HOW QUICKLY TIME CAN PASS…

Today we woke up and got ready to leave Uganda. I’m not sure you can ever prepare yourself to leave such a beautiful place. I can remember wondering why I was coming this year and without a doubt God has shown his face every single day. The country just has stolen my heart. I don’t know if this is because it is the first country I came to serve in or what. But I just love it here. Though the days are exhausting, I always look forward to the next. I am not a morning person (not a surprise to most of you) and yet here I am up and ready to go before the alarm even goes off. The days are packed and the hours just fly by. At the end of the day we collapse into bed but by mornings light I am ready to go. I’ve said this before but this year has been so different and so good. I have always loved this country and felt like I was coming home when I arrived. But now I am at home here. I no longer feel like a stranger in a strange land. The sights and sounds are no longer new. There is a comfort that is so nice. 

Driving with Haji has been like being with an old friend. We have gotten beyond the new stage and he is now truly a friend. He is comfortable asking me questions and I do the same with him. We have shared our religious beliefs and how we came to love our Gods. He has thanked me for honoring his beliefs and I have thanked him for doing the same. I have expressed that I am sorry he doesn’t know Jesus but I am proud that he honors his beliefs so well. We are no longer formal with each other; not that we ever were. We laugh and joke but have had serious conversations. He has shared his advice when asked and even at times unsolicited (which I have greatly appreciated), and his advice has been really good. He is a very astute man and I appreciate his willingness to share especially since he understands the culture so much better than I do. He has loved being around Jaimie and Liz and is so good with them. He is really going to miss them. They are both fighting over who is his best friend.

So we went to Café Java for lunch and then stopped at the big grocery store there. Jen, we did get your spoon. Trust me we would all have afraid to get off the plane if the spoon was not in our possession. We also bought Pringles there as well!! No point wasting a good shopping trip. After leaving there Haji surprised us and blessed us by taking us to his home to meet his wife and his three granddaughters. Actually I only met two face to face. The third, a little two year old would not come out while we were there. His house is so nice and it was great to meet his wife. She is a very beautiful woman and so sweet. But then she’d have to be to put up with Haji. Needless to say, there were several Sudoku books lying around! What a shocker! The road to his house was no wider than the width of one car with DEEP craters on either side. I am not kidding, if he had taken one small misstep we’d have tumbled over. It was almost better than a roller coaster because the end result would have been very interesting. But I never had a single doubt that he would get us there in one piece even as the bottom of the car scraped along the road! I did wonder how many pieces of the vehicle we could leave behind before it would stop running!! Once there he proudly brought out albums of pictures that he has collected along the way of the various teams that have come. He really does consider us family. I’m somewhat surprised that anyone would willingly accept this crazy group as one of their own! Just proves how crazy he is as well!!

Then we went to the zoo! It is really a reserve where they bring in animals that they have rescued. I have to say it was really cool. We saw zebras and a lion and a leopard and snakes and a camel and lots of monkeys. The zoo is set with Lake Victoria as its backdrop so in addition to it being open it is really beautiful. There were rhinos and cobb and a few giraffe. They had a play area for the kids and music was playing at the restaurant, which sat right off the lake. It was not a huge zoo but well done and made for a relaxing day. The only downside was the heat. It was hot! Liz and I have now seen both the Pittsburg zoo and the Ugandan zoo. I’m thinking that maybe we should spend a day and visit the zoo in SA.

And then it was off to the airport. In so many ways it seems like just yesterday we arrived. I can’t believe our month is over and it will be another year (hopefully) before I can return and see the people I have come to love. Thank you all for sharing this journey with me and for being a part of our trip. I am so proud of both Jaimie and Liz for their hearts. I cannot wait to see where Liz is led. I do know that wherever she ends up she will be a blessing to all she comes in contact with. She is wise beyond her years. She will just need someone else to make fun of and to pick on during the nights. She is an amazing young woman and is so faithful. Leaving was really hard for her so I know that when she returns she will truly be following her heart. I am thankful for the friendships she formed this trip – ones that will serve her well when she comes back.

We are getting ready to board to begin our long journey. Again, thanks to all for prayers along the way.

