Monday, September 8, 2014

AMERICAN MISSIONARY REFLECTIONS ON THE BOOM IN UGANDA ADOPTIONS

login.aspx.) After the front page headline the article takes up most of page 3 with the headline, “Alarm as foreigners adopt more Ugandan children.”

When I did a google and twitter search I came across a CNN article entitled “Red flags wave over Uganda's adoption boom” by Todd Schwarzschild on March 2, 2013 (http://edition.cnn.com/2013/02/27/world/africa/wus-uganda-adoptions.) Then one quickly finds the common trends of those using the recent headlines to voice concerns about adoption such as (http://www.againstchildtrafficking.org/category/adoption-lobby-alert/) and a plethora of personal adoption blogs, adoption agency information, and feel good news promoting Americans adopting in Uganda. (I chose not to list those sources so they can have the freedom to speak themselves.)

My family has adopted two children from Uganda. We served

With Ruth and Timothy, June 2014

there as missionaries with New Testament Churches of Christ from 1993 to 2004. Following that we served with Christ’s Church of Rwanda from 2005 to 2012. We have facilitated several Americans adopting, been adoption advocates, and at times been involved with East Africa’s media. We’ve also been part of dialogue within international adoption discussions (http://hekimagreatlakesmessenger.blogspot.com/2013/08/missionary-reflections-on-kathryn.html.) It seemed prudent to blog about this discussion.

OUR STORY

For my wife, Jana and I our adoption journey began with both of us having adopted siblings. Adoption was always on our radar. When we first arrived in Uganda in 1993 we noticed the large numbers of orphans as a result of the AIDS epidemic, and considered personally adopting. However, at the time only citizens of Common Wealth countries could adopt from Uganda. In 1997 The Children’s Act was passed in Uganda. There were many issues the legislation addressed. It cautiously opened the door for those from Non-Common Wealth countries to adopt in Uganda. We decided that this was a whisper from God to pursue adoption.

On October 29, 1999 we began fostering Mary Ruth Mirembe,

Jana and Ruth 2000

an infant girl after being contacted by Mama Joyce at Sanyu Babies Home in Namirembe Hill, Kampala, Uganda. An advert with Mary Ruth Mirembe’s picture was run in Bukedde and no relatives came forward. We obtained legal guardianship of Mary Ruth Mirembe so that we could travel with her in both East Africa and to the United States in relation to our missionary responsibilities. On February 23, 2004 we adopted Mary Ruth Mirembe. We traveled to the United States in October 2006 and our daughter, Ruth became a USA citizen. As intended in the records of fostering, legal guardianship, and adoption she has grown up well educated and involved in our delightful Christian heritage of Uganda and East Africa.

Our African Christian heritage is one of inclusion of children

Ethan, Ruth, and Timothy at Lake Bunyonyi 2011

in difficult situations. A few years later Mama Joyce asked us to consider bringing another child into our home. We began fostering Timothy David Sanyu on October 21, 2002. We obtained legal guardianship on March 4, 2004 to facilitate travel in East Africa and to the United States for furlough. On January 20, 2006 we adopted Timothy David Sanyu Jenkins. He traveled with us like Ruth in October 2006 and became an American citizen. As intended in our documentation he has been educated and nurtured by our wonderful Christian heritage that spans nations.

Our family returned to the United States from Rwanda, Africa in June, 2012 to serve as missionaries in Chicago land. Ruth is currently enrolled in ninth grade at UNO Charter High School in Rogers Park, Chicago. She excels in photography and dance.

Timothy is enrolled in sixth grade in Waters Elementary Magnet School in Chicago. He was diagnosed at 10 months old with a minor case of cerebral palsy. Yet, Timothy has fast feet, rhythm, and Ugandan determination. He excels in soccer and plays on travel teams.

Ethan playing with Chicago Uganda Cranes

Our family is members of Ugandan cultural associations in Chicago. We pay our yearly membership dues, attend most functions, and occasionally provide some pastoral care. Our other Ugandan born son, Ethan plays soccer for the Chicago Uganda Cranes team. Some who may not know our community well conclude that we “bless Uganda.” With all due respect we disagree. We have been immensely blessed by Uganda. If we offer any blessings to others it is us simply passing on the goodness Uganda so graciously gave to us.

OLD CONCERNS

The boom in adoption is likely a fly wheel gaining momentum. Few Americans were adopting in Uganda when we began the journey. We were featured on UTV’s “Open Up” show with Irene Kulabako. Relate Magazine ran an article on our adoption. Elizabeth Kameo wrote an article in The Weekly Observer related to the need to provide extra care for children with disabilities that discussed our journey with Timothy’s cerebral palsy.

