Hello to everyone!
Thank you all for all the comments and your prayers. It is a special treat to read sentiments from home. Well it's Saturday the 19th and internet availibility is spotty all over Gulu. St. Monica's is hosting a large gathering of the Undugu Family, so there is alot of activity at the center.
A few days ago we were blessed to be able to visit the local seminary called LaCor Minor Seminary. The seminary is documented in Fr. Don's books as, tragically, 41 seminarians were abducted
on one night in 2005. 30 escaped, and 11 are still unaccounted for. The young man who accompanied us, David Lakony, is one of those who escaped. He arranged for a driver and wore a suit complete with french cuffs to take us to be recieved by the rector! The grounds of the seminary are beautiful, and the chapel is extraordinary. The paintings and frescos on the walls and ceilings were done by Italian Camboni missionaries. 
The rector is a wonderful man, Msgr. Mattew Odong. He recieved us with a smile and promptly sat us down and served us tea and cookies while we conversed. We came to find out later that he is Vicar General (number three man) in the Archdiocese of Gulu, a diocese of nearly one million Catholics. Can you imagine being waited on by such a man?? As we talked, it came up in conversation that we weren't quite sure what our purpose was here in Gulu, as we've not been asked to serve in the capacity of doctor very much. Msgr. cleared that question up for us so eloquently. He said that he knew about the medicine we brought. He also said he knows we could've gone to Asia or Europe, or South America - so why Africa? And if why Africa, why Gulu?
He said our mission is to spread a message of peace, consolation, and solidarity to our African brothers and sisters who have suffered so much for so long. He said that our presence here in Gulu, two professionals from America, helps to sow the seeds of hope. He said that standing shoulder to shoulder with these people, eating with them, shaking their hands and hugging them helps them to remember that God has not forgotten about them, and that there are people across the planet who love them and pray for them. This is very important to healing, and the Msgr. said this is much more important than any money or medicine we could've brought.
Tomorrow brings the great celebration day for the dedication of the new St. Kizito's Counselling Center. This is Fr. Don's big project, just completed. The Archbishop will be there tomorrow, and there will be many speeches - 5 hours worth (ouch!). St. Kizito's is an organization that has been working to identify, and assist financially with tuition, those young people who suffered in the war, are poor or orphaned, and who have the aptitude but not the money to complete their education. We have met many of the scholars, including a nun and several college students, including young David Lakony. The counselling center was created to be a place where the youth of Gulu can go to recieve counselling and healing for the deep psychological wounds they've been dealt from the long war. I'd say that every child older than 4 has PTSD, and until this is addressed formally, then this young generation of Northern Uganda will continue to slide into hoplessness and apathy. St. Kizito's and those that work there are truly brilliant and inspiring.
We have tried the local delicacy, white ants. Actually cleaned, roasted, and fried giant termites. They were challenging. We hear that the grasshoppers are in season in Kampala, and we shall have to try them in a few days.
We are missing home a bit, but continue to enjoy the Ugandan life and experiences. Know that you are all in our prayers, and that we'll blog when we can.
Peace,
Monique and Stan
Thank you all for all the comments and your prayers. It is a special treat to read sentiments from home. Well it's Saturday the 19th and internet availibility is spotty all over Gulu. St. Monica's is hosting a large gathering of the Undugu Family, so there is alot of activity at the center.
A few days ago we were blessed to be able to visit the local seminary called LaCor Minor Seminary. The seminary is documented in Fr. Don's books as, tragically, 41 seminarians were abducted
on one night in 2005. 30 escaped, and 11 are still unaccounted for. The young man who accompanied us, David Lakony, is one of those who escaped. He arranged for a driver and wore a suit complete with french cuffs to take us to be recieved by the rector! The grounds of the seminary are beautiful, and the chapel is extraordinary. The paintings and frescos on the walls and ceilings were done by Italian Camboni missionaries. 