Goodbye Iganga

 

 

Today we left Iganga. Our plan was to leave at 9am and we actually drove out of the Mum at 8:57! That is so amazing. Stephen, James, Ronald, Wilson, and Julie came to say goodbye to us. So we had one more chance to say our goodbyes before heading out. Chimba was supposed to join us for dinner last night but he got tied up with a burial. So after dinner we packed up the fish we had ordered for him and took it out to his house and told his wife she should eat it. She was so excited to see us and we were just as glad to see her. We also delivered the suit we had Patrick make for him. So later in the evening Chimba came to the Mum and Haji told him he had to be at breakfast at 7:30. This morning he came in his new suit and both he and Haji modeled. Both men looked very “smart”. And were very happy with what we had done for them. 



Needless to say, putting up with us for as long as Haji has he earned every bit of that suit. As for Chimba for all the work he did for Tree of Life he earned his as well. Besides both men are so kind.

So then we left and headed to another section of the Nile. Haji has been praying for no rain for the longest time. And after seeing the roads I now understand why. Seriously if we had fallen off the edge we would be in China. Every few miles he would stop a complete stranger to make sure we were heading in the right direction. It took us a while to get there but upon arrival it was worth every bump and hole in the road. However, if you had a bad back this is not a trip to be taken. 



The view was just beautiful. Once again, I was in awe of the fact that people were just washing their clothes doing every day things in this majestic river. It was as amazing a view this time as it was in 2010. Just to see the Nile is just so incredible. I have to say it is one of the sights I am really glad that I have seen. 



I also love all the villages we pass through and all the people we see along the way. No matter how many times I see this country it seems there is always something new to see. Right now we are in a restaurant in Jinja and the Mzungu’s outnumber the Africans. It is so weird. Jaimie, Liz and I have all gotten so comfortable here that anyone of us could fit right in. I’m just amazed to see the mixed cultures that come to serve in all the different capacities. I am so sad to be going home to a community that is so closed off. Where everyone goes into their own home and closes their doors to their neighbors. I am going to miss the constant sight of people – the willingness to help out their neighbors, the love they share with one another. I have loved my time here; I always do. Leaving is always such sweet sorrow. The sights and the sounds are just so beautiful. So now we are wrapping up lunch (the best guacamole and chips ever) and heading back to the van to go to Kampala.



Leaving Jinja I thought the road would improve quickly; this alone should prove that my memory is awful. But pretty soon we were driving quickly though the roads are still questionable. And then we got close to Kampala and started moving at a snails pace. There was one time we passed a truck with a truck coming right at us. I thought I was going to meet my maker. It was the first time I really thought I was a gonner. But Haji was in complete control and just like that we were back in the right lane (maybe I should say left lane!). So now we are at the Adonai where we stayed last year on our way out. As would have it one of the men we met last year is staying here again. It really is a small world. Love all of you and really appreciate all the prayers you have had for us during this time. I know we have been blessed because of you. Can’t wait to get home and share our stories.

A MILLION SMALL PIECES ALL COME TOGETHER…

Today is our last day in Iganga. I can’t believe this trip is about to end. It is so hard to believe we have been here four weeks. I really could stay here another few weeks and probably still not complete all that I want to do. We did so much and had a chance to meet so many great people and learn SO much about this country. I really do feel for the first time like I am coming home with so much insight about so many different aspects of Uganda. The learning curve this time has been amazing and I feel like I am returning with some great ideas about how to serve even better than we have in the past. I have learned that it is about what is best for the people here; not about what is best for the people coming to serve! I may be slow but I have finally figured it out and what a difference it is making in decisions we’ve made and how we have implemented the things we are doing. I came with one set of beliefs and am coming home with another. And I truly believe that I am coming home a much better person for all that I have seen and learned. 

I started the day at Musana and spent several hours talking to Andrea, Haril and her mother, Pat about a myriad of issues I had questions about. They were so willing to share their views and answer my questions. I felt like I was sitting among long time friends and talking about something we are all passionate about. I really value what they had to say as they are living here full time and have personally faced many of the issues I was asking about. I appreciated their insight as Mzungus working in Uganda and I valued Haril’s take on Ugandan culture. He was able to let me know if my thoughts were correct or if I was looking at them with an American slant. All in all it was a great meeting and I was really sorry to have to say goodbye to them. Next time I go to Colorado to see my friend, Colleen, we are going to have to take a side trip and visit Pat. If she and I lived closer together I think we could get into a lot of trouble together!!!

