Staying at Mary's house

When we were at Idudi last week we stayed at Jajja (grandmother) Mary‘s house. 

  And I became Jajja Jane for those few days too.

 

Mary is 60 and a widow, a mother and a grandmother and works with YFC and so we have plenty in common. We had lots of opportunity to talk and share and pray together. We became good friends in a short time.

 

 Because I am Muzungu (white person), whenever I was out the front of the house I was swamped by little dark skinned people who wanted to have their photos taken. I am always happy to oblige. Aren’t they just beautiful?

 

Renting from Mary in the shop-front next door is another Mary and her little daughter Desire.  A very different sort of shop from Aussie shops.

 Mary and I walked to the office together in the mornings through the maize crop and along the village paths.

 

Mary’s house is filled with many family members, as is common in Africa. These little ones are mostly grandchildren and they’re enjoying the mangoes that are in season. Most locals just eat them skin and all, like we would an apple.

  Cooking is a very communal thing and Jajja Mary and my ‘YFC buddy’ Mary spent time just sitting and chatting while meal preparation and cooking took place.

 I wanted to help but they were not keen on the idea. Sadly I am treated rather ‘specially’. 

                          That is their way and I respect it, but would love to be more helpful sometimes.

 

Life was very simple and very good at Mary’s house and I had a great time being an Idudi ‘local’ for a few days. Well, that I’ll never be, but I really enjoyed the slower pace and the simple way of life there and spending quality time with quality people. 

God is allowing me to have some wonderful experiences here – more good gifts from a father who loves His children.  God is good to me all the time.

Visit to Idudi in Eastern Uganda

 YFC in Uganda has ministry centres in Kampala and also at Idudi in the east and Gulu in the north. Last week Mary, Luke and I travelled to Idudi for three days to visit the team there. Hoping to visit Gulu before I leave Uganda.

I had the BEST time.

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 Idudi is just east of Jinja on this map.

 YFC Uganda has a van and a driver and so we headed off in the van with Luke. 

 

We passed sugar cane

and tea plantations

 and rice fields along the way.

It was about 5 hours drive with lots of photo opportunities along the way :)

At Idudi the ministry is headed by the very beautiful (inside and out) Annette. She is still on leave after giving birth to her third son, but we spent time together each day.

I was able to spend quality time with Annette talking about the ups and downs of leading the ministry at Idudi with all the challenges that come with it.

   

  I spent time with the young mums who are doing the tailoring course with Rebecca.

and had a good time also with the young YFC volunteers who visit schools in the area.

The nights were filled with wonderful dinners out with Annette’s and Rebecca’s families. Dinner was early because they have no power and we need to be done by just after 7pm when it gets dark. What beautiful and generous people these are. Each night I was sent home with bountiful gifts – humbling indeed. More details soon.

We planted trees for posterity and for adding to the food supply. Mine was an orange tree.

 

We picked mangoes which are in season right now and so very plentiful. Yum.

And we simply enjoyed being at that restful and peaceful place as the locals walked and cycled up and down the quiet road to the trading centre and back. And we enjoyed spending quality time together.

God blessed our time together so much and I am increasingly surprised at how He allows me to be a blessing in the lives of these committed and special people who are part of the wonderful worldwide family of Youth for Christ.

An sms from Annette after we left said: "Thank you, friend, for being there for us and having us at heart. Your coming has not left us the same.We feel you have accomomdated us in your hearts." It's true. I have found a place for them to live in there.