Jinja Mission Team - Busoga Churches of Christ

Seasons Greetings.

The weather here in Uganda doesn’t change much.  No matter what time of year it is, you can almost always count on the temperature being between 75-90 degrees.  Granted there are the rare occasions when a cold front moves in and it actually drops down into the high 60’s.  Sometimes it rains here, but only for an hour or so.  Every once in a while it will get really hot, but never that humid.  For the most part you get the same thing everyday, perfect weather.  Because of this, I have learned that using the weather to distinguish between seasons doesn’t quite work.  Most Ugandan’s claim there are two seasons that happen two times of year: rainy season and non rainy season.  Since I don’t plant or grow anything, the rainy season doesn’t really distinguish itself from the non rainy season.  Being a person that likes seasons, especially which ever one is next; I needed a solution to this lack of change.  Recently, I started to gage different aspects of life here to see if any seasonal patterns might arise.  Granted I have only been here for seven and a half months, but I thought I might find a measurable season or two.  Here is a list of the possible seasons that I have observed.

• 

  Can there be an uglier bird?
  Bat season and non bat season- There seems to be definite times in Jinja when the bat population increases and decreases.  Especially in my new home.
• Mango Season- In June and July, the mangos here were out of this world.  I am definitely looking forward to that season next year.
• Deathly ill and just kind of sick season-  I am hoping that this one doesn’t actually materialize into regular seasons, but I have definitely been going through a pattern thus far.
• Trash Bird Season- I have no reason to believe that these enormously ugly, incredibly scary birds will actually fly south (or north) for the second part of the year, but I really hope they do. 
• Power and No Power Season- These seasons actually come and go on a daily basis, but sometimes a power off night feels like a long winter. 
• Ugandan Generosity Season- I have been overwhelmed from day one with the incredible generosity of Ugandans.  I hope that this season never comes to an end and that I can learn to live in it a little more each day. 

Although I am still going to track the legitimacy of these possible seasons, I don’t think any of them will work out.  I have found one that I believe can fulfill my need for a seasonal change though; Visitor and Non Visitor Season.  The American season of summer has proven to be a visitor season in Uganda.  Ugandans have a saying about visitors, “Abagene mukisa” which means “Visitors are a blessing.”  This has definitely been the case for me this summer.  For the past 3 month The Source Café has been full of people from all over the world who are here in Uganda to help, serve, see, and learn.  It has been great to get to know people from all walks of life as they stop by for a cup of coffee.  Ben and I even joined into the seasonal festivities by making a short visit back to America to see my younger brother get married.  It was rejuvenating to be with family and friends again. 

The highlight of visitor season was having 9 students from Rochester College and Abilene Christian University who did a two month internship with our team.  Their experiences have been well documented on our website under the Internship section.  For me personally, the internship was a wonderfully busy time.  I was encouraged by the enthusiasm of this group and blessed by the getting to know each of them. While they were here, our 9 interns attempted to get a real look at what life is like as a missionary in Uganda.  They followed us in are everyday lives, from visit villages to working at the Source Café, to taking language lessons every morning.  The interns, as with anyone who comes to visit, quickly realized that Uganda is a place that is not only full of beauty and excitement, but it is a place that is inundated with ugliness and despair.  It is difficult to go anywhere without seeing a problem unsolved or a need unmet.  Requests are a daily part of life.  Solutions and answers are hard to come by.  It is easy to get lost in the constant struggle to make sense of this place.  This reality is sometimes difficult to handle. 

With every season, there are disadvantages and advantages.  Summer can get a little too hot, but it is always a time of fun.  Winter can be dreary, but it brings a new ski season.  In the same way visitor season has made me way to busy, but has given me the opportunity to meet some amazing people.  The greatest blessing of this season has been getting to experience Uganda for the first time again through the eyes of our interns; to share in their excitement, to hear their questions, to feel their sadness, and to watch them as they attempt love the Basoga people.  Their enthusiasm has given me a renewed outlook for this place.  They have given me a new season, a season of hope; a hope that God is working here in ways that I can not see or imagine, a hope that the Basoga people will find new life in a risen Savior, a hope that our 9 interns will return home and be a voice for those who have no voice; that they will intercede for the poor, the sick, the downtrodden.  

As visitor season comes to an end, I hope that next year God will bless me again with people who touch my life and my work.  That He will send me people who will give me energy and excitement for this place.  And who knows, maybe next year He will send you. 

