Reflections from the last couple of days

The last couple of days have been pretty full on and intense. Yesterday morning, we rose at 5 am and walked the half an hour up Monkey Mountain. At the top is a high school, which we had permission to go into and watch the sun rise over Lake Victoria. Despite the really early morning, it was a time of enjoyment for all. Watching the sun rise over Lake Victoria, was beautiful. The mist cleared up before the sun rose, and it was just a really special time. Seeing a different part of God’s creation, having a chance to reflect and spending time together was great.

We had a pretty relaxing morning after that, eating breakfast, fuelling up ready for our day’s visits. In the morning, we visited a childrens home. There are three sections; the babies, the toddlers and the older children. We just spent time with the kids, blew bubbles and blew up balloons as well. These children were quite used to mzungus, but it was great to show them some love. Many children are adopted out of this home, into a variety of countries.

In the afternoon, we spent some time with a couple from Uganda, named Fred and Judith. With Judith, we went into a slum that she often visits. The women that we visited with are a part of a HIV program that Judith runs. We were invited into their homes, and prayed for them. We also gave them practical gifts of sugar and soap. Each of their stories is heart breaking, as well as being quite similar. Often, they don’t have money for their HIV medication, for food, or school fees money for their children. A few of us, also brought bubbles and balloons and spent time with the children from this slum. Seeing their interactions with each other, all to gain a balloon, was quite sad and difficult to fully comprehend.

Both of these visits were eye-opening, as well as challenging.  Regardless of the situation these women are in, their faith in God was clear and encouraging. It was amazing to see how thankful they all were for the simple and practical gifts we gave, as well as purely for our visit. Judith explained to us, that because of their situations, they don’t get visitors. We would love it if you could please pray for these women that we met, that they can continue to love God, and know his love for them and their families as well.

Today we were back on the building site. In the morning, a few of us continued to build trusses. Some of us are even considering giving up our normal jobs back home, to get an apprenticeship in truss building, as we are so pro at it. The roof framing for House 7 is very close to being completed. We would love your continued prayers on getting the container on Monday as well, so that we can continue to work on these houses. A few of the girls got a head start on the trusses for the shared kitchen of House 7 and 8 also.

This afternoon most of the team went to the Paradise Hotel for a swim. Once again, this was a great time to relax, think, and spend some quality time with each other. Some of us were even lucky enough to get a hot shower.

We have one week left in Uganda, working with the village of hope. We would love your continued prayer for the following things:

·         The container arriving by Monday

·         Continued progress on the houses in the Village

·         Prayer for the women that we met in the slums yesterday

·         A few tired and aching bodies