Assembly in Louisville

Jeannie Blankenbaker is working on getting all Ubuntu sisters to be together for lunch on Friday noon at Assembly.   Watch for details. 

 

Just one year ago today, I was on my way home from Sierra Leone.   Doesn't seem possible one year has passed.  

 

How has God used you in the year since your journey, whether it be to Sierra Leone, Zimbabwe or Korea or wherever?   For me, my world has expanded again and God is helping me see things that have gone unnoticed in the past. Since the Journey to Korea, I'm must more aware of the history of our amazing sisters long ago who made a huge difference in the lives of women.   
I'm thankful for the new vision.  I seek the wisdom to take the next steps.   What is it that God wants from me that will truly make a difference? Changes that are taking place are changes within me.  Thank you God for  helping me be more understanding of others, more open to new ideas,  and more thoughtful in what I do and say. 

 

 

 

  

2014 Assembly is calling our name...

 

Yes,   MAKE IT HAPPEN by attending the 2014 Assembly in Louisville, KY.    I know that many of our UBUNTU sisters will be joining us from many parts of the world.   I've heard that we'll be seeing women from Sierra Leone and Korea.   I hope that you have made your plans to attend.   It isn't too late to register.     

 

From our Korean Journey in September, I've just learned that Hye-In Lee will be at Assembly and will be staying at the Galt House.   She will be staying in the US for a little while after Assembly to get a good view of the United States.   She expects to visit New York City by participating in one of the UMW Seminars there.    Hye-In will travel to the Chicago area and Birmingham area.    

 

If you hear of other sisters who are coming please share.  As soon as we hear about specific plans for the Ubuntu time of sharing at Assembly, I will be posting this information as well.  

Hye-In writes...

Hye-In greeting our Ubuntu team at the Comfort Women Rally

It has been a great opportunity during UBUNTU Korea as a staff at Scranton Women's Leadership Center. I had to take full responsibility of this program under my boss, Rev. Hea Sun Kim, although I was intern at that time. For me, this journey was different from other programs of our Center. Preparing some seminars in the past, I have met many young women and have prepared these programs for young women. But this amazing UBUNTU was a new challenge which kept me going to work hard during almost five months, nevertheless this program belongs to UMW. That's why it was very pleasured for me because I have never experienced UMW in the States before.  

          During 10 days of UBUNTU Korea, I could feel that God moves ahead of us, preparing the way we will take. God has already started with His great vision. However, there were some times when things did not go as planned during this blessed journey. At that time I looked back I believe that it changed for the better. It was these times my leadership skills were tested and I grew as a leader. I learned to be flexible and understanding with other people who were there in that situation.

          What I learned from all of UBUNTU members I met is warm-hearted from God. I now know why God placed me as a person in charge of this journey in Korea. Especially, I was so moved by each UBUTU sister's action and thoughts. They are preparing to serve God's work in every circumstance. What really comes to me was that 'How will you act justly, love mercy and walk humbly like them?' (This comes from Micah 6:8) God was asking me to think about this question from the beginning to the end of UBUNTU Korea.

Mary's photos brought me back.

Coming back home was filled with getting back into the groove of things. Taking care of the business that consumes life day in and day out.     How could it be that we left our little worlds for 12 days and got totally immersed in Korea and it's rich history within the Methodist tradition and come back to the tasks waiting?  

Speaking and writing to team members it is evident that we all hit the ground running and yet I'm sure a part of most days we find ourselves thinking about our experiences through the Scranton Women's Leadership Center in Seoul.   So tonight, here's a bit of where I am...

Rev. Heasun Kim

Young mom and son in his special
birthday outfit.  

   

 

Two women...one who crafted a marvelous journey and left no stone unturned and the other who is working to get her life on track for the her future but more importantly, the future of her son. 

Rev. Kim is the director of Scranton Women's Leadership Center (SWLC).  Our journey gave us an overview of our common, connected history through the women of our denomination.   I've always been in awe of the early Methodist women who pull and pushed and insisted that the church be in the world to respond to the need.  But through this journey, I felt as though I had met one of these women...Mary Scranton.  Strong, faithful and faith-filled woman who changed the face of Korea through education. 

