The Loaves and Fishes... and Soda

                Most Christians are familiar with the story of the loaves and the fishes, otherwise known as the feeding of the 5,000.  In summary, Jesus was surrounded by a large crowd of people and it was getting late.  The disciples suggested that he send the people away to go to the village and buy themselves dinner.  He rebuked his disciples and said “You yourselves give them something to eat!” They protested, saying we have only five loaves and two fish.  Then Jesus did that whole son of god thing and BAM! Miracle! There was enough to feed everyone with plenty left over. 

                Months ago as we were preparing for this trip I was wondering what I would do with my time.  The idea for the leper colony project started to worm its way into my head and my heart.  At first I completely rejected it.  No way! This trip was going to be complicated enough with worrying about homeschooling and everything else I wasn’t going to make it more complicated.  Besides I’m just one person how could I actually make a difference?  Impossible.  There’s no way it would work, it will just be a waste of time.  Little did I know.  There was no escaping-the little seed of an idea had grown into a fully fledged plan, deeply rooted in my heart.  I applied for a grant, I fundraised, etc, etc (see Introduction post) but I was still very much like the disciples.  I have only myself, how can I make a difference?  I have only 3,000 dollars it’s not enough to help these people.

                And yet with God all things are possible.  Upon arrival in Kampala, I discovered just how far 3,000 US dollars goes here.  We filled a truck with kilos of rice, beans, maize flour, soap, Vaseline, salt, cooking oil, etc.  The sheer amount that $2,000 dollars had bought shocked me.  (The other 1,000 was held back for whatever needs became apparent at a later date).  Once we had reached South Sudan (and delayed for a week or so… Africa time) Mama Susan suggested using some of the money to make bread.  I agreed wholeheartedly.  A few days later she suggested buying smoked fish, a rare delicacy for people here.  I again agreed, after all she knew much better than I what was needed and wanted.  On Sunday, the day we were to distribute the supplies, I walked into one of the storerooms.  I saw several tubs overflowing with homemade loaves of bread, tons of freshly smoked fish… and around eight crates of Coke, Mirinda, and Fanta.  Much to the confusion of those around me, I cracked up.  Loaves and Fish!!! That was a big time epiphany moment for me.

                The feeling grew as the day went on.  Because it had rained cats, dogs, sheep, and goats the night before and most of the morning only 30 of the 80 were able to make it (Part 2 is this Sunday) but their reaction will stay with me forever.  I literally can’t find the words to describe it.  Mama Susan introduced me, explained that she had known me since I was very young.  She said she had been surprised by my project because I was so young, but she had come to discover that God was working through me to change the world (cue me blushing).  One woman stood up and spoke for the group.  She said they were so thankful for my gift, and they asked God that I would continue to grow in Christ and gain more strength and wisdom.  She said that many of the people there had lost children or had to give them up because they couldn’t care for them because of their illness.  She then looked at me and said “You are our child.  All of us here know that we have a child in you and we love you and thank god so much for sending you to help us.”  Cue more blushing.  Talk about feeling humble. 

                I now feel that I am beginning to grow into my Bari name, Nyaret, given to me by the mamas at Amazing Grace Orphanage so many years ago.  Nyaret means she who loves.  I don’t think I’m worthy of it yet-I’ll spend my entire life trying to live up to that-but it’s a start.  I understand now why I inexplicably felt called to this project so many months ago.  God had taken whatever small gifts I had to offer and multiplied them.  Yes I am just one person- but one person can make a difference.