2020, a time of reflection

 

A time of reflection

To Gulu, 

As the year comes to a close, I find myself looking at my social media pages and comparing this year to last. I seem to be looking for the comparison between Uganda and Canadian life.

2019 was a life-changing adventure. 

I flew to Uganda and spent 10 months in Gulu, and a few weeks in Kampala. I dealt with culture-shock, climate adjustments and a few strange illnesses. I made friends who became family, met kids that I wanted to give a better life but couldn't. I heard stories about the civil war and awful things Kony has done to my friends and their families. My heart broke but then filled with what could only be God's joy. I saw hope in the children's eyes as I handed out sweets and stickers. There was a handful of outreaches and connecting with pastors and Children workers. I had the privilege to make multiple village visits and to share lots of laughter. 

Even writing this brings tears to my eyes. 2019 was the best and   worst year of my life. Somedays I would call my family in tears   wanting to come home, I was homesick and wanted to pack everything up. It wasn't that simple. 

In reflection, it was the worst year of my life because I felt defeated. I would walk down to a cafe, not far from the compound, and would observe grown men competing with stray dogs to find food for their children in the garbage piles. I saw children walking around with no clothes  because their family didn't make enough to give them both food   and clothes. I saw young girls leaving school early to care for their little brothers and sisters. It broke me. 

By the end of the year I learned to carry sweets and stickers in my bag to give to the children who were working hard, I would buy an extra african spice tea and a cookie to give the man I saw most days at that garbage pile. As I was on boda's or walking I would listen to worship music praying over everyone I saw. That feeling of defeat faded and I saw the joy through the children's eyes when I gave them a hug. I do wish I could do more, but that is not my calling, that someone else's. That gave me peace.

2020, a time of reflection.

In 2020, I had a lot of adjusting to do. The weather and time change would be the most obvious. I was jet-lagged for 2 weeks and then a massive cold for about a month as my body became Canadian again. My family helped me out with the big re-entry culture shock by taking me downtown, to the big malls and even just driving around town. I was so used to the Ugandan culture I was overwhelmed with Canadian social gatherings. Along with the culture shock, it was a lot of "firsts" that I am still having to this day! The first thing I did in the airport ( other than hugging my family), I got Starbucks. Last week I had McDonalds for the first time in almost 2 years... that was a mistake LOL!! Some other firsts was seeing a mosquito and having a thought of " did I take my anti-malarial today" then a quick, "right there is no malaria here."

With dealing with everything above, Covid-19 hit the world. I was 2 months of being back and just getting into a normal routine and Lockdown. I actually became so thankful.  I was going to stay in Uganda until April. That was the original plan - God had other plans and I came back early as some visa issues arose. I'm glad I did. 

Good things have come this year... I became a children's pastor at GateWay Community Church in Niagara On The Lake. I've been able to spend so much time with my baby nephew. I got to enjoy being outside in the summer and fall. I've enjoyed family time, seeing friends and learning more about myself. 

2019 was the year of growth and 2020 was the year of immeasurably more. When in the middle of this year I asked God why immeasurably more, and now I know. God has shown me that He can do immeasurably more in our lives if we let Him. For 2021 my word that God gave me is faith. 

I cannot wait to see what is in-store 

with Love, 

Shelre 

IG: shel_Prankard 

FB: To Gulu With Love

Christmas, Uganda Style.

To Gulu,

One of the many things I have learned since being in Gulu is: Ugandans know how to celebrate! 

Christmas seems to be the favorite, and I am so excited! 

Stores have been decorated with tinsel and lights, Christmas music fills homes and churches. Children getting ready for all the Christmas plays, and choirs are formed for carols - it's looking a lot like Christmas. 

However, my Christmas looks very different. There will be no winter coats, no snow, and no leaving for church early because roads are covered in ice. It's strange watching Christmas movies with the girls here as its over 30 degrees outside! Other than the obvious differences between Canada and Uganda, this will be the first time in my life that I am away from my family on this day. It is going to be strange not seeing my nephews on Christmas eve, or having my Dad read Luke 1 & 2 before opening gifts and ending the day playing games with my siblings. Although this day will be different, I am excited to spend Christmas day with very close family friends. 

As I spend my Christmas in Uganda, New memories will be made! 

