One Decade

With approximately one hour and thirty minutes I sit here to chronicle this. But before I write much I should say that this article is inspired by another man’s. I rarely write the details of my life for the simple fact that I find them less important than the lessons that they present to me, so I concentrate on the lessons. Today however I find myself inspired by a better man, Isaac Tibasiima. And this one posting is mostly dedicated to him; I pray I do the art and the ministry, the justice due.

When this decade was ushered in little was mentioned of it because for most of us the millennium was a more important time block to focus on. But today as it comes to an end, I will summarize my life through it. At its birth I was getting to senior three at Kiira College Butiki a teenager just beginning to lose his way and a long way I got lost. The drinking, girls, pornography and foul language were my dark side; I was also the council speaker and had my share of excellent class performances. I was met by a kind woman, a teacher of mine whose importance to my life has kept unfolding, thank you Mrs. Muwanguzi Juliet.

I finished both my Ordinary and Advanced levels of education, broke up with one girlfriend to get to another, and broke up with her as well. I met Christ on the floor of my bedroom, saw Him fight the forces of darkness with the power of His Light and that moment has always stayed with me, because I did not read about it, I saw Him do it, in my bedroom. I experienced His power at work in me able to cast demons out and away, and then realized that they too are real and active, not dead.

I joined university, much to the discouragement of those that supported me, and realized how God can move time, space and nature for those that He calls His own. Strangers, friends and friends of friends, pulled funds to see me through university. I learnt that one good shirt was just okay if you learnt to wear it right, and that being skinny was only a thing everyone else saw but me. I realized that friendships start with a smile, sharing a sit, shaking hands or borrowing class notes and that the people that love always stay, through hurting and healing. I realized that though I knew so many people, not all of them got to know me and that was okay. I started a business with just 1500UGX and saw it multiply simply because I learnt to treat children right, and every home sends children to the shop, they are the main reason groceries are bought. I beat all my competitors, getting there before 7:00 and leaving by 20:00, making sure I had the time to play with two of my nephews, Jojo and Dickson.

I graduated from University.

I volunteered at my church and worked alongside some of the most amazing people, Liz Kitongo (Then Liz D) Robert Musoke, Kiiza Wilfred, Emily and Alfred. These people made me realize that a great group is not only made by those that catch the fish, but also those that wash the nets. Started another business and lost greatly because my completion was better placed. But I am forever grateful for starting Simply Fruity, with Liz Kitongo because I realized that all things are possible, if we are stupid enough to believe and wise enough to trust God.

I proposed to a girl, whose beauty I found more in her silence, and her strength in her words. She looked long at me and simply held my hand to pray. Eight days later she said yes, though I realized that she needed more time. We went through a time of simply trying to understand the situation and the two people directly involved, my only anchor being God, because I presented my case to Him way before I ever proposed to her and when I felt the peace in my heart, I proceeded with my desire. Many times I felt myself wanting to give her time off, because she might have found it harder than I imagined. I have seen that constant loving and trusting God brings results that the heart has never imagined. I have realized that this girl, who laughs like a child is the one I want to invest the rest of my life with, and that she gets the point.

Started some of the most amazing friendships, Belinda, Mildred, Timothy, Priscy, Sheila and most surprisingly, Isaac whom having met many years ago was still a stranger to me. I have enjoyed all the telephone conversations, the secrets shared the time and conversations given.
Got a job as a sales representative with PAX insurance Company, an experience that I will forever be glad I got. I realized that much as I wanted to be a finance student, selling was more my passion and that’s what I will pursue. I was able to stand by my little sister Anna when she was pregnant, though my own life demands remained a stumbling block. I learnt that people are more important than, laws, norms, order and property. That all those are useless if they do not value people above themselves. I had a quarrel with my big brother, a most heart breaking event, and one I had prayed would never occur. Well it did, and while I still stand by my beliefs in the quarrel, I found time and meaning to go and apologize to him for the simple reason that he is the kindest man, that slaved to raise me and all the others. I learnt that we may not always agree but love is forever.

Stayed with one of the most amazing and kind women I know and realize that sometimes, some things are simply not meant to be and that even the best of intentions can be failed if that is the case. I repented for my rebellion, and realized that there is no escape from the purposes of God and that the Israelites should have learnt something good in Egypt, a form of Character that was needed in them and that simply because honey is available, it does not mean it’s ours to eat.
Realized that family are the only people that stay after everyone else has gone and it’s important to stay for then when you can. The men I have met are not in there forties but they have touched my life profoundly. Mr. Ssembatya Edirisa, Mr. Rubibi Emanuel, Mr. Oyite George( who, along with his wife, Aziza, and daughter Lisa, literally took me in as a member of the family. I have enjoyed the delicious meals we enjoyed together and the conversations. I truly believe that George is the man for the job and the season), Mr. Kalule Robert and those I have already mentioned above have changed my life.

I got another job and realized how my childhood dream to travel the Pearl of Africa is coming to pass. I have met wonderful people, all my workmates are amazing, we have our stretches but most of the times we make business happen, and that worms my heart as I learn.
The best gift this decade is the eight children I got in Watoto Childcare Ministries. With an amazing mother, Mama Jacky Kabarisa, I have found that the blessings of God are simply amazing. Every time I go home, every Sunday, I realize how blesses I am to have the most handsome boys, Allan Kigenyi, Andrew Kisambira, Ibrahim Sendaula, Daniel Tushabe, and Kato Paul, and the most beautiful girls, Akankunda Mercy, Ajambo Leila, and Kisakye Noelina as my God given. I have also realized the strength of many other children, that have silently inspired me, Joshua, Nakkazi Lillian, Sapiri Lillian, Marjorie Mukisa, Alinda, Prosy, Mary, Michael and Livingstone, Douglas, Annet, William and Joel and I am glad I met them all. The men in the Father’s Heart Ministry have inspired me to be a better man and Father, Milton, Babu, Emma, Martin, Yosia, it has been a pleasure meeting you all.

I face the new decade armed with the knowledge that while great things are bound to happen, we need to be a praying people. That our prayer is going to not only propel us to great heights, its going to knock the hold the enemy has had on many of our friends off. That many are going to be rescued because we took time, not to condemn churches, but to pray for them. That our walk this decade is going to be more about God working with us that just us running the show. I have seen the Love of God, this decade I set my heart to Him that is Love. The Word, prayer and Fasting.

I start this new decade, going to the School of Community leadership, the Amazing investment Club, and My Family in Biira and Home, my friends, my job, person and most importantly my God closest at heart. By the time this decade ends……
If I have left any details out, its because I am tired and this has been written in just an hour, usually such an article takes more time, but hey, we leave all unforgiveness in this decade.