Kampala, Uganda…..from Fr. Don Dunson
It was an evening that comes only once in four years. If one was bent on wreaking havoc and terror in a way the whole world might notice, the night of the World Cup Finals was the perfect global stage to act.
Stephen, an employee of St. Kizito Foundation and a dear friend, was at Kyadondo Rugby Club in the heart of Uganda’s sprawling capital city, Kampala. It was one of the many outdoor sites especially prepared for gathering to watch the final match between Spain and The Netherlands.
Suddenly, Stephen was thrown from his seat and hurled across the lawn. Two people seated directly behind him were hurled from their seats into eternity.
It had been a picture perfect last evening for Africa’s first World Cup. There was pride and camaraderie across this continent of over 1 billion people. In an instant the celebration became a nightmare as bombs exploded in two venues where fans had gathered in the thousands. Chaos and fear developed as over 70 lives were claimed, and many more were injured. Many Ugandans immediately suspected Somali involvement in this savage and heinous assault on their fellow countryman and many foreign visitors, including Americans. In Somalia’s capital, Mogadishu, early the morning after the attack, Sheik Yusef Issa, commander of the terrorist group al Shabbab, was quoted as saying, “Uganda is one of our enemies. Whatever makes them cry makes us happy.”
Systematically depriving people of hope has been used throughout history, and is still being used in our day, as a political or military weapon. Oftentimes, in lands of abject poverty, political and ideological elites prey on young people who are adrift in a vast sea of hopelessness. Were these bombers among their numbers? What prompts a human being to act with such deadly and seemingly senseless violence? Is it revenge for a perceived grievance? Ugandan soldiers comprise the lion’s share of the African Union’s peacekeeping forces in Somalia, unquestionably one of the most lawless regions of our world. Was this a retaliatory measure by Somali extremists sending the world a message: “Leave us alone?” Was this massive killing of innocent sports spectators some bizarre form of fanaticism that exalts those daring enough to risk everything?
I sense there is also a mendacity of heart that must settle deep inside those willing to kill indiscriminately in order to promote a cause or a belief they hold more sacred and valuable than human life. Such hardness of heart alone can turn people away from their own humanity and toward becoming unfeeling, efficient killing machines. I have been witness to this destruction of human dignity in working with the formerly abducted child soldiers who have escaped the brutality of the LRA rebellion, a guerilla brigade that refreshes its numbers by kidnapping children. Rebel brigades and terrorist groups attempting to indoctrinate fresh recruits must somehow find a way to obliterate the distinctively human attributes of their new members. Sympathy, compassion and a natural proclivity to connect with other persons in jeopardy are actions that belong innately to human beings. These, above all, must be stamped out if a terrorist or new child soldier is to kill on command, or to strap on a bomb and annihilate themselves and as many others as possible.
Our friend, Stephen Ojok, of the Acholi tribe in Uganda, miraculously survived the deadly bomb blast of July 11th. He invited me to his family’s ancestral home in Gulu just two nights after the attack. In the Acholi way of life, if someone has narrowly escaped death he must come back home to his place of birth, consult with the tribesmen, and connect again with his roots. Then a ritual celebration of life ensues. The whole extended family, together with neighbors and friends, all gather around him. This action is meant to build up his soul precisely so the mendacity of heart of the perpetrators of such violence can never find a home in his heart.
_________________________
Stephen Ojok was sitting in the front row, by the large screen, when the first bomb exploded. It is believed that the bomb was only about 5 meters from him. Although his head was grazed by schrapnel, God has blessed him and he is now fine. We ask your prayers for him, and for all those who were victims of such inhuman action.
Be assured that we are all safe - we are about 4 hours north of Kampala and nowhere near the site of the bombing.