I have the pleasure of going to Downtown Watoto and celebrating the birth of Jesus! I am so excited to join and celebrate a new way. Christmas Cantata is one thing most Ugandas look forward to! When my friends asked if I will be here for Christmas, the next question was always "Are you going to Cantata" - well I am! Watoto Church holds an amazing program that tells the story of the First Christmas. There are some amazing dancers, singers, and actors. The costumes have been beautifully put together, the whole production is truly is beautiful! I won't give much away in case you are in Uganda to see the program... I would rather not give any surprises away!

As Christmas is a time of reflection, I take the time to look back on my 2019 year. God has done some amazing things in my life. I moved to the other side of the world to do something that was 100% out of my comfort zone. I was given a great opportunity and it was life-changing! Looking back I have grown so much and I thank God every day for sending me to Uganda! However, this is not the end... it has just started! 

This will be my last blog written in Uganda for a while, however, I will still keep you updated while back in the North!! Having said that- there will be an announcement coming in the next few weeks! To ensure you don't miss the big news, my social media is posted underneath! 

Merry Christmas!! 

                               

Until next time,

with love,

Shelre.

For more frequent updates you can check out 
Facebook: To Gulu With Love 

Instagram: @Shel_Prankard 

Twitter: @Shellprankard

If you would like to make a one-time donation or become a regular supporter for future projects, please go to:

Lakemount.ca

Click on the tab 'Give.'

click 'one time gift online.'

Click on 'mission other.'

Click on 'Shelre.'

( The two cantata pictures were taken by the Watoto photography team)

Celebrate the good times.

To Gulu,

I have been saying this a lot; however, where did this month go! WOW!December is here already!?

November was another busy and fun month! 

The team and I went back to the schools we did outreaches at for a follow-up. The children were super excited to see us again! "Teacher Mzungu, you are here," yelled the children as I got out of the van and greeted every child. We played and sang songs, then said goodbye. I thought that was the last time I would be seeing the children...

BUT...

...I was invited to three graduations for K3 ( kindergarten year 3), sadly I could only go to two! It was the cutest thing I have ever seen! The children came out in their little caps and gowns with their proud parents. Cheering, laughter, and music filled the air! The rest of the children performed something special for their friends who were moving on to P1 (primary or grade 1).






The children did some traditional dances, then handed out the certificates, which I had the honor to hand some out! After certificates, gifts were given to the teachers and the K3 class. Then cake and lunch!





During the cake break, I had a chance to share why I was in Gulu to the parents, and this would be the last time I personally see their children. Their response was funny- are you married, if not, you can marry here and stay! I just laughed; I did not know what to say back!! At the last graduation, I apparently got married twice. The first was to the youngest boy through traditional dance. The second time was they asked if I was married; I said no, they said something in the Acholi language, and a few minutes later, the MC said, "Hey Ray, you are married now" LOL, Umm, okay? Sorry mom and dad, I guess I'm a wife in Gulu now!






The graduation continued. I left early as the celebration grew into the evening. The students were still dancing and singing as they showed off what they learned. The parents would hold their children over their heads to show how proud they were. "Teacher Mzungu, BYEEEEE!!!" I responded, " Congratulations, I will keep you in my prayers for P1! BYEEEEE". Hugs and high fives all around as I jumped on a Boda-Boda back to the compound.





These children have impacted my life so much. It was terrific seeing the shy ones become my best friends and the ones who come running as soon as they see the van. Some of the children cried as I left, and I'm crying too! These little 3-year-olds have my heart, and I will honestly never forget them.

Although I only have 14 days left in Gulu, I want to make more memories! I have one more training day at the P.A.G church in town for their Sunday School team. Also, I am going to be packing up my things and start saying Good-byes!

                               

Until next time,

with love.

Shelre.

For more frequent updates you can check out Facebook:

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Instagram: @Shel_Prankard and @WorldEmbrace

If you would like to make a one-time donation or become a regular supporter for future projects, please go to:

Lakemount.ca

Click on the tab 'Give.'

click 'one time gift online.'

Click on 'mission other.'

Click on 'Shelre.' 

Reaching the children of Gulu.

To Gulu, 

This past month has been full of adventure! I have wanted October to come for a while now. The reasons being,  My mom came to visit from Canada for two weeks, and school outreaches have started!! 

