I get asked very often what I do and why I am in Uganda.
My answer to question number one is: I own a business.
My answer to question number two is: I'm following Jesus.

I am not in Uganda because I own a social business that works with young tailors - I am in Uganda because Jesus called me to be a disciple and I said yes...then he called me to leave everything again and I said "I'll go" - reluctantly but I said it. THAT is why I am in Uganda.

BUT because people are usually interested and I get asked to "elaborate" a lot I will fill you in on "what I do"...

I wake up around 6:30 am (or in today's case I wake up at 1 am and can't go fall back to sleep - fingers crossed that as soon as this blog is finished I will!) I wash my face, make tea, check all the many accounts I have on the world wide web (internet works best in the morning). around 7 am I usually get bored of writing emails and stalking my friends and family back home so I wake up my husband. I then make us breakfast (which usually consists of eggs or oatmeal or like yesterday a banana because electric was out and I didn't feel like lighting the charcoal stove) and we usually chat a bit. After that I usually shower (the shower part only actually happens about 3 days a week) and get dressed. Joe and I then coordinate schedules and decide if we want to go to town before lunch or after (we try to be back in bukaya for lunch [which consists of leftovers usually] to save money). When we're in town you can find us carting large amounts of fabrics or bags of materials or groceries or sometimes (only one time really) a broken stove top that needs to be fixed. : ) - Currently all tukula tailors work in town or around town so we visit them a lot and make sure things are going well and no one is running out of any sort of material. You can also find us in central market (main market in jinja) a lot - buying food or random materials like the burlap we just purchased for a very special project we're working on.


When we are home during the day we are usually doing research, screen printing bag pockets, dyeing fabrics, making receipts, schedule planning, chasing chickens, cleaning the house, doing yard work, going to bukaya market, editing videos for amazima and shc, etc. etc.
Usually on Tuesdays and Thursdays if we don't have anything planned in the afternoon we go to Masese to hang out with our friends at Serving His Children.



We really aren't too extremely busy and usually let things wait until tomorrow if we really need to - because first and foremost we are disciples and that means taking time out of our schedules to help a little girl carry water, stop & chat with a complete stranger, or hold a baby who just needs some lovin'. : )

quick update

Meet Carol...


Carol is currently working as a bead roller for SUUBI but is also doing some piece meal work for us while we receive applicants and interview future Tukula employees. She is very humble and does great work and we are happy that we get to work with her for a small period of time.

We currently have one bag design that is pretty popular and we are working on some smaller pieces as well. I'm really excited about everything and hoping to get a package sent to America by the end of June.

We are still enjoying Uganda. many hilarious things happen on a daily basis...today I got called Auntie Mombasa by a little girl in Masese.. bless her heart - my name is just too hard. I often get Auntie Musa or Auntie Molesta...My motorbike driver once called me Mwanza and kept insisting it was the most beautiful name ever...haha : ) We sometimes have people walk through our gate and come right up to our door selling bread or avocados or all kinds of different things - It usually ends with us being really confused because we have no idea what they're saying and them leaving bummed because we didn't purchase their goods. We had a chicken die in our yard a couple days ago - not quite sure what killed it but it was our neighbors chicken and I felt awful. It's pretty hilarious though because we are constantly have our neighbors chickens walk around our yard and we insist on locking our gate every night- I'm assuming if a chicken can get in a person can figure out how to get in too. A couple of weeks ago I was need to transport two book shelves to our house from town and so we strapped them on a motorbike and the driver said "OK now you get on.."so there I was smooshed between two bookshelves and my driver - I laughed the entire way down the bumpy old bridge path home. I really enjoy the simplicity of life here and sometimes can't imagine my life anywhere else - but I sure do miss people in America and sometimes can't imagine living away from them for long. If only I could have the best of both worlds. (Oh, Hannah Montana how do you do it?!) : )

Keep us in your prayers as we are making some important decisions this week.
much love,
Melissa

The other day I met a man who works for Uganda's Parliament and he told me all kinds of interesting things but he said something that I will never forget:
"If you don't have a story no one will listen but if you have a story they will listen. Melissa, you have to have a story to tell - you understand?"

The following aren't only my stories but they have shaped my story - I hope you will listen.