 

Then to move from the history to reality of women who struggle just like women in the US.   Women who are being lifted up this month through our observance of eradicating domestic violence are in our prayers.   Last month we met a woman.  We did not learn her name yet she's been in my prayers this month.   We met her at the Nest of Love Shelter for women.   When we first arrived, I think the little guy was not happy for he was making quite a fuss from afar.   Maybe it was because he was getting on his lovely birthday outfit before worship.   But after a bit of a nap he awoke to enjoy our presence by "playing" with us during worship. One of his favorites was Mary.  She enjoyed so much the interplay, after the service she was given permission to take a photo of mom and son.   I'm so happy to have one photo taken at the Nest of Love Shelter.   She is one woman for whom we are in prayer as she seeks safety, time to heal, and rebuild a life for both her and her son.  Mom, know that I'm thinking of you tonight.  Peace to you and your son. 

Ubuntu Journey connects with an Individual Volunteer

 


Rita and Mary Beth Byrne meet on AU Campus

Rita Gaither Gant from Indiana Conference meets Individual Volunteer Mary Beth Byrne on the campus of Africa University. Rita was on the Ubuntu Journey to Sierra Leone in December 2012 and is now with Ubuntu Zimbabwe. 

 

Mary Beth Byrne has roots in Indiana Conference but now lives in Wisconsin.  She became an Individual Volunteer after visiting Africa University for the first time in November 2011.   She is assisting with student services in the area of counseling and guidance of students.   

We look forward to further reports for Rita and her journey to Zimbabwe.   Stay tuned for more. 

 

 



Blessings and more...

Dr. Oh, Chairman of the Board for Scranton Women's Leadership Center

One of the most inspiring hour during our journey was spent with Dr. Jong Nam OH.  We were honored to have a presentation by a very talented, brilliant and humble man.  Here is his bio...
 

Dr. Jong Nam Oh is Senior Advisor to Kim & Chang, one of the most renowned law firms in Asia. Dr. Oh is also the Professor/Director of Science & Policy Advanced Research Course at Seoul National University. In addition, he serves on the Board of Directors of Samsung Securities, GM Korea, and UNICEF Korea. Oh completed his term as the first Korean Executive Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in October 2006 and joined Kim & Chang as Senior Advisor thereafter. Prior to joining Kim & Chang, he served the Korean government for 30 years, working mostly at the Economic Planning Board and later at the Ministry of Finance and Economy. Dr. Oh also worked in the Office of the President as Economic Secretary to the President during Kim, Dae-jung administration. From February 2002 through September 2004, he was Commissioner of the Statistics Korea. Dr. Oh earned his Bachelor of Law degree from Seoul National University in Korea and Ph. D. in Economics and MBA from Southern Methodist University in Texas, USA. (taken from the SWLC website)
 

Dr. Oh captured his audience of 10 by stating "Methodist Women brought change to Korea in 1885 - especially for women".  He then expanded on one particular Methodist Women -  Mary Scranton - and the relationship the Methodist had in assisting girls and women in acquiring an education.  His fascinating and very  personal story came forth over the next 20 minutes or so.  He gave credit  for all he is today to a woman who was widowed early in life (one month after the birth of their first son when the husband/father was killed in the Korean War), a single parent who raised a child by herself, a  woman who was a product of her background in a mix of Confucianism and Buddhism, and  a bright woman who stood strong against the expectations for women in her day to get as much education as she could and to make sure her only son did the same thing.   Yes, that son is Dr. Jong Nam Oh. He tutored kids while in 7th grade and noted that only 10 of 75 went on to 8th grade.   He is  what he is today because a woman paved the way for another woman to make it possible for him to get an education which has taken him all over the world in various field of expertise (as noted in his biographic information).  

In my notes that day at the top of the page I wrote... GOD IS GOD  for it seemed to me the God his mother relied upon is surely the God, same God, that we call upon for solace and strength.  This one special woman gave him everything including the strong desire to be a champion of women throughout his lifetime.   Thus he is chairman of the board for Scranton Women's Leadership Center for he too knows the strength of any society lies in the education of its women.  He accepted this position as a way to repay his mother for all she had done for him.    