The non-Ugandans we knew when the journey began who adopted were those with deep Uganda roots. Most were long-term missionaries. A few were business people.

While The Children’s Act did open the path for non-Ugandans to adopt it required a 3 year residency in Uganda and 3 years of fostering before the adoption could be completed (http://ugandansadopt.ug/faq/.) The length of time to complete an adoption was a concern of some. Yet, it made great pragmatic sense for a nation with few means of doing extensive background checks. A Ugandan friend told us, “We don’t want people taking our children like chickens in the market.” Our old missionary mentors had counseled that cultural understanding would take 3 years. If Ugandan children were to be raised by those who honored Ugandan culture a 3 years residence made sense.

Some advocated that with so many children in vulnerable situations the process should be streamlined. Yet most of the non-Ugandans arguing for a stream lined process represented the beginnings of the waves of short-term missions (volunteerism.)

In fact, I had some very pointed conversations with foreign residents of Uganda who had great concerns with the slow process. From my perspective most of those with great concerns were those whose Uganda experience had been disappointing. They had found a child to adopt and now wanted to depart Uganda as soon as possible.

Many of us processed legal guardianship so we could travel easily between the nations that our African livelihood took us. However, a few families were processing legal guardianship in what American jargon calls, “An end around.” It was a loop hole to avoid staying in Uganda 3 years and respecting the intent of Uganda’s leaders.

I distinctly remember telling several who I perceived to be running an

end around, “The gospel requires for us to treat Uganda’s government with honor (Romans 13:1-7.) It is true that you have found a child that needs a family. It is not true that the Uganda government is stopping you from adopting that child. The Uganda government is asking for you to respect their culture in the process. Yes, some in the Uganda government are corrupt. Yet, this 3 year residency is not about corruption. In fact, by you going around the intent you encourage corruption. A time will come when an honest government official goes through the adoption records and finds inconsistencies. Some will be held to account. Will the cost at that time be less vulnerable children in families? Please put down a 3 year root in Uganda.”

VALID CONCERNS

Last week’s New Vision told how Uganda’s Attorney General John Muwanga had come to a similar conclusion. I believe he has valid concerns. The process is irregular. There is no mechanism within the Ugandan government to monitor the trend. The numbers don’t match up. For instance, while there are records of 576 Americans adopting Ugandan children only 333 adoptions are registered during the studied time. The legal guardianship process allows those who don’t qualify to adopt in Uganda to adopt Ugandan children outside of Uganda. A side effect of what appears to be a growing adoption industry in Uganda is a growing number of baby and children homes that now total over 500.

Such concerns raise fears of child trafficking and abuse.

Also, the children’s homes that support the adoption industry will leave many children who do have extended family disconnected from their community. Consistent research concludes such children will suffer from a wide range of social and psychological issues.

It is the responsibility of Uganda’s government to protect Uganda’s children. The Attorney General’s recommendations of clear adoption and legal guardianship guidelines are needed. (For more insightful reading on the subject see http://www.thewayforwardproject.org/file_uploads/U01%20Interim%20Report%20on%20Adoption%20Status%20in%20Uganda.pdf.)

MISSIONARY SUGGESTIONS

My experience has been that with headlines, partisan dynamics outside

of Uganda, volunteerism, and industrial economics sometimes adoption discussions polarize beyond reason. In that process vulnerable children are frequently the loser. Thus I offer the following missionary suggestions.

First, take a deep breath. Examine the facts. Listen with compassion. Act with grace. A quick reaction will wound many.

Second, think about long-term consequence. I once heard a seasoned missionary in a discussion about caring for vulnerable children say, “If you want to increase the numbers of orphans in a community build an orphanage.” He was right. Once the institution of an orphanage is functioning extended families struggling to economically care for their children will turn to the easy fix. Yet, the process has horrific consequences. Besides isolation we must consider the stigmatization of being an “orphan” in a society where the basic social building block is the extended family. Conversely, a few children in Uganda have absolutely no extended family to care for them. In a quick reaction to stifle an industry we take away adoption options for those children.

Third, though Americans and short-term missionaries have greatly contributed to this anomaly, it is Uganda’s responsibility to deal with her vulnerable children. Those who must craft new procedures are Ugandan. We from other locations must exercise restraint. God’s Holy Spirit moves in Ugandan hearts just as it moves in American ones. God will direct this discussion to His intent. One of those intents will be for Ugandans to lead in adoption of Ugandan children (http://ugandansadopt.ug/.) Ugandan Diaspora may be particularly of help here as their remittances are Uganda’s largest source of foreign income. We should never sell the Ugandan people short on their capacity to reason and create solutions.

