Apparently the theme of this past week was chickens.
Last Thursday we went to a church in the Kyere village,
about 30-40 minutes outside Soroti. Many of the church members were gathered to
hear us preach. Prior to starting the conference I was talking with some women
and out of the corner of my eye noticed another woman attempting to make eye
contact with me. This other woman was lying on a bamboo mat on the dirt floor
of the church. There were three other women on the mat with her. I made my way
over to them and adapted to their culture … I took off my shoes and joined them
on the mat. She spoke English fairly well and introduced herself as Akello. She
said that she wanted to be my friend and asked if I would accept her
friendship. Of course, I accepted. We began to talk and I learned that she was
pregnant with her ninth child. Her husband is a drunkard and he is off with his
second or third wife. Akello is strong in her faith and knows the Lord will
provide for her and her family.
The conference was beginning and I had to take my seat up
front, but we agreed to meet the following day.
On Friday we were back in the Kyere village helping with a
Compassion International project (look for a blog on that later). As I was
sitting in the church I saw Akello outside. I went out to greet her. She gave
me a large hug – as Ugandans like to show affection that way and she brought
her entire family to meet me.
We moved under the mango tree to enjoy the shade. The whole
family was SO beautiful – inside and out! One of her sons was carrying a
chicken by its feet – nothing too uncommon here in Africa so I didn’t think
anything of it. We snapped a few group pictures and I thought we were done.
Apparently not! Akello and her family were kind enough to bring me a gift … I
immediately knew what the gift was. A few moments later I found myself taking a
picture with the entire family while accepting the gift – yep, I was now
holding a live chicken. After the pictures our driver came and escorted the
chicken to our vehicle – of course, a Landcruiser, we’re in Africa. I went back
inside and proudly reported that I had dinner in the car.
Akello also handed me a note,
“…
I saw you that day in our church, God touched my heart to fall in love with
you. … I will be very grateful if our friendship lasts till we live this
world.”
Even though I thought it hilarious that I received a chicken
as a gift, my heart was touched by the generosity of Akello. In such a short
time she was so transparent and truly cared about me. And in her poverty she
was willing to make such a big sacrifice. I think this is what the church is
supposed to look like – sacrificially loving without any hesitation!