Dr.Oh said "Korea is what it is today because of our education."  and he credits the early missionaries from the United States for bringing that education for all (women especially ) to his country. The desire for education is so strong and the demand for positions in these schools is great.   Korea's climb from the poorest of the poor to near the top of the world's economic leaders, rests solely on the total society's support for education for everyone.   

In another post I'll continue sharing Dr. Oh's wisdom and thoughts.  I'm still trying to read the quickly written notes and putting those thoughts together.   Thanks Dr. Oh for your dedication to moving Korean society to the next step where women in Korea will be given the opportunities for leadership roles someday soon.  All of this because of one woman provided him with lesson on a lifetime of learning.    "Every woman is authorized by God to be a leader."   To that end he gives time and energy to the Scranton Women's Leadership Center.

Prayer Shawl Ministries brought to Korea

Team members wear some of the Prayer Shawls that were shared for our Journey. 

Hye-In, Hei, and Kelly where Hei is joyfully wearing her lovely pink shawl.

 Prayer Shawls were brought from team member churches.  Some came with information as to how they were prayerfully made, a date the shawl had been consecrated, and all had been given in love.  

We are thankful to the women who prayed over the shawls and gave them to team members to bring to women we met on our Ubuntu Journey.   We were very fortunate to get a photo of one that had been especially suggest for Hei, the woman who guided us through the Ewha High School history room and buildings.   She was an absolute delight and it was our entire teams choice to give her one.   She loves Ewha, she loves life, and she loves her prayer shawl.

 Hei will always be remembered for her singing of the school song with Helen.  Helen had graduated from Ewha so for all of us it was a wonderful moment to hear the school song. 

Another blessing from our journey.        

The women who made our journey possible...

Karen, Hae, and Helen

 We could not have managed without these three women. Our team was blessed by these Korean-American women who joined our team.   They provided us with 24/7 Korean language assistance.   Thank you!!!!

The leadership team from Scranton Women's Leadership Center:
Rev. Kim, Hye-In Lee, Bomi, Kelly, Julia, and Sarah

The Scranton Women's Leadership Center put together a wonderful experience for our Ubuntu team.   Words cannot express how much we appreciated all their hard work and pre-planning as well as all the time they spent with us  as we traveled around Seoul and the DMZ.   Our jam-packed schedule was perfect for these the United Methodist Women for it is exactly the schedule we have come to expect.  We learned so much about a mission success of our past can only pray that we will continue to make that kind of impact in the future.   Thanks team SWLC !  

Standing with the "Comfort Women"

Helen reads a statement from our UMW delegation in English.  Karen (in the green rain jacket)  will soon read
this same statement in Korean. 

The woman in the center (yellow rain coat) listens intently.
She is one of the remaining "Comfort Women" and attended the rally. 

Rain did not deter those who gathered on Wednesday noon to make a statement in front of the Japanese Embassy in Seoul, Korea.   There were speakers from the War and Women's Human Rights Museum, a drama group from Japan, and others who spoke in support of recognizing the aging women who were part of WWII.   All they are asking from the Japanese government is to recognize and apologize for what they did to these women who have endured much over their lifetime.  This Wednesday noon rally has taken place without fail every Wednesday for over 20 years.  
After the rally we walked to a shopping area and Bonnie was stopped on the street by a young Korean woman.   She had been at the rally and wanted to thank us for coming.   She'd decided that she should come to the rally this Wednesday and was moved by the statements that were made.   She thanked us for coming and lending one more voice to the call for justice for the "comfort women".  

  

Here are the words spoken on behalf of all United Methodist Women.

We are a delegation of women from many states in the United States representing the United Methodist Women. 

We are here today in solidarity with the grandmothers who have been protesting every Wednesday for the past 20 years in order to have their dignity and self respect restored. We are here to honor and support their struggle. 

Some of us present here (Karen and Helen) worked as members of a coalition in 2006 to help pass the House Resolution 121 in the United States Congress. This bill called for the government of Japan to make a formal apology to the women drafted to serve as "comfort women." This bill was passed unanimously in the house of the representatives and also in the U.S. Senate and a letter was sent to the government of Japan in 2007. As we all know, no action has been taken by Japan as of today. 

