Ella update!

an update following my previous post...wow!!!

You won’t BELIEVE what happened today. Long story short, we were able to buy Ella’s ticket for 360JD (the cheapest I was able to find online was 640JD) thanks to a Sri Lankan angel with connections @ Royal Jordanian. She flies out in’shallah 15 Dec. AND Ella and I met with a pro bono human rights lawyer we learned about who, with Ella’s permission, called her former employer and gave him a choice of either handing over her papers and dropping all charges against her without compensation (the $800 he had asked for that we were trying to raise) OR having his and his son’s butts hauled into court for multiple cases of rape and sexual abuse. YES!!! He was speechless…hadn’t known prior to that that his son had raped her too…and in the end he said he’d think about it tonight and give her a decision tomorrow. The lawyer feels confident he’ll agree but we need to PRAY!! Pls pls pray for his heart and decision tonight.
The beautiful thing was that after sharing about their conversation, the lawyer looked straight at Ella and said “What this man did to you was WRONG and we will FIGHT for you.” I just started weeping, am again now writing this. Seeing someone care enough to fight for her! And Ella turned and looked at me, her eyes just SHINING and said “Ate, God did it! He gave me the JUSTICE!” She just knows he’ll give in, that he’s scared, but even without his decision already justice is being done. I had no idea up til then how completely injust it seemed to her that all these people were raising money to pay off a man who had wronged her so horribly…today made me want to go to law school. I think I want to be a lawyer.

On the way out to the taxi, Ella started talking about how her family could use the money that was meant to go to this man…she was DREAMING out loud…of having enough to start a little market or buying a motorcycle taxi and hiring a driver…the possibility of being able to provide long-term for her family while staying in the Philippines…we’ve already raised ~$650 in addition to the money spent on her ticket and more’s coming in…so let’s dream WITH her and do what we can to see it come true.

So praise GOD!! WOW. And keep praying esp for tomorrow!! The lawyer will call me as soon as she hears from him, and if he doesn’t call her she promises to call him.

Can YOU help???

Please read the story below and let me know if you can help. This is from a trusted friend - a REAL need in the world this week, please will you help?

One of my all-time favorite people here in Amman is my Filipino friend, Ella.  We met last spring, she works and lives at the gym I go to, and since this summer she’s spent her one day off each week crashing at my place.  I’m honored and so grateful to call her my friend, and she’s given me permission to share her story with you all bc WE NEED YOUR HELP.

Ella (not her real name) is from a province in the north of the Philippines but years ago her family moved to the slums of Manila after a volcano erupted and made it impossible for her dad to make a living as a fisherman, and right after that a massive typhon destroyed their home.  Two years ago, Ella’s husband left her and their 2 young girls for another woman so the burden of providing for them and her aging parents (she’s the eldest daughter) fell to her.  Even though she’s a university educated teacher, she was forced by the lack of jobs in the Philippines to go to Hong Kong to work in the home of some wealthy Chinese folks.  Soon after getting there, she was cooking dinner for them and accidentally burned some chicken and as punishment the lady of the house poured hot oil over Ella’s arm.  Seriously.  She still has the scar.  She ended up leaving the job early after more abuse and decided to come to Jordan instead.

She arrived in Jordan a year ago and started working in the home of some wealthy folks here.  After four months of horrible abuse including sexual abuse from the man and son of the house, she decided one day to flee to Amman where a friend promised her a job in the gym.  But leaving meant leaving all her papers and passport behind…a choice that Asian workers (esp women) have to make daily in this part of the world.  Stay and face abuse, flee and be illegal but safe.  Since then, Ella’s been working 6 days/week, 16+ hr days at the gym, making the equivalent of $400/month.  She sends all but a fraction of it home to her family and lives on instant noodles and boiled eggs.   Without her papers, Ella’s unable to go home, scared every time she leaves the gym of being arrested and thrown in jail, is at the mercy of her employer/working with no rights or security, and is accumulating $2/day of overstay visa costs.