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
A Tribute and a Wish
Just before we left for Uganda, the St. Kizito family was struck by the tragic and unexpected death of the mother of one of our original students. Usuman Ssempa was actually the young man that planted the seeds in the heart of Fr. Donald Dunson that eventually grew to be St. Kizito Foundation. He is currently studying for a Masters degree, and remains one of our scholars – and a fine, bright, loving and joyful person. His mother, Hazidah Nakinyingi, recently suffered from a kidney ailment that claimed her life too soon.
Both Fr. Don and I were aquainted with Hazidah and had spent some happy and memorable times with her, including a wonderful dinner last summer. Although she spoke no English, we all communicated well and had many laughs. Hazidah was impressed that I was wearing “trousers” and announced her plans to follow suit. She also claimed that she was ready to be baptized just as her son was last summer.
But the most special thing we shared with her was a deep love for Usuman. She was so grateful for Fr. Don in her son’s life! And surprisingly, she was very happy that her son had a “second mother” to love him. Here in Uganda, everything is shared!!!
When we spoke to Stephen, our staff member and good friend to Usuman, he was also saddened – certainly by the loss, but equally by the fact that Hazidah could have been treated. His words to me were really an eye-opener. He said, “If we lived anywhere else in the world, she wouldn’t have died. But here in Uganda we don’t have proper medical care.” Although this is something many people in the world are aware of, it really changes things when we are talking about a friend rather than a statistic. How can it be that we can’t manage to provide basic and reasonable health care for everyone? How is it acceptable to allow such discrepancies and differences to exist? We can send men into space and make circuits and devices that cannot be seen by naked eye, but we can’t find a way to balance the world’s distribution of basic life necessities, and this is painful to realize – especially in such a personal way.
So I would like to offer a tribute to Hazidah Nakinyingi – kind woman, hard worker, and most of all amazing, loving mother. May she rest in peace in the kingdom of God.
I also express a wish – one that MUST come true. I wish and hope that the future brings balance and compassion to the way we as human beings care for each other and connect with each other, so that everyone has enough and no one suffers simply because of where they live.
Both Fr. Don and I were aquainted with Hazidah and had spent some happy and memorable times with her, including a wonderful dinner last summer. Although she spoke no English, we all communicated well and had many laughs. Hazidah was impressed that I was wearing “trousers” and announced her plans to follow suit. She also claimed that she was ready to be baptized just as her son was last summer.
But the most special thing we shared with her was a deep love for Usuman. She was so grateful for Fr. Don in her son’s life! And surprisingly, she was very happy that her son had a “second mother” to love him. Here in Uganda, everything is shared!!!
When we spoke to Stephen, our staff member and good friend to Usuman, he was also saddened – certainly by the loss, but equally by the fact that Hazidah could have been treated. His words to me were really an eye-opener. He said, “If we lived anywhere else in the world, she wouldn’t have died. But here in Uganda we don’t have proper medical care.” Although this is something many people in the world are aware of, it really changes things when we are talking about a friend rather than a statistic. How can it be that we can’t manage to provide basic and reasonable health care for everyone? How is it acceptable to allow such discrepancies and differences to exist? We can send men into space and make circuits and devices that cannot be seen by naked eye, but we can’t find a way to balance the world’s distribution of basic life necessities, and this is painful to realize – especially in such a personal way.
So I would like to offer a tribute to Hazidah Nakinyingi – kind woman, hard worker, and most of all amazing, loving mother. May she rest in peace in the kingdom of God.
I also express a wish – one that MUST come true. I wish and hope that the future brings balance and compassion to the way we as human beings care for each other and connect with each other, so that everyone has enough and no one suffers simply because of where they live.
We Are Family
Saturday was a day of great celebration for St. Kizito Foundation. At St. Joseph Primary School in Nsambya, we gathered the students, parents, and guardians from the Kampala region for a meeting/celebration. Nearly 80 people were in attendance, including very young primary school students, many secondary school students, former students, and friends. There were several people present who were among the first scholars in 2001, as well as a few very new students, and some that hope to be in the future.