Fourth, though difficult following process is a must. The current discussion has been created by many who chose to rush and not follow process. The process should prioritize reuniting children with their extended family. Next it should prioritize adoption of Ugandan children by Ugandans. Then it should place Ugandan children with no family in non-Ugandan families for adoption.

Lastly, this discussion calls those of us who believe in Jesus of

Nazareth’s resurrection to live the Gospel. Old Testament texts are rich with metaphors of adoption to describe God’s relationship with Israel (Psalm 68:5; Ezekiel 16.) Paul uses adoption as metaphor of the Gospel (Romans 8:15; 8:23; 9:24; Galatians 4:5; Ephesians 1:5.) Thus when process is followed and children with no adults in their lives are part of our world community it is the responsibility of those who believe in the Gospel to adopt them into our family.

May we live with the grace and wisdom of God’s Holy Spirit in that process.

Sunday, July 13, 2014

GUEST BLOGGER: SOPHIA JENKINS - MISSIONARY KID REFLECTIONS ON THE USA REFUGEE CRISIS OF UNDOCUMENTED CHILDREN

Sophia as baby on the back in Uganda, 1993

Growing up in East Africa, I have many friends who were born in times of trouble, war, and genocide. Often when given the opportunity their families left their countries in order to save the lives of their children. My friends lived in refugee camps and were fed by relief efforts of wealthier nations. Neighboring countries opened their arms providing refugee children with the opportunities to go to school and gave their parents jobs. I did not fully understand the complexity when I was a small child in Uganda; and my best friend was not Ugandan, but Rwandan. Our favorite thing to do was sit under the jack fruit tree’s at church, tell stories, and take turns on the swing. As children our stories never involved violence and abuse. My friend and I were blessed to live with our parents in safety.

As I grew older and lived in Rwanda, one of my best friends in high school was

Doreen Rwigamba and her dad who served with others to stop Genocide

born in Uganda during times of trouble. Her father served in the Rwandan Patriotic Front, and she and I talked much of war and politics that raged throughout sub-Saharan Africa past and present. We had the luxury of attending a school where we were taught to engage in public issues and social change, because we were all aware of how our country Rwanda and the region was changing all around us.

Now I live in the US, and it is very easy for me to forget about the ugly, war ravaged places in the world. It is very easy for me to go through out my day and never once read the news. I am grateful that I still have friends and family, who continue to share stories that are often ignored.

This week I have not been able to avoid the stories on my Facebook feed or the news on my television. I am bewildered and disgusted by watching the stories on the US News. If a nation in the global south had between 60,000 and 80,000 children cross their border fleeing violence the western media would call it a "refugee crisis."(http://mobile.nytimes.com/2014/07/13/opinion/sunday/a-refugee-crisis-not-an-immigration-crisis.html?referrer=,
http://www.dallasnews.com/opinion/latest-columns/20140629-refusing-sanctuary-to-children-in-need.ece.)

2011 Kigali International Community School Graduates

How do we show compassion to these children? I do not know what I can do to make a change. I am overwhelmed with questions. How can we provide for these children? How can we welcome them into America? (http://www.nbcnews.com/storyline/immigration-border-crisis/some-towns-immigrants-met-aid-instead-anger-n148956, http://www.huffingtonpost.com/bethany-anderson/unaccompanied-alien-child_b_5555584.html?utm_content=buffer3f3a1&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter.com&utm_campaign=buffer.)

On the news I see plenty of discussion centered on border control, more agents, more guns, and very little discussion on protection of the most innocent and vulnerable. My father reminded me of some African stories. President Kagame and Museveni when they guarded borders would let children cross and protected them from men with guns. Many of the children who are coming to the US have been victims of rape, abuse, their lives have been threatened. Yet in response the most common public response is to say, “Return to your country.” I question this line of deportation thought that encourages children to go back to their abusers; the drug lords and gangs that control their homes.

Sophia and Doreen Rwigamba

Today I am grateful for the resources, the compassion of the church, African nations (and others) who cared for my friends when they lived for a season as refugees. I am praying that the same or even better treatment, care and compassion can be extended to the thousands of children that are fleeing Central America for the United States (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/jim-wallis/the-moral-failure-of-immi_b_5557775.html.)