As members of an organization which endeavors to protect human rights of women and children, we demand the most speedy and complete apology from the government of Japan. We want to remind the citizens of Japan that the world is watching what they will do about this issue. 

We say to them that the memory of insufferable atrocities will not fade away in time. We also ask the government of the Republic of Korea to participate fully in removing the indignity and shame of its own citizens. 

We pray that the day will soon come when the aging Grandmothers no longer need to be on the streets protesting. We wish them health and the will to keep on fighting.

We promise you that we will continue to pray and stand by you until there is a resolution.

Thank you for your attention. 

 

Sunlit Sisters

What a day!  Writing time is short but here is a glimpse of our journey to visit the community of one of the US military bases.   We met the women who served men in response to expectations of the military men and the needs of hungry families.  I'll let our photos speak.  

We gathered around low table for a time of worship and song.  



The women at Sunlit Center gather every Tuesday for dance, singing, worship, lunch and conversation.   We joined them
for worship and lunch one day.   Most of these women had some English skills.  

As soon as lunch was over the tables were rearranged and the newsletter folding began.  



Our team plus Sunlit leaders joined us. The woman on the floor , right side, was saying "I'll remember you, and
you will remember me."  

Meeting the challenges of domestic violence

The existence of domestic violence seems to be universal. Culturally it may be dealt with differently however there are some basics for helping women to be restored.  Both shelters were started by a female UMC pastor. Both shelters provide a place to live within a Christian community.  An important component in the healing ministry  with the victims of domestic violence is the "family" life developed at the shelters within the context of Christian love.  Is this not a universal approach for dealing with moving through and developing a new life without abuse?   

The Nest of Love Shelter opened in 2000 for any woman who calls the hotline or is referred by community social service agencies.  The Korean WSCS owns the building and provides support for the program while the government provides some financial support for the social services offered to the residents.  Six months is the length of time women may live there...one of the government regulations.  WSCS members volunteer in the maintenance of the facility and community businesses are invited to help with major projects of keeping the older facility livable.

We gathered to hear about the beginning of Nest Of Love Shelter by Rev. Chung.   We were not allowed to take many
photos at this shelter.  When the worship service began, residents and children joined us. 

The Saenal Shelter opened in 1999 and  is solely a ministry of Rev. In Hae Kang. There is a main building for the shelter and it has been expanded by adding a room in the close proximity of the main facility.   The residents contribute a portion of their income to offset the costs of providing room and board.  They have no government support, thus the length of stay for the residents is not defined in terms of time. A woman and her children may leave the facility whenever she feels she is ready to live on her own.  Both shelters offer a full range of services from counseling to legal advise, art and music therapy in addition to the security of a loving family atmosphere.  

Just check out this wonderful table that had been prepared for us. 

New friends and Bonnie 

Here is the kitchen that produced the banquet!!!  It takes many dishes to serve any Korean meal.   They washed dishes
forever!!!   Thanks to all who give back.   

   

Several of the women at the Saenal Shelter wanted a photo taken with us. The young woman was using a cell phone and introduced herself in English so she is now an email pal with Bonnie. They were also thrilled we wanted a photo that shows the size of the kitchen is no indication of the quality of food. These two shelters prepared better food than any of the good restaurants. A create your own bibimbop was a great lunch...notice all those wonderful ingredients to choose from to be arranged on top of a bowl of rice. Add a little red pepper sauce and you are set for a nutritious meal. Our dinner at Saenal was great Korean fare with an "American" touch of wonderful bread from the generous bakery in addition to all the side dishes. Keep in mind this was just part of our day, we also participated in worship at ChungDong UMC at 2. More on ChungDong a bit later.

DMZ ... A hope for peace

We traveled to the DMZ (about a 3 hour drive from Seoul) on Friday.  Our 1st 40 minutes or more was getting out of Seoul city and then almost as though a line had been drawn, there were no more tall rows of apartment buildings.   City skyline was replaced by beautiful hills covered with lush green and valleys where organic farming was being done.  We passed lots of rice fields...now identified by its mustard green colored growth as well as fields and fields of pepper plants and other vegetables used in Korean cooking.  

