalmar is excited to participate in a foreign mission work, meeting new people and learning about a new culture, her missional hope is to join God’s redemptive work in Detroit, Michigan with her roommate. Shalmar’s desire to love this city through word and deed is rooted in her faith which has grown out of her mother’s example of pursing closeness with God. Shalmar is a Social Work major at Rochester College who loves to read, write, watch movies and spend time with her friends. Shalmar learned about this internship through a friend who had previously experienced it. Though hesitant to anticipate the ways in which God will shape her through this mission experience, her time in Uganda will no doubt offer new perspectives on missions and mover her closer toward her future hope.
 

I’ve been taking so many pictures here in Africa because I cannot imagine having the words to explain even a portion of what I am experiencing (as my fellow interns have already well described), but since writing a reflection is a part of this amazing deal, here I am reflecting.  But there’s so much to reflect on! On the drive in from the airport, I remember feeling like Alice through the looking glass as I watched tons of tiny shops constructed of wood go by, saw the market buzzing with people, and witnessed boda-bodas (bike taxis) and motorbikes whizzing by only inches from our four-wheel drive vehicle.  Somehow, though, amidst feeling so very foreign I immediately felt right at home (thanks, in large part I’m sure, to the amazing missionaries here).

Since that first day driving in, I have seen and experienced so much.  There have been breathtaking, beautiful moments (such as seeing the stars from the rooftop of our friends’ apartment) as well as tough times (like being begged for money by the ‘street kids’ in their well-worn and dirty clothes).  But overall I have learned so much about this culture and what it means to be a missionary within that, and am just so very grateful that I have been given this gift to stay a while in this beautiful place.

Although Africa’s splendor is coupled with hardships, I still find myself completely in awe of this amazing land I find myself in.  I think I’ll let a poem I wrote while here do the rest of the talking for me:

Dear Africa –

I think I am falling in love with you.
From the time I was flying above you
I thought you were beautiful,
and when my feet first touched your land
it just felt so right –
like love at first sight,
which I only ever dreamed of believing in

Until you

And now my days consist
of too many joys I can’t resist:
your mighty river rushing around me
your village children coming to surround me
creamy chai tea, fresh pineapple, and mango
loving greetings from your people
in a language I’m trying to get to know

And everyday I wake here
to discover yet another precious Blessing

Please, don’t misunderstand me –
I know you are not perfect
I see the problems that go hand in hand with your beauty
(though I don’t pretend to understand them)
But I still cannot help but love you,
land that defies time and eludes words
that blossoms peace of soul alongside gorgeous flowers
and seems to know me in a way I’ve never been known before

May your red dirt never wash from my shoes
your people’s faces never fade from my heart
nor your spirit ever become unstitched from my soul

Thank you for everything

In loving gratitude,
             Me   
 

Comments (24)

Susan Garry & Zach said:

Africa Angel and everywhere she is. Hi Shalmar, Wow, what a wonderful and amazing person your are. I talked last night to your wonderful, amazing mom. What a Angel she is! Zach & I were looking at the website last night and our hearts filled with awe. (The pics are great!!) What a beautiful poem of Africa you wrote it sounds like such a wonderous place. Hope to see you soon and glad to hear you are having a great trip. God bless you and your safe return. Love, Susan Garry & Zach(:

August 05, 2008

The Kokoszkas said:

... Shalmar, We are so excited and very proud of you. We loved your opening poem and really enjoyed looking at all the photos and can't wait to hear all your stories. What an awesome experience you are having and we know you're having a great time! Each of us are praying for you and your team as well as your safe return. Your mom misses you, but is keeping busy. ENJOY, ENJOY this experience. I am sure this is the first of many trips you will be taking.

August 02, 2008

Jason Adams said:

The Best Birthday Gift It was around 5:30 in the morning, and Jason slept on, dreaming much in the same way the rocks don't. Suddenly, however a beeping emits from the upper of his bookshelf, and slowly, softly in his mind the gentle words form, "Who in God's name is texting me?" With morning grace like a fat bird, Jason stood to his feet and grabbed the imposing device. As he stared at the words on the screen, his indifference gave way to a grin too goofy to describe. The phone was set back down and he simply fell back on the bed and stared passed the ceiling above to a God smiling back. "Lord," he began, "why have you blessed me so? Yet I pray you bless Shalmar even more for the kindness and love she ceaselessly expresses..." The prayer went on, but that's none of your business. The day progressed. Chores and work were accomplished with great reluctance, and eventually redundantly lifting large metal objects was in order. Once accomplished, Jason went back to his car to discover another message from his Good friend. At this point he was awake enough to realize the entirety of his friend's gift to him - a narrated day, the gift he'd so often asked for. With literary device, she was managing to do just that. It was a good day indeed. This time he responded, ever so grateful, but this too is none of your business. Finally, evening came riding on the back of a phlegmatic horse. The day was concluding, and it was in fact a marvelous day per the prescription of his friend, Shalmar. At what he figured to be around 11:00pm her time, Jason received another message, and what a lovely way to end the day - a mere example of the concluding rhymes. The day could then conclude naught but wonderfully, his friend had seen to that; from thousands of miles away, she had moved the very hand of providence by her earnest love and charity to give her friend the gift of a good day. What, indeed, a magnificent friend; "A friend to keep," thought he, and so shall it be so. The two went on, befriended, for many years to come; many miles, many kind gestures, laughs and silliness. Indeed, can not life be experienced by the grace of God in a remarkable way, now? We shall see. Thank you, Shalmar.