Wow!!!! It was truly a special day, filled with the presence of God, and also with the presence of those who were absent – all of our benefactors and friends in the US. There was an overwhelming expression of gratitude and a realization of the great gift of solidarity and connection that our students feel toward the many, many people who have reached out to St. Kizito Foundation. As they say in northern Uganda – apoyo matek - thank you very much!
Throughout the day, I felt a deep sense of something very special – a sense that we are family. This seems so cliché, but for those of us gathered, it was much more real. And it is our hope that it will be ever more real for all who are part of St. Kizito Foundation, in any way. It is nothing new to say that in this world we are all one family under God. But as we gathered, we truly saw and felt what that means in a new way. Admittedly, it is not the first time we have discovered the bonds that have been created by our ministry, with God’s grace and help. Nevertheless, it was a unique, affirming, and somewhat overwhelming realization. Simple scholarship – money given to pay a tuition – is not enough for the vulnerable children that we support. They seek to belong, to be loved, to know that they are important and have reason to hope. Many seek the family they don’t have. And in our gathering, it was very clear that we are looked upon as parents and family – and this is what makes the ministry of St. Kizito Foundation different for our scholars.
The most important part of the day, like any occasion, was the wonderful lunch that was provided for those gathered. For students (and parents) who usually have only the simplest, smallest meals, the feast of both meat and chicken, greens, peas, rice, potatoes, matooke (a mashed plaintain type dish cooked in banana leaves), posho (something like cornmeal mush and a staple for school children), and ice cold soda pop was fit for royalty or special holidays (even if we did eat it all with our fingers!). Rosaries and M&M’s from Cleveland were the icing on the cake!
For sure the day was more than a meeting or gathering to discuss issues and concerns. It was a family reunion – filled with hugs, expressions of love, fun, laughter, prayer, and lots of group photos. Because we really are family.
Wow!!!! It was truly a special day, filled with the presence of God, and also with the presence of those who were absent – all of our benefactors and friends in the US. There was an overwhelming expression of gratitude and a realization of the great gift of solidarity and connection that our students feel toward the many, many people who have reached out to St. Kizito Foundation. As they say in northern Uganda – apoyo matek - thank you very much!
Throughout the day, I felt a deep sense of something very special – a sense that we are family. This seems so cliché, but for those of us gathered, it was much more real. And it is our hope that it will be ever more real for all who are part of St. Kizito Foundation, in any way. It is nothing new to say that in this world we are all one family under God. But as we gathered, we truly saw and felt what that means in a new way. Admittedly, it is not the first time we have discovered the bonds that have been created by our ministry, with God’s grace and help. Nevertheless, it was a unique, affirming, and somewhat overwhelming realization. Simple scholarship – money given to pay a tuition – is not enough for the vulnerable children that we support. They seek to belong, to be loved, to know that they are important and have reason to hope. Many seek the family they don’t have. And in our gathering, it was very clear that we are looked upon as parents and family – and this is what makes the ministry of St. Kizito Foundation different for our scholars.
The most important part of the day, like any occasion, was the wonderful lunch that was provided for those gathered. For students (and parents) who usually have only the simplest, smallest meals, the feast of both meat and chicken, greens, peas, rice, potatoes, matooke (a mashed plaintain type dish cooked in banana leaves), posho (something like cornmeal mush and a staple for school children), and ice cold soda pop was fit for royalty or special holidays (even if we did eat it all with our fingers!). Rosaries and M&M’s from Cleveland were the icing on the cake!
For sure the day was more than a meeting or gathering to discuss issues and concerns. It was a family reunion – filled with hugs, expressions of love, fun, laughter, prayer, and lots of group photos. Because we really are family.
Familiar Faces, Familiar Places
Greetings from Uganda! We arrived safely here on Wednesday evening and had a happy and boisterous reunion at the airport. Stephen, one of our St. Kizito staff/family, as well as Sr. Rosemary and her sister were there to welcome us with flowers, open arms, and lots of hugs and joyful noises! We’ve been here only a few days, but it seems as if we have already done so much – it has been a very busy schedule so far. In order to catch up, I am writing several short blogs rather than one overly long one. Please look through them all. In a short time, there is much to tell.
