Half-way point, the Nile and a day of "rest"

Today marks the half-way point of our teams trip.  It’s a day we planned to have rest and refreshment from a busy, emotional and spiritually taxing week.  Its difficult to describe exactly what happens at this point in this kind of trip. 

Sickness has come to some, and there is a tiredness from the heat and busy schedule, yet at the same time such joy, peace and sense of God’s presence.  Though we planned just a couple of things today and all completely optional, this group has bonded with each other and the culture and don’t seem to want to miss a chance at adventure or ministry. 

Our morning was kept free for sleeping late, and even with our best intentions and closed drapes, most of us were up early as usual.  It seems that our anti-malaria medication may just be messing with our dreams a bit as several of us are reporting some oddities.   Regardless, walks were taken, hiking down to the Nile, visiting again with the family behind the hotel and a small bit of sitting around. 

11:30 came and we left on foot to another hotel about 1/2 a block away, a walk down some steep stairs and into a small covered river boat for a one hour tour of the Nile, Lake Victoria and the animal and bird life in the area.  It was relaxing and beautiful.  Arriving back for our “down day” everyone chose to hop on the Boda Boda’s and head to town.  A quick lunch and some walking tours, a small bit of shopping the local handcrafts and then we headed to the “wholesale” market for supplies for tomorrow’s visit to the children’s hospital. 

We could have waited until tomorrow, but again...this team...why put off work till tomorrow when you can do it today?  So we cut up blocks of soap, bagged about 90 bags of sugar and had just enough time to wash up before our buffet dinner. 

Janet surprised us and stayed to eat with us and then share with us about her life, her heart for hurting children and all that led to Chayah.  We had a question and answer time with her and excused her with a round of hugs.

Our team sat and did some debriefing from the week behind, a little bit of critiquing of VBS and shared prayer requests.  We are already beginning to anticipate our feelings when we leave and were really encouraged to not jump ahead to the difficult day at the end of the week.

We prayed that God would take our offering and continue on in His work, thanking Him for allowing us the opportunity to serve Him this week.

Tomorrow we will go to church again...but things have gotten a little tricky at the building where they have been meeting.  The classroom was painted in preparation for use as a school room again and plan B suddenly became a BIG charge for use situation… so Pastor Roman will be coming to Chayah tomorrow and church will be under the covering of the carport there.  I can’t wait.  The contrast will be fun and probably very sincere and certainly with our kids leading much of the service...very energetic! 

Pray for the bugs among us, for strength and restored health and protection for the rest of the time here.  Tomorrow we change gears again and begin a week of focus on Chayah’s home. 

Love from Uganda!