We packed our bags and Emmy was to arrive at 8am. One of our friends had told us about this "African time" Basically 930am means 1120am. We were starting to understand. We said goodbye to our valet friend Milton. I have just loved his voice and huge grin greeting us at our hotel at each re arrival. He told us we must return. We will.
We ran about 2 more last minute errands and then headed for the first church of the day. Well, they were told we were going to leave around 930am. Basically, they had all gathered and we praising the Lord for hours before we showed up. Our greeting was the typical royal welcome that seems to be the only way they know how to treat guests. Monica and I each got to share a short message of about 30 minutes total and then we were greeted with some beautiful music. Bongo drums in tune with one or two ladies leading the worship. Our favorites were the 2 year olds dancing with da rhythm. Oh my goodness they were adorable. We sat down and promised to return to this church when we could spend more time some day. They passed an offering plate and i was reminded of the scripture about giving. I would see these incredibly poorest of the poor walking up to the basket and dumping their coin shillings in the basket, while i gave some folded money from our family. Yet, the Lord could see their hearts. Their offering was so much more of a gift than ours. I need to be constantly reminded that everything we have is "all His." MARK 12 :41-44. What i was next to witness was something we couldn't imagine. The pastor's wife walked over with a pineapple, holding it high in the air as a gift to our family. Next she went back and brought a watermelon. We couldn't believe their generosity. These gifts could feed many in their village. We thought she was through but then couldn't believe our eyes. They presented the Barret family with a live chicken with his feet tied together. We were so gracious, at least most of us. Our youngest, Libby, was terrified. "No daddy, we can't keep that. I don't want that. " I said you eat chicken nearly every day. ChickFilA is a staple of your diet. Well, we surely couldn't say no so the chicken was placed in the back of the van by itself with a few eggs they had also given. Needless to say, Libby was now in the front seat with her feet raised high. Aint no chicken gonna peck her. After warmly greeting the church members and taking many picutres we were off with the pastor. We were taking him with us to Kampala. After waiting for the herd of longhorns to step aside on the road we were off again.
We traveled about 20minutes to the second church. This was a very humble structure. In fact it had totally collapsed as termites had eating through all the wood structures. I remember this church well because every concrete window was filled with carmel faces each gazing in to the church to hear the words we were speaking. They have such "ears to hear." I wish we in America were so eager to hear the Word. One other thing was striking. There were probably 100 people in and peering in to the church. We counted just 3 men in the audience. Monica took an ample opportunity to pray for the "men " of the church. It was a terrific prayer. We took some more photos and i promised to return to this church at every trip i make since we only got to spend minutes while the people had waited for hours. They erupted in praise and thanksgiving that such a promise would be given. I told them that as i find ways to praise your head pastor that they would see blessings flow down to them. We packed up and found a box to keep the chicken so Emmy and the "playmaker" could pick it up on their return through the village.
Next we traveled through some ran. It made it harder to spot the potholes. The van was doing well until all of a sudden we heard a sound like someone threw a wrench at it and it rattled around and something fell off. We pulled over and couldn't find anything wrong. We got back on the road and the same thing happened again. We were hours from Kampala but nearly close to another small town. The Lord was about to provide again. Something was definitely wrong. I started to look for a mechanic shop but of course dont' have a trained eye for any of that. The "playmaker" cooly motions over to a young man on the street. They talk for a moment and then we do a U turn and intstantly we are in business. Two Ugandans under the engine diagnosing the problem. They removed the tire and noted the missing of two bolts which is what we lost. What an answer to prayer. In the meantime we became quite the local attraction. A cluster of young children were talking and smiling and waving across the street for the entire 30 minutes we were there. One of the 8 year old aged boys came right over to us. Of course he was riding a bike built for a 6 foot adult but he was managing. (Bikes only come in one size over here so if you want to ride you ride early. Also , you can fit an entire bed of wood sideways as you travel kinda monopolizing the space that everyone else needs as well.) MOnica gave him some candy and his response was quite amazing. He love it. Almost like some of the village boys on the safari as they would just grab a piece of sugar cane and start gnawing on it.
The boys had fixed our van and we were so thankful. They handed a bill to Emmy. 10000 shillings.....the equivalent of $6. My heart was heavy again for the such hard work and quickness in which the job was done. I found them in the shop and gave them another appreciation gift which is the very least i could have done. Their response was priceless. A heartfelt thank you , a bow, and an ear to ear smile. Oh how the Lord has given us such grace.
I cant begin to tell you how isolated and set apart you feel as the only white man you see for nearly all day. The stares and double takes are routine. But it is way over compensated by the true love of these people. These people of God sure know how to greet others.
Next we were back on the road again. Headed for the capital, Kampala. We were only 3-4 hours behind schedule but that is good for African time. Emmy said we must pull over. There were some wild zeeeeebra. We got a few shots and packed back in the van. We stopped again and i wondered where we were. At the equator of course. So we stopped there for some action photos and then made it to the crazy inner city of Kampala. Cars everywhere. If you don't like your lane just make your own. We were approaching only the second traffic light we had seen all week (and it was the same one!!) Oh the smog of the motorbikes, buses and poorly tuned cars. Ever picked a black booger........well come to Kampala and you shall have the chance. People, cars, stores, congestion everywhere. We finally made it to the city hotel, checked in and went to dinner with Emmy and Sarah. It was a great opportunity to talk the 4 of us. Nearly the first we had had all week to do so.
We went to bed finally after some embassy strategy.
We were wiped. It was the beginning of our reentry back from the village. We all sensed a distance from the land we had grown to love so quickly. We were 5 hours away but it could have been 50. It just seemed like what we had just experienced through the grace of God was so incredibly special.
I hope the pictures would tell more of the story.
More later tonight,
Bub
1 comment:
Still praying for all of you. Keep up the good work. Thanks again for keeping us updated. Although God know your needs, I can pray more specifically for you since you are keeping us updated.
God Bless. Johnny
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