I left there and went to Bulubande where the rest of the team was painting Bible verses on the newly painted walls of the girl’s dorms. They had done a wonderful job. The paint odor was awfully strong – after a few whiffs I thought I was going to be a little tipsy for the rest of the day. Liz then painted, “As for me and my house we will serve the Lord” in big letters on the archway in the entryway to the dorm room. I cannot tell you how awesome it looks. Everyone did a great job and I can’t believe that Liz did it free hand.

As for me, I stood on a wobbly chair to do my piece. Fortunately Jaimie was kind enough to hold the chair so I wouldn’t fall to the ground. It was so nice to hear the girls come in and start reading what was written. The boys dorms had not been painted yet or we would have taken our talents into their rooms as well. I have to say with the newly painted walls (the bottom half is dark brown, the top white) and green verses the rooms look really nice. What a difference a coat of paint makes. The rooms are so much brighter and cheerier. And of course there is nothing better after a hard days work than lunch. So once again we were treated to rice, beans, and the best pineapple ever. All was going well until Liz found a bug in her rice. After that it was not quite as appetizing but we did manage to eat quite a bit. It was when she flicked it onto the floor and it almost fell into my coke that I lost a few more years of life!

I then went outside and found a few young kids that for some reason had not yet returned to class. I asked Waisuwa to help me organize them into a small circle with their feet pointed up and got some of the cutest pictures. They were all excited to participate and I was only too happy to take several.

The little girl I mentioned yesterday found me again today and ran up and grabbed my hand. Yesterday I taught her to “gig em”. Well today I taught her to puff her cheeks out and blow out air. So she and I did this for a good long while. Then she held up her hands and wanted to be held. She must have seen the sucker written across my forehead because I was only too happy to comply. She and I walked hand in hand all day. She is just so stinking cute. When it came time to leave I took her back to her mother and she wanted no part of that. If I could I would sneak her home in my suitcase. She just touched my heart and once again I fell in love.

We then came back to the Mum and we proceeded to try to get everything into our suitcases. This is always such a challenge. I am excited to be coming home and seeing my husband, and being able to see and talk to my family and friends but I am going to miss this country tremendously. I will leave a part of my heart here. We have done some good things and today I really saw and felt God pulling all the pieces together for us. We were able to wrap up a lot of things that until today were really at loose ends. God was really gracious in showing us to depend on him and to trust him in all things. Last night I went to bed in a state of panic as to how things were going to come together. I had a list a mile long. And today one by one they all fell into place. I have such a peace about how we are leaving everything. Our God is so good.

 

Periodic Table Dancers

Today started out not quite as early as the previous days. There is much to be thankful in that. It poured last night but I slept so soundly I didn’t hear a thing. Our A/C unit sounds like the north wind is blowing right through our room. It is very comforting to me and so the outside noises don’t even penetrate. So we slept through a major storm only to find new rivers flowing this morning. Now we are not only avoiding the potholes but also the streams. Makes for one exciting ride. I went to Baroda Bank today to deposit funds for Lochoro Evaline. I don’t know what led me to believe this would be an easy process. For some reason I thought I could just go to the school, give them money for a new uniform and lunch (so she doesn’t have to walk back and forth to school each day) and be done. Instead you have to deposit the funds into a school account in her name at the bank, get a receipt, take the receipt to the school and then the process begins. So this has been done. Check one thing off my list. Evaline was so thankful Esther and Evans for this and wanted to be sure I thanked you. Then we bought more bibles, this time for the prison ministry that we were blessed to see started while the team was here. The man that runs that store is going to be so sorry to see us go! Afterwards we stopped by Phil’s to give Aloko Paul his medicine but he was not there. Last night when we went to see him he was not there either time. Jaimie had left his medicine with Ruth, an outstanding young lady, but this morning she returned it to us, saying he had never come home. I am sure hoping that when we go to get him today for his return doctor visit that he is there! Actually no one there this morning at breakfast time except a few kids who claimed to be home sick! So we left there and took Jaimie and Liz to Musana and Judy and I headed out to the women’s ministry where there had been a huge communication problem. Irene thought we were staying all day. We knew we could only stay a little more than an hour because we had several things to take care of in town. This was told to Irene on the front end but as we got ready to leave she was upset that we weren’t staying. We tried to explain that time just did not permit but that we had loved the time spent with the women. Only two of the women were there today but we sat and beaded with them. I actually made 30 beads in that time and I was getting pretty darn good if I say so myself. If I’d been there a little longer I could have produced quite a few more. I was finally in a rhythm and was on a roll. I even rolled some of the really tiny ones. And the two women said, “they were good!” I’ve never felt so complimented in my life. I’m pretty sure that was one of my proudest moments!!

