It's been almost a month since we left Uganda, but it's worth catching up on.
Took buses from Homa Bay, Kenya to Kampala, Uganda. Arrived at our hotel for a four day rest. I must say it was much needed after many hours on African buses on African roads. But we lived and arrived safely.
Chilled out, went to the local mall to see Spider Man 3 one night. It was hilarious, and it made me miss Josh and Karyn. When you sit in a movie theater, it's like you can be anywhere...when you walk out into reality again, it's funny to find yourself in Uganda.
Anyway, after our break, we met up with our contact, Laker, and Cornerstone Ministries.
Kampala: just there for a few days, visited the boys and girls homes that Cornerstone runs. Met the kids and got to talk, play volleyball and netball.
Bused up to Gulu in northern Uganda.
Gulu: spent time in the girls' and boys' homes. So we divided ourselves and the kids up into groups so we could connect with a smaller group. Spent time during our stay hanging out with "our kids."
Led Precepts teaching a couple times in the evenings. Painted a couple of rooms in the boys' house. Also spent time with the Cornerstone guys. They are very focused on relationships, so that was our main focus as well.
Went to one of the IDP (internally displaced people) camps where our contact grew up. Visited the Invisible Children office and house. It was not possible to work with them, but it was great to talk to them and hear how it all began.
Uganda, especially northern Uganda, is a heartbreaking place because of the damage done by the LRA. So many displaced people, war and aids orphans, and corruption. So many NGOs work hard there, and it is getting better, but I don't think much lasting transformation will happen without much prayer and recognition of God's ways.
On a lighter note, it was great to meet up with some young fellow westerners who have decided live and work in Gulu. They're creatively empowering individuals and families through a variety of practical measures. Very cool and inspiring. Their prayers and recognition of God's ways will bring real change.
From Uganda we flew to Cairo for two days where we rode camels at the pyramids and sailed on the Nile. Bought bus tickets and made our way to Eilat, Israel for team debrief.
From there another bus took us to Jerusalem where we met up with the rest of the teams. It's always a great reunion. Toured the holy land for a few days then had corporate debrief and reentry lectures. One of our favorite speakers, Femi, was also in Jerusalem at the time and spoke to us one morning.
Gradutation on the Mt of Olives...how sweet. It's unbelievable how people change so much in six months. What a joy and priviledge it was to graduate my team.
God is so good to us.
Looking forward to being back in the States later on this month. I can't thank you enough, as my family and friends, for all you've done for me and for those around me.
I'm looking forward to hearing from you as well. Email me or sign the guestbook to get in touch, or just say hi.
Much love,
Sara
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