Uganda

Ordinariness of Life on Mission

October - November 2024

Lira

Mobilizing for the Saturday gathering, with fellow JY international fulltimers Sophia and Elizabeth

With Bishop of Lira, Rt. Rev. Sanctus Lino Wanok, who entrusted the youth center to Jesus Youth. This center now has been converted to a perpetual adoration center, with mission outreaches to nearby schools, parishes, and youth.

Enjoying some ice cream with missionaries from JY Tanzania

Brother Jude taking us out for dinner. It was a pleasant surprise when I got pizza and beer after 5 months

Village fun

Showers with built-in scenic views

Strictly "business" and a balancing act 💩 pt 2

Reliving childhood through duck duck goose after Saturday gathering

A cute baby. A responsible sister.

Beginnings of a campus prayer group

Walking 5 miles for daily mass is not just dad lore anymore. Takes 40min one way starting at 6am. Shed 22lbs in 3 weeks!

Our Boda Boda (local taxi) Adventures

Deacon Jude's Diaconate

Dn. Jude conducting a dedication prayer, a ceremony in which students are prayed over by clergy, community elders and members for the grace to do well in exams

Jesus traveling to the sick and elderly

The ladies stopped for pretty pics...so did we

Adjusting with a car battery when electricity is unavailable

Buying snacks from the local "convenience store"

Who needs a cutting board?

An alley? a shoe shop? both!

Celebrating the birthday of an elderly villager (center)

Jesus continues to teach through parables -not a coincidence that the gospel reading of the day was Jesus, the Good Shepherd. The Lord was preparing our hearts for His living Word at Mass, hours before!!

Gulu

Fr. Simon and his wife Stella. Together they have five children, two of which are adopted. He is the pastor of two Byzantine Orthodox parishes, one of which is built under the mango tree where the rebel warlord used to strategize. 20 years of war has changed the northern region, in response Fr. Simon is also the founder of a non-profit which fosters self-sustaining communities, creating local employment, offering health services, child education sponsorship, provides capital for small business start-ups and supporting local farmers. Learn more of his work here

Though it was 3 days, the memories and conversations made on the road trip felt like old friends reconnecting... with Susan, Nico, and Cornelius (left to right)

Beautiful to participate in a Byzantine Orthodox Liturgy

Fr. Simon giving us a tour of his garden... he's a busy man!

Jesus adds some leisure to the mission trip, our road trip went through a national park which became a self guided safari tour

Kampala

Strategizing for the future with local JY Uganda leadership; shadowing Shinjo from JY India

Eating good with Fr. Thomas, who hosted us during our time in Kampala

Evening of conversations with members of JY Uganda National team

Fortunate to meet Archbishop Paul Ssemogerere of the Archdiocese of Kampala as he was passing by

17 passengers, 1 public taxi. Leg room, non-existant

Joining the night life at Uganda Martyrs university's night vigil