 

At the end I took all my beads and put them into the shape of a cross. I took several pictures (shocker, I know) and shared them with the women. Maybe they will have a new artistic idea. I’m excited to get to play with the picture tonight and see what I can do with it.

 

At the end Judy put all her beads, both made by her and the women, in her backpack to take home. I put all my beads in their hands to use. This little girl (one of the women’s young daughters) that I met the first day we sat with the women, who reintroduced herself to me yesterday at Bulubandi came by and just latched onto my hand. She is so cute. What is it about me and little kids. I just fall in love with them all. I have told this woman that when she is old enough to start school I will sponsor her education. Yesterday her mother brought me a mat and a bag of fresh vegetables as a thank you. So today I taught this baby girl how to “gig em”. Gotta educate them right!!!

 

 

On our way back to the Mum we stopped in town to buy shoes. Haji was really afraid to let two Mzungus out of the car without Julie to do the bargaining. I needed a certain size. This wasn’t my first bargaining trip. I once lived in Mexico – so I’m pretty experienced in the art of bargaining. Besides this isn’t my first trip here. So the first shop had the shoes and wanted $35,000. I looked at him like he’d just shot me in the heart. I offered no more than $30,000. He looked back at me with the same expression. So I walked away. He kept telling me how they were worth the full $30 and I kept shaking my head. Then different vendors kept trying to sell me all shapes and sizes. I finally found the size I wanted and he offered what I was willing to pay. He then took me to the front where he was paying for plastic bag to put them in. I told him to keep his money I could carry them without a bag. It was a win/win situation and Haji told me I am now a true Ugandan.

Now the three of us, Jaimie, Liz and I are back in Jinja waiting for the doctor to re-examine Paul. We are hoping for a good report so we can all head back with good news. Regardless though, at this point of the trip, if the findings are negative and something more needs to be done, we will let Phil know the doctors findings and count on him to follow through. He seems to be better but getting him the medication every day (three times) has been difficult. We are relying on the older children to make sure he takes it and that just isn’t fair to them. Besides when he doesn’t come back at night it is hard to get him his medicine! So here is praying for a great checkup. I’ll keep you posted after we get home. Right now while I have Internet I am going to catch up on my current events. Tonight is Trivia night again and we are going. Once again I am hoping not to embarrass myself!

Well so much for hoping. We did place fourth. Not bad except for the fact that there were only four teams. There were three categories. The first was continents; the second was birth and contraceptives; and the third category was current events. Seven questions per category. Well who doesn’t know the continents… apparently, we don’t. At least not the questions that were asked. We were sure the team behind us was cheating; but it turned out they were just eating! Our logic was hysterical and obviously very wrong. But we had a great time, and Andrea’s mother was thrilled not to be the biggest loser. I’d like to say we lost on purpose to make her feel better, but I cannot tell such a big lie. We did know the answer to the first contraceptive used by the Egyptians. I’d tell you the answer but I think you should all look it up on your own. When it came to current events we actually knew nothing. Thank goodness for Haji. He knew that yesterday in Kampala all boda boda’s (motorcycles) had to be registered. We had no clue what the president said during his speech yesterday because although he was on TV ALL day, it being independence day and all, the MUM finally figured out how to mute their TV. So we heard nothing. Essentially we left with big L’s on our foreheads. But we had a great time and had a chance to meet several other Mzungus who live here in the Iganga area. Made me sad to think I was leaving Saturday for Kampala. I really do love it here. And I really do feel at home.

So now I am off to bed. Tomorrow I am going to Musana to meet with Andrea, Haril and her mother and then to Bulubandi to paint scripture on the walls of the newly painted dorm rooms. Love you all. Sue


Here's a picture of me and Ruth:



PERHAPS A TIME FOR CHANGE…

The day started by going by Phil’s to make sure that Aloko Paul got his medicine and then we dropped Jaimie and Liz back at Musana to work there. They are learning so much talking with Andrea and Pat and they are sharing it all with me. Tomorrow I am going to join them there. I am so excited to spend some time there!! But lets not get ahead of myself. Today Judy and Julie left early to go buy more chickens. This was supposed to be a short excursion but they ended up going to a different location and it was an hour away. So we got a later start than planned. With the chickens in the back of the van we then had to stop at a service station to get the spare tire replaced, as Haji did not want to drive all the way out to Top Hills without a good tire. I have to admit, I’ve never changed a tire with a trunk load of chickens before. The chickens got a little rambunctious and some took a tumble to the ground. Sadly, by the time we got to the school 15 had died! The good news is that the school was going to cook them up and serve the P7 boarders an excellent meal! As some of you know, the drive out to Top Hills is long and bumpy. Haji thinks that with all the twists and turns, and ups and downs, they may have suffocated along the way. All I know is that I was glad Jaimie was at Musana. She would not have handled this well. Her heart is much too soft to experience this type of drama. 

So while there we gave out the Bibles we had promised to the Ambassador kids we had interviewed and we distributed the chickens to the first fruits students. I love the concept of this. A teacher and I went to all the classrooms and asked each individual teacher who the neediest students were that were not sponsored. Based on that information she then selected three from each level that were blessed with chickens. I love the idea of this.

What I didn’t like is that the distribution came from us. I really think we need to reconsider how we do things. As Mzungus we need to stay in the background. Nothing should be perceived as coming from us. We need to help them become self sufficient and every time we distribute something it is seen as coming from the “rich Mzungu”. This does not help in our efforts to make them self sufficient… This is something we really need to give some serious thought to. It is not about us. When we were done with this we left and went to Bulubandi and distributed the chickens there. Again, we distributed them and we shouldn’t be the ones doing this. 

We need to stop being perceived as the Mzungu who brings things. I know I am as guilty as anyone. I love to give. It is who I am. I don’t want us to be looked upon as a source of money only. We should be coming to serve the people. I want us to be a source of God’s love. This way all the children would be loved the same! I really think we need to consider how we do our trips and the way we approach the kids. We need to help them become self sufficient – from the pastors right on down to the kids. Ok, enough of my philosophy for the night. I just need to act on what I think is best for this country and the kids we work with.

I want to help without hurting. I have learned a lot this trip. I have a lot to think about and that is for me a good place to be. I need to absorb all that I have seen and felt and figure out what is best for the people here. I know that my heart wants to help. I just need to figure out the best way to do that without causing harm along the way.

So with that said, I am going to turn in for the night. Tomorrow after Musana we are going into town for some last minute supplies. I have to say, that I am emotionally drained as well as physically exhausted. I think that is true for Jaimie and Liz as well. We have all grown so much and I have loved having them on this trip. I may have lost a lot of my sanity but I feel I have gained two daughters. I wouldn’t trade a moment of the time I have spent with either of them. Tami and Janet you have raised two fine women. You should be very proud of them. I know I am! 

I love you guys.

 

Here are a few photos of the day:

 

 

First Fruits

 

Haji with Liz' sunglasses on

 

 

Me and Rashidah

 

Painting the Dorms

 

My new friend, Gloria

 

 

CHICKENS IN A BAG

The morning started off with a really bad migraine. I got up, showered hoping that would help, went for breakfast, asked for a piece of French toast, took one whiff of it, gave it to Haji and went back to bed. I knew I was not going to be a part of anything at least for the near future. With that I slept until 2 at which point feeling better I called Haji and headed out to Bulubandi. On the way I stopped at the school that Lochoro Evaline (Esther and Evans child) goes to and spoke with the headmaster. She needs a new uniform (hers is torn in inappropriate places) and wanted to know how I could buy her a new one. I also talked about how to fund her education for next year. Even something as simple as buying a uniform is not easy. I have to go to a bank and deposit funds, get the receipt, give it to the school and then they will provide what she needs. So Wednesday I am set to do that. I will also pay the funds (around $20) for her to get to eat lunch at the school every day so she doesn’t have to walk back to the kid’s house and possibly miss some classes. The school paperwork made it seem like it was a Muslim school but as we drove in though the gate there was a Muslim greeting immediately followed by a Christian sign. Turns out it was founded by a Muslim but now is being run by Christian ownership. I was really glad to see that! Evaline and I talked to the headmaster together. I gave the headmaster my email information and asked her to contact me when the new-year began so we could be sure her educational fees were covered.

Then it was off to Bulubandi. We were going to start the First Fruits program today by giving two hens to the families in the most need. Well this didn’t turn out quite like we planned. Judy had brought with her 200+ canvas bags and so we decided to put the chickens in the bags to carry through the community. Nothing like having chickens hanging on your shoulders.

