The Oct./Nov. Update

[John Simpson]

Greetings Friends,

 

It's been two months now in-country, the November air gets progressively warmer and dryer, and I've spent my first American holiday oversees.  I actually had a full Thanksgiving dinner with Americans (and one Irishman), most from Invisible Children, others with smaller groups or here on there own.  It was a wonderful feast and time of fellowship.  We shared what we were thankful for, and afterwards enjoyed full bellies and one another's company.

 

Also, many thanks for all the birthday wishes.  The calls, e-mails and Facebook wall posts meant a lot!  Here in Gulu, I spent it with Ugandans and ex-pats alike, all of whom have become great friends.

 

Two morsels of news from Uganda: CHOGM (Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting) is going on in Kampala, warranting a five-day weekend; and Joseph Kony, leader of the LRA, has allegedly killed his more peace-ready second-in-command Vincent Otti, but neither have been seen for some weeks, as the number of surrendered rebels, from both Sudan and the Congo, continues to swell.

 

My role in the work of the Diocese here continues to mature.  Calm days spent surfing the web or hanging with other staff are more and more replaced with daily meetings, initiatives which turn into concept papers and grant requests, and approaching deadlines. 

 

One initiative worth a great deal of excitement is based on a visit from Rev. Michael Lapsley of South Africa.  (His message and story are found on my blog from Nov. 16th.)  We're turning this blessing into an initiative that seeks to help victims of violence realize they are "survivors", and that through continued healing of not only the body, but the heart and mind, they can become "victors", instead of victimizers of others.  This is a glossy, clichéd description, but there is real depth of meaning and importance behind these words to the people here.  Obviously, there's no budget line-item or number of speeches which can deliver this.  I believe it will take clergy training, small group and one-on-one time, and, like Michael to us, victims whose healing has transcended their physical losses to help others through the process.  Bottom line: it's no quick fix; it's a long journey for all of us. 

 

But if you look at the situation now, it seems absolutely necessary.  The peace talks have stalled, with rebels wanting amnesty in exchange for peace (also money, status).  Victims maimed by the LRA say they're willing to forgive if rebels will lay down their weapons and come home.  In listening to both sides, one realizes that peace is being sold for the price of forgiveness (more correctly, amnesty).  This is not forgiveness or reconcililation, but a calculated transaction, for the aggressors are only as sorry (or say so) as far as their amnesty restores their status. 

 

For those who paid a little extra for the "TMI: A List-Serve Unabridged" subscription, the following:  It seems Athelete's Foot in Uganda is especially stubborn.  Whether the reason is pathogenic or environmental, this case has led to two weeks of painful walking.  Pictures available upon request.  If you did not opt for the additional coverage, please disregard.

 

Otherwise, I'm in good health and spirits.  The best way to hear what's happening week to week is to bookmark the blog and check it first thing in the morning and just before bed daily, or whenever you think of it.

 

 

Peace,

 

John Simpson
Missionary, Diocese of N. Uganda
www.ecm-raleigh.org/ecm-raleigh/Uganda