Uganda in my bones...

Uganda will seep into your bones, it will change you, regardless of whether you want it to or not.

It's been almost 3 months since our trip to Uganda. Three months on, I still have vivid images of what we saw there. It's like along the way I took mental images of what moved me the most. Not surprising... It was my prayer before I left, that I would go and I would be moved beyond my own emotions, that I would see it as God does. I can still hear the beautiful women from baa, singing for us in their church, this, our gift for running the cents for seeds program with them. As they sing I can still see the faces of the ones that bare the scars of the horrible atrocities that were carried out on them during the war. I only just learned of the terrible massacre that happened in that village just 5 years ago, when the LRA stormed into their homes and caused unimaginable pain and bloodshed. Peace has returned, but the scars remain. What amazes me most about these women is their grace. To an outsider, the physical scars seem the only evidence of their horrible past. There, I remember watching these women worship, I thought "they are worshipping and singing to God as if they have lived without pain"... then my heart corrected me... "they worship God as though they trust Him regardless of their plight." Ahhh perspective. They are dignified in their dress, despite their lack, they take extreme pride in their appearance. I love this about them! There is a sense of empowerment that comes from nurturing and taking good care. We are planning a trauma counselling course with these women and all the men in their village. It's called "Empower". The course will run every weekend for a month and address the issues that can haunt someone after living through or witnessing a traumatic experience- like the massacre. Sounds funny but we're going to have a tea party to raise enough money to pay the trained councillors to facilitate the course in the village. I'm still amazed at what can happen when people band together for a cause, like a tea party!? What is that?... We rock up and eat delightful treats and drink cups of tea outa' pretty cups and chat and laugh with our girlfriends. And because of this frivolity, in the name of Love, a precious soul in Uganda can be set free... tea anyone?

Eloise

Comments

August in Australia

Bump, Birth and Baby, Wollongong | August 4th This event is all about empowering mums and women. Bring your gal pals along and share brunch, while learning about the Get your tickets here Run Nation Film Festival, Sydney | 9 - 11th We are so excited to announce that we are the Charity Partner for The RunNation Film Festival presented by Traveling Fit. A portion of ticket sales will go toward Love Mercy, so be sure to invite your friends along! Expo Level 4 of the International Convention Centre will hold the exhibition. Here you will get to meet with 100+ local and international brands & gain fitness and nutritional advice. Speakers - Real Stories | Eloise Wellings 10am - 12pm | Buy your ticket here . Our very own co-founder and Dual Olympian Eloise Wellings will join two others in sharing their inspiring stories of challenge and accomplishment. Don't forget to come say hi to Elzy on the day. Film Premiere - Tracktown...

How it All Began: the Love Mercy Story

She was an Olympic hopeful, he was a child soldier. Here’s how founders Eloise Wellings, Julius Achon and their friend Caitlin Barrett first came together to create real change in Uganda. Eloise and Julius on her first visit to Uganda in 2009 As long as she can remember, Eloise Wellings wanted to compete at the Olympics. As a child she would visualise winning gold – standing proudly on her makeshift phone book podium, singing the Australian national anthem at the top of her lungs. All she wanted to do was run. Julius Achon’s childhood was spent in the village of Awake in rural Northern Uganda, carrying water for miles for his family. At age 12, Julius was abducted by Joseph Kony’s Lord’s Resistance Army and forced to be a child soldier. During his captivity, he endured the trauma of both witnessing and being forced to carry out violent acts, living in a daily environment of atrocities. After three months, Julius had the opportunity to run for his life. A govern...

Reflections on the Sutherland to Surf 2012

Esther and Naomi who raised almost $4000 between them Luke who finished first from our team, in 39:50 placing 43rd overall! In the aftermath of another successful Sutherland to Surf I can’t help but reflect personally on an event that has been on my mind for the last 6 months. At the beginning of each year, I tend to set myself goals for the coming year in each area of my life, sort of like a personal yard stick, hoping at the end of the year to be satisfied with the progress I have made. At the beginning of 2012, I had hoped and prayed that 2012 would end with for Love Mercy with a community of friends and supporters that was bigger than just our immediate family and friends who decided to jump on board out of love for us rather than out of passion for a cause. Not that there is anything wrong with that of course, but I wanted Love Mercy to stand on its own two feet, not on the feet of its founders, and gain a real family around it that was passionate and supportive ...

Love Mercy

Search This Blog