As we started our journey it soon became apparent that the whole idea had not been communicated very well as the gentlemen who were leading us (the pastors were busy and thus had assigned someone to help with this plan) were in no way stopping and delivering the chickens to those in need. The first several houses were very nice and there appeared to already be chickens in the yard. The question of do you currently own any livestock or chickens was always answered with a no and we had no idea if the chickens wandering around were theirs or their neighbors. That is until the question was answered no and there was chicken feed sitting right there at their feet. Fortunately at this point (about 8 chickens into the process) the skies started to open up and we saw lightening. We quickly decided to scurry back to the school. I am so glad we did as it gave us a chance to re-evaluate how we want to do this again tomorrow. What we have decided to do is to limit it the two schools. This is a 100% change from what I was thinking yesterday. In this way we can know that the kids we are giving the chickens to have never received anything along those lines from their sponsors. We can also look at all the students including the non-sponsored ones and pick the ones most in need, which accomplishes what we originally set out to do. We plan to select 4-5 kids from each grade level and bless them with the chickens. I’m hoping this will work better. I guess I will find out tomorrow. Meanwhile both Jaimie and Liz spent the day at Musana. They spent time making beads with four other women in the craft room. They were really proud of themselves – they made about 30 beads (which in reality does not make even one necklace!) In the afternoon they worked in the donation room organizing all their stuff. In between the two projects they had a chance to eat beans and rice with the teachers. They both loved the day and are looking forward to going back tomorrow. Andrea has told them to bring their toothbrushes, as they will be on latrine duty! That I would pay to see.

For dinner tonight, Andrea, Haril and Pat (Andrea’s mom) joined us at the Mum. The service was not very good (I think they had to go out and catch the fish and chickens) but the company was great. I don’t think we’ve laughed that hard since we’ve been here. And by the way, I would not have been a complete idiot on trivia night. She repeated some of the questions and I actually knew the answers. No one was more surprised than I was! When it came time for praying over our food we couldn’t even get the prayer out because we were laughing so hard. It’s the first time I’ve ever had to use a back up prayer person. I’m so glad God has a sense of humor. We did give Haril several bags of beef jerky and gave Pat and Andrea each a bag of peanut butter M&M’s. It was like Christmas in October. Liz and I still have enough food left over on our snack shelf that we could open a small grocery store.

So now it time to sign off and consider getting some much needed rest. Tomorrow is another busy day. We will be heading to Top Hills and then to Bulubande. I hope all of you are doing well. I love you guys.

This is Liz with Paul Losiya:

This little girl is too cute:

 

HOW MANY PEOPLE CAN YOU GET ON ONE BENCH???

Today (October 6) once again started early. I was at breakfast with my computer in hand long before I needed to be there but it was good to have some time to try to catch up. Liz went to bed last night with a headache and woke up not feeling good so we left her at the Mum to sleep. The good news is that when we returned she was watching the Big Bang Theory so I’m guessing she is feeling better. Good news for me as I was really missing her good sense of humor. I did NOT like her not feeling good. The mama in me was coming out…

So off we went to Top Hills for church today. The drive there is long but it is also beautiful. We travel on the red dirt roads through the greenest of sceneries. All along the way there are people; children playing, mothers nursing babies, or cookies, people of all ages working. The great thing is that everyone is outside so we don’t only get to enjoy the beauty but the people as well. It is a photographer’s paradise. No matter how many pictures I get there is always something new around the next bend. I spend every second in the car with my head looking and observing. I don’t want to miss a second of this country. We arrived there at about 9:15 and the Sunday school class had already started. Irene’s husband, Patrick, is the Pastor out there and as you can imagine the little church was full. The first rows were filled with children. So I sat in the first row with about three. Before long, our little bench had six children and me. One little boy just sat and grinned at me. His resemblance to my sponsored child at Phil’s, Adrian, was uncanny. He could have been his identical twin brother. His smile just melted my heart. With the little bit of bench that I had he took my hand and grinned for the remainder of the service, which for those of you who have been in Uganda know can be a while. I taught him how to say “I love you” in sign language and then the little girl next to me started showing me pictures from a picture Bible. Each time she wanted me to tell her the story. I’m not sure the Pastor appreciated this but she may have learned something. I certainly had her attention. The service was really good and his lesson was on bringing Jesus into your heart. At the end he asked if anyone wanted to invite Jesus into their lives and a father of one of our sponsored children (Lee Bowers your child) came to the front and before everyone said that he had been away from the church for seven years and today he was asking forgiveness and coming back to God. It was really a cool moment. The whole community was so excited for him. Yahoo! Then of course, we had the honor of having the girls’ choir sing and dance for us. At the end of the service one of the girls handed Patrick a note and asked if they could sing one more song for us. And so they did…in English no less. I love the enthusiasm with which they sing. Glenn, I love your singing. I hope you are working on those dance movements for when we get back! After the service Jame’s wife cooked us a great meal. So we all sat together and feasted. It was so good! As we were eating I could hear a guitar in the distance and I knew it was not Moses because I could see him from where I was sitting. He was eating with us. When I peaked out the door there was another young man playing the guitar we had given to Top Hills. He is Moses’ first student and I have to say he sounded really good. Moses was really excited about already finding someone to teach and says they have been working together some every day. He even requested a picture of teacher and student. I told him that you, Glenn, would be so proud of both. I also told Moses that as we come back in the future we would like to hear him play for the children as you did. He was very excited at the prospect of being able to do this. Who knew God would work so quickly in passing this skill on. Your work here is taking off.

