Forward in ‘14

Forward: adverb- onward so as to make progress. Synonyms-onward, moving ahead

Adjective-relating to or concerned with the future.

                Periodically, since 2005, I’ve attempted to begin each year with a theme, a word, rather than an “I will do it!” resolution, it’s more of a mindset, an aim, a direction. The last week, as I’ve relished in the break from work and school, I’ve begrudgingly looked ahead to the next quarter—I can be a perfectionist with school and the fact that last quarter’s busy schedule put me through the wringer as far as focus and diligence goes with really studying, not just finishing things—I was discouraged.

Sometimes, looking back is a lesson, sometimes it turns you into a pillar of salt.

In the midst of wallowing in “I wish I had…” I realized I had a choice—I needed to look forward. I made a study plan, and devoted the rest of the week to relaxing—reading books I wanted to, for FUN! There are seasons in life for a reason—we need the trees without leaves to make room for new growth, the time of growth leads to the harvest. As I look head to 2014—I want to move forward. Yes, there are the concrete things in front of me—graduate school, the board exam, looking for a job to start the BCBA career. But I also want to live in light of this last year—the growth, the regrets, the good memories—but in a way that is onward, progressing, moving ahead—forward. I can’t change where I’ve been, the hours I didn’t study, the words I wish I didn’t say—but I can allow those things to propel me to a healthy concern for the future.

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Strive for progress, not perfection. In education, exercise, relationships. As life as slowed down the last couple of weeks, I’ve realized there are things that I would like to change—go to bed and get up earlier, listen more to others, ask questions, take constructive criticism with more humility, pretend to like black coffee, to name a few. Each of those are progressive—not destinations—well, the coffee one is debatable. But anyway, I want to remember the last year—the blessing of jobs I loved with kids and staff I will never forget, road trips with windstorms, moving on from just missing Kenya like a “has been” to letting that drive me in my decisions today and to make future plans, was financially able to buy my own hearing aids (since no insurance company covers the cost—but that’s for another post…), spontaneous trips to Portland, and likewise—the ways I was shown that the world is such a small place. I can see how I’ve moved forward—starting grad school, exercising regularly again, admitting what I would like to change, and putting that blasted cellphone/ipad down to actually engage in life.

Most recently, the idea of moving forward was shown by the fact that the 6 year anniversary of finding out about my hearing loss came and went—it wasn’t until half way through the day that I remembered—and I’m so grateful. Last year, I rightfully celebrated—that while this has shaped my life it in no way ended it. This December 27^th demonstrated that I have moved forward—hearing loss is a part of my life—it has changed my routines and my outlook, and rightly so; but over the last 6 years I’ve moved forward from the everyday fear.

As I “move forward in ‘14” I pray that I continue to look ahead, to strive for progress and not perfection, and to take each day one step at a time.

Walk with Uzima Outreach

“The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step”— Lao Tsu

Life is a series of journeys that all have to start somewhere. Uzima is the Swahili word for “life” and the organization, Uzima Outreach, is one that for the past 3 years has brought life and healing to those in areas of Nairobi, Kenya, where many people live with substance abuse. Three years ago Steve Turner walked into one of the slums in the area knowing there was a great need. It was a dangerous place that few Kenyans were willing to step into. Today, that same place is unrecognizable. Turner relates “Sodom is not what it used to be…[it] was known for murders, rapes, muggings, and serious drug abuse. There was a group of guys, around fifty strong, which ruled the area. Even police were afraid to go there”. Today, the gang has dispersed and several of the men who led the gang are now on the team of Uzima. The slum was changed by men walking away from addiction and walking the hard road of recovery.  Through Uzima’s outreach program—daily men make the choice to walk away from substance abuse and to walk in a new way—in life and freedom.

The ministry’s purpose is twofold—to reach the addicted adults and the orphaned and neglected children of the addicted (who are often themselves addicted to substances). Uzima hosts an outpatient program involving counseling and Bible studies. The next phase is a live-in program for those who show progress in the outpatient meetings. In this phase the men, and often their families, are further counseled and the men are also taught life-skills through the “Business as Missions” model. The ministry has grown tremendously over three years—one man’s first step and the leadership of other faithful leaders—such as Fred and Washington, became a strong team created by God to change the walk of many men.

Uzima’s other primary ministry—caring for and teaching the orphaned and abandoned children affected by substance abuse—grew from the outreach program. As Turner and others walked through the slum, they met many children who were orphaned or abandoned by their drug and alcohol addicted parents or caregivers, and who were sometimes addicted themselves. Once again, the ministry stepped into the lives of many who needed hope and help. Uzima has opened a Children’s Home that now cares for 34 children. Uzima works to clothe, feed, and educate these children—changing their lives by paving the way for them to grow in a safe and caring environment away from the streets.

 

In three short years, Uzima has walked into the slum and walked alongside the journey of recovery of many men and children in the harshest parts of the slum—but this would not have been possible without others walking with Uzima. Many visitors have walked through and ran with the children in football games and in meeting educational and physical needs. Turner’s friend, Steve Wescott, is literally walking across the USA—from the Space Needle to Times Square with a goat to raise awareness and funds for Uzima to build a new Children’s Home.

Today, Uzima needs you to walk with them. This life-changing and life-giving ministry is possible because many people walk with the leaders. Presently, there are many immediate needs—from monthly expenses to one time gift opportunities. You don’t have to walk into a slum, across the continent, or fly across an ocean to make a difference. The reality of Christmas is that our gifts echo the greatest gift—supporting the abandoned children and recovery of men enslaved in addiction is a beautiful way of walking alongside them. Uzima Outreach has brought life and hope to many men and children—we can help sustain the life of Uzima and equip them to change lives—one step at time.

If you would like to walk with and support Uzima Outreach, there are several ways to give:

By Mail:                                                        Or Online:  https://secure-q.net/donations/Uzima/1494

Uzima Outreach
P.O. Box 350
Spokane Valley, WA. 99037

Here are some specific ideas to bring Christmas to Uzima Outreach by financially walking with them:

Monthly needs       

Fees for all Secondary school fees: 27,000ksh ($311) for all the children! Or ($77 per child)
Rent for the Children’s Home - $230
Children’s Medical expenses (broken down monthly) $57
Utilities at the children’s home (Approximately) $50                          

And here are some current, one time donations needed:

Curtains and curtain rail for the Children’s Home - $45
Medical check-ups for all the children - $400—for all of the 34 children who call Uzima home
Extra water tank (we run out often) 5,000 liters - $400

If you want to give towards one of these specific needs, you can write it in the memo line of the check, or in the “comment section” online.

     

 Please check out Uzima’s website: http://uzimaoutreach.org/