Anna-Ophena was 3 or 4 when I first met her in the mountains of Guatemala. I remember it well, a blur of long black hair and a brightly colored traditional skirt. She smiled and when she moved her hair away from her eye she revealed a cataract covering her left eye. I scooped her up into my arms to get a better look. She looked straight at me face to face - eye to eye and the corners of her mouth began to form a smile and she leaped out of my arms and continued to twirl. She stuck close to me the majority of my time with her and was full of so much joy. After talking to a doctor I realized that Anna-Ophena could probably only half see me...that she could only half see the life around her but she fully lived...she jumped and twirled with every ounce of life in her. She taught me how to see the world with both eyes and a full heart. Sweet Ann-Ophena thank you for your example - I hope to see you again someday - if not here on earth maybe I will see you twirling around in heaven.

I remember like it was yesterday when Joe and I stumbled upon Brian and Lindsey near Lake Victoria. We had borrowed our night guard's bike for the evening and were taking a spin around town and down towards the lake and there they were - Lindsey's with her curly hair and Brian with his welcoming smile. I felt comfortable immediately with them. We exchanged phone numbers and we called them a few days later to bring in the new year together. Over the next few months we became good friends and I found such positivity in our relationship when our little world at Magwa was starting to crumble. I remember the day they left jinja we were about to drive away and brian brought us an envelope with money in it - we knew that they themselves could use that money but they had such faith that God would provide for them so they blessed us immensely - my small mustard seed started to grow after that night. I will always cling to our friendship for the rareness of understanding it brings - to know people who get it and teach us every time we talk to them. Brian and Lindsey, thank you for all you have taught me and continue to teach me- thank you for your giant sized faith and your deep devoted love for Jesus. You are both shining examples of JOY and your music speaks so much TRUTH. we love you guys and little Lucy.

I can't explain what made me long for distant lands at the age of 15 but I did. My first taste of poverty came from a lady on the streets of Chiang Mai, Thailand. She couldn't have been any older than 17 - she sat on the ground with her arms outstretched and hands cupped asking all everyone passing by for something...anything. Her baby played naked next to her. I starred as I walked by trying to not let her notice but I couldn't look away - when we were out of her sight I stopped in my tracks and froze overwhelmed with the feeling that I just passed up an opportunity to show love so without hesitation I immediately turned back to give her money. I handed her a few coins - she was pleased and we exchanged smiles and she continued to beg and her baby continued to play beside her. I walked away feeling like I didn't help at all and knowing that she had to feed herself and her baby that night - would she be able to? I knew that if she had a place to live she would have to pay rent - would she be kicked out? I wondered if she had been a victim of child trafficking? How can I help? what can I do? anything? - but I'm just so small...I believe this is when my mind was opened to social issues and women in vulnerable conditions. to the young lady with the cupped hands and small child: thank you for opening my eyes and teaching me to question things. thank you for making me feel uncomfortable. you are BEAUTIFUL and LOVED.

Fatima was a Muslim from Syria and she loved a christian soldier from Lebanon. She was carrying a small baby inside of her and this was a problem. First she fell in love with a christian - her family would be furious and second she had a baby out of wed-lock - her family would stone her. For her baby to have any chance at survival she decided to give him up for adoption. She gave birth at a Catholic Orphanage in Lebanon - her baby was a little boy - bright eyed and ready to take on the world - they named him Jimmy. Fatima left Jimmy with the nuns. I can't imagine what kind of strength she had to let her son go - a little one who was living inside her for nine months. At the age of four months Jimmy was adopted and brought to America. He is doing great things with his life now and helping many others - I believe that his mother's desire for him to have the BEST life is a major reason. Fatima, I don't even have the words to express to you how your great act of love for you son has changed my life in so many ways. You are a great mother and your great act of love has changed so many peoples lives. Thank you for your sacrafice - you INSPIRE me.

These are just a few stories that God has used to shape who I am.
remember, we can learn from everyone.
because everyone has a story if we just listen.

It is dark outside and as I write this the sky is putting on an extravagant show - bright stars fill the sky and because bukaya is not near town you can actually see them in full effect. You can't see the lake but if you look closely you can see little lights on the fishermen's boats. It's beautiful - one of the many reasons why I don't mind paying the extra transport fees to get to town because we are farther away.