I respect and love Ella more than words can say.  She’s a picture of strength and hope to me.  We spend Saturday mornings making breakfast together and sharing what we’ve been learning about God over the past week, reading the Bible and praying together, and her stories and life have just opened my eyes to the world she shares with so many Asian workers in this part of the world…extreme poverty forcing people to leave their families for work, kids growing up without parents, couples separated and sleeping around on both sides and the resulting children and STDs and abortions and brokenness, people separated from their families going to drugs and sex and alcohol for hope and comfort, horrible horrible treatment of Asian workers by their employers…I can’t tell you how many stories I’ve heard since I met Ella.  It literally makes me rage inside.  And I think what I feel is only a fraction of the anger God feels towards it.

So, this is where we come to YOUR part.  A few months ago I felt like God whispered in a smiling way as I sat across from Ella at Saturday breakfast “You thought you came to Jordan for Arabic and to love Arabs…THIS is who I want you to love.  I want you to love her well and deeply, with everything you have, bc in loving her you are loving me.”  That sparked a desire to do what I can to get Ella’s papers returned, so over the past few weeks I’ve been talking with her former agency and employer as well as a lady whose full-time job is helping Asian women like Ella get legal and get home.  What I’ve learned is that the only way we can get her papers back is for Ella to reimburse her employer for the money he lost in bringing her here ($800) and that she HAS to leave the country immediately after that (one way plane ticket $4-500).  I know this is only a short-term solution to a huge problem…and neither Ella nor I know what awaits her once she’s back in Manila.  But what we DO know is that it’s imperative that her papers get returned and the only way to do that is for her to go home.

So, we’re dreaming big and stepping out and asking our Daddy to provide the money.  The goal is to buy her ticket this week, to meet with Ella’s employer and agency next week on the 23rd to pay them and make sure all is closed and clear, and to get her on a plane home before I leave Jordan on the 21st of Dec.   So it needs to happen FAST!  On this end, some other expat gals who know and love Ella are putting the word out to their people, and we’re planning some bake sales and such.  But we need your help!!  If you want to give, you can either send money to me via Paypal or mail a check to my parents address with Ella’s name on the subject line (email me and I’ll send you their address).

If you have more questions PLEASE feel free to ask away, but believe me when I say I’ve done the research on this end and this is the only way forward for Ella, and every CENT of what you give will go towards her.  If we raise more than we need, it will just go towards blessing her and her family.  And PLEASE PLEASE pass this onto any and all you think might be able to help too.  Don’t forget to pray for us too…for the process of getting her home and for Ella and her family and their future.

THANKS!!  Love and hugs.

Shakira

Last fall I introduced you to a friend of ours, her name is Shakira. Her story is one of the kind you read in books and it has yet to reach the climax I believe! Shakira was orphaned young, sent from relative to friend to relative, struggling to get an education, let alone to be loved and wanted. As a teenager she ended up on the streets & without her consent, trapped in prostitution. She was able to escape that life, but now found herself stranded in a Kampala slum with another burden to bear: she was HIV+. At this point, she also found herself in a relationship that actually brought some life back to her – a man who wanted to care for her and be with her. They began attending the local church, taking Christ as their Hope and vowing to remain faithful to each other.* Upon further testing, Shakira was now found to be HIV-, and has tested so ever since…a testimony she praises the Lord for daily even still! The two built a humble life together, and within 4 years had 2 small children, Ema & Esther. Her husband, Joseph, had a consistent job working in construction. Quite an upswing in Shakira’s life!

Then, tragedy hits again. Joseph falls from a roof, injuring his head, at work & is now in the local hospital, Mulago, and the family has no provision. Soon, Shakira finds herself locked out of her house after not making the rent payment – which is where James, our friend who works alongside the Thread of Life sewing shop by recruiting ladies from the slum, found her – alone, despairing, in the rain, without a home for herself & two small children!