The name Chosun is an old name for this peninsular country of Korean means "Morning Calm". As we traveled the hills/ mountains Chosun was seemed most fitting.  

Morning Calm ... A view from DMZ known as the punch bowl.

 

The only place we could take photos at DMZ was at this lookout but it was a perfect spot to see Morning Calm" and the green spaces is in the valley. Literally millions of trees were planted after their independence from Japan in 1946. Japan had stripped the mountains of all the trees to use for building for their own use. Observing Arbor Day was an important part of the reforestation of Korea as school children and families planted trees to gain back that important resource which had been taken. Even though we were at THE "fence" there was not the feel of tension as we were in this wonderful peace valley where efforts are being made to not only work toward political peace but peace with our earth. The trees (30 billion trees have been planted in Korea since Korean independence from Japan), the organic food, the attention to use of all natural resources...living green...were all part of the peace valley. As we looked across the DMZ into North Korea, it looked no different than the forest we had been seeing in South Korea. It is that view which gives hope that the Armistice Treaty will soon be replaced with a peace treaty and Korea will be one nation again.

Molly challenged the seminary students at MTU

Team member Molly was the preacher for the chapel service at the Methodist Theological University. Upon our arrival at the campus we were greeted by the President of the university, given a refreshing drink, verbal summary of the school's history, a cloth book bag and some lovely gold book marks,... And to top it off we had lunch at a wonderful Korean restaurant near the campus. We were able to eat and get back to the chapel for the Thursday service.  Molly's message received numerous "amen"s both in English and Korean.  The sermon was delivered in both languages with the translation being done by Dr.  Lee.  Molly is a retired pastor from South Carolina ... Our Ubuntu team was very glad to be on her team today.  

welcome Molly!.

Dr. Jong Chun Park, MTU President and Molly meet before services.

.

Our Team plus the Korean interpreter (far left) and Rev. Kim (far right) 
What a beautiful place of worship.   Check out those organ pipes!!! 

 

We "met" another woman today

We "met" Mrs. Josephine Peel Campbell today.  She's another one of the missionaries who fell in love with the Korean people...especially with the girls in one of the poorer sections of Seoul and knew that the country need strong women leaders.  Mrs. Campbell began a school for the education of girls in 1897 with help of The Southern Methodist church.  Funds were raised through a campaign in South Carolina to recognize birthdays but collecting an offering.  Paiwha has lifted many young girls out of poverty because of Mrs. Campbell's hard work.  This school continues to exist through the efforts of the Korean Methodist Church. Scholarship funds are needed to assists the internships and special educational opportunities necessary for a top notch education for the urban poor of Seoul.  

A view from the school's court yard

Our team stands with Mrs. Campbell in a little outdoor sitting area at the school.

There was even a "Sister Act" number for special music by the elected leadership of the school.   

Today there are 600 girls in middle school and 900 girls in high school and 3500 in college. Girls come form the area to attend school today on a beautiful campus area Paiwha ... which means nourishing flower.  

Prayer Shawls... Modeled and soon to be shared..

Thanks to Prayer Shawl ministries of United Methodist Women in the US, we are able to share beautiful shawls with the women at Sunlit Sisters Center and several women's shelters here in South Korea. Our Ubuntu team modeled them before identifying the destination.

Lunch time was a special Korean experience with all of us sitting on the floor. We all managed to get down and back up again without incident! Once again the food was delicious. Eating has not been a problem on this journey because the hosts have demonstrated radical hospitality. Every meeting we have we are greeted with special delights...rice cakes, bean paste candy, fresh fruit and some kind of drink.

Rice cakes and some bean paste sweets...beautifully presented.

Concord grapes, yellow kiwi, tomatoes, and date tea. 

A wonderful and very emotional day.

Rev. Kim

Our first day was wonderful and full!!!  We walked 12,500 steps and many of those were steps or a climb up one of the many hills on Ewah campus.  Today the steps were less ... Only about 4,800, however the content was heavy, enlightening, and spiritually lifting.  We began the day with some powerful and passionate history of Korean Methodist women from the late 1800's and on who paved the way for Korean women to be some of the most educated women in the world.  Rev. Heasun Kim has written and edited writings for a book for the KUMC on the subject of Korean women's role in the church.  

