The Long Journey Home

Blog post 6/13/15

 

The long journey home...

 Today the team had a free day and it was a good relaxing day enjoying Jinja town. We got to sleep in and take our time getting ready for the day. Our section of the hotel had no power last night. The rest if the hotel did, but not so much for us. Regardless the team all slept well and got some much needed rest. The time in country can be hard with long days, hot weather and emotional and spiritual overload from all you see and experience. The body wears out. But the smiles, laughs and love all make it so worth it. The people and relationships we have developed over the years are such a blessing. We are honored to be here.

A group of us started the day at the Source of the Nile. I have been here before but it is always amazing to stand at the start of one of the most famous rivers in the world. So much history on this river. It is awe inspiring.

 We took a boat ride on the Nile to the mark of the underground spring where Lake Victoria and the spring meet to form the river. 30% of the spring and 70% of the lake make up the flow of the river. We got to see a fishing village, as well as, many different birds and a monitor lizard. Uganda is known as the “Pearl of Africa”. The landscape is stunning. We spent the day remarking, “Remember that time we took a boat ride on the River Nile?”

Then we headed to town, grabbed some lunch and strolled the markets of Jinja. Greg, Edward and I met with Tim, Genessaa and Lamar from Help One Now and talked about projects for the future, etc. It was exciting to see and hear how the vision for the school is playing out. God brought Edward and I together and that relationship is expanding. God continues to bless the ministry. There are some big things in store for the school in the future. I cannot wait to see it and do my part!

 As we were shopping it began to rain, a torrent of water fell from the sky. And then something I never expected to see. Hail. In Africa. Crazy.

We ended the day having pizza at Sergio's as a team with the Newberry's, Lamar and Rachel. Giving out team awards, laughing, debriefing and generally soaking in the last moments here in Uganda with Edward, Julie and Mondi. It was fun and special.

Tomorrow we go to church with Edward at His Mercy church in Buwenda.  Buwenda is about 20-30 minutes outside of Jinja on the opposite side of Mayuge. We leave the main road and drive through the bush till we hit a little sanctuary. I love this church. God built this church through faith and email. It is a dear little place to my heart where I love to worship. So many friends.  When I am there I give thanks for all God does because this church should not be there. It should not have been built like it was. It is a testament to God doing something bigger than we imagined.

After church we will grab some lunch before hitting the road to Kampala and Entebbe. We hopping to go to the zoo in Entebbe. Once we leave the hotel in the morning we will not have access to wifii or communication for a while, so this is the last post till Amsterdam.

As we prepare to leave it feels bittersweet. This place has my heart for sure. Edward and his family are more than just friends. They are a part of my family. I finally get to see Edward's sons, Isaiah and Joshua. I love these boys. Julie tells me that Isaiah calls me his Muzungu! Love that! I love Mama Jessica, Viola, Reagan, Mercy and the pastors in the North. So many relationships. So many people I have learned something from. The children at the school. I leave a piece of my heart here every time. But my heart and life reside in Arkansas. I miss my wife and children. And even Sherlock the beagle. God has called us, as a family, to where we are. He is using us at home to be his hands and feet, as well as, to be a blessing of the work he is doing in Uganda. So I thank Him for allowing me to be a part of His work here and I prepare to come home. My prayer for anyone reading blog is that you would say “yes” to God. And wait for the question. That sounds scary but in 2005 when I did that it changed my world in ways I never knew possible. And you can serve God anywhere. Make no mistake He is working all over the world. He freely invites us all to join Him. Just say “yes” and be ready. If that is in your home town, state, country or across the world. God is ready to use you. And you will be amazed at what God can do.

As I travel through airports over the next days I will be carrying a mat made from woven thatch. It was a gift from Mama Jessica. She blessed us with one a couple of years ago and I am humbled at her generosity. She also wrote me a letter of thanks for all we have done for her family. I had to walk away from the team for a moment to collect myself. As I was packing up I thought about how I will be carrying a piece of Uganda home. I will be reminded (not that I would ever forget!) of the opportunity to share with people that this is what God has called me to do. Carry a piece of Uganda with me in my heart through the journey of life and share what all He has done. I can do that. And I am grateful. 

 See you soon! Thank you for your continued prayers and support!

Chris