August 01, 2008

Billy & Sarah said:

Hello!!!!! Shalmar, We love you and miss you. I can't wait to give you a big hug when you get home. I hear that you were not feeling so well recently and hope you are feeling better. Well I know I do not write as fancy as some of your friends, but know that I love you more than you realize, and I am very proud of the woman you have become. Be safe and enjoy your time in Africa. We love you and will keep you in our prayers!! By the way, did you read alex's message, what a goofball!

July 25, 2008

Jakob Taube said:

... Hi Shalmar Sorry it took me so long to write to you. It took a while for the grape vine to tell me of this oppshine. I also have been busy with schoo. I'm glade that I tryed to learn German. But I'll be glade when I'm done. I look forward to seeing you again soon. Be safe love Jake

July 25, 2008

emilia czaplicka said:

greetings from ray, Mi Shalmar, We are glad to get this opportunity to send a greeting to you since we also have dial up like your parents. I constantly boycott our computer. We were so touched to read your comments and especially the poem you wrote. We know you are being blessed and at the same time being a blessing to those in Uganda. Tell the people of Jinja that we send love and prayers from the states. Our prayers are with you and we cannot wait to see your beautiful smiling face. sincerely, Stan, Caleb and Emilia

July 25, 2008

sheila hylton said:

from daddy I love you so much and wish you were here. I miss you but, I am glad you are living your dream. See how much you can do without a man around, haha. I love you and am very proud of you. Cannot wait to pick you up at the airport. Love, Daddy xoxo

July 25, 2008

sheila hylton said:

update from home Shalmar, I love and miss you. I really enjoy the e mails.Jason spent the night last night. Alex came by the other day.Went to farmington with Melissa.Camp was good. Alabama was good. Uncle Shawn and Aunt Tiffany and the girls missed you, jostly Savanna.Panama City Beach was great,went in a helicopter down the coast and rented a motorcycle it was awesome. I never feel closer to Jesus than at the ocean, it is amazing.Everyone misses you and says hi! Went to PJs preview service last Sunday, Matt spoke.Going out with Stan and Emilia tonight in the mustang. Cannot wait to see you. Love you billions time more than g and g. keeping you in my prayers every night. Love, Mommy

July 24, 2008

Cassie said:

From the city of Detroit - roommate love Shal!!! I did not know that this blog thing was here, and I am sooooo glad I stumbled across it. I miss you hardcore, but I know that you are doing amazing, beautiful things. I cannot wait to see you and hug you and share stories with you. jostly, I just miss you! I support you in everything that you do! I have great things to tell you and I know you have incredible things to tell me. I wish I could express how much your bio and journal have blessed me. I don't want this comment to end, but I suppose it will have to. Just know that I am sooo grateful for you and blessed to have you in my life. I can't wait to start our next adventure, but enjoy this Uganda adventure too! Love you more than I can say! I am praying for you and thinking of you constantly!

July 23, 2008

Melissa M said:

... Hi Shalmar, I miss you like crazy, although I know you are doing amazing work for God. I can't wait to hear all about your trip when you get back, oh and have I got some crazy stories for you. Count downs 16 days until Shalmar gets back 18 days until the Backstreet boys concert (I had to say it) Love and prayers Melissa

July 23, 2008

Andrea said:

Your my hero What up girl! Oh my gosh I miss you so much! You are such an amazing person, and I am so proud of you for all you are doing. It sounds like you are having an amazing experience as I knew you would. My thoughts and prayers are with you every day, and I can't wait till you come home. I have so much to tell you and so many questions to ask you about your trip when you come home. Can't wait to see you! Love Andrea

July 23, 2008

Shalmar said:

Thanks!! I just wanted to thank all of you loved ones back home who have commented here - it means so much to me, and is so great to have your words reach me here as I adventure and see God here in Uganda. I encourage you to read about my fellow interns and the missionaries, too (if you haven't already) because they're all AMAZING! Love you all, Shalmar

July 22, 2008

"Charlie" Rouse said:

... HOPE ALL IS WELL WITH YOU AND YOUR FELLOW INTERNS. I DON'T THINK TAKING TWO THOUSAND PICTURES IS EXCESSIVE, WELL MAYBE YOU COULD CUT IT DOWN TO AROUND 1700 GIVE OR TAKE 1 OR 2 EITHER WAY. TAKE CARE MY FRIEND, HAVE A GREAT TIME AND josT IMPORTANT THINE OF ALL.........COME HOME, WE MISS YOU!