Our team with Dr. David Suh and Rev. Heasun Kim on the walkway for the new underground building on the campus. 

Another highlight for us on a subject that most of us were unaware of was the human rights issues relating to the comfort women of Korea during WWII.  It is very difficult to translate feelings and our experiences of the day.  Korean women have worked tirelessly to bring the human rights issues to the forefront for years.  They have held a protest in front of the Japanese embassy every Wednesday for 20 years.  We will be participating this protest on Wednesday, September 11.  

Two of our women have spent time working to get US legislation passed which asked our government to take the human rights issue of the treatment and use of comfort women to the Japanese government.  This has been passed but still no apologies from Japanese government for the crimes against women. 

Helen and Karen 

A Great Way To Begin Our Journey

President  elect Lallene Rector Of Garrett Theological
Seminary, Bridget Cabrera of UMW National
Rev. Haesun Kim of Scranton Women's
Leadership Center. 

We had a great day on Monday... Filled with radical hospitality shown by our hosts, wonderful people who greeted us our gave us a tour, a ton of walking up and down the hills of Ewah and Yonsei Universities, and to top it off deliciously prepared Korean food.  All good.  Here are a few photos to help you get a feel for our day.

We have arrived safely

It could be that I'm tired after the 13 1/2 hour flight from Chicago...it could be that Blogger and the Ipad don't get along but things have disappeared so I'm seem to be making slow progress for the posts.  Maybe things will improve over time!!

Little by little our fabulous group of 10 Ubuntu Sisters gathered in Seoul.  It's been a long day of travel for everyone.  We are thinking that to arrive early evening is probably the best as we have an opportunity to get cleaned up and the into bed before midnight.  If I hurry even I will be close to bed by midnight. 

This evening our devotions were centered around the early missionaries who came to Korea  to share the gospel and begin schools for the children who were not able to attend school. We look forward to our time here to gather more of those stories.  In our conversations with Koreans this history is very important for it defines a special relationship with the people of the US.  
Our Korean sisters who are part of our team have been extremely helpful.   We are blessed with that many translators.  

Front row: Mary, Paula, Kathryn, Molly, Bonnie, back row: Barbara, Hae

Just one picture to share tonight.  This is the "Chicago 7" waiting at O'Hare before going through security.  

Preparing for the journey

As we finalize the suitcase packing, our team continues to share resources that relate to the journey to South Korea.   Team member Helen just shared a link to a wonderful article entitled "The Struggle for a Korean Peace Treaty"  to give us some reading material on the long plane ride ahead.   I've provided a link for you to also learn more about the continued movement for peace in Korea.   Thanks for checking in on us from time to time.    

 

Another Journey Begins...

Another Ubuntu Journey is ready to depart.   Ten women from California, South Carolina, Indiana, Illinois, New York, and Alabama will gather in Seoul, South Korea on Sunday, September 1.   We will meet for the first time  (face-to-face) around 8:30 p.m. at the Vabein II hotel. 

Our journey will be one of peace...being that this is the 60th anniversary of the signing of the  Armistice  after the Korean conflict between North and South Korea.  We are so thankful for the pre-planning and preparations that have been taking place for the past year for our 12 days in South Korea.   Women under the leadership of Rev. Heasun Kim from the Scranton Women's Leadership Center are the hosts for our journey and have planned a variety of experiences around the theme of Peace.  I would encourage you to follow Scranton Women's Leadership Center Facebook page as well as check in on their website.   Advocacy and training lead the women's organization in many areas of the Asian world.  

 

Your prayers will be much appreciated.  We are excited to be visiting a country with a very ancient history and culture.  Once a mission focus for the missionaries of the Methodist Church, the United Methodist Church in South Korea has come full circle and now the church is a mission sender bringing others to Jesus Christ through evangelism, education, and advocacy.   What a joy it will be to explore  how they see the message of Jesus in the world from a South Korean  point of view. 

 

I hope you will come back next week and join us from a distance on our Journey with our sisters in South Korea.    

Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called sons(and daughters) of God.   Matthew 5:9

Celebrating Operation Classroom with Bishop Yambasu

Carolyn, Gina, and Joe enjoy the moment. 

