What have I been doing here?

Time goes quickly, I have been in Uganda for over a month now. Sometimes it feels like it has been longer than that. I thought it would be nice to give an update on what I have been doing for work at EMI to date.

The office is full again after two teams returned from project trips and everyone is busy working away at different projects. I did not go on a typical project trip this fall. Although there is not really a “typical” project trip, but most trips are a mixture of EMI staff and interns and short term volunteers that come for a two week trip. They would go to the project site, meet with the ministry team to get an understanding of the history, needs, and desires for the project. Then pull together the major details of the design in a short period of time and present a plan to the ministry. After the volunteers leave, the design is refined and some of the finer details are worked out. The end result is a report and drawings for the ministry to use for fundraising, planning, or construction. 

I have been helping out on some of the structural design for projects that were started before I arrived. I have been working on Leadership Academy of South Sudan (LASS). LASS is an initiative of East African Ministries that hopes to “practically demonstrate he love of Christ and strengthen God’s Kingdom through education and leadership development of young men and women from South Sudan.” I have been designing and creating structural drawings for an octagonal chapel and a large meeting hall. 

I have also been working on Cherish Uganda. Cherish Uganda provides orphan housing and schooling for children that have been outcast because they have HIV/AIDS. EMI is currently managing the construction of a community health clinic, additional childrens’ homes, and a community learning center.  Below are some pictures of ongoing construction during a site visit. 

Mixing concrete for slab on grade

Reviewing the drawings as a worker removes old concrete

In the middle of October, David, another structural engineer, and I will be travelling to DR Congo to evaluate and give recommendations for a community center currently under construction at Universite Chretienne Bilingue du Congo (UCBC). The construction has been stopped as there are concerns with the quality of construction to date and due to lack of funds. This is a large and complex building with an auditorium that will seat 2700 people. UCBC has received more funds and are looking to restart construction soon.

I had been worrying about this project a lot. It is a large project, we are coming in the middle of the process, and there have been some issues during construction already. It is hard to know what to do or what recommendations to make or what we will find when we arrive. I was reminded yesterday of Philippians 4:6,7 "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." This was a timely reminder of God promise. Throughout the day yesterday God was showing me that I don't need to worry. I had a conversation with a coworker about this project that encouraged me. I talked with the colleagues I am working on this project with about some of my concerns and that gave me more peace. Then at the end of the day we had Dr Kasali, one of the founders of UCBC, dropped in to our office unexpectedly while returning from the US to Congo. It was very encouraging for me to hear some of the stories of how UCBC started and the passion the people have for God in DRC. It was good to add some perspective to the project and to hear of the need in DRC. One of the comments that Dr Kasali made that touched me was that this is not about a building but it is about sharing God love with the people around us. If God wants to accomplish that with a large building, then we need to build that building. God has brought EMI to UCBC because we can help. I feel very much at peace now, God is good.

Prayer requests:

Please pray for our trip to Congo. Pray for our safety as there is still fighting going on in the area. Pray for our entry visa to be approved this coming week as we need them before entering DRC. Pray for wisdom as we examine the building and make recommendations. Pray for Congo as there are great need in that country.

God bless,

Matt

Settling In, Slowly

I have been in Uganda for two weeks now, although it feels like it has been longer than that. Things are beginning to feel comfortable and I am settling in. 

I am finished with my orientation and have started working on projects. It has been a slow and frustrating process of getting familiar with the design process here. Most of it is similar but different; different materials, different loads, no set design code so it is a bunch of different codes are used. It feels like I am not very productive as I need to read/investigate every step that I am doing. But I am becoming more comfortable and familiar as time goes on which is encouraging. Life is not always easy and things don’t always go smoothly. I am constantly being reminded of that. God has never promised us that life would be easy, but he has promised that he will be with us and never leave us. I find that very encouraging.

I am settling into life outside of work. I am still in the process of finding a church. I have gone to a couple of churches and with check out a few more to find something that fits. I went pickup basketball at a school nearby with someone from the office. I haven’t played a game of basketball since high school; my legs are reminding me of that today. Last night I went to help at a ministry called Doors. Doors is essentially a foster home for boys who were living on the streets. It is run by some wonderful American women. We hung out with the boys, cooked dinner, and had a discussion/bible study. They were very welcoming and it was enjoyable. I have also joined a bible study with some of the people from the office. I am happy to get involved with the community here as it is helping me to adjust and settle in

I have been challenged lately of my misplaced expectations. As I interact with people and hear their stories I am reminded that God is here among these people and they have genuine faith. I don’t know why that surprised me, and I am ashamed that it did. I think coming from a country that is more technologically developed, I tend to project that attitude onto other parts of life. I am encouraged by what God is doing in the lives of people here and their love for God and each other. 

