Village Wisdom

Doesn’t each of us want to make a difference in our own lives and the lives of those around us? Too often, our desires are buried under the pressures of a consumer-driven society that says, “Make more money, buy more stuff, and compete against everyone.”
Then along comes a book that turns that notion upside down. Village Wisdom; Immersed in Uganda, Inspired by Job, Changed for Life, touches the soft spot in any heart and taps into the desire to engage life in a more meaningful way. This is an intimate and heartfelt story which spans miles and years, crossing cultures and connecting generations. It is an authentically beautiful book of which the photographs alone evoke emotion and inspiration, but much more, the honest account of experiences challenges a multitude of audiences to make life-changing decisions. For youth, who are seeking to integrate their interests, passions and skills in a meaningful career, or for parents who are convicted to raise children with the values of humility, gratitude, and service, or for educators who are trying desperately to prepare students to become globally competent to succeed in today’s intricately connected world, and especially for persons of faith, who long for the fulfillment that comes through giving and receiving, Village Wisdom offers a starting place and a next step on the desired path of global citizenship. Additionally, for those who have lived in a third world country, or aspire to live and work in that environment, Carrie provides an eye-opening and riveting tale of what to expect.
Released at a time when our emotional tanks are drained by economic recession, natural disasters of epic proportions and partisan politics, this book gives a refreshing perspective on core values, self-discovery, and cross-cultural friendships.
Fifteen years after Carrie and her husband Bob served in Uganda with Habitat for Humanity International, Carrie had a vision to share her story and the pictures that have marked her heart for a lifetime. Through image and word, Carrie brings to life her village experiences, weaving together the challenges of poverty and the richness of culture. As Carrie reflects on the hardships of third-world living, she uses those experiences to develop a framework for shaping her role as an individual, a wife, and a mother. The story is challenging. Carrie's "Epiphanies" (lessons learned) provide a platform for discovery. Her insights provoke an assessment of cultural values and behaviors.
The book is divided into five sections incorporating a combination of stories, journal entries, letters, and photographs to illuminate Carrie’s literal and spiritual journey. In the first section, “Transformation,” she sets the tone, defining transformation as “change of heart, perspective, worldview, and values.” She goes on to address both the pain and the joy inherent in this kind of all-encompassing change.
The second section,”Etchings,” presents a collection of images culled from the hundreds of photographs she took of the Bakonzo tribe from 1991 to 1994. This collection of photographs is precious not only because of the personal nature of the portraits which were captured once Carrie had built relationships, but also because of the high risk for damaged or lost film as it was transported from Africa to the United States.
“A Man Named Job” describes the Ugandan man who was a central inspiration for the author, along with his biblical counterpart. Carrie draws parallels between the two Jobs, and describes how their characters and life stories inspired her both in Uganda and back home. This chapter also sheds light on the culture and environment of the Bakonzo people of western Uganda.
The heart of Village Wisdom is contained in the”Epiphanies” section. Carrie uses the word epiphany to describe the lessons gained from her experiences, some of which were immediate revelations and others that have taken years to soak in. Each epiphany begins with a brief statement of the moral/spiritual lesson it illustrates, while the stories, presented through journal entries and letters demonstrate the epiphany. Carrie then reflects on the lesson and how it applies to life. The epiphanies include: “Immersion”; “Simple, Decent, and Affordable”; “Trash and Treasure”; “My Life of Luxury”; “My Life of Job”; “Authentic Friendship”; “Judgment”; Peace that Passes Understanding”; and “Seasons.”
Finally, Carrie tells the story of her 2009 return to Uganda, this time as a family with two young sons. As she sums up this leg of her spiritual journey, she invites her readers to include service, whether foreign or domestic, in their personal and family journeys.
Supplementing the book, Carrie has developed a study guide to prepare students and seekers for the new world order in which they must function. It exposes students to a world of need and helps them make career decisions that make a difference in not only their own lives, but also in the lives of others. Village Wisdom and the Village Wisdom Study Guide are great companions to any Social Studies and Global Studies curriculum. The Study Guide can be used to prompt research and discussion on themes such as poverty, social justice, colonization, sustainable development, cross-cultural communication, tribalism and racism, and international development.
The end result? You will be inspired to stretch your own internal and external borders in order to experience life more fully than you have ever imagined.