Celebrating 25 years with Operation Classroom as a mission focus for the United Methodists of Indiana was to be expected when Joe and Carolyn Wagner stepped aside this past month.   Their influence and tireless work with the people of Sierra Leone and Liberia will forever be remembered.   Thanks Joe and Carolyn for your unselfish leadership in a place and with people love you dearly. Gina Riendeau is thrilled to stand beside as she shares their passion for mission with others. 

 

On that evening Bishop Yambasu and his wife enjoyed the festive time and took time to have a photo with the members of our Ubuntu team who were present for the Operation Classroom Celebration.   Grand evening, great people gathered, and many memories revisited.   Let's pray for the future of Operation Classroom as it moves forward for we know this is where God has called us to serve. 



Bishop Yambasu, Rita Gather-Gant, Mrs. Yambasu, Vickie Newkirk and Bonnie Albert

Kono Musu and the Kissy Women's Centers

Thanks Carol for sharing a link to the wonderful article that was prepared by our Ubuntu Host Beatrice on the Women's Centers in Sierra Leone.  Our team has such fond memories of our time visiting the Kono Musu Center.  

Here we are with all of the women and a few men who are learning life changing skills. 

     
A special day was created just for our visit by Beatrice as our schedule was for us to be there on a Saturday.  We were welcomed with great Sierra Leonian hospitality.  
When United Methodist Women pay their Mission Pledge, it is ministries such as this that we are able to support.   The article written for the United Methodist Women's resource section of their website is under International Ministries.   More than 2000 girls and women (with a few men) have moved on to being self sufficient with the training received at these centers.  
Please consider a special gift for the Women's Desk of Sierra Leone to assist with women's and children's ministries throughout the country. These funds may be sent though the channels of giving and marked as Women's Desk of Sierra Leone. 

Can we make it happen?

On Maundy Thursday I shared pieces of the Ubuntu Journey to Sierra Leone with the Valparaiso 1st United Methodist Women. In preparation for the program, I was transported back to the warmth, smiling faces, the hugs of welcome, amazing singing and praise worship, and wonderful meals throughout the journey.

Our lives get away from us once we get home.  We had families waiting for us to help finalize the holiday preparations.  And once we left, the women of Sierra Leone who had so carefully planned for our every minute had to return to their waiting jobs after being set aside because our team had arrived and our journey together was in full swing. What would we have done without Beatrice and Matilda? Their roles are so vital in the UMWO in Sierra Leone.   These women with the help of many others made our journey so valuable and memorable.    



Princess making candy
 cane ornaments

Today I would love to have another conversation with the girls at Harford School for Girls. We had the greatest girls who attended to all of our needs for our overnight at the school. Meet Princess. She's in her final year at Harford and seemed to rise to the occasion of taking care of house guests. She is seated at the dining room table of house where we stayed and we are making a Christmas decoration using some special beads and red pipe cleaners. All the girls loved the activity and they were then prepared to teach the children in the pre-school. 

 

Tatmata

Marina

As we were working much later in the evening than the generator was fueled for, Princess made her way to the generator to put more petro in so we could continue with our activities of making Christmas decorations and having a photo shoot. By the end of the evening, the girls had at least one 5x7, two 4x6 and four wallet sized photos to share. They were thrilled. That's why it was so important to fill the generator with petro. All wanted their photos before we got on a schedule for the next day.



Alison with the candy
cane earrings!

How nice it is to be thinking about our less than 24 hours on the campus of the girls school. This school has a long history of preparing young women for leadership roles. Beatrice Fofanah who now leader the Women's Desk for UMWO is a product of this school. Each of these girls are looking forward to making a difference in their area of influence in the future. Our United Methodist Women continue with their support of this school that impacts the lives of many. 
 

I'm not sure what all it would take but this school would benefit from a large generator so that power consistent enough to give these girls a computer lab. Computer access would give these girls a link to the world outside and help prepare them for university studies.  Can you imagine a school here that would not have at least a computer lab?    How can we make this happen?   If we could find $20,000 this impossible thought today would be possible very quickly. 
As you can tell the Ubuntu Journey never really ends.  Thanks UMW for giving this opportunity to not only the women here in the US but to our sisters around the world.