And so we headed back to the Mum. But not without another adventure to add to the list. What do you get with three Mzungus and a nail? Probably the same thing as you’d get back home… a flat tire. So in the middle of nowhere we pull off to the side of the road. Judy asked if we could stay in the car and Haji, being Haji said yes. I suggested we get out. It is hard enough to use a jack without all our additional weight to lift (no offence intended to Judy or Jaimie… well maybe some to Jaimie!) Out came the jack and every time we thought the men (Haji and Stephen) were close to getting the tire off the ground, the jack slipped. I am telling you it was hot. You could have fried an egg on any one of our heads! Meanwhile, the men were working hard. The three of us pulled the girl card. “Oh, it’s so good to have such strong men around. I’m glad we don’t have to do that, we might break a nail”. Haji just laughed! Jaimie in the meantime is sticking her thumb up trying to hitch hike. It is hard to be in control of this group. Meanwhile traffic is speeding by in the wrong direction and we are trying hard not to get killed. Have to say I’m sorry Liz missed this. I’m sure she would have added a little humor to the situation. When they finally got the old tire off there was a huge hole in it. As they put the new tire on, that had been riding underneath the car all this time; it was practically orange in color. It was so dirty. In contrast to the lug nuts it looked very out of place. The only thing that would have added to this was if a monkey had jumped out of the woods and landed on one of our heads! But alas before long we were “back on the road again!” Then he stopped in front of a man on a bicycle carrying a load of matoke (bananas). I was probably not more than two feet from him when I said, “Can I take a picture of your bananas?” I probably looked as stupid as I sounded. Jaimie was cracking up in the back seat. Fortunately the guy had a good sense of humor, nodded yes, and started smiling. 

After a little break Jaimie, Liz and I headed to Phil’s house. We saw Caroline Amulen who had heard we were in town and came to the kid’s house in hopes we were there. She hasn’t changed one bit. It was great to see her and talk to her for a while. We spent time with all the kids and watched as little Adrian pushed a wheelbarrow around the yard. I sat in the back with the girls talking about school. Poor Jesca (the matron) was telling me about her daughter, Jennifer who was sick and in the local “hospital”. She was so sad. So as we left we offered Jesca a ride to see her daughter. When we got there she asked me to go in and so I did. Poor Jennifer was lying in bed asleep. I asked if I could pray over her and so I did. She woke up and when she saw me she gave me the beautiful smile and thanked me for coming. She is as beautiful as ever. I felt so bad for her seeing her so sick! But I was so glad I went in. Then we went into town to find more Oreos. Some things are just worth the time! It took two supermarkets but we did find “the worlds best biscuits” but not before we almost got killed crossing the road. Haji said we were so bad at this that he actually moved the van so we wouldn’t have to cross back. But coming out of the store we didn’t see him. Even though we heard a whole chorus of “Jaimie’s” coming from the boda boda drivers we kept on going. Finally we heard a familiar voice calling her name and looked back to see Haji just laughing at us. He is such a character and so much fun! 

So another day ends and I am hoping for a good nights sleep to get ready for another busy day. I want to thank you all for your prayers and thoughts. Liz and I are going to eat Oreos. Bet you wish you were us!!!