It's the beginning of the week and we are ready to go on the building.  As we began working on the beam (concrete headers) and finishing the walls to their final height the beautiful clear sky allowed the sun to hit us pretty hard.  It had rained quite a bit the night before so it was also a little humid.  But we are rejoicing in this day the Lord made for us.

Pastor Abdul was at the site and asked if Dennis would be willing to see a few people that had medical issues; of course Dennis said yes.  Now that he has his medical bag in hand he is able to do much more.  To show the need of the clinic, within a few minutes of the word going out Dennis had 64 people lined up to see him.  They came with everything from minor colds to 3rd degree burns.  He did what he could with the tools he had, but just imagine what can be done once we can fill this clinic with the medical supplies needed.

Wycliffe met with the town council today and spoke to them about how the clinic is for the community and they need to set up a committee to run it.  The council was ecstatic, they have been waiting to hear from us.  They have applied for government grants for this type of building for 10 years and were just recently turned down again, so this building is really a "God sent".  There is medical equipment that is designated for this region of villages that will be available as the building is completed and they will be working on having the doctors assigned to the region actually staff and use the building.  This was fantastic news to hear and really makes us want to get this building usable before we leave.

Harry continues to be a inspiration and encourager on the site, the workers see him constantly going and motivated and can't help but move a little faster; trying to keep up with the 66 year old mzungu.

We decided to stretch out the work hours and start at 8 am and work until 6 pm to make sure we don't waste any time while we are here and we can achieve our goal of having the building usable before we leave next week.  There is lots of work to be done so keep us in your prayers as we forge ahead.

April 29, 2012

We attended the service at the Mityana Baptist Church this morning.  We were inspired by the wonderful music, singing and dancing and a very passionate sermon from Pastor Abdul.  We enjoyed visiting during lunch and then headed out for a little exploration of the area.

Tour of Nkonya village

Our friend Wycliffe who owns the Sandfield travel in London and arranged the details of our mission trip is with us for our last two weeks,  He took us to the village where he grew up.  

In the picture above he is standing at the place where in 1983 his mother was walking to a hospital to deliver Wycliffe, but only made it this far and delivered him on the side of the road in this spot.

He is an amazing man.  At age 10 he began working at a local farm to raise money to go to school.  He has purchased this same farm and is turning it into a training farm where young men will be trained on efficient and modern ways to farm.  The intent is to give these young men the skills and knowledge to break the cycle of poverty and become successful; improving their lives and improving Uganda.

As we drove through the area you should have seen the excitement of the people as they recognized him.  As Wycliffe explained the whole village participates in raising the children, so they take great pride when one of their own becomes successful.

We are back in Butebi at the clinic construction site, but now it is just the three men;  Harry, Dennis and Ed.  The blog will be lacking the flavor and detail that you have enjoyed with Stephanie at the helm, but I'll try to keep you informed as best I can.

We had a horrible night (not sleeping) in Kampala.  Our guide did not want us driving the road at night back to Mityana for safety reason, so we stayed at a hotel in Kampala.  It was quite the adventure.  Since we had not eaten they prepared some food before we went to our rooms well after midnight.  When we got to the rooms we were all excited to take a shower since it had been a couple days.  Dennis managed to get enough water to soap up before it shut off, Harry and I didn't even get wet before it shut off.  The next morning they told us the man who runs the water pump was not at work yesterday!?!?!?!?  Crazy that only one guy can make the water system work for an entire hotel. All night long a local church was BLASTING over large speakers repetition prayers until 5 am!!!, then the kitchen staff was busy banging pots and plates to make sure we never went to sleep.

We had a nice visit with our friend Wycliffe as we ate breakfast.  He and Vincent headed back to Entebbe to collect our bag from the airport.  Remember yesterday we got the letter releasing it, but they didn't give it to us until they knew we would not have enough time to pick it up yesterday.  Later in the day, after noon they called and said they had the medical bag in hand!!!! yeah!!! It only took two weeks and kept trying to get us to bribe them to release it, we stood our ground and didn't allow the corruption to extend to us.  We all said a great pray of thanks for God's hand in getting us the bag.

