Uganda: One Week Later

Well, we're here at our accomodations at Lweza Conference Center. Incredibly, we have electricity and running hot water. Unfortunately, internet is very spotty. Also unfortunately, the food is rather mundane- mostly a mush called "matoke" which the natives rave about, but is more like flavorless mashed bananas. Also prolific are mosquitos which seem intent on buzzing in our ears all night long. Our walls are spattered with blood stains and the bottoms of our sandals are covered in mosquito limbs.

We've been here a week today. On our plane there was a Ugandan Manchester United Soccer player who got a rousing welcome, with a caravan of fans waving signs and cheering. We were greeted by local pastors and their children. Karman and I wish the internet was fast enough to post pictures, because the children's beaming smiles are full of joy. Teaching and playing with the kids is truly rewarding. On the first day, the 34 orphans came to visit us. We spent the afternoon playing soccer with the kids and doing crafts with them.

This week, all the bishops of the Church of Uganda (an Anglican institution) were having a retreat here at the conference center. It's been eye-opening to interact with them and learn about Uganda from its own leaders. The difference between the perspectives of the uneducated pastors we are working with and these learned bishops is astonishing. While the bishops look to their country's future and understand the problems that afflict Uganda, others seem more satisfied in their situation. Education is really the solution to the problems here.

In one of the most impactful projects so far, we installed a computer lab at Sure Prospects Institute, a school for the disabled. Even though these kids are blind and deaf and don't have arms, they express so much joy. Yet, at the same time, the sores of poverty are still felt: just today, a boy died at one of the orphanages because of an untreated dog bite.

The situation is still not fixed and the task at hand is overwhelming. However a well was opened today, and the people are praising God. It's not much, but their hearts are on fire for God, and that it is a blessing to see.

Many of the orphans and local kids have never interacted with "mzungus" (white people). Everyone assumes we are both white- no one even considers that Brandon and I came from other parts of the world.

All in all, the trip has been fruitful. It's been neat to interact with the rest of the team, many of whom come from very different (Pentecostal) backgrounds. We are excited for Dr. Teng (Brandon's dad) to arrive on Monday and to start the health clinics with him. Pray for health for the team, and continued strength from the Lord in all our activities.

A pastor on the team gave us an important reminder: we are to love everyone in the name of Jesus Christ; if we do everything in our own power, but do not bring glory to the Name of Christ, then we have failed.