I fervently ask, “Lord Jesus send us Your hope, provide a way for the most hopeless in our world. As Your people we often strip the dignity away from the most deserving. Remind us that You yourself came as a child. Jesus You fled to Egypt as a refugee. When I cry out in confusion and grief for these children, I am reminded that You are there with them. You have experienced their pain, and You are caring for each child now. Teach me, teach Your church, Your people how to love the way You love and to see the humanity in each child You have created”

Tuesday, June 3, 2014

UGANDA MARTYR'S DAY REFLECTIONS ON BEING A GOOD NEIGHBOR TO SAM KUTESA

Three of my five children - Ruth, Timothy, and Ethan

Last night I was homesick. I spent the evening reading newspapers from East Africa and drinking chai (tea.)    My spirits healed a bit.

I also remembered that today is Marty's Day in Uganda. I've decided to keep my Ugandan children home from their American school day.    My children need to know being a Ugandan means one has a dignified place in the history of Christianity.     There are many historic events for which Uganda is remembered for, but I want my children to never forget two.   First, Christianity in Uganda began with martyrdom.   Two, Uganda was a catalyst in the East African Revival.   All Christians in Sub-Saharan Africa must include Uganda in their history.

As I read news last night I discovered that Uganda's Minister of Foreign Affairs Honorable Sam Kutesa has been nominated to become the president of United Nations General Assembly.   He has been endorsed by both the African Union http://www.newvision.co.ug/news/643128-au-endorses-kutesa-for-un-presidency.html and the Non-Aligned Movement http://www.newvision.co.ug/news/656153-sam-kutesa-heads-for-un-top-job.html.

Honorable Uganda Minister Sam Kutesa

Yet, Honorable Kutesa's nomination has controversy. Social media is rapidly promoting a petition for United States Secretary of State John Kerry to deny Honorable Kutesa a visa to enter the United States and for United Nations member states to vote against Honorable Kutesa's presidency http://www.change.org/en-GB/petitions/stop-sam-kutesa-from-becoming-president-un-gen-assembly?recruiter=45859428&utm_source=share_petition&utm_medium=twitter&utm_campaign=share_twitter_mobile.

Honorable Kutesa has a controversial past http://www.monitor.co.ug/News/National/Push-to-block-Kutesa-UN-job-gathers-pace/-/688334/2334132/-/item/0/-/jc2fg5/-/index.html. The Western media is reporting on Honorable Kutesa's past and focusing on the Anti-Gay bill recently signed by His Excellency President Yoweri Museveni http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/jun/01/uganda-anti-gay-minister-human-rights-kutesa, http://blogs.montrealgazette.com/2014/06/01/ugandas-sam-kutesa-at-the-un-bring-him-on/, http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2014/06/03/the-u-n-s-next-president-is-a-gay-hating-friend-of-uganda-s-corrupt-dictator.html,and http://thinkprogress.org/lgbt/2014/06/01/3443560/sam-kutesa-un-general-assembly/.

I have never met Honorable Kutesa. However, our lives are intertwined as neighbors. His daughter

was my neighbor in Uganda.   Though she came from a very influential family and married into another still she greeted us, stopped by our home to drink chai, and always extended neighborly kindness.    I can't help but believe the Spirit of the Lord moves in the Kutesa family.    Without the Lord's movement in one's heart how else would such humble hospitality thrive?

I am also friends with Honorable Kutesa's sister-in-law.    Her husband is one of my better non-believing friends and advisers.    Our families attend movies together and share meals. I always come away wiser. My friend has as many failings as I.   We've both married well to gracious women who love us and accept our failings.    I can't deny that gift of the Lord.

Lastly as a Mulokole (Born Again / Saved / Evangelical) I inherited the legacy of the East African Revival.    Sam Kutesa's father, Kosiya Kyamuhangire was one of the early leaders of the East African Revival.    Mzee Kyamuhangire was a true visionary who died on a mission in Gahini, Rwanda.   His death seemed inconsequential at the time. His grave was unmarked.    Yet, he was a true visionary who saw the colonial borders separating East Africa as irrelevant.   He left a legacy of a dream for a united faith and people.   His ideals saw the family of God rise above artificial divisions such as race, nationality, denomination, and ethnicity.    I cannot count the number of times this legacy marked both the readings of East African history and ordinary conversations in churches, schools, government, business, and social settings (http://www.newvision.co.ug/mobile/Detail.aspx?NewsID=632330&CatID=1, http://en.igihe.com/news/president-kagame-pays-tribute-to-kosiya, http://allafrica.com/stories/201206250097.html?viewall=1, http://www.chimpreports.com/index.php/mobile/news/4848-kagame-pays-glowing-tribute-to-kutesa%E2%80%99s-fallen-dad.html.)