Pray Requests:

-I have submitted and had my special pass approved which is required to legally volunteer here. I submitted my application for a work permit this week. I will need a work permit to stay in Uganda for the full year. There is some uncertainty as the government can be picky and inconsistent about work permit application. Pray for favour with the government and a quick and smooth approval and that God's will would be done.

-One project team is currently out of the office and another leaves on Saturday. Pray for unity among their teams, clear communication with the ministries we are serving. And that God’s will with be done in their work.

Below are some pictures of the house I am staying at, the neighbourhood, and the office.

Blessings,

Matt

Our front yard and gate

Our house

Our front yard during a thunderstorm

Our driveway during a thunderstorm

Our street

The office building

The gazebo where we have morning devotions

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The first few days

I have arrived safely in Kampala, Uganda on Wednesday morning. I was tired from the trip for a few days. I had two overnight flights with a 10 hour layover in London and a 7 hour time change. There are many new sounds that wake me up at night. I feel like I have overcome the jet lag now. 

I am excited to be here. It has been a very busy few days. We are in the middle of going through the office orientation here with the interns that have just arrived and myself which included walking around the neighbourhood of our office and house, getting familiar with the office, a scavenger hunt in downtown Kampala, cultural training, etc. It feels a bit overwhelming at times as everything is new. 

We have been hosted by different staff families each night for dinner. I have yet to do much shopping, I anticipate that it will be a frustrating experience for a while. There are smaller grocery stores here that carry some items I am used to, but they are more expensive than shopping at the markets. There are road side vendor/markets that sell most fresh produce, which is wonderful here. It is frustrating because I don't know how much it should cost, where to buy it, what I should be looking for. It will come with time and the people are friendly. I will just have to step out of my comfort zone and engage with the culture around me. 

I am currently living with the four male interns in a two bedroom house. So as you can tell I am sharing a room with two other people. I have not shared a room for a long time so it is an adjustment. I will need to find some space for alone time which is difficult in a smaller house. I feel comfortable in Uganda now but not settled yet. As I get more settled I will be looking for other accommodations.

I am adjusting as well as I could hope. It will take more time than I would like. I will update you more later with some pictures but I just wanted to let people know I am fine.

Praises:

-It has been a blessing to meet the people I will be working with and the community that is here, even though it is a struggle sometimes to be meeting a lot of new people I am excited

Prayer Requests:

-adjusting to life in Uganda
-grace and patience as I am living in closer quarters than I would like
-finding a church

Blessings,

Matt

Leaving for a Year

I am sitting in the airport now waiting for my flight to board. Oh how quickly time has passed. It feels like I have just gotten back to Canada and I am leaving again. Of all my times leaving to go to a new place, I am feeling this one the most. I think that is partly because I will be gone for a entire year, but also because the past three months have been very enjoyable. Ever since I got back to Canada I have known that I will be leaving again, which has made the time spent with friends and family more special. I have enjoyed camping, fishing, a wedding, golfing, bbq's, visiting friends, renovations, and just being in the beautiful country that is Canada. Returning to my job has also been enjoyable. It was refreshing to be reminded that I really enjoy structural engineering when the workload is not to much.

All this has made leaving more difficult. I am very excited about the year ahead, of all the adventures and challenges ahead. But the most difficult part of moving is that the people you love don't stop living their lives. I will miss out on weddings, family gatherings, events in friends lives, and sharing in the memories of people I love.

As I reflect on this I am reminded of something a colleague told me when I was deciding whether or not to go to Uganda. He said that I shouldn't go unless I feel God is leading me there as I will need that reassurance when times are tough. So even though this is tough right now I am feeling encouraged that God is with me and He is leading me here. The goal of life is not to do and pursue everything that we think will make us happy. The end result of that is when we get what we thought we wanted there is still a feeling of emptiness. But when we go where God is leading there is joy in that place. Even if times are tough, God is there and he will give us peace and joy when we trust in him.

As I step out into this adventure I am excited about the future. Of the challenges and changes that will come. I want to thank everyone for the love and support. I am blessed again to see the loving community that God has placed me in.

I ask that you keep me in you prayers. I have two overnight flight over the next two days, so I expect not to get too much sleep. It will be stretching to engage with many new people over the next few weeks. Pray that God would open my eyes to the why I am going to Uganda.

If you are still planning to provide financial support, you can do this anytime from now until I return to Canada.

God bless you as you have been a blessing to me. Stay in touch and let me know what is happening in your life over the next year.

Matt