Seriously, I can’t make this stuff up…sounds like a movie scene, and yet for this young mother, it was real and vicious and hopeless. James asked her what was wrong & she spilled her story to him. CLD was able to help Shakira in the beginning to pay her rent and not go without food. With time, as we came to know her more and realize how brilliant and strong this woman was, CLD supported her in buying a plot of land and building a house there in the slum. She was then able to live in one room and rent two others out, creating an income for herself. Eventually Joseph came home, but not without some health issues that hung on. He was unable to hold down a job, to provide for his family.

Now, I wasn’t around during this time, so I can’t say that I’ve got all the details exact or timing correct. But sometime after this, Shakira approaches the guys at CLD with a proposal for a business. This proposal was for a chicken business – a chicken coop with hens laying eggs to sell or broiler chickens to sell for meat. Having worked with chickens when she was young, she already held a lot of knowledge and also knew of a class she could take to help her prepare to care for the chicks and run this business. The goal was to create enough profit that the business would eventually fund the micro-loans that CLD was beginning to offer to some women in the slum!

*photo by Jeff Guerrero

The plan was brilliant and so fund-raising began to purchase some land and build a house and coop outside of the city for Shakira and her family to move to. This past fall, the family moved out of the slum to their new home in Namusera – a gorgeous plot overlooking a valley of pastureland! In January, Shakira began with her first round of chickens, 250. She tirelessly cared for them & by March they were ready to be sold. She had some potential buyers from around the area come to look at the chickens and found a few that wanted to purchase all the chickens the next day. Then, the misfortune struck again: deep in the night, thieves came and stole 100 of the chickens! It seems this had happened before in the neighborhood, so we found out after the fact. This was a definite low-point, but after the drama of getting the story straight and clearing Shakira of any wrong-doing, we continued on and she was able to sell the remaining chickens by Easter. Now Shakira is excited to start with a new wave of chicks and has been researching many new ideas for lowering costs, increasing quality of the chickens and providing a more steady income.

The story is full of Hope, but I only wish you could actually sit and talk with this woman! She has become a friend to me, someone whom I find encouragement and inspiration through every time we talk. Around every bend there is a new challenge to face for Shakira: her husband doesn’t want to anything to do with living in the village and working with chickens, there are school fees, empty stomachs, rags for clothing, etc. Her life isn’t magically perfect. Yet she perseveres, ever with her heart focused on her faithful God. In just six months she has created such a community of friends around her in this new village. When I visit her there, everyone who passes greet her with smiles, friends bring by gifts of food or herbs to her. Her compassionate spirit and patient resolve draw people to her. She has huge hopes for the future, always thinking about how they can create more business so that she can help the other women in the slum out of their poverty! This woman with a dark and disheveled past, speaking now with authority, confidence, and conviction is 26 years old!

I share Shakira’s (abridged) story with you to honor her and to honor our faithful God who truly lifts the oppressed to places of glory. You could also pray with me for Shakira & her family. She is expecting baby #3 this summer and is glowing with anticipation. Her husband comes and goes, but does not do any work to help with the business, nor does he bring anything home to provide for the family.

In the midst of a few steps forward and, seemingly, a hundred steps back some days, Shakira’s smile and faith are reminders of why I’m here – of what God is doing among his people! Thanks for being part of this with me, and with Shakira!

* Marriage in this culture is very different than ours. A traditional or church wedding both carry huge burdens of finances as bride price and huge parties are expected by both families. Thus, many couples find themselves committed to each other for a number of years before even being able to ‘officially’ wed.

Latest updates!!

Happy Spring everyone! Though there really isn't a 'spring' season here in Uganda. Currently it seems the rainy & dry seasons are confused, they keep fighting back and forth - one week is very rainy and cool, the next is terribly hot & dry! I hope wherever you might be you have some new flowers to admire and the Hope of New Life as well.

Here in Nansana, Uganda, we're gearing up for the busy summer season of volunteers coming. I'm currently the only American here at CLD as the others are preparing to come in May to kick off the summer. But I'm not alone, of course, all our Ugandan leaders and friends are busy moving along the projects and working hard with spring cleaning. There are always too many stories I'd love to share with you, but not enough time or space to write them up. This month I just want to share some brief stories of our Ugandan leaders here, who I am blessed to know both professionally as leaders and personally as friends. They are amazing people, striving for huge dreams and allowing me to be part of celebrating what could come with them.