It is amazing just how much this country feels like home away from home. Not that it is anything like Ohio! And there are so many things that are just so different and so very critical (like not sticking your toothbrush under the faucet instinctively….). Still, it feels so very familiar, and it is easy to fall into the rhythm of life here. The unique smell of Uganda (not a bad odor, but different); the tastes of foods that are fresher, simpler, but still good; walking nearly everywhere and the always frightening boda boda rides (motorcycle taxis).
Most important, though, are the familiar faces. It is an amazing blessing to have good friends here, on the opposite side of the world from our home. It makes the world truly feel small, yet so big because we can’t connect the two “homes” and bring everyone together. Our many friends – family really – send their greetings and love to all of you, as well as their gratitude for sharing us.
And it is really these friends who make the ministry of the St. Kizito Foundation so strong. We have often said that the people of Uganda are wonderful, amazing, loving, welcoming, resilient and joyful. But I will say it again because it stands out boldly again as we spend time with our St. Kizito scholars and friends here in Uganda. Today we had a celebration with many of our students – but I will tell you more about that later. This evening, we had a wonderful Chinese meal (go figure) with Stephen and two long-time students who have become more like a son and a daughter. Henry is a quiet, crafty, and very endearing young man who had us roaring with laughter most of the evening. And Teddy is a very poised, intelligent, expressive and loving young woman who brings joy wherever she is. And of course Stephen is a former student who now administers the southern region of Uganda for St. Kizito. He is very intelligent as well, and very organized – he is most helpful in making things happen and getting us where we need or want to go, but he can also be just a big kid when we are relaxing and having fun.
Even more amazing are the familiar faces that we don’t really know. It seems that Ugandans really remember people well. Everywhere we go there are people who remember us and are very happy to see us again. It is really something special – or more accurately the people really, truly are special. It is good to be in Uganda.
It is amazing just how much this country feels like home away from home. Not that it is anything like Ohio! And there are so many things that are just so different and so very critical (like not sticking your toothbrush under the faucet instinctively….). Still, it feels so very familiar, and it is easy to fall into the rhythm of life here. The unique smell of Uganda (not a bad odor, but different); the tastes of foods that are fresher, simpler, but still good; walking nearly everywhere and the always frightening boda boda rides (motorcycle taxis).
Most important, though, are the familiar faces. It is an amazing blessing to have good friends here, on the opposite side of the world from our home. It makes the world truly feel small, yet so big because we can’t connect the two “homes” and bring everyone together. Our many friends – family really – send their greetings and love to all of you, as well as their gratitude for sharing us.
And it is really these friends who make the ministry of the St. Kizito Foundation so strong. We have often said that the people of Uganda are wonderful, amazing, loving, welcoming, resilient and joyful. But I will say it again because it stands out boldly again as we spend time with our St. Kizito scholars and friends here in Uganda. Today we had a celebration with many of our students – but I will tell you more about that later. This evening, we had a wonderful Chinese meal (go figure) with Stephen and two long-time students who have become more like a son and a daughter. Henry is a quiet, crafty, and very endearing young man who had us roaring with laughter most of the evening. And Teddy is a very poised, intelligent, expressive and loving young woman who brings joy wherever she is. And of course Stephen is a former student who now administers the southern region of Uganda for St. Kizito. He is very intelligent as well, and very organized – he is most helpful in making things happen and getting us where we need or want to go, but he can also be just a big kid when we are relaxing and having fun.
Even more amazing are the familiar faces that we don’t really know. It seems that Ugandans really remember people well. Everywhere we go there are people who remember us and are very happy to see us again. It is really something special – or more accurately the people really, truly are special. It is good to be in Uganda.
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