Dear Friends,
Sorry for taking so long to update this site. I am now in Kitgum - a district bordering Sudan in the south and the northernmost district in Uganda. It's quite remote and un-like the cities or villages in Kampala or even Gulu. There are also more visible incidents of violence and death, due to natural and unnatural causes.
I just attended the funeral today of a man shot by the UPDF (Army) forces the night before. He was one of the council leaders in an IDP camp I happened to be visiting today. There was a Christian ceremony conducted by a priest and everyone from the camp came to pay their respects and attend the ceremony. The man was only 30 years old and the coffin was open for viewing. Everyone stood in a line to pass around and look at his face. It was quite a moving, sad occasion.
Afterwards, I spoke with the leaders of the camp about their security and views regarding the conflict between the LRA and the government. They all had strong opinions.
The day before, I was fortunate to meet the Comboni priests who are well known and highly respected in this district. The three main priests: Father Carlos Rodriguez, Tarzisio Pazzaglia and Joseph Gerner have been working in Kitgum for many years. I had the privilege of meeting Fathers, Pazzaglia and Gerner and speaking with them at length about their experiences living and working in the district. I was tremendously moved by their dedication to the people and community here and their firm commitment to work side by side, in solidarity with the local people. They really have the trust of the community. The compound in which they work and live is a beautiful oasis in this forlorn region. It has been used and still is, as a place of refuge for night commuters, people who have no homes or money; people who decide to demobilize and disarm. The priests are quite elderly now - one, Father Pazzaglia, has been working in Kitgum for over 40 years. He speaks the local language better than English and is quite quick witted and lively. We spoke at length about what he had seen and experienced with regard to the LRA and the government war...it was fascinating. I was moved by his articulation of his reasons for working and living here for so long. He said it was a commitment he made to Christ, to God and to those who lived here. He was happy to be able to work alongside Ugandans and show them the love of Christ.
Well.
I have to be honest, coming further north is quite another thing altogether. It definitely has its charm and I like the smallness of this city, but life is HARD.
And the condition of the city is quite low. The only good hotel, which I happened to be able to get a room in would be considered akin to the standards of a homeless shelter in NYC. The walls are filthy and the whole place very dark and musty. All of the buildings are like this...I think about the shining, clean streets of New york City (in comparison) and the good food; and I admit I miss it.
Then again, I feel that I am slowly being detoxified of Western/US culture and the things that kept me in bondage to my flesh so easily in the US. I have a hard time articulating what this process entails, but a previous post on humility, patience and self-control gets at it a bit...
Oh, before I forget, I wish everyone reading this site would think about contributing to the Comboni Mission here in Kitgum. Their website: www.combonimissionaries.org and any financial contributions can be sent to Comboni Mission Center, 1318 Nagel Road, Cincinnati, OH 45255 - 3120
Apparently, their main source of support comes from small diocese in Europe; but I think their work is amazing and as people, just hearts of gold. I felt the warmth, integrity and deep love they have for the work they are doing and for Jesus. I pray that there would be more people like them. Father Pazzaglia shared that no one from his home country, Italy, is able or willing to replace him when he passes away...I believe he is around 75+ years old. So they are trying to train and raise up leaders within the community here; but I am sure they would be appreciative of any contributions...and you can put in the byline that you heard about them through me, if you want them to know how you came across them. At the very least, please pray for them! I think the LRA and government both are capable of undermining their work and even taking their lives...I pray that they remain safe and healthy.
Ok, that's all for now. I will try to update the site again soon!
Love,
Sue
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