We finally go to the clinic site at noon and were very please to see the progress that happened while we were away.  The local workers are doing a great job and were so glad to see us back.  We now have all of the walls inside and out on both halves of the building up to the top of the window and door tops.  They have also started forming the concrete/iron header beams that will top the existing layer. before we left for the day we had two walls to their final height.  I can see a roof in our future.

We all came back, showered!!! and ate dinner.  I think we are all glad tomorrow is a day of rest.

Friday, April 27, 2012

Our last day together as a full team we drove into the center of Kampala for some last minute shopping.  Ed and Vincent went to the NDA (National Drug Authority) for another round of "what do we need to do to get our medical bag?".  We can happily say that we were finally successful in getting to talk to the senior drug inspector.  He looked at our list of items, asked how many on the team and said that the items we were bringing in were reasonable.  He had us write a letter to them stating these items were for our use and not for sale and return it to him.  Although he was at lunch when we returned with the letter, a short wait allowed us to obtain the letter releasing the medical bag.  But, it is now too late to drive to the airport to get the bag from their office so our faithful friend Vincent will go in the morning to obtain the bag (presumably).

We went to lunch at Cafe Java, an American style restaurant in Kampala and I believe each team member had a burger for lunch.  After lunch we went to the crafts shopping center where there are about 50-60 booths selling African crafts and souvenirs.  We then went to a coffee roaster for Uganda coffee beans and an iced coffee before beginning our drive to the airport.  Did I say drive?  I mean our crawl to the airport.  We were in a tremendous traffic jam for almost two hours just to get out of the city.  We were able to stay entertained as the street vendors walked past our vehicle and tried to sell us every imaginable product.

Once through the traffic jam we were on a smooth easy road to the airport.  Once we arrived we gathered all the women's items and headed them off to the gate.  We were not allowed to go inside the building, but got them inside.  As we stood at the window to waive goodbye we were ushered away by the security staff.  We headed back to Kampala for an over night stay.  Wycliffe would not let us travel the road to Mityana at night for his concern of our safety.  We got to the hotel; the Arch Apartments.  This is the first place Annette and I stayed last year; it has not gotten any better.  None of us got any sleep, but will head off this morning to Mityana.

We all thanked God for keeping us safe and allowing the women to travel safely.

Thursday, April 26, 2012

            This morning we got up early again and headed out for our walking safari. The staff was there to wake us up with hot coffee and delicious breakfast crackers. We were up with the sun and seeing the landscape took our breath away! The African sunrise sparkled against the cool morning fog and the air was crisp and clean compared to what we experienced in the city. We met our tour guide, Bernie, and set out on foot into the bush. Bernie was armed with a small rifle just incase any of the animal became too curious with us, but we never needed it. We learned about different types of trees and plants and learned about the animals that were in the park. Unfortunately we didn’t get very close to those that were out, but it was remarkable to see the different herds of zebras, waterbucks, and antelopes. We enjoyed the beautiful scenery as we were reminded of God’s great majesty and creativity. After the 2-hour walk, we were taken back to the lodge and hungrily devoured another tasty meal. Then we packed up and went back to Kampala.

            Along the way, we pulled over for a few handmade baskets and stopped by the drum makers shop to get some drums. It was interesting to see all the different kinds of drums and the different workers stripping skin or stringing rope around the wooden frames. By the time we got to Pastor James’ home, we were tired and hungry again. His family was very hospitable (as usual) and filled our bellies with the best food we’ve had the whole time we’ve been here. No one else’s chapatti compares to Lillian’s and we were excited to have it once more. After visiting for a bit and having some prayer time, we each headed to bed.