I don't really have many new things to report about tukula we are still in listening/planning phase. We are going to the capital tomorrow (kampala) to purchase materials for our home decor and accessories line (yep no more clothing line - just wasn't so cost effective or very practical right now). I'm extremely excited and overwhelmed all at the same time. Once we have some details nailed down - I will be so HAPPY to update you all with more of our new business model.

Joe and I are doing extremely well - we are really content with where we are - we really love our house and the people who live here with us. we enjoy our neighbors and the lake view and have been laughing so much and feeling the JOY of the Lord here. but there are often times when I think about how LUCKY I am to have this opportunity. one of our neighbors is this very humble 22 year old boy named Pius and he's the same age as me but wasn't able to finish school because of lack of money and is now looking for work. I keep asking Joe if we could just make up a job for him because I feel this crazy connection with him (we didnt make up a job but he will be cutting [or slashing with a machete] our yard every two or three weeks) - he was born the same year as me - I have this great big opportunity to help a lot of people but this boy cant even help himself...In my prayers I keep asking God "why me? why not pius?" and I definitely walk away from prayer time with more questions than answers. My heart is running wild and I'm enjoying all these thoughts but also feeling a bit guilty, but I know my God is good and He loves Pius! : )

not much else to report.
thanks for all your prayers and love!
-melissa

ps- happy easter!

Hi friends!

A lot has happened since I last updated so I will make a list (it's what we're good at these days):

-Got a three month lease on a house - It's beautiful and the biggest house we looked at but the only one that would give us the price we wanted. It also has a fabulous view of lake victoria - what an Awesome God we serve!


(our house)




(just a hop and a skip from our house)

-I got really sick for 4 full days nothing but starring at the four walls in our bedroom or rolling into the pink/peach tile bathroom. I am feeling much better now - lost tons of weight and l look rather sickly and everyone keeps saying I dont look so good but me oh my I am rejoicing inside!

-we visited a tailoring school. a couple blocks from central market there is this little hole in the wall place with about 4 young girls outside sewing like their lives depend on it - they are so determined and not even the busyness of jinja streets distract them I walked passed there several times and have always been so intrigued - finally Joe nudged me in and we (mostly Joe) asked the teacher (grace) several questions about the school and the students etc. It was very interested and I enjoyed the vibe of the place a lot (but of course not even having what people inside your school should distract you from your work so the girls kept sewing!) Needless to say I have been thinking a lot about our visit there and am thinking about partnering with them to get the summer collection up (which should help with the students schools fees/teachers salaries) and I can continue to take my time in finding the right candidates for the tukula tailor positions - all at the same time hopefully gaining some capital. It's kind of a win/win. - We'll see! : )

-I received some prototypes and they are beautiful I'm super excited to go to kampala and search through the huge fabric arcade and pick out the summer patterns!! I'm pretty pumped about everything. If anyone knows any wholesalers or small boutique owners please send them our way! believe me! it will be worth it!

-Joe bought a motorbike for $750 just today (we thought for sure we would have to pay atleast $1,000 - again we serve an AWESOME God.) We are so excited to finally have dependable and consistent transportation. Where we live in bukaya it is aazing and quiet and full of really sweet people and I just like the atmosphere there but the only down side...It's about 10-15 minute drive to town...this wouldnt be a problem in america at all but here it is ROUGH. To get transport we had to walk to the main road. at night you cant find any transport unless you walk far and if you choose to walk there's no street lights and it's dark and possibly unsafe. If it rains you arent leaving the house basically now we atleast have the option and in case of emergencies its awesome. plus its just more economically sound for tukula - if we partner with the tailoring school we will be going to town a lot. again a win/win...EXCEPT we took out of savings to buy this one because we didn't think we should take from tukula's money right now before we start production....we're praying for some donations or at least some sort of sweet miracle.

Hopefully I will have more pictures soon!
thanks for the constant support and love. We feel it! : )
-m

“Let’s forgive everyone, everywhere, everything, all the time…” – mewithoutYou

I write this note to you all not to preach to you but to ask that you would hold me accountable to not only what I say but to what Jesus says as well.