Honorable Kutesa is my neighbor.   My Boss instructed me to love my neighbor as myself (Leviticus 19:18, Matthew 5:43, Mark 12:31, Mark 12:33, Luke 10:27, Galatians 5:14, James 2:8.) How do I practically do that? With today being Martyr's Day it seems especially relevant to reflect on the art of neighboring a controversial neighbor.

The instructions of my Boss in Leviticus 19 is a hodgepodge of rules for neighborly living thousands of years ago. Some seem rather silly in today's context such as not planting two kinds of seed in a field or using two types of material in a garment (Leviticus 19:19.) However, when compared to the documents of their day these rules have many enduring principles such as truth, justice, and the protecting of life. This instruction of loving one's neighbor as one's self has a unique interpretation, "Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against anyone among your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the Lord, (Leviticus 19:18. New International Version.)" Loving one's neighbor means we know when our neighbors have done wrong. Yet, we don't nurture a wound and seek an opportunity for revenge. Instead we forgive and seek to build unity.

So much of the news from social media and Western news on Uganda focuses on the recently signed Anti-Gay bill. Yet, the whole story is not told.

There is historical evidence that homosexuality exited in pre-colonial Africa. Yet most historians conclude the Baganda (largest numeric ethnic group in the nation-state of Uganda) found the practice of homosexuality abhorrent. Buganda faced competing interests between Muslim Arab traders, French Catholic missionaries, and Protestant missionaries from the United Kingdom in the early 1880’s. Many believe that Buganda Kabaka (King) Mwanga was influenced to become a homosexual practitioner by Arab Muslims. When his pages resisted his homosexual advances it led to their martyrdom on June 3, 1886. It is little wonder why the discussion on homosexuality so rapidly stirs such deep emotions. Uganda does have deep historical wounds related to homosexuality and violence. I cannot imagine that these old stories do not impact today’s perceptions. Uganda’s history of homosexuality is perceived as one of outside influence and violence.

These old wounds also recycle themselves in contemporary times.     With Uganda's culture of same gender affection and many still living in economic poverty, Uganda youth can be particularly vulnerable to exploitation by those from outside Uganda.   (For more pastoral reflections see http://www.hekimagreatlakesmessenger.blogspot.com/2014/03/can-we-heal-wounds-faith-and-ugandas.html.

With so many wounds of the past and present it is tempting to neglect the mercy and justice of Godly love.    My boss however makes it clear - Revenge is bad manners for neighbors.    Mob justice directed against homosexuals is wrong.    Mob justice on social media directed against my neighbor Kutesa is also wrong.    Our neighborly task is redemption.

The dictionary defines redemption as “atoning for a fault or mistake” (http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/redemption,) “to make (something that is bad, unpleasant, etc.) better or more acceptable, to free from what distresses or harms, to free from captivity by payment of ransom, to extricate from or help to overcome something detrimental, to release from blame or debt, to free from the consequences of sin” (http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/redeem.)    Both extremists in this debate seem to have lost sight of the possibility of redemption.

Redemption goes against our depraved human nature (Genesis 3.)   It calls us back to the human dignity of being made in the image of God (Genesis 1:27.)    How do we practically return to God given dignity?

My Boss instructed us that when religious manipulators stir us to hate we choose to pray blessings upon those who choose to be our enemies.   He said, “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighborand hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you (Matthew 5:43, 44.)"

As we pray we are changed.   We no longer count score of rights and wrongs.     My Boss said, "To love your neighbor as yourself is more important than all burnt offerings and sacrifices (Mark 12:33. NIV.)”   After all as we count score we find that we too have our failings.

We may try to define neighbor as someone just like ourselves.   The easiest ways to see our neighbor may be through lenses such as nationality, race, denomination, political party, ethnicity, and economic standards.

However, what if it comes down to affections and affiliations nurtured by shared fears and wounds?

My Boss told a story to address the misconception that my neighbor means someone just like me.    Old theologians call it the Parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37.)   We could translate Samaritan to any cluster of people our wounds make us easily despise. (For instance - http://hekimagreatlakesmessenger.blogspot.com/2013/10/somali-transporter-rescues-mbale-trader.html.)

All are worthy of love.   No one should be the victim of mob justice.

As the Uganda Martyr's went to their death they did what Jesus' followers through out time did when faced with injustice.    They prayed, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them. (Acts 7:60. NIV.)”

Thus on Martyr's Day as the mobs debate and posture the Martyrs call us to another way. We cannot deny either the historic or contemporary wounds.    Yet, redemption is possible.    We pray for those who choose to be our enemies and act with kindness, grace, and love to all.   My neighbors include the Kutesa family as well as the victims and perpetrators of contemporary mob justice.