Joy and Sorrow

Miscarriage. It is a scary word. It is a word directly connected to death and sadness and also the hope of new life.

It was a real life experience for me.  It has been a thought and a fear in my mind even before Eric and I conceived… what if?  Am I dismissed from having such a thing happen to me?

Early last month, we found out that I was pregnant, we were surprised that such a gift was becoming a part of our new little family so soon. In the less than two weeks that followed, there were a whirlwind of feelings, emotions, efforts to plan and the struggle to comprehend what our life was about to become. However, before we could even get our minds fully around baby, we lost her. She slipped through my hands before I even felt her there.

I wrote this little note to her in my “baby journal” that I had just started in order to process my own thoughts about her coming. The journal only had three entries in it- this one being the 4^th.

“It was so strange and so unknown, yet you, little blueberry, were apart of me and the one I love, your daddy, and now you’re gone. You will always hold a sacred space in my heart and in my mind, yet you no longer take up space in my body, you no longer need that home. The only one who can carry you to death has carried you and has given you life once again.”

There is a cycle that I am familiar with-- the cycle that life needs death and death needs life.

Death is only apart of the process of living. Death is a process of transformation.

In times past, life has challenged me to drink from the cup of joy and of sorrow, as one of my favorite authors (Henri Nouwen) states. That cup is life and the drink is beauty. The ability to hold two seemingly conflicting postures is the depth of beauty in which our life is written.

In the days and weeks since my miscarriage, I have been hearing ladies stories as I have shared my own. I have learned about myself, my body, the way I handle pain, both emotionally and physically, and the way that we keep things hidden.

I have learned that a miscarriage is not a curse or an end, for me it’s been a pathway to know, to hope, and to trust that death is needed for life.

Identity is not formed by my present day situation- I am not pregnant, I am not. My identity has been refined by those situations that ultimately point me back to me truest, deepest, unchanging identity- a beloved daughter of my heavenly Father.

Trip to Bidi Bidi Refugee Camp

Bidi Bidi Refugee Camp.

     “They killed two missionaries, burned two of our vehicles, and our buildings as well; that was during 2004 ” said Elly. “They didn’t like the work we were doing here”, continued Elly, speaking of Muslim’s in the area. Elly is the leader of a Christian organization called “Here is Life” (HIL), located in Northern Uganda. Here is Life began in 1988, in response to the war of 1979-1986, that left the area in an unstable and very needy condition. Since 1988, HIL has evangelized and discipled people in the area, as well as met physical needs that arise. “This area was very friendly toward Christians before 1979. However, after the war in 1988 when HIL began, many Christians were scattered. "We discipled the people and were building churches, but that is why we were attacked in 2004” Elly told us. Thankfully, the hostility from Muslim’s has greatly decreased and Christians and Muslims live peacefully together in this area today.

From left to right: Edward, myself, Anthony, Susan (holding the baby), then three HIL workers, Elly (seated on the far right).

     Here is Life is a partner that World Renew (WR) works with. I was on a trip to visit the partner, along with friends Anthony and Sara Sytsma, and another WR staff member Edward Etanu and his wife Susan. The purpose of the trip was to see some of the work that is going on in the refugee camps. It was also a way for me to learn what a partnership with WR and a local organization, in this case, HIL, looks like. 

Elly, leader of HIL, shows us a pit latrine (outside toilet) that they build for a refugee family. 

      When the conflict in South Sudan began in 2016, HIL began working in Bidi Bidi, the nearby refugee camp that was created to handle the flow of refugees from South Sudan. Currently,  Uganda has over one million refugees, mostly from South Sudan. Follow the link to learn more about the conflict. https://www.cfr.org/interview/understanding-roots-conflict-south-sudan Bidi Bidi is one of the largest camps in the world at close to 250,000 people. “We went into the camps when the crisis began in 2016, to see what we could do. We realized that there was a great need for pit latrines (outdoor toilets), since people were defecating in the open, which greatly increases the risk of diseases” said Elly. “After some time when most people had latrines, we targeted the vulnerable population, the ones’ who could not build a latrine for themselves” continued Elly “People who are elderly, have a physical disability, woman or child run homes”. While have latrines have been the current focus of HIL in the camp, they also do other programs, such as peacebuilding and trauma healing for refugees. Here is Life would also like to launch training on income generation, such as sewing, baking, and agriculture in the Bidi Bidi camp.