July 21, 2008

Alex said:

Of clean and unclean foods. Lev:11:20 "All flying insects that walk on all fours are to be detestable to you. There are, however, some winged creatures that walk on all fours that you may eat: those that have jointed legs for hopping on the ground. Of these you may eat any kind of locust, katydid, cricket or grasshopper. But all other winged creatures that have four legs you are to detest. Sorry, I just felt the very strong urge to bug you. But seriously, I miss you and I hope you are having a wonderful time. I look foreward to your return and the many stories and pictures you are sure to have. Also, please slip some crickets through airport security. Thanks Love Alex

July 19, 2008

Your Mommy said:

Your Dear Old Mommy Shalmar, Yes we are looking at the same moon everynight. I miss my other half of g and g. Cannot wait to pick you up at the airport in August. What a birhday gift my baby back home.. Remember what I taught you the greatest of these is Love. Miss you, Mommy

July 19, 2008

Aunt Patti said:

Blessings to you This is the first of so many adventures that God has in store for you. The time will fly by so take it all in Shalmar and let it fill your heart. Your poem is beautiful and it says so much about what you are experiencing. You are a blessing to all. See you soon. Our prayers go with you.

July 18, 2008

Tiffany,Shawn & "The Girls" said:

We love you too!! We are so proud you and what you are doing. We love you more than you will ever know!!! Take care and bring lots of pics to scrap

July 17, 2008

Big Bad David White said:

Helping others connect Well well well its so nice to see you growing up to have your dream come true ... to be just like me!(smirk) Its nice to see one of Gods childeren who know how to connect and bring that to the world ... keep spreading the love of christ .... I'm sure I speak for all of CWC when I say we are proud of you!

July 15, 2008

"Charlie" Rouse said:

Good gracious Lord, What's Shalmar doing? Shalmar, I guess everybody has to be someplace and you are in a good place with good people doing a great job for the Lord. I am so proud of you my buttons may best (maybe I should get a bigger shirt size) When you have God in your heart and totally in your life, you get to do things for him. Everyplace I have been and they number many, I always say to anyone who would listen "You know God created this just for me, I am just letting you see it with me" I truly am so glad that you are getting this opportunity to see a part of the world that only a few people get to see that live in America. I am hopeful that you will get to see and be a witness for God in many more places during your young life and that you never lose the flavor for it. Our Lord has created a masterpiece and you know what? You Shalmar, are one of the main features within this precious piece of work. You will do well in whatever your you do with your life. I have heard this this many times "God loves you and so do I" Take care my friend, I miss your hugs. Charlie"

July 15, 2008

Jason Adams said:

Seven Billion Made in the Same Image Hey Shalmar, From what you've written, and especially what you haven't written, it seems you're doing simply remarkable - how absolutely wonderful. Isn't it incredible, though, how it's possible to fall in love not only with a people, but a place; a geography and cacophony of daily sounds and smells that bring about that immediate sense of joy and wonderment that we so yearn after in our daily tedium and monotony of comfortable home life? It's in such moments I suddenly recall and understand where the Bible reminds that we are all without excuse for creation itself calls out to God's glory - is this not fantastically true? Isn't it remarkable how many people there are in this world? The vast array of mannerisms, idioms, accents, cultures, appearances, thoughts which so vividly distinct one people from another? Yet is it not so much more incredible how no matter how far you go, we are all so magnificently tied to have so obviously been in created in the image of a single God? I've often wondered why I haven't met a certain people that do not want to be loved - a silly notion, really. If you can't tell, Shalmar, I'm excited beyond diction, voice and reason, and I pray earnestly that you are as well ten fold. I know the Lord is using you in ways far greater than your perception can tell - a heart as big, genuine and beautiful as your own can do not but penetrate the hearts of those around you - any people, any place, any time - by your incredible love for Life, the Lord, and His people.

July 12, 2008

Cindy Jenko said:

Hi Shalmar, Hi - it's Courtney's Mom. I love your reflection. We pray for all of you daily. Enjoy UGANDA! Give Courtney a hug for me ok? Love, Cindy

July 11, 2008

Adrienne & King's Kids Staff said:

What an opportunity! Shalmar, I just wanted to let you know that we are praying for you here at King's Kids!! We do miss you, however, we know that God has put this incredible opportunity ahead of you....I know Africa has already left a mark on your heart, but the mark you will leave for Christ, when you leave Africa will impact eternity for many people and children! Love those kids like crazy okay??!! We will see you in August! Lifting you up, Adrienne & King's Kids Staff

July 08, 2008

Mom & Dad said:

Wel love you! We love you and miss you so much!! Rock the world for Jesus!! Love Mom & Dad.

July 03, 2008

Bill & Sarah said:

We love you!! Shalmar, We love you & miss you!! We pray for your safety everynight, and can't wait to see you! We are very proud of you! know that the kingdom of heaven is being furthered through your time in Africa! We love you and hope to hear from you soon!!

July 02, 2008

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