I have only been here a few days and in those few days I have heard from others and myself lots of criticizing and putting down of others. The white community here is something I really can’t figure out. We tear down others work because we “know what’s best” for this country. We are constantly talking about “empowering” Ugandans but strip all power away from those who are trying to do the same thing. We roll our eyes because someone is treating someone else with such disrespect. We run around showing friends our enemies planks in their eyes while ours just keep getting bigger.
By saying these things and by thinking these thoughts – I believe we are denying our “enemies” of a gift that we freely received and should be freely given. FORGIVENESS and LOVE.

Last night I cried all over my dear husband because I felt so guilty for the false image I and others were portraying of God. We refused to show love to our enemies but get glorified for loving the least of these. Jesus did not die on the cross JUST to save the least of these. We have become “celebrities” for taking the road less travelled and think that gives us the right to not grow or learn or to treat others with respect.

I no longer want to deny others of LIFE, LOVE, and FORGIVENESS through my words and my thoughts. I kindly ask that everyone will extend large amounts of grace to me as I know it takes the place of all I owe and for that I am EXTREMELY grateful.

"He has told you what is good - and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, love mercy, and to walk humbly with you God" Micah 6:8

I wonder if we really believe in what Jesus said sometimes…
here’s to reaping what we sow…

friends,
After a LONG layover and a delayed flight and a dead battery in kampala rush hour we are here. I am writing this to you from Bukaya where we are with our good friend and searching for a home.

Every day so far has been pretty surreal and my heart is so full. Things in jinja are changing so rapidly and people are happy and can I tell you that we have not had to argue with ANY piki driver (motorbike taxi) in the past few days (WEIRD). : )

I don't know if it is because we are back with new eyes or if we are just too new but things are so different.

Since most people don't have email or money to call us they didn't know we were coming back - So, in the past two full days this has been our friends (and people we didnt even get to know so well) reactions: screaming, jumping, picking us up, more screaming and lots of hugging and even some crying. It has been too good for my heart. Joe and I left last year kind of out of the blue - I believe most people were confused and some a bit hurt so returning was something they never believed we would do - after all, about 85% of mzungus who enter Uganda say "I will come back" and never return. I had been regretting how we left these past six months - I didnt know why we had to do it so quickly and I knew that I was burning bridges and possibly not fostering relationships that were really good to me. but when we visited with our friends and family my heart felt such peace and I finally was able to let go of that regret. Agnes (the second tailor we hired for epoh) looked at us and said "you have REALLY loved us, with the true love of Jesus! thank you for coming back", Josephine the 4th tailor we hired said in her very broken english "I am feeling joy" Haman kept saying "oh, Jesus, I can't believe it, oh ,Jesus, I cannot believe it!" Innocence cried when she saw us...so did Charles - He hugged Joe for so long...even the little old onion man at market greeted us so warmly and remembered us and hugged Joe.

and Betty ... imagine this: coming home from school and seeing people you havent seen in a long time who are practically your family coming towards you...yep, she thought she was seeing a ghost. LOTS of screaming and jumping and hugging and hugging and mor hugging. Kymbi is so big and he is even talking so much.

Abdallah is big as well...he called us mom and dad...my heart sank.

of course, in true ugandan fashion all emotions are extreme and come hand in hand.
This is life - out in the open - sometimes things are really great and sometimes they are sad but in Uganda all emotions are seen..there is no hiding...there is no pushing it aside. Everything is so raw and in your face...it is good.

all this and we haven't even seen the suubi ladies yet.
: )


Today we will be looking at more homes and also getting to be a part of the amazima program as well as seeing the suubi ladies!

Things with tukula are interesting - we selfishly want to jump right into things so that we can start having a "normal" kind of life here but we have been realizing that we will definitely have to do more listening and a whole lot more praying. needless to say we still have a few meetings coming up with possible wholesalers and we are going to continue planning for them and of course just listen listen listen.

Joe and I are in such weird states - constantly being filled up to the brim with so much joy but also still questioning what we are doing and where God is pulling us and completely trying to trust him with everything....not gonna lie - it's so hard. And we feel inadequate or not needed a lot because everyone is expanding their organization or doing new things or talking about things I dont understand at all

again we are just going to continue to listen...and see where we end up...and seriously though it HAS only been two days.

we love and miss most of you people and are having a lot of fun and laughing A LOT. : )

now, time to go and do.
I will be joyful in God my Savior....- Habakkuk 3

-melissa