     As I left the camp at the end of the day, I had a heavy feeling that stuck with me. Here were 250,000 living in less than ideal conditions because of tribal conflict that has wreaked havoc in the country. The camps are places where idolness and poverty create habits and lifestyles, such as prostitution and laziness, in the youth. 

The grandfather is seated on the ground in the center of the photo, with his grandchildren spread around him.

     The sad story with the family pictured above is that when the whole family came to the camp, the parents (the ones who gave birth to the children pictured above) of the grandparents told them "you stay here with our children, while we go back to South Sudan and find a job". However, the grandparents later learned that their children had NOT gotten a job, but had joined the army in South Sudan. 

     The trip really made me grateful for the work that HIL is doing. The whole situation with the conflict in South Sudan and the refugee crisis is very complex. Please pray for the work of HIL and for the refugees at Bidi Bidi. 

Happy Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving dear family and friends!  

This is indeed an important time to stop and reflect as we gather to share a meal and to be grateful for the lovely community we have in this season of our lives.  Eric and I will get together with the expat/international community on Thursday- it is a group of people from different parts of the world who live here in Mbale for ministry, work, a short-term volunteer opportunity or just for a visit. We will post those pictures next time! It is guaranteed to be a good meal with enjoyable conversation and guaranteed to be no snow or cold weather J

Once again, we are in awe of the full month that just passed us, since we last updated you all on the blog.

Pre- garden

Our garden now!

Eric has continued to work in our home garden and it's beautiful! His diligence and attention to caring for it provides us lettuce, a local green (like collard green/spinach), cucumbers, and beautiful flowers to enjoy on a regular basis. There are tomatoes, sweet corn, onion, peppers, carrots, eggplant, and bananas growing so we look forward to the harvest that is coming.

My most favorite farmer!

Towards the end of October, we drove up to the northern part of Uganda and Eric met with a few farmers up there to learn about their work while I went into South Sudan to visit my old school where I used to work – Leadership Academy of South Sudan (LASS). I was able to be apart of the 4^th graduation at LASS! It was so special for me to witness the continual growth and to celebrate the hard work that the students and staff have put forth. I deeply love that place!

Sunrise on my way to LASS

Graduates!

Actually, Eric and I are heading back to northern Uganda this weekend to visit this latest graduating class as I will be a part of the orientation day program as we welcome these students into the LASS alumni group and to speak to them about university. Eric will also visit the farms that he is connected to in the region.

In early November, Eric was able to travel with some of his good friends and coworkers to the refugee camps in a different part of northern Uganda, he will share more about that on another update.

During the time that Eric was traveling to the refugee camps, I went with the university that I work with for a community day to a mountainous region in the east called, Bududa. We went because there was a terrible mudslide that came down one of the mountains on a Thursday afternoon in late October. Over 200 people died, including many children who were in classes at 2 of the primary schools that we wiped out from the intense water that was carrying huge boulders, strong waters, and debris. I went with about 5 staff and 45 students, we broke into groups and went around the community to listen to their stories, pray with them and give them some household goods (that were raised by the students) as they rebuild after this horrific tragedy.

Buildings destroyed right next to where the landslide came 

This used to be land where houses and businesses were

Huge boulders that came from up that mountain, where the landslide started

This was not a river before but was formed because of the massive landslide

Normal everyday work usually involves us going to the university (LIU) to teach classes, have meetings, and attend various programs. Eric will often go to the PTC farm (where he worked last time that he was here) that is a bit out of town. He really enjoys working with the guys there as they continue to build a sustainable farm with quality procedures and practices. Somedays, our pup Kona and I will go out with him to enjoy the peace and beauty of the countryside.

