Narcissus or Narkissos (Greek: Νάρκισσος), possibly derived from ναρκη (narke) meaning "sleep, numbness," in Greek mythology was a hunter from the territory of Thespiae in Boeotia who was renowned for his beauty. He was exceptionally proud, in that he disdained those who loved him. Nemesis saw this and attracted Narcissus to a pool where he saw his own reflection in the waters and fell in love with it, not realizing it was merely an image. Unable to leave the beauty of his reflection, Narcissus died.
On reflection.
It's a classic case of 'Doesn't time fly?' juxtaposed against 'Wow! It seems like I've been here forever'. When I arrived in Uganda in February I didn’t know what to expect of my year (which will now be more like eleven months due to travel dates and visas running out). After routinely living in a state of uncertainty for the previous seven years, it was, I guess nothing new. And yet, there is certainly something about stepping into another culture that allows you to re-examine your values, lifestyle and beliefs in a way that would be almost impossible to simulate through any other situation.
I have learnt so much. I have been a witness to and a participant in the work that Australia HOPE International does in Uganda and DRC. I have made friends. I have cooked on a charcoal stove. I have washed my clothes by hand. I have become part of a Ugandan church music team. I have been to burials, introductions and weddings. I have travelled 'up country', to refugee camps, to Tanzania, to villages, to the city. I have worn traditional clothes and smart clothes. I have seen poverty and largesse. I have learnt to greet in many languages. I have forgotten more words than I have remembered. I have shared a bedroom with an eight year old. I have felt welcomed. I have felt like an outsider. I have worked in an office. I have visited schools. I have cooked for students. I have been a VIP. I have immersed myself in a new culture. I have retreated to my own culture. I have been overwhelmed to the point of tears by some situations. I have been overwhelmed to the point of numbness by others. I have peeled matooke. I have been offended by smells, noises, attitudes. I have been humbled to be invited to be part of people's lives.
I'm know I'm here as a volunteer to do something specific. And hopefully I have done that part well. But more than that, it is the process of becoming part of something, the taking on of a new life, that has made my year what it is. I could have, and at times did, remained at a distance from this place and it's people. But by choosing to really become involved, to invest in people, to love them and be loved by them, I have had an experience like no other.
During the year I have visited most of our HOPE schools and projects, and seen the triumphs and ongoing needs. I have said before that it is a privilege to be involved in what HOPE does, and as I reflect, I see something that is beautiful and significant growing out of ugliness and despair. Thank you to all those who have participated in seeing HOPE continue to grow this year. In terms of infrastructure alone we have seen six or seven major building works completed and of course rainwater tanks in all our Ugandan schools. Thank you to those that are individual or class sponsors. The difference you make in someone's life is immense. Thank you to those who have partnered with HOPE by advocating for the work they do. Please continue to make this journey of HOPE with us into the future.
As the year of 2012 stretches out ahead, it is like a whole new canvas to paint. For HOPE and the work I do with them, for the time I will have with my friends and family at home, for the relationships and life I will continue to build on when I come back this side.
My prayer is that unlike Narcissus I would not die looking at the past, unable to move on from past victories and defeats, that I would not get so caught up in myself that I cannot see others and that I would always look to the future to see what else God has in store for me on this crazy journey.
Many blessings and
Happy new year
bron
Please enjoy this collection of snaps from 2011.
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