FIVE YEARS INAFRICA

Marsali’s News

December 2006

On 20 September this year I celebrated the fifth anniversary of my arrival in Uganda. It was a busy and long day at the hospital but in the evening I went out for dinner with some friends. The time of reflection passed until now. What have I learnt? What have I experienced? What have been the best times? What have been the most difficult? Do I miss Scotland? What does the future hold?

What have I learnt?

There is so much I have learnt and even more that I still need to learn! Professionally I have been so stretched. I arrived in 2001 to nothing on the ground here health-wise. We had about 100 children in a rundown building with no electricity or running water, and all ages from babies to teenagers. Rita and the team had been struggling with lots of difficult issues, like the discipline of the kids and lack of resources; also many of the kids were sick, and some even died. I started from scratch, as they say, and the work grew from there. It was an extremely challenging time in so many ways. Looking back now, I really wonder how I got through some of those days but it reminds me again that of course it was not my strength or ability but ALL from God. That has been my greatest lesson and encouragement – this work is God’s. We that serve Him are also God’s; these children are all God’s. He is the One who provides. He strengthens, guides, leads, and in His love He disciplines us too.

Looking back, I remember how difficult it was to articulate to friends, family and  supporters what these challenges were, and also to balance my account with the blessings and encouragements – that continues to be the case for me today. Just this past week someone told me, “Oh, your work is the most discouraging kind of work.” I was surprised and a bit disappointed at her comment. There are discouragements at times but there are many more encouragements. I would certainly describe it as challenging work but I would not be anywhere else in the world at this moment. I have grown to love deeply these children that God has blessed us with. I care intensely for the millions of children all over the world who spend their lives living on the streets. I have grown to love Uganda, Ugandans and life here in Africa.

Having said that, life in Africa is not always easy. In fact, it is seldom ‘easy’! There are some frustrations in day-to-day life. Driving in this hot, busy and polluted city has been an ongoing challenge over the years. It is nothing short of miraculous that I am alive and well with no serious injury to myself or my vehicle, as I travel around the city daily. Because of low water levels in Lake Victoria, we have had reduced hydro electricity, causing long and unpredictable power cuts. This makes it difficult to keep food and milk fresh in the fridge and it is not always easy to pop out to buy things when I return home late in the evenings. General hassle from rude guys is common for me and does not get easier but just ignoring it is my best option most days. Sometimes they get a tongue-lashing in Luganda which both shocks and surprises them! Time keeping is often mentioned as a frustration for a western visitor to Africa. I have to say I have mostly adapted to that, though what I would say has been more frustrating is people not telling the truth. That has caused me personally and professionally more frustration and hurt. As I write, I am cautious about giving a bleak or wholly “discouraging” description, as these cases are only part of my experience. I have loved the warmth and vibrancy of Uganda and her people and count many as dear friends. I look back at the years and I truly thank God that He sent me to Africa, to Uganda, to work within a Ugandan team with His precious children living on the streets – that is my life.

I have answered some of my questions within the last paragraph but let me share other highs and lows.

Highs

Isaac lived on the streets since he was 6 years old. He was only metres away from a church door but he lived outside and never went inside. He lived a life unimaginable to many of us, but a daily reality for millions of children today. He was alone, not protected or cared for, scavenging or stealing food, living in doorways or tunnels, beaten and abused. In 2002 he joined our programme and settled into a new life, became a Christian and was baptised. I had a small tear in my eye as I watched this son of ours being baptised in the church that he had lived outside for so many years - so many wasted years. So near and yet so far. But God rescued him and set his feet on a rock and gave him a new song to sing – that’s a highlight!

Other highlights are so many other children that have been rescued from a life of hopelessness to a life of hope. They are God’s treasures and we continue to love and serve Him reaching each one of them.

A personal and in some ways surprising highlight is how much the children love me. I truly feel so loved by them. Recently I had a long and tiring day but as I rested on my bed in the evening I reflected on how each child that day had come to me and shared so many secrets, challenges, confusions. Some I just listened to, some I held as they cried, some I counselled, some I tried to encourage. None of them was sick and needed me as a nurse, but they just needed someone to care. I do care.

Lows

The work can be very draining at times - physically, mentally and emotionally. I get very tired, as I live in a noisy part of the city and either the nightclubs or dogs waken me most nights.

Do I miss Scotland? This is not a yes or no question! I love Scotland, I am so proud to be Scottish and especially a Celt. I love and respect our culture from the Highlands of Scotland, which also happens to be the most beautiful place in the whole world. There is a verse I have in my clinic that says: ‘From the lone sheiling on the Misty isle - Mountains divide us, and the waste of seas, yet still the blood is strong, the heart is Highland and we in dreams behold the Hebrides.’ I love my family and friends there in Scotland and I miss hugs from my Mum, I miss funny stories from my nieces, I miss fajitas with my sister on Saturday nights and so many other things. I thank God so much for giving me such a supportive church and supporters who have helped me visit Scotland at times and that has helped me so much. But God has called me to Africa and I have an incredible peace to be here for the foreseeable future.

The Future

There are plans ahead for me to do some bible study in Glasgow from Oct 2007 until summer 2008. I do not have definite plans about when I will return to Scotland but it may be around spring/summer to allow me some time to rest and also do some deputation talks before commencing my studies. At the moment, it seems clear that after my study I will return to Uganda and the work of Dwelling Places.

I want to thank many of you for praying for our recent crisis when we lost our babies’ house. We are very thankful to God that He has provided nearby rooms for us to rent meantime and we hope to develop a nearby property to house our babies and young kids suitably and also accommodate our health clinic and some offices.

I would like to conclude by sending each of you all the love and greetings from each of our kids and Rita and the team. We could not do this work without your support. Thank you so very, very much and may God bless you abundantly. 

SCOTTISH LOVE FROM AFRICA