Cows at PTC farm

Eric working with the farm manager and staff

Kona LOVES to go for a drive to the farm and see life around Mbale!

I have been working alongside a peacebuilding radio program called One Tribe for several years by organizing some of my former LASS students to translate and record the radio programs. We have also begun a partnership with LIU to begin developing a peace studies program. So, earlier this month, the director of One Tribe and some of the team came to visit us in Mbale. They have become good friends of mine and it was a gift for Eric to meet them and for us to work on these partnerships together.

The director of One Tribe, Elizabeth, and one of the student recorders/translators, Juma

Two of the student translators and recorders, Idris and Chris

Lastly, we cannot forget to appreciate the Penn State football season! Eric and I are committed to watching the games each weekend- it’s a fun tradition that we started and really enjoy it! There is another American family here who are Penn State alum, so we watched the Nittany Lions play Wisconsin last week together with them!

Penn State fans in Mbale, Uganda!

Whenever you think you are carrying a heavy load, just remember this motorcycle driver who is managing to transport these chairs!

These are two of our dearest friends in Mbale, Rhonda and Katharine

Thank you for your love, care, and support :)

Happy Thanksgiving to each of you!

Love, Lauren and Eric

Uganda Delights

Happy October to you, our beloved family and friends!

Beautiful Uganda scenery

 

This past weekend marked four weeks since Eric and I have been back in Uganda and seven weeks since we have been married. We are fully settled in our home and work as we so gladly welcome a steady and healthy routine into our lives as a married couple.

Here are some snapshots of what we have been up to:

1.     We visited Eric’s old work- Pentecostal Theological College (PTC) and got to see some of his friends/former co-workers. They welcomed us in true loving hospitality. Eric will be helping them by working on their farm once a week to improve the productivity of the cows and continue to assess all components of the farm for quality sustainability.

2.     I am back at my work – LivingStone International University (LIU). I am teaching one class to the 3^rd year education students called: Philosophy of Education. This is my third year of working with these students and I have seen such tremendous development in their learning, behavior, and character. They are the change that we need in East Africa and I am so proud of them.

Eric also is co-teaching a computer class at LIU and he is doing an amazing job of teaching the students practical computer skills and connecting with each of them. In addition, Eric is also taking time to create a full academic curriculum for a new course at LIU in Agribusiness. He also is planning to spend some time at LIU’s permanent campus, as it is being built, to assess their land and do some tree and crop planting.

Eric teaching his computer class

LIU also just celebrated its 4^th graduation- we were both in attendance, although I was more involved since I have held an administrative position.

The top LIU administration and its highest scoring students

3.     An incredible part of our daily lives are building relationships. One of my favorite quotes is: “People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care”. 

Given that we are from a totally different culture, country, language etc.. it may seem challenging to connect with our African friends and build quality relationships. Amidst these barriers, the universal posture of love, care, and Jesus’s character allows for the immediate gift of connection.

Both Eric and I have a group of mentee students who we meet with formally once a week and informally with individual ones throughout the week. (Eric has 8 male students and I have 8 female students).  This mentoring time allows the students to ask questions and work through struggles. Mentorship allows a safe space for the growth of healthy and trusting relationships. I have been sharing with my ladies about what true beauty is and how to have strong friendships. Eric has been getting to know his guys through each of them sharing their life journeys, which has opened the door for discussions on faith, how to deal with doubt, how to spend money and how to navigate family dynamics.

A handful of various students have approached Eric and I and asked us to counsel them on how to have Godly dating relationships. It is our joy to do so! Often times in East Africa, the conversation of dating and romantic relationships is not welcomed, therefore there is a lot of confusion in how God has designed us to be in relationships, which leads to decisions and actions taking place in darkness.

One of the dating couples who we are in community with are Benard and Faith, they are pictured here. We love meeting with them, praying for them and we are grateful for their open hearts to share, learn, and listen.