I won't discuss my mom's visit, even though it was extraordinary! The stories that I am about to tell you are life-changing. 

This month we went to a total of three schools. Two "high end" and one that was in refugee village for South Sudan. For the two, I call "high end" because most children have uniforms and clothes; their parents could pay for their school fees, no problem. The other school was heartbreaking. 

I thought I was over the culture shock until this village. The need was so overwhelming that even my  Ugandan friends were shocked.  The school we visited wasn't even a school- it was a storefront with a man-made alphabet banner. Other than the flag and a ripped mat, there were no chairs, no chalkboards, no desks - absolutely nothing.   We were welcomed by a teacher who is a volunteer, and the other teacher (also a volunteer) was ill. The children came running out to greet us- most only had a shirt or pants, with no shoes and very dirty. It was clear that this community had close to nothing. 

My team turned to me, and I had no words to share. So, we put on smiles and greeted each child, and started the program.  It was so hard to act happy and have a good time because of these kids looked so unhealthy.  As word got out, parents and more children had come. When we started, I think there were 20 children, when we ended I believe there was close to 40! 

We were well into a program, then a little boy saw one of my team members ( who is white) and got scared. This little one was crying, and we were doing our best to calm him down, his mother comes, and we thought she was going to cuddle him and tell him its okay. That's not what happened- this mother came up and slapped the baby so hard!! The teacher luckily was right beside her and push the mother away from the baby. A little boy - whom I found out was a friend of this family, grabbed the baby and went outside to calm the little one down. 
When things settled, I went over to check on the baby and the boy. I spoke the Acholi language to both boys, and the oldest responded in English. What a relief! I told them that we are friends, and I will never forget them. The baby was hesitant, so I hugged the older boy a few times for him to understand that I was friendly and would never hurt them.  Both boys understood, I gave them high fives and said: "did you know Jesus Loves you, and I love you." The look that I got back was life-changing! A glimmer of hope and love shined through their eyes and smiles. I asked if they wanted to go back to class and finish the program, they nodded and giggled.  Before they ran off, I gave them another hug and a high-five. 


While this was going on outside, my mom felt drawn to a little girl. This little girl was maybe three and did not look well at all. She was falling asleep sitting up, and the look in her eyes was so sad. The children ended up playing outside as we were leaving, and this girl leaned against the tire of our van. My mom bent down and rubbed her back and noticed that she was boiling hot, a possible fever. However, it was a hot day. My mom thought maybe if she can check the other kids by giving them high-fives and hugging them, she can determine if this girl was ill. Turns out- this little one had a horrible fever. She mentioned it to one of my friends, and in Acholi, my friend asked where the mother was. The little one went straight to her mama and pointed. My friend asked to pray for the girl he did. When he was finished, he turned to the mother and said: "Take her to the doctor now!".  My friend was able to put all the symptoms together and guessed Malaria. Malaria can be deadly if not treated- especially in children under 6 years. The mother explained that it was too far and refused. Again, he begged, and yet she said no. The leader then said, "She can be a prime minister one day, and you are not going to take care of her," the other mothers laughed, and they all disagreed with him. We are going back to that village in a few weeks, I am going to be so heartbroken if that little girl is not there. 

Another lesson that I have learned is; to let go of the things I cannot control. I cannot manage the abusement that happens here or the refusal of going to a doctor to save a life. I cannot raise enough money to pay for every child's school fees or even a meal a day.  But the Bible encourages me when I feel this way, Acts 3:6 says it well.

"But Peter said, “I have no silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk!”" (ESV)

I do not have much, I am a broke college kid volunteering in Uganda for a year. But I do have a love for Jesus, and I want to share with every child I meet.

Until next time,

with love.

Shelre.

For more frequent updates you can check out Facebook:

To Gulu With Love and World Embrace

Instagram: @Shel_Prankard and @WorldEmbrace

If you would like to make a one-time donation or become a regular supporter, please go to:

Lakemount.ca

Click on the tab 'Give.'

click 'one time gift online.'

Click on 'mission other.'

Click on 'Shelre.' 

Out of the comfort zone.

To Gulu, 

How are the months going by so fast!?

August was all about safety when it came to the training. It was very eyeopening when it came to safety in the churches. Even in the training sessions that churches will provide, there is nothing about keeping the children safe. It was hard because I cannot tell them the "Dos and Don'ts" of safety because ministry is so different here. I figured all I could do is give suggestions.

