In The Village, August 2009

In The Village: August 2009, by Sherlee Cholilidud
It's easy to loose sense of time and day in the village. there's no set timing for meals, appointment times are kept flexible. We sleep when we're tired, eat when the food is ready, and bathe when there's water.
I got used to the joy hole, where the toilet is basically a hole in the ground. Where some random chicken will cackle really loudly around the compound signaling it's time to wake up, and there's so much dust everywhere, even your orifices produces red/blackish dirt depending on where you're at.
There's an abundance of everything here, of land, insects, animals, and of course time. One does not waste time here, time comes to us. Of course there are a lot of children here. They run everywhere in the day, but like the chickens here, they know where's the limit they can go to, and when to go home. The children would stare at us, wondering how the color of our skin works, wondering how my hair gets so straight, and they swarm around, just staring, discussing among themselves about us Muzungus. Some will giggle nervously, some just stare... it can be a little overwhelming. I don't know what to do with myself at times but to smile in amusement at their amusement of us.
But more importantly, while I can dissect the village anthropologically, there's also one thing that is in abundance here: Love, which no science can measure but your own heart. God's love is so abundant in the hearts of his redeemed people such that it just pours out each time each moment. They praise god in their joy and sufferings in full freedom and abandonment. In a place where's there's so much lack and pains, that a redeemer’s love means so much more to them than a person like me from the city who lacks nothing but the true understanding of God's love. Jesus is even more alive and real here. And it is free love and love on tap here! It's ceaseless.
What they lack in the material is replaced with love they received from God, and receive they do. They also give out this love even more freely, and they give out so much more to the people around them, even to strangers they've barely known. Many a times I am struck dumb, in awe of the outpouring of love. Just completely bowled down by god's sovereignty and his abundant love. . . . . . . .
And we learnt that Mawanga means coming of the nations. That word itself is prophetic. Amen. I am proud, of the fact that I'm the first Asian/Southeast Asian, Indonesian Chinese, here in Mawanga. :)
I've also heard so many testimonies, Pastor Paul, Henry's, Hakim’s, and especially Eddy's. Each is a tale of trials and rejection but yet trusting God with all their heart in a sense that that trust and love for God is above all, and indeed with tears from trials and rejections, become like raindrops being splashed against a windscreen where God will wipe them all away.
I think this trip has made me realize that I do want to do rural development or urban development in developing countries. Not because I think I'm better, but simply because I want to serve god's kingdom. That is it. I like developmental work, and love added into it will only work in god's kingdom and I hope I'm using well the gifts that god gave me for his kingdom.
This trip has also made me realize that it is ok to enjoy modern conveniences and the importance of physical communications. But also I think it had chipped off some rose tinted glass off my eyes. I think it's ok to want to have a decent life, and yet still serve in the rural area. I think it's more effective that way. . . . . .
by Sherlee Choliluddin,
ROWAN’s newest board member, and glad to have her!

Our newest focus is on acquiring more land.
This is the next vital step to expanding micro-enterprise.
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send your tax-deductible gifts to:
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Acton, CA 93510

The Harvest is Plenty

Have you ever been so proud of something that you couldn’t WAIT to show it to off? Well, as Sherlee and I arrived on the scene of Mawanga, Uganda on August 19, Pastor Paul hurried us to the garden where ROWAN widows were picking their first harvest of pineapples. And these weren’t just any pineapples. These sweet fruits became the foundation of discipline and unity between ROWAN members.
Since 2007, these men and women have been labouring for the fruits we saw before us. Who knew pineapples took 2 years to grow? Every other day the widows and caretakers would trek from their homes to till the garden. Our trusty volunteers John and Christopher would take attendance of each woman who would turn up and joke with those who came late! Talk about accountability.
Sherlee and I danced with laughter between the rows and rows of ripe fruit. The smiles of these victim warriors, although currently suffering from HIV/AIDS, drought, malaria and the difficulties that life brings, will forever be etched in my mind. Our joy had little to do with the actual pineapples harvested that day, although it brought in income for their immediate needs. But it had everything to do with building community and hope. These women are empowered. They have each other. They love the Lord.
This is just the beginning.
What does ROWAN do, you ask? ROWAN is in the hope business.
Donate NOW!
send your tax-deductible gifts to:
ROWAN
P.O.Bøx 1055
Acton, CA 93510