Blogs from Central Region, Uganda, Africa - page 49

**The pictures in this blog are random and may not relate to the content of this blog!** While in Uganda, I was to assist Shannon in the final stages of planning for a pastors' conference. So, during my last week here I spent a lot of time working on rooming lists, step-up schedules, last minute detail stuff, etc. Everything was going smoothly and we were on-schedule until Wednesday when, out of the blue, the Bishop decides to cancel the conference. Despite several conversations, interventions and endless hours of prayer, the Bishop would not change his mind and so the conference never materialized. However, some good things did come out of all the drama: some land issues were finally settled, SOS Ministries is going to work at being established as an NGO (non-governmental organization) and the true ... read more

I headed into the city center for the first time on December 27th. I went in to town by Boda Boda with Muireann. She negotatiated a price for us and off we where on this small dirt bike like mode of transportation. For those of you who know me, I am petrified of motorcycles so I held on for dear life. They driver was fairly tame....just weaving in and out of traffic, on the shoulder, on the sidewalk...wrong side of the road, you name it! Once in town we headed to change money...the streets were very crowded with cars, motorcycles, bikes, livestock, people, and taxis. Crossing the streets was scary....you have to have good timing and just run as fast as you can. We headed to Muireann's work place, "Uganda Crafts". I bought many souvenirs here ... read more

So after 44 hours I finally had arrived at my destination...well almost. I was in Entebbe, Uganda and the airport en route for Kampala. Upon getting off the plane I went through immigration (two guys sitting in a booth who stamp your passport). I was SOOO hot in my sweat pants and fleece as I grabbed my bags and headed out to meet Francis, Muireann and Fred. As I exited the airport I was greeted by several anxious taxi drivers wanting to take me anywhere I wanted to go...luckily my ride rounded the corner and rescued me. We hopped on Francis' car and headed off to Kampala. After a brief tour through a slum we ended up at Nsambya Hospital where we had to enter through a gate with two armed guards. I settled in to ... read more

The first two weeks have been pretty calm and sheltered...life on the compound is very American - even the food is American! I've really just spent time with the Hurleys' at their home, getting acquainted with domestic missionary life. My days are all pretty routine: wake-up, breakfast, dishes, shower, quiet time, lunch, dishes, play with kids, dinner, dishes, and depending on the day there is either game night or fellowship time after dinner or maybe a movie night if the kids have been particularly well behaved. I am learning a lot about what a "God-centered" home / family looks like; while I grew up in a Christian home, I would not have called it "God-centered," so this is giving me a new look at family life. I'm doing well...I'm trying to learn Lugandan, which is the ... read more

Well finally I get to a computer. After a safe journey here I am enjoying all the wonderful things that Africa has to offer. Fred and his friends Francis and Muireann have been amazing hosts. It is even more than I expected but overwhelming at the same time. The poverty is evdient with your eyes but the people would never let you know as they are all dressed nicely with huge smiles on their faces. I have experienced te hussle and bustle of city life as well as the peace of life in the village. I have amazing pictures o share but forgot to bring my camera tonight. As you may have noticed I have not been updating my blog for two reasons...lack of computer access and lack of time...they have me schedules from 6am to ... read more