Single Stories

We have hit the 4 week mark! We had a visit from the long term All Nations worker, John, this week which was a good time of encouragement for us all. This week has had a slower pace with the village being busy preparing for the kids to go back to school.During our training before we left for Uganda we discussed 'single stories' and how easy it is to form an impression of someone based on one thing we know about them or their culture. This week we were privileged to hear some of the stories of the people we are building relationships with, and gain a greater understanding of who they are. We also are managing to break down some of their 'single stories' about us - L has got as far as progressing from 'Mzungu'* to 'Aunty Glory' with the kids, the community have finally figured out that Shadreck can't speak Lugandan, if they speak Swahili that Sandra can understand them, and that “Mordon” isn't willing to take any of their children back to the States...We've been humbled by some of the broken and distressing stories we have heard. One Muslim lady,  Aisha, shared how her parents tried to kill each other, and how she grew up with her father in prison. Another lady, Anna, told us how her whole family died and she didn't know where to turn  – and that a friend introduced her to Jesus at this time and how He transformed her life. Her husband Ibrahim is a Muslim and we were able to pray with her that her faith would influence him.Another family have been so hospitable – whenever Sandra visits she comes back with lemon grass, avocados, bananas, and pawpaw (our diet is still expanding!)  – yet their story is also one of neglect within their community and a fear and distrust of those in it, and also a fight for provision to pay school fees for their children.Everyone's story is different and as we listen, we pray and ask Jesus what he's saying about their story – and how they can see He has been part of their story from the beginning.*White person