I asked a few questions about how they do certain things, for example, what happens if a child has the common flu. They answered with a confused tone and said: "We greet them." In North America, we have signs all over churches writing the child must be symptom-free for 24 hours before they can join the children's ministry again.  With a few questions asked, I changed the direction a little bit because of the lack of knowledge I had with how they run ministries here.

I got a few remarks saying they never thought about a child spreading their sickness or never being alone with a child. Some have already written new rules and procedures when it comes to keeping church a safe and clean place.

September has been amazing! I had hand-chosen five leaders to become a leadership team. They will be my side for outreaches, as well as continuing training with myself. So far, we have covered what kind of leader they are and time management. The next two weeks will discussions about school outreaches and plans for 2020. I cannot wait to see what we come up with!
September has alone been a time of growth.

A few days ago, I spoke at a Children's Ministry leadership conference. I have NEVER done this before. It was my first time speaking all day - 10 am until 4 pm, and I had a translator. Sometimes I talked too much, and I was asked to repeat; however, I could not remember the words I used. Always learning new things!!
I used my notes from level 1 and 2 and had to squeeze ALL of it in just a few hours. We played games, we told stories and had a lot of fun. I learned so much from these leaders, they don't understand how blessed I was on this day.  Fourteen churches were represented from all over Northern Uganda, and I had time to get to know a handful of people.
One conference done- and I pray more to go!!

So! I encourage you when something is out of your comfort zone- do it! You will learn so much about yourself. If you asked me if I was willing to speak in front of a group of leaders at a conference- I would laugh and possibly cried, saying no. But here I am! HAHA.

Future Plans:
October and November will be full out outreaches in schools!
December- I am helping a friend with a BIG Christmas outreach.

For more frequent updates you can check out Facebook:

To Gulu With Love and World Embrace

Instagram: @Shel_Prankard and @WorldEmbrace

If you would like to make a one-time donation or become a regular supporter, please go to:

Lakemount.ca

click on the tab 'Give.'

click 'one time gift online.'

Click on 'mission other.'

Click on 'Shelre.'

Until next time,

with love.

Shelre.

Story Time!

To Gulu,

 As promised, here are a few stories of  wonderful people that I have met,
disclaimer- I have permission to share the stories. I will not share their names.

Story 1;

I was apart of this situation; I cannot believe the things that happen here. SO. There is this young girl who has come to my training, and she has such a heart for children. There was a boy who went to her ministry, and he was there early and stayed late. He was there every week and willing to learn God's word. Randomly, this boy stopped coming on Sundays. A few weeks went by, and this leader was getting worried. Then this boy came in tears one day asking "Teacha, please can I live with you? My mother has done some awful things, and I need to go to a hospital". In the Acholi culture, this is very common. The leader did not think anything of it and replied "Of course!". The teacher first went to the police and filled out a police report, if you do this, then the medical exam for free. She did what she could do. It turns out this young boy has aids because of his mother, and the father is a drunk and never around. This was last year.

Over this past school year, the teacher has paid for his medication, school fees, uniforms, and food.

This year the family came looking for the boy and threatened to go to the police. She could be charged with kidnapping. The boy was forced to go back to his clan were he suffered. No medication and no education, maybe a meal a day. This boy did not feel loved or even felt like a human. He ended up running back to his Children's Ministry Leader.

The grandmother again came looking for the boy and claims she can help. She is a witch doctor and proclaims she is mighty in her community. The leader was afraid but yet held her ground.

She ended up going to her Local Chairmen ( district government) with the father. Doing this, she knew the child would be in a safe position. The father and the L.C agreed that the leader was the best choice for the boy. Right now, it is a verbal agreement.  Until it is on paper, the boy will stay with an uncle who is well known in the community, and the child will be safe. As she shared this in a prayer time during the training, another leader stood up and knew of an organization that would take care of children in situations like this. This organization would pay for school fees, and as I type, they are trying to get support for his medication.

If accepted, during the school holidays, the boy will go to the teacher's house and will have guardianship.

Story #2

These leaders have become good friends of mine. Most people in my generation as been through some awful wars. The north is still recovering from this event. 