            Tomorrow we will meet up with our good friend, Wycliffe, and do the last of our shopping. The ladies have to catch their plane back home around 11pm and the men will stay in Kampala before returning back to Mityana and finishing their work in the Butebi village over the next few weeks. We will miss our new friends and all the adventurous opportunities here in Uganda. This trip has tremendously changed our perspectives and the way we live! We will never forget the sites we’ve seen, the people we’ve met, or the passion we’ve shared with the locals. Please continue praying for God’s provision and protection as the men carry on with our mission. It will not be the last time the red dirt of Uganda covers our feet and although we are ready to go back home, a part of our hearts will stay here forever. Amen.

Wednesday, April 25, 2012

            Today we were up bright and early to leave our hotel in Mityana and head towards Mburo Lake National Park for the safari! We piled in the van and took off for our 7-hour drive. Some of us slept, some of us chatted, and some of us simply stared out the window watching the beautiful scenery all around us. After 3-4 hours, we saw signs telling us that we were approaching the equator! Anxious, we climbed out of the car and each took turns taking pictures at the huge sign marking the equator. One foot in the Northern Hemisphere and one in the Southern! Officially in two places at the same time! There was an “equator instructor” who showed us some interesting facts while we were there. Did you know that on the Northern Hemisphere water drains clockwise and in the Southern Hemisphere it goes counterclockwise? There were buckets set up on either side and he demonstrated which way it swirls as it drains by dropping a flower on top of the water and watching the direction it moves. When you are directly on the line of the equator it doesn’t swirl either way, but rather drops straight down. It was very fascinating!  

About noon we stopped at a bar/restaurant for lunch and tried to wait patiently for fish. It ended up coming out mostly raw and we were pretty unhappy, and at that point behind schedule. We snacked on jerky and Oreos most of the way to the park and were eager to get there. The drive into the park only made us more excited! We put up the top of the safari van and all stood up on our seats so we could get a better view of all the animals. We were rushing to get to the lake for our boat ride so couldn’t stop for the black faced monkeys, zebras, impalas, water bucks, or bush bucks although we knew we would have opportunities later.

When we reached the lake we met our guide, Andrew, and quickly got in the boat. He was very educational and had a good eye for picking out the shy animals in the area. We saw curious hippos peaking out from under the water and a few small crocodiles sitting up in the sun getting warm. We saw a single water buffalo and Andrew told us that when they are alone, they are most dangerous because they have been exiled from their herd. Typically they are shy, but when they are banished they will be quick to defend themselves in any situation, even if there is no danger. We saw a lot of birds in the trees surrounding the lake: the African fish eagle, African Fin bird, and the King fish bird. It was astonishing to see such great, majestic animals so close in their natural habitat.

As the sun started to set, we got back in the van and headed for the lodge we were staying at. By the time we got there, it was pitch black outside and we got lost in the jungle for a bit. It was relieving to see lights and the staff warmly greeted us with fresh juice and a hot meal. Although it was dark, we were very surprised with how nice the accommodations were. It resembled a tropical beach hut; such as you would see in Hawaii! Only having been open for about 8 months, everything was new and suitably set up for us. We were exhausted and full from the dinner so we quickly fell asleep under a gorgeous starry sky. Tomorrow we will continue our safari and the head back to Kampala to stay with Pastor James and his family once more before the women head back home to America. 

Tuesday, April 24, 2012

            Today is the last day in the Butebi village for the women, but the men will return late on Friday after the safari. We had a delightful last day! This morning we went back to the Kiwumulo orphanage to minister to the children. Ed and Harry worked on improving the steps that lead up and down the steep dirt hill and Dennis went with John to take one of the HIV positive kids to the hospital for more medicine. School is currently out for holiday so there were only about 60 children left. Annette read them some Bible stories and Winnie translated. We passed out coloring pages and crayons and watched them excitedly kneel down on the floor to quietly color. We are still blown away by their consistence obedience!

After coloring, we took them outside to the field and played games. They loved the relay games and balloon tosses. We watched them frolic and laugh over the most simplest sports. Then it was back to the classroom for crafts. We got simple strips of leather and strung different color beads on them, each representing a different part of salvation. Black for sin, red for Christ’s blood, white for being washed clean, blue for baptism, green for growing in our relationship with God, and yellow for heaven. Stephanie led the children in the making of the Salvation Bracelets and Sue, Annette, and Lila helped pass out the materials. It was great explaining what everything meant and knowing that whenever they look at these simple pieces of jewelry, they would remember their walk with Christ and all He’s done for them.