Julius is a phenomenal entrepreneur and businessman with a heart for helping people. He's the Warden at our Children's Home, which as I understand it, means he's the guardian of the children staying there and the social worker over their 'cases'. At the end of March I went for a weekend with him to his village in the southwest of Uganda, a region called Mbarara. We drove around the gorgeous hills of his family's land, visiting many towns along the way, for Julius is contesting (or campaigning) for the next election to be a Member of Parliament! He was speaking to people about who he is, what are his hopes and plans for new bills to be passed that will help out their area. He was warmly welcomed by most people, his family is very large and well-known in his sub-county. It was really exciting to see and be part of Julius, only around 25 years old, speak with such passion and care to his people. Though he knows his chances are slim to be an MP next year, he says he should start now in getting his name & face out there in hopes of future involvement. He really sees such a need to help his community, and I know his heart is genuine. We even visited his brother's small hotel, where Julius stayed from age 8 through secondary school. Here he began his first business from his room, selling drinks and small snacks to local people. This then flourished and became the restaurant and hotel that they have now! He is a sharp man who is going to go far. Let's pray for him to truly keep the humility of heart the Lord has blessed him with - I wish you could meet this man, his smile and laughter are truly unforgettable!

Florence is a beautiful woman of God with a deep passion for encouraging and empowering women. She is an intregral leader here at CLD. When we have American volunteers in, she helps us host them and brings so much knowledge about the issues facing families here. She has been counseling and mentoring our kids, women from Katanga slum and is beginning to talk also with our ladies at the Thread of Life sewing shop. Recently while hosting some potential donors, she met and impressed one of the higher American officials from the US Embassy here. He was so impressed that he is recommending her for a highly esteemed leadership program in Washington DC, which brings together emerging leaders from all over the world to interact about leadership, learning from different cultures and worldviews. I've been able to work with Florence on her application and am thrilled at her excitement as well as amazed by her story and passion. Though this program may not work out (we're praying hard that it does, what an amazing opportunity!), Florence has been tremendously encouraged and is well on her way to being a key influential leader in this community and eventually to Uganda.

Ben is our Finance/Office Manager here at CLD - you may remember some stories of him from past updates and blog posts. He graduated from Makerere University officially in December with his degree in Finance. He is a joy to work with, so committed and integrous. He not only works full time for CLD, but is a pastor at Light the World Church and a partner in Jubeso, Inc. AND he's 24 years old! This past Friday, I came home to our 'conference room' full of beautifully wrapped baskets filled with fruit, tea, vegetables, etc. and 2 huge bunches of matoke (plantains). It seems that on Saturday, Ben was going to meet the family of the woman he is hopeful to marry! When I asked him about her, he was just beaming, so excited and nervous all at once. This would be the first of two Introductions that is tradtional and would determine if this family would accept his offer of marriage. Well, it went VERY well, which I could tell when I walked into church on Sunday morning to Ben leading worship & then giving a powerful message, blessing God. On Monday he came with many pictures to show us - what a joy to share in his excitement!!!

Praises!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Wow, in the last email I sent, I mentioned how my financial support was a great need, at $1500 still. The Lord provided miraculously for me, over and above what I would have ever imagined. Some old friends of mine who are heading to the mission field themselves (with their 3 kids and baby on the way) generously donated the balance of what I needed to cover my support here. WOW! Praise the Lord, that was mind-blowing and soul-deep encouragement for me!! THANK YOU ALL for your generosity and care in helping to provide for this ministry, and my calling!

We have Piglets!!!!!!! I know that seems a funny praise, but it truly is!!! We've had 2 deliveries in the last month - one pig at our Farm had 8 piglets and one pig at the Kaliro community piggery had 12!! These cute little ones have been longed for by many over the past 6 months as their presence speaks Hope and Life to those caring for them and to benefit from them in the future! It is growth and sustainability for our leaders here. Praise God!