Most of the leaders in the training were very young when Joseph Kony was attacking the Gulu. During the war, they stayed in the bush as well as churches that were marked as a safe place. The children at the time had to run from the village to the city to stay alive. Most have heard gunshots and screams, seen huts and buildings on fire and much more. 

During this time, no one worked because they had so much fear. Their childhood was horrible, and some things they have seen can only be imagined or have seen in movies.But God has used these leaders for great things. Our past impacts our future. Because of this, most of my generation here is dedicated to be working with children in one way or another. Some work in the children's ward in clinics, some are teachers, Sunday school leaders, or have created their ministries for children and much more!

I shared these two stories because most of the Acholi people have gone through it. Most people in my generation and older have experienced the war with the rebels. And most young people who love children will do whatever it takes to help. This is why I said yes to coming to Uganda. By training the leaders, the leaders will help the children so much more than I ever could.

For more frequent updates you can check out Facebook:

To Gulu With Love and World Embrace

Instagram: @Shel_Prankard and @WorldEmbrace

If you would like to make a one-time donation or become a regular supporter, please go to:

Lakemount.ca

click on the tab 'Give.'

click 'one time gift online.'

Click on 'mission other.'

Click on 'Shelre.'

Until next time,

with love.

Shelre.

When life gets in the way....

To Gulu, 

This is just a quick update on my life as I approach month 5 of living here!
I LOVE it here! The people here, the culture, the clothes, and the weather are just a few of my favorite things.

I guess I will start on a low note. I have had two malaria scares! The first time, a friend that was visiting had a fever. For fun, the rest of us checked; apparently, I had a temperature of 99.9! I felt fine, it was so strange. To be safe we checked for malaria. Luckily we have a home test kit, so we don't have to wait in line at the clinic. We pulled out the test and got started. For the 20 minutes it took to process, my mind went from I am mine... to how in the world do I have a fever!? Is it malaria?! BUT- both tests came out negative. A few days before, both of us were in the rain playing soccer with some kids so we must have had a cold.
The second time was this past week! I was video chatting with my mom when I got a random headache. It was a beautiful day, so it wasn't a pressure headache ( I am prone to them), I took some medication and laid down. A few minutes later I was freezing, but to touch my skin, it was so hot! Got my temperature checked, and I ended up with a mild fever. I pulled out the home test again with the same thoughts as before. This time I was sure that I would be off to the clinic for the malaria treatment. After a wonky test and 20 minutes later, the test came back negative. NO MALARIA! WHOOT!! I am not positive of what illness it was, but I am much better now! I did have to cancel my evening training as I was so weak and was unable to prepare properly. The leaders understood and prayed for a fast recovery!

Even though I was not feeling well, I tried my best to continue to work, even if it was just for a few minutes at a time. I still felt the need to do try to do my work, currently I am researching child safety plans, and I am staying connected with the leaders that come to my training ( plus more). Life may get in the way but we have to remember the WHY. Why am I here? Why has God called me here? I keep my Whys very close to me and when life gets in the way I read my why. I would encourage everyone to write down their why and read it whenever you feel like life is getting in the way.

Now for a good note! The training is going so well! If you did not know, I am holding two days a week of training for Children Leaders that are in churches and other ministries. Right now we are over halfway through level one which is just the basics. The leaders that come are so eager to learn every week! What is so amazing is that they are starting to implement what they are learning within their ministries. It is so cool to see the fruit already!  I am so proud of these leaders, and I cannot wait to go into more depth at the next level.

Next time, I will share stories of the different leaders that are coming to the ministry training! I am so happy to introduce my Gulu friends to the rest of the world!

EVENT NEWS!!

If you are in the Niagara region and are around this Saturday (June 22nd), To Gulu with Love will be at the 'Garage Sale at the Gale' Centre! The sale starts at 8am until12noon, and the location for the table is D3. Stop by and say hi to my mom Sherri and Grandma April! All the proceeds from this table will go to the rest of my year (just over 7 months... how crazy is that?!)


For more frequent updates you can check out Facebook:
To Gulu With Love and World Embrace
Instagram: @Shel_Prankard and @WorldEmbrace


If you would like to make a one-time donation or become a regular supporter, please go to:
Lakemount.ca
click on the tab 'Give.'
click 'one time gift online.'
click on 'mission other.'
click on 'Shelre.'


With Love, 
Shelre.