            After lunch, most of the group went back to the Butebi village to finish what we could on the worksite and say goodbye to our young friends. Dennis and Lila went back to the medical clinic at King’s Kids. They saw at least 26 patients alone, not counting for all the other nurses there. One young girl came in to take care of a cold and Dennis couldn’t help but notice the 3^rd degree burns up and down her arms! She sat still and peaceful even as they peeled off dead skin from the wound. Lila was Dennis’ helper and filled prescriptions in small envelopes while he treated the patients.

It was a productive yet rapid day! We got a lot done, but it was hard to say goodbye. We are happy to know that every little “seed” we plant is helping their lives and we wave goodbye with full hearts. We know we can’t change their lives or the way they lead them, but we hope that we can assist in making them better. The women are excited to keep watching as the building progresses and are confident the men will do good work as they teach (and learn from) the people.

Monday, April 23, 2012

            This morning we visited another orphanage called King’s Kids. It’s also a church, a school, and the site of an upcoming medical clinic. There is another mission group staying at the Enro Hotel with us and over the last few days we’ve been talking and sharing experiences with them. When they told us they too were working in a medical clinic, we were excited to see what they have been doing. Dennis went to the Mityana prison with them the other day and they had shared a bit about King’s Kids and the medical clinic they are involved in. Being a registered nurse, Dennis has been joining them on occasion and learning much along side the other nurses in the group. We were very impressed when we went to see the site.

The clinic is finished, painted, and getting ready to open. Its encouraging to see what our clinic in the Butebi village could become once completed! The orphanage was also very nice. The children were busy cleaning or hanging out laundry on the clotheslines. They had a huge piece of land for raising goats for meat, skill training classes, dormitories, and even a small computer lab. The men from the mission team were working on building a chain link fence around the property to keep the children contained and the women were playing with the children or helping in the clinic. We had a great time touring the grounds and were even more anxious to get a move on with our own.

For the rest of the day, we were in the Butebi village. We played a few games with the children and colored again. They are always so eager to show their work and feel accepted. When we finished, the women went outside to help the men with the physical labor. Even the little children helped! We were carrying bricks, digging dirt, and pouring concrete. Before we knew it, we had a whole assembly line of children handing bricks down to the builders. They loved every sweaty minute in the hot sun!

When we were ready for a break, Sue, Annette, Dennis, and Stephanie went down to the lake to see Pastor Willison’s home. He was very proud of his humble, yet beautifully made, mud shack. He invited us in and showed us family: 8 lovely children, all ranging from 1 ½ to 24 years old! He’s a hard working man and his wife, Margaret, is just as diligent. Before leaving, they gave each of us a handmade mat. We were honored! They were wonderfully made and we carried them proudly back to the van.

We had a great day today! Sunburnt and exhausted, we shared our experiences around the dinner table and quickly returned to our rooms for bed. Tomorrow will be our last day at the village for the rest of the week and then we will head to the Mburo National Park for our safari. It will be hard to say goodbye to our new friends, but we know our relationships will last a lifetime!

            P.S. Customs has released our medical bag but the National Drug Association refuses to give it to us. Now we are told that some of the supplies are “expired” and Dennis needs to go to Entebbe and go over the supplies and prices for each. When he told them just to dispose of the unacceptable provisions, they replied that there will be a fee for that but he still needs to come down in person. Then they hung up on him. For now, we will leave the situation alone and enjoy our last few days here. After the safari, we are hoping a few of our connections in Kampala will be able to help us out. If that fails, the women will simply take the bag back with them when returning to America. It’s disappointing we weren’t able to use the supplies because we met many people who could have benefited from them. Please continue to pray that God’s will is done and that our spirits stay lifted. 