Eric, Benard, Faith and Lauren 

We aim to keep the relationships with students that I have already built over my previous 2 years at LIU and before from my years of working in South Sudan at a secondary school there-there are 22 students who graduated from there and are now at LIU. Eric and I have planned fellowship gatherings with them as a way to connect and continue encouraging and supporting them.

4.     We are each connected to the international community here through a weekly men's prayer breakfast that Eric attends once a week and a ladies prayer breakfast that I attend once a week in addition to a weekly ladies Bible study. We use these opportunities to develop friendships with fellow expats who are actively working in various missions and international organizations.  We have dear friends here who we share meals, games nights and tea times with.

5.     Fun times:

·      We drove to the capital city to meet my mentors and dear friends: Dabbs and Mary Cavin (Mary spoke at our wedding)- they were in town visiting projects they are apart of.

·      Eric has been working tremendously hard on our home garden! He has been working alongside Ray, who is a helper around the compound that we share with another couple. We have about a dozen different crops growing alongside some flowers (sunflower included J)

Ray and Eric planting our garden

We are always grateful for your love and prayers. Even though we are far, you are still in our hearts and prayers!

Happy Fall and lots of love,

Lauren and Eric Ranck

A Whole New Season

Hello and welcome to the blog once again or if it is your first time then you are most welcome!

This is Lauren writing for me and Eric because if you have not heard, we are getting married in T- minus 10 days!  We are completely thrilled and so grateful for the individual journies that God has taken us on that have led us up to the beautiful gift of meeting, dating, and now starting a journey together.

How has all this happened?

Well, long story short- Eric found my name among mutual friends on Facebook in May 2017, he took immense courage to write me and that started us on a long distance friendship, quickly turned relationship through WhatsApp, Skype, emailing and then finally a one week visit to Uganda for Eric in October. It was our first time to meet after 5 months of talking - him in PA and me in East Africa.
We continued dating, I went to the US at Christmas for 3 weeks to visit, Eric and I spent time together, our families met, then Eric came to visit me again in Uganda for a week in March and proposed and I said YES!
I moved back to the US for 3 months in June hopping around Maryland (where my family is) and Pennsylvania (where Eric lives and his family too).

These last three months have been full and fun as we have gotten to know each other better, have gotten to know each other's families and some friends better and prepare for a lifelong marriage!

Defending his thesis

Included in these three months:

1. Eric's successful completion defense for his masters' thesis in Animal Science

2. Eric's GRADUATION from Graduate School! Congratulations!

3. I took a girls trip to Northern Ireland with two good friends

4. I moved in with a lovely family in State College to be close to Eric for the month of July

5. We have been wedding planning- including growing beautiful sunflowers!

6. We had time in Little Rock, AR with Laurens's dear friends (now Eric's dear friends too:))

7. We have had a beautiful time with our families: at the family cabin weekend with Eric's family, on the farm, a baseball games, dinners, breakfasts, etc etc!

8. Eric moved out of his home in State College after wrapping up an intense and very hard working season with grad school. He has been saying goodbye to friends, saying- see you later to church community at Grace Fellowship Community Church

9. We had a lovely couples shower that my parents hosted for us- many dear people, who we love came and it was a fun filled celebration

10. My mentor, Mary, hosted a special bridal shower in DC for me

DC Shower

Wedding Prep- planting in the rain

Family Cabin Weekend (not all are pictured)

Graduation!

Graduation!

Growing sunflowers for our wedding!

Dinner with friends in State College

Graduation

The last and very big update is that Eric and I will be moving back to Uganda in September! I will be working with my students at Livingstone International University for the third year and Eric will be doing a collaboration of assignments as we prepare to move to northwestern Uganda for him to work alongside farmers teaching, training and supporting agricultural livelihood programs. Eric has been working very hard to fundraise for our work and ministry there. We are very eager to return! For more information please visit: https://worldrenew.net/ranck

Here are some photos of our community in Uganda!

Lauren's students

Eric's old coworkers/friends

We pray for you and wish you much love and joy!

Love,
Lauren and Eric