Internet access for Mark in DR Congo & his holiday! They finally have a connection at his base that allows us to have more consistent communication with each other, which is making this time apart so much easier than before!! He just returned to DRC after a holiday with me, which was much needed and enjoyable for both of us. Only 6 more weeks for both of us before heading to the UK and then to the US.

Prayers:
~ Strong finish here with work and friends at CLD
~ Vision and strength as the CLD team moves into the busy summer season of hosting volunteers and moving our projects further forward

~ Focus for me on the relationships I truly need to be investing in our community here

~ Greater understanding and appreciation of cultural differences and similarities, to extend grace & peace as well as receive them!

~ Humility to serve, day after day after day

~ Continued strengthening of my body to fight illness and be back to normal

~ Mark and I as we deal with the long-distance relationship and preparations for the wedding/marriage!

Thanks again for your love and care for me and CLD!

Jennie

some pictures

We took a trip to Mityana to visit Deo's family - here is Deo, Dylan & Morgan in the taxi

the family pic with us after a lovely meal & hospitality :)

Dylan & I making fishy faces

Vena & I...playing while the taxi was being fixed on our way home

on the roof of the guesthouse, watching the smoke rise around the city during the riots...we felt safe enough at that point!

Bristol - Center of the Universe

Or so says my friend Trace…but I do have to say it is quite an enchanting city and countryside on the East coast of England. The city has many historical sites to experience and lots of beauty.

But the highlight of the ‘England’ experience was a Saturday trip to Malmesbury in the countryside – quintessentially English is the best way to describe this village! Our friend Moira grew up here and we took the day to explore and enjoy the outdoors with walks through the fields, picking blackberries, and helping to harvest potatoes at the allotment (community garden) that Mo & her sister have.

We even did some kite flying on the downs on Sunday afternoon!

Of course all the excitement of seeing another view of English life was great, but the best part was spending hours talking with good friends, old & new. Ali stopped by for 2 days – she had worked in Kaabong right before I arrived in 07 & is now in Jordan studying Arabic! We were delighted that she passed through Bristol to spend time with us over her holiday – her wisdom and love are such blessings.

Thanks, Trace for being so very hospitable and sharing your life with me!! Already looking forward to my next visit!

My last weeks in the states

Lots of visiting with friends & family!

Riley & Micah (my former roomies)


Ryan & Maddy (niece & nephew)


Maddy Jane


Danielle, me & Kelli (friends from college)


Danielle & John

JT, Bekah & Kelli

Constance & I


Jen & I


Goodbyes at the Perk: Austin & I


Ashleigh & I


Debbie, me & Teri

ZOO

This past week I got to go to the Denver Zoo with my good friend Christina & her kids, Herbie, Ali & Bowman. We had a lot of fun running around & staring down the animals. Its so fun to see them through the eyes of a 4 year old!!!

Thanks, Christina for letting me be part of your family for the day! I had so much fun!



i

Scootin' at the top of the world

Well, maybe not the top of the world, but near the top of Colorado anyways... My friend Constance planned a wonderful day for me last Saturday. We drove to Rocky Mountain National Park with two scooters in tow, had a fabulous picnic with the Elk frolicking nearby and then took a beautiful scenic tour on the scooters! It was so beautiful & a ton of fun!

(we brought our own bear to add to the wildlife experience!)

My Ugandan friends

Stella & her family

Christine with her niece Esther & their new puppy

Stella's baby - Joanna! She's so big, her birthday was while I was there, 1 year!

The best part of being back in Kaabong was visiting with friends! Christine & Stella told me they wanted to take me to eat lunch in town - they've never eaten at a restaurant before in Kaabong, so they wanted to go with me. It was one of the sweetest offers I've ever received. One Saturday afternoon we strolled together into town & ended up at JRS Restaurant, where I was also able to see John Lonya & Sarah, both old friends. We had a great lunch of beans & rice & sodas and enjoying conversation and laughs.

Sarah & I

I'm adding in this video of Sarah - just for all those who know her...her laugh is contagious & so unique!