Sunday, April 22, 2012

            Today we went to the Mityana Baptist Church with our friends John, Winnie, and Pastor Abdul. It was a lovely service. Harry led a small Bible study before the service started. He taught about the importance of reading the Word of God regularly and meditating on it day and night. As the service started, more and more members joined us. Worship was stunning! We recognized a few songs and felt the Holy Spirit the whole time. Side by side with others brothers and sisters in Christ, we raised our hands and poured out our hearts in praise. Pastor Abdul, quiet and introverted the day before, suddenly became this charismatic and boisterous preacher! We greatly enjoyed church today and spent most of the rest of the day relaxing at the hotel. 

           Lila lead the group in some yoga on the grass while Winnie braided Stephanie’s hair. It took 5 hours, but looks great! Winnie worked hard on the fine Mzungu hair and Stephanie sat patiently, enjoying it the whole time. Dennis went to the Mityana prison and saw about 60 patients. 100 of the inmates gave their life to God! He performed some minor surgeries and treated patients with conditions ranging from malaria to broken bones. All in all, it was a good day.

P.S. Still no medical bag. At first they wanted to go through all the items for a few days. Unsatisfied, they asked for a list of everything contained inside. When they had the list, they requested another list of all the donors who gave the supplies. When Dennis told them he had bought them himself, they wanted a list of all the prices. Everyday, it is a different excuse. When we give them the lists they request, they ask for something else. We are starting to get rather frustrated and ask that you all would continue praying for God’s grace and peace. 

Saturday, April 21, 2012

            Compared to yesterday, today was a fun! We started out the morning by going back to the Butebi village and ministering to the children. After reading a few stories from the Bible about the creation of the world and Jesus with the little children, we handed out a few balloons for them to play with. They went crazy! We all laughed at how a couple simple toys would entertain a group of village children for hours. We also brought some beanbags and played some relay games. At first, it was hard for them to understand, but once they caught on…they tired us all out!

Around lunch time the women headed back to the hotel for lunch and then planned on visiting another village (about an hour away) for a Bible study. On the way, we noticed a huge crowd in the middle of the road. As we slowed down, assuming it was an uprising of some sort, we saw a man laying off to the side. The closer we got, we noticed he was frozen on his back with his arms and legs out. He was dead. Our translator, John, told us he was probably a thief. He said that public retribution like that is very common in Uganda when someone is caught committing a crime. Later, we learned that he was not only a thief, but also a murderer. He had stolen a bota bota and killed the driver. When the other drivers found out, they dragged him into the streets, poured kerosene on him, and set him on fire. It was very shocking to us! That would never happen in America, although if it did, crime probably wouldn’t be so prevalent. This sense of community exists not only with providing and caring for each other, but also with discipline and vengeance. The rest of the ride was quiet and reflective. A lot of the culture and customs we learn about blow our minds! In many ways, we are all the same. And just as equally, we are different.

When we reached the Kabulubuutu Baptist Church, we heard singing and drums before we even exited the van. Women came pouring out of the small, one-roomed building to greet us. They wore huge smiles and hugged us twice each. As we entered the church, they took our shoes and bags for us and welcomed us in. The church was beautifully decorated and the songs they sang for us were amazing. We saw God in each one of their faces and as we stood and worshipped together, we were united. Barefooted and sweaty, we danced and sang and shared our testimonies. It was remarkable to hear their stories and see first hand that although we may be worlds apart; we go through the same hardships and feel the same pain. Waving goodbye, we were confident we made new friends and relationships that would last a lifetime.

 The men also had a productive day and labored very hard at the worksite. Today was mainly about compacting dirt. Most of the walls are near completion so now they are preparing to pour the cement floors. For most of the day, they toiled away in the hot sun and humid weather. Feeling beneficial and barely escaping the rain, they returned to the hotel for dinner.

P.S. Still no medical bag. Vincent, our angel, is gracious enough to make the drive back and forth from Entebbe everyday although the airport gives different excuses every time. Please keep praying!