Carmel has fully recovered from malaria. I figured, all you praying saints deserve an update! She is now back to her toddling, laughing, stubborn ways. And what a delight it is!
In the midst of her illness, I shared my struggle and feelings of guilt with some Karimojong friends who are themselves mothers. In response, I learned two new phrases. Erakasi nu epite ngolo ka akiyar (These are the way of life). Emam nyerae adyakaret a idyotunganan (It is no one’s fault). In many ways, these phrases represent the wisdom and encouragement I received from you all. As a mother, your heart will break and swell and burst for your children and their trials. But they’re not your fault. They simply happen, and they are the will of God. If we live constantly in fear of suffering for our children, we would be unduly burdened with directing the universe and simply drown in the inability to protect them from every scraped knee, scar and heart break. That is not our role. We do what we can. We teach them how to deal with adversity, how to look to God no matter the circumstances. And we pray that our hearts will let God be God.
Eyai Akuj (God is there). Eyeni Akuj (God knows). Epedori Akuj daadang (God can do all). These are applicable truths world wide. Kipur Akuj (Praise God)!
Praise God, indeed!
We know that you are in the good hands of the saints of Karamoja.
Trudy