Adam

Comments (19)

PAULA said:

day one my daughter has arrived in Jinja today! She is so far from home, I try not to worry! She has had a passion for Africa for many years, as long as I can remember. She will be working at an orphanage. Please pray for her ,and tell her that her Mom and Dad miss her if you come across her! Blessing to all her serve in Jesus name. SAn Diego CA

October 06, 2006

Alpha Robinson said:

... Adam, I was up until 4:00am Friday PM/ Sat AM trying to figure out if Lew, Brent and Wilsons were on their way or still in Brussels. It is really difficult to find these things out with International Airline Websites -at least for me. In short -can you let me know when/if they do arrive or if you know what is up?? Thank you. I have been so dissappointed for all of you because their time there was short as it was -now it is going to be even shorter for you all. Worried in Gresham - Alpha

September 02, 2006

Paul Bobo said:

... I wish you and Mark would do another video soon. Maybe even put it to Merle Haggard music. PB(Mark's brother-in-law)

September 01, 2006

kelsey evans said:

... Hey adam! I hope and pray that things are going really well for you and the team. I cant wait to go and visit uganda someday. I am excited to hear all about what the lord is doing through you. you are always in my thoughts and prayers. I miss you, lots of love, Kelsey

September 01, 2006

Meagan Hawley said:

E-mail me.... Hello Adam! It seems like things in Uganda are going well! It makes me sad I'm not there! Anyway, I am getting ready to leave for Zambia in 4 weeks, and I was wondering if you all are going to be there for Christmas? I am going to be alone at Christmas because everyone will be going back to the States, so I was thinking about the possiblity of flying up to Uganda and seeing you all over Christmas break. Let me know what you all are up to! I miss you and am so glad you are doing well...

August 27, 2006

BRian said:

friend I enjoy so much writing to you. I valued the few times that we got to share more than worship and large group time. I found your heart to be fertile ground for good seed. Life in Oregon is full of promise. God is quickening my heart, and that of the congregation to real gospel -- relevant mission. Sample revelation The world doesn't need me to convict it of sin, that has already been done by the first tree and the Holy Spirit. My job is to be a living sacrifice, a constant advocate of the world. I hear this in your words too. Nice to know that we are still listening to the same teacher.

August 25, 2006

Jason Anderson said:

... Hey bro! Just wanted to say thank you for helping make the season for some former students of mine! Please pass along my graditute to the whole team! May God bless y'all with preparedness, in season and out of season, that you may preach the good news to the people of Africa! Much Love, In Him, J

August 24, 2006

Gary Tandy said:

... Hi Adam, I enjoyed reading your comments about the seasons. I am glad to hear that you are feeling good about your work in Jinja and that you got to visit with lots of people this summer. Unfortunately, it is school season here, and I have to say "So long, sweet summer" and begin teaching. We are also saying so long to Jackson, who is heading off this week for OC and then on to Vienna for the semester. Ben Ries was in town recently and got to spend some quality time with Jackson and Garrison. I know the teens have missed you, and we have too. I am praying that the East County visitors will be a blessing to you and your team. I hope we can get some Cascade students interning with you at some point. Grace and peace, Gary

August 23, 2006

Greg Whistler said:

... Adam, Very true and thoughtful comments. More and more it seems to me that this life is really about those relationships that are formed. Our need for relationship with others gives us a glimpse at God's desire for relationship with us that moved Him in love for us that we have salvation and renewed relationship through Jesus. I appreciate what you are doing although I miss your presence here (as well as Ben, Kim, & Elijah's). My blessings and best wishes to you and please give them also to your brother and his family. Peace, Greg

August 23, 2006 | url

Jill Dodson-Zuniga said:

Hey! Adam.....I am so glad that things are going well for you and the rest of your team. We sure do miss you guys! Please give Ben & Kym my love. Carlos and I are 90% moving to Salt Lake City in September - he got a job promotion offer. It's not for sure yet but we're hoping that the offer will be officially extended by the end of this week. We are actually in Utah right now looking at houses. Crazy where God takes everyone in life, huh? Anyway, I just wanted to say hi and send lots of love. Take care of yourself, okay? Know that you're prayed for often. With love, Jill

August 22, 2006

Dan Coburn said:

Summer! Aljost Gone! Adam I truly hope along with you that the "sick season" is a one time experience. You have too much to do there. I will pray to that end. For linda and I the season is one of great joy at the arrival of Amelia and Jacob. We wish you wre here to add to the hilarity of Christy and Aris(especially) acting like parents and Linda and me(especially) acting like grandparents! I have been able to golf a little, even went to the Resort at the Mountain where we played last summer. Just wasn't the same with you there to search for lost balls in the trees with me and the banter was so dull without your perspective. We remember you in our prayers and are amazed but not surprised at the ways God is using you there!!! We love you much and send hugs via Lewis, Pete and Gail and Abney. In Him, Dan

August 22, 2006

Alpha Robinson said:

Hello Adam!!! Hello Adam, I wanted you and Ben and Kym to know how much I wish I was going to be with Lew, Peter and Gail to visit in a couple of weeks. I loved Kenya so much and when I read your updates I feel I'm back in Kenya. The hardest best time of my life. At times I imagine myself in Africa serving and loving and enjoying the simple pleasures -and then other times I feel way too afraid of the emotional drain and homesickness. I love you all and miss you so much. By the way -you were supposed to review your chapter of the book on Cultivating the Fruits of the Spirit last Sunday -but no worries -I missed too. I'll expect you there this Sunday to go before me. Love - Alpha

August 22, 2006

Fennell said:

Hey there Friend Man, it is hard to believe that it has been seven and a half months. Time sure has flown by. It is encouraging for me to hear all that is going on there and to know that you are doing well. I am praying for you and your work there - May God continue to bless you daily with His wonderous works, His majesty in Jinja and the surrounding areas and keeping you safe. I miss you and hope that you continue to do well. I found an old friend on Myspace from high school while he was in Jinja of all places. He is a pilot who flies relief trips from Goma, Congo and was in Jinja for two weeks - sick- while his plane was getting fixed. I gave him your names and told him about the Source Cafe so he might look you up next time. Thanks in advance for your kindness - you are the best. :grin Anywho, enough rambling for now. Much love and God's Blessings on you, dear friend! Fennell

August 21, 2006

Darren said:

Rock Jumping Season Remember Merwin Lake and rock jumping? Last week our kids school had a campout at Merwin and we all watched/encouraged the kids to jump off the first ledge...pretty funny seeing Cole pace forward, then back, forward, then back, and finally after the third false start leap over the edge past a cliffside bush holding onto scattered faith. The water below did not let him down Well, hell. One of the kids dads climbed up to the very top...freakishly high...and sprinted off the cliffside to clear tree limbs and hit h2o below, after i thought we had all agreed it was to high and to dangerous. Next thing i know...fricken' Farnes is up there eyin' the dealeo and jumps, landing somewhat sideways...but ok. Ya, that meant I had to go next. Keep on leading those around you who just need you to go first... and be inspired by those who are breaking the 4 minute mile ahead of you! You are capable and worthy to share in Jinja's pain and discern solutions! All the best, -d

August 20, 2006

Leland said:

... College Football is starting up again, sorry you are not here to see UT give ou another whoopin. Hope you are doing well. My life has been significantly less exciting since you left. I am acting like I am 38. Hookem Horns. OU sucks.

August 19, 2006

Lana said:

... Your newsletter made me very excited to come and see all the great things there in Jinja! I am so proud of all the work you guys are doing! God has smiled on me with you! Love Lana

August 19, 2006

Mark Moore said:

President of Adam Langford Fanclub Good job Adam. Prepare for the ultimate visitor...Brent Abuneri Waiswa! he si coming your way to jump in the hole with you. mm

August 19, 2006 | url

Marcus McCrary said:

... Hey Adam I was just sending some pictures from the wedding to Ben and Kym when I got your email. I still show the slide show you made for me every week at work. I was changed forever by Uganda and tell others about it. I hope you are doing well and feeling better now. Marcus

August 19, 2006

Mike (Bonesaw) Upshur said:

... Yes! I get to be the first to comment on this blog. I'm pretty proud of myself for that. I knew you were writing this blog b/c you talked about it while we were still there, so i was looking forward to reading it, but i definitely lowered my expectations. I'm thankful to say that you met my lowered expectations, so gyabalinoino (sp?) I wanted to suggest another season for you, the hot water/no hot water season. THe only problem is that jsut might be a bachelor pad issue and without Lenny's 2 hour showers, there may no longer be a hot water shortage in Jinja. Well... thats all i got, i miss you guys and i'm praying for ya'll -mike

August 19, 2006

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