July 7,
2017
It was
good today. Another low key day but as we have seen those days can be so
meaningful and impactful.
We
started out with probably our last team devotion. Such an incredible time
together. We talked about the obstacles that hinder us from running the race.
The sins of our past. The team shared some true honesty, vulnerability and tears.
A lot of grace was extended. I continue to be humbled with this team. The love,
encouragement and grace combined with the honesty of where people are on their faith
journeys and struggles was incredible to experience.
As we
were wrapping up devotions it began to rain. A gentle rain. Very soothing at
first; then harder and harder. A good African rain! But that means one thing...
lots of red mud!
We
drove to the church in Buwenda. This is the church God built
through email
updates starting in 2008. We all wanted to walk through the village again
spending time with people. The long slow stroll through the bush was fantastic.
Kids running out to say hello. Adults stopping on their way along the trail to
greet us. Really a wonderful time. Of course, the rain was still falling making
some of the trail a mess along with our feet and shoes!
We
ended up at the church's matooke
farm. Our church was able to help buy land
and provide some seed money to start the farm. One thing Edward and I have been
working towards is ways for the church and school to generate income. The
school will never be 100% self-sustaining. ( I say that but I have also learned
not to doubt God!) As we have talked and prayed we feel led to get some income
projects going to benefit the church, school, community.
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| Matooke |
The
farm blew me away! I had no idea what to expect but it was wonderful! There is
a group of elders at the church who oversee and work the farm. It is divided
into sections with various elders and their families responsible to work their
section. The farm is being worked like the
demonstration farm at the school
with new techniques for better yields. Church members can buy some of the
plants at a discount to start farms on their land. The school buys the matooke
from this farm for the children and they take product to sell at market. They have
a savings account to set aside money for operations. We were able to meet the
elders who work the farm and spend time with them under the shed while it
rained. What a great time of fellowship and to hear their stories. Patrick, the
elder who runs the
farm, grabbed a machete and began to cut off the mud from
our shoes. I have known Patrick for many years. He is a great man who loves
Jesus. A servant. I felt so unworthy of this act of kindness.
As
the rain let up Edward said it was time for the team to join the staff gardening!
So off we all went with hoes to dig some trenches between the plants. Talk
about hard work! I am sure the Ugandans loved seeing us labor. I also know they
probably dreaded having to go back and correct our work.
Farming on a rainy day was messy! The dirt was muddy and slick. We all had hobbit feet by the end. It was
a good time of playing in the dirt! We are all on our way to becoming Ugandan
farmers!
We
returned to the shed to eat a snack of fresh matooke from the farm. We prayed for
the farm, the staff and started to walk through the bush again.
We
stopped at Patrick's house. We prayed for him and his family.
Patrick and his
wife Alice have 11 biological kids and have taken in 9 orphans from the church
over the years. What a great family. I have helped add a room on to Patrick's
house on a previous trip. It was great to sit in his home and pray for his family.
 |
| Patrick's Home |
We then
continued our stroll through the bush and came to the current house build our
church is helping with. We met Tabithia, her husband and family who will
benefit from the new home. They are members of the church currently
living in a run-down single room house. We got to see the work being
done, pray
for the home and family.
Then we
drove to Dr. Moses’ house for dinner. I really love this man. He is funny,
charming and cares so deeply for people. He was our driver in 2007 on the
scouting trip while in Gulu with the Methodist church. He was in medical school
then but now lives in Jinja. His wife treated us to a local feast! We are well
fed in Uganda for sure! He took us around home and we ate dinner. Then enjoyed
a cup of tea. We prayed for him, his family and ministry. It was a wonderful
time with a wonderful man. He has coordinated our medical clinics for a number
of years hiring the local staff and buying medicines so we don't have to bring everything. I am honored to serve
with him. His laugh warms my soul!
It was
a long day but a good day. Everyone on the team walked along the road with
different people and experienced different things. Each
team member has a story to tell. The individual stories will
be well worth hearing. Make sure to ask a team member. Just know that we were so
honored to be in the homes of some great families.
 |
| Tabithia's Home |
All
along the way we continued to greet people. To stop and visit. Seeing life in
the country happening around us was special giving us the opportunity to engage
with people and share God’s love.
Afterwards we returned to the bus and headed to town. The team spent some time walking the
markets and shops to stimulate the local economy.
 |
| Dr. Moses |
Tomorrow
is a fun day. Seven of us will raft the Nile while Leigh and Sarah spend the
day with Edward and Julie around town. The team will eat dinner and end our
time together affirming and thanking each other. This has become a tradition I
love as the team gets a chance to encourage one another. We laugh and we cry. It
is beautiful.
Tomorrow
will be my 3rd time to raft the Nile. Kariel gets to experience it for the
first time as she is now 16. I cannot wait to dominate the river with her! We
are not scared of the crocs and hippos!
Good
night, friends. Thank you once again for covering us in prayer.
We will
be home in a few days. We cannot wait to share our hearts with you.
Till
tomorrow.
Chris
1 comment:
Beautiful project, Keep going!
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