The rector is a wonderful man, Msgr. Mattew Odong. He recieved us with a smile and promptly sat us down and served us tea and cookies while we conversed. We came to find out later that he is Vicar General (number three man) in the Archdiocese of Gulu, a diocese of nearly one million Catholics. Can you imagine being waited on by such a man?? As we talked, it came up in conversation that we weren't quite sure what our purpose was here in Gulu, as we've not been asked to serve in the capacity of doctor very much. Msgr. cleared that question up for us so eloquently. He said that he knew about the medicine we brought. He also said he knows we could've gone to Asia or Europe, or South America - so why Africa? And if why Africa, why Gulu?
He said our mission is to spread a message of peace, consolation, and solidarity to our African brothers and sisters who have suffered so much for so long. He said that our presence here in Gulu, two professionals from America, helps to sow the seeds of hope. He said that standing shoulder to shoulder with these people, eating with them, shaking their hands and hugging them helps them to remember that God has not forgotten about them, and that there are people across the planet who love them and pray for them. This is very important to healing, and the Msgr. said this is much more important than any money or medicine we could've brought.
Tomorrow brings the great celebration day for the dedication of the new St. Kizito's Counselling Center. This is Fr. Don's big project, just completed. The Archbishop will be there tomorrow, and there will be many speeches - 5 hours worth (ouch!). St. Kizito's is an organization that has been working to identify, and assist financially with tuition, those young people who suffered in the war, are poor or orphaned, and who have the aptitude but not the money to complete their education. We have met many of the scholars, including a nun and several college students, including young David Lakony. The counselling center was created to be a place where the youth of Gulu can go to recieve counselling and healing for the deep psychological wounds they've been dealt from the long war. I'd say that every child older than 4 has PTSD, and until this is addressed formally, then this young generation of Northern Uganda will continue to slide into hoplessness and apathy. St. Kizito's and those that work there are truly brilliant and inspiring.
We have tried the local delicacy, white ants. Actually cleaned, roasted, and fried giant termites. They were challenging. We hear that the grasshoppers are in season in Kampala, and we shall have to try them in a few days.
We are missing home a bit, but continue to enjoy the Ugandan life and experiences. Know that you are all in our prayers, and that we'll blog when we can.
Peace,
Monique and Stan
3 comments:
Bawana Stan & Monique:
Love your stories and bless you for
being our eyes & ears.
Sorry but we are not going to be eating anything small & crunchy at your house.
Love to you both, J & R
Hello you two!!
"A large gathering at the center" - see what I mean...all the parties! How fun it must be to be there at such a wonderful event as the dedication of Fr. Don's great work!! And what a huge compliment that the number three person in the diocese waited on you and had a nice visit with you. What an honor! How amazing that you two are like American celebrities who are on a peace mission to offer support and solidarity to these people!! It must be such a thrill to know that you have such a profound effect on these long-suffering people and to know that your presence, handshakes, hugs and attention would somehow ease their suffering and validate their existence and that of God's as well. I hope you convey to Fr. Don, Sister Rosemary and all of those you meet just how much we will continue to pray for them. Oh and by the way...more power to you both on taste-testing the local "delicacies"!! I am not so sure I could do that. Can hardly wait for your next blog. Know that we think of you daily and will continue to pray for your safe travels and eagerly await your return. God bless you both and all those that you are meeting with. Love ya'll lots, Shannon
Hi guys I am glad that you realize you can do alot of good just by being there. Sounds as if this trip is doing you as much good as you have done for them. you have done more good for our country by forming good impressions than some (and I won't mention who they are) of our leaders have done. keep up the good work. I will be away from home for awhile I am headed too AZ with Allison for v-ball. So I will not be able to blog which I am really liking.(again the one way conversation I think) Have a good week and so far I haven't heard of anything you can't get here. Ants have them daily in my kitchen.(i can save the for you)grasshoppers not a problem. termites again avaiable We can do all that. Have a good one Peg
Post a Comment