Another Voice, Part 1

One of our intentions on this blog is to give you a look into life in Bundibugyo, Uganda. Much of what we've written about so far has to do with our journey preparing to live there, but I thought it would be insightful (for us, as well as you!) to hear from a few of our team mates who have feet on the ground there right now. Therefore, I sent out a few questions to some teammates and will be highlighting their answers as I get them. Since as I presently write this she is in the air on her way back to Bundi, I thought it would be appropriate to start with our friend

 Chrissy Chipriano

1. What is your primary role on the Bundi Team?

I wouldn’t say I have a “primary role”--more like 3 or 4 roles smushed into one :) I co-oversee the Bundi Nutrition program, which means I created and teach a large part of the educational curriculum, do all the accounting, oversee Ernest (our Ugandan employee), and of course attend the weekly meetings and love on cute babies :) I also oversee the CSB OVC sponsorship program. This means I meet with the students about twice a term that are sponsored and encourage them, etc. I have the students write letters to their sponsors once a term and mail them to their American sponsors. I also attend weekly chapel at CSB and mentor a group of girls in a cell group. I also am a caseworker for all the referral patients that Jess and Travis send my way. When kids need more specialized care, they need to go to a bigger hospital in Kampala or another city. I organize their finances (transport, food and medical expenses) and network with other people from these hospitals to make sure they arrive and receive care. This is a 24/7 job! And lastly, I of course, have many relationships in the community. I am involved in Mt. Zion Churchand lead a weekly Bible study there and have lots of friends there, as well as others in the community.

2. What does the flow of a typical day look like for you?

 (As if that actually exists!)

Ha! A typical day :) A nice concept but maybe not something I’ve ever experienced in Bundi. Because of my many and varied roles, I have extra trouble coming up with a typical day. But—to give you an idea: I usually exercise in the morning with Jess, enjoy a few moments of quiet with my coffee and Bible too. Mornings often involve pasteurizing milk and greeting houseworkers. I may go to the nutrition program, the health center, or to visit a friend. Afternoons often involve meetings, Bible study or CSB chapel, admin work, and lots of answering the door. Sometimes I might squeeze in a trip to Bundi Town which is always an adventure with the roads the way they are and if I get 2 of the 6 things checked off my list, I count it a success! I often stop by the market to pick up some tomatoes or onions and use my Lubwisi whenever I’m in Nyahuka town for other activities. Every day involves a few things: lots of walking in the sunshine, cooking from scratch, greeting on the street and answering the door. And maybe killing something :) By around 6 pm, the door starts to slow down and I can get down to making dinner, showering, and finish off the day watching some 30 Rock or the Office or something.

*If you want to read more about a "typical day" blogpost Chrissy wrote that is a favorite of mine, click HERE.

3. What is your greatest challenge in ministering in Bundi?

Knowing how to help without creating dependency. So many of the problems that present themselves in Bundi have tons of roots that go deep into the culture and are attached to other bigger issues. And nearly every decision I make during the day I have to filter through the question “Am I helping or hurting in the long run?” Aid and dependency are huge issues in the area and while saying “no” is hard, sometimes it is best. More often than not though, there are gray areas where I have no idea what to do. In those moments, I pray, pray, pray. Pray before I make a decision and pray afterwards that God would use it for the best, no matter what.

Also, the constancy. Constant requests, constant need, constant phone calls and knocks at the door. Not only are we surrounded by huge problems and great need, it comes and finds you! This is why breaks from Bundi are required of us and getting out of the district is so important for maintaining sanity!

4. What has been your greatest reward in ministering on this team and in this people group?

Relationships, relationships! Whether with the team or Ugandans, I am most blessed by the friends I have made and the people I’ve grown to love. I know this will be the hardest part about leaving. While living in community in the pressure cooker of Bundi can be hard as a team, I love this family of mine so much! And it has certainly made me grow and learn so much about myself too! And I’ve been so blessed by my friendships with Ugandans—that is truly what has given me staying power. Spending time with them in their homes is never time wasted! Of course cross-cultural friendships have their own challenges but it is so rewarding too!

5. What do you hope to see transpire in Bundi in the next 5 years?

I hope to see Bundibugy-ans (not really a word, right?) taking an active role in the development of their community and church. While missionaries will still be needed, I pray that Ugandans will step up to the plate in serving their own community, that they will truly grasp the Gospel and allow it to transform their lives. I hope that those that are being invested in now through discipleship, mentoring and education will become active change-makers--spiritually, physically, emotionally, culturally. 

...I couldn't have said it better myself! 

Thanks Chrissy!!...