July 17th

DIVIDE AND CONQUER (Boda-Boda Boo-Boo)

Today the men and the women split up heading two different directions with very different ministry adventures. The women headed back to Idudi to the New Hope School where they were once again greeted by the cheers of little children. Pastor Andrew Wambi had made arrangements for our team member Laura to speak to the women about post traumatic stress syndrome issues, especially those relating to abusive home situations. Admittedly, Laura shared later in our team meeting that she was terrified. But, the ladies piped in to say she appeared so composed and delivered a great presentation. Laura commented that there were many men who were at the meeting and that made her even more nervous, but as it turns out many of those men were asking some of the best questions. All in all it was a great day and lots of positive encouraging words were expressed for Laura's incredible ministry.

As for the guys, we headed to Iganga prison just outside of downtown Iganga. Jacob commented how scary it was to go into the prison. Once inside, it didn't help that, as Jason and Glenn were meeting with the warden, they didn't realize that the guards had ushered Jacob and another young Ugandan man who was with us to a small room across the way and latched the door. We were soon reunited and given passage out into the yard. As we crossed over to the pavilion there over 150 young men clad in yellow jumpers sitting patiently on the cement slab ready to receive us. We were introduced and each took turns sharing words of encouragement, songs, and Jason gave his incredible testimony. We got a good laugh as, during one of the interactive songs, Jason had walked over to do some of the motions with the 15 or so women in the prison, two of which have their babies with them. As Jason leaned over to beep the "pant-less" toddlers nose (as called for by the song), it literally scared the "pee" out of the little boy.

Afterwards, the guys did a little shopping in town before heading out to see a new church startup led by an old friend Waiswa Stephen and his son, Kikaire Denis. We had agreed with them that there would not be time for a program. But, true to Uganda form, the congregation was gathered and we proceeded to do "church". We were warmly welcomed, made our introductions, then Glenn was given the platform to share a quick message reminding us to be Watchmen on the walls of our church community. We sang a few a songs then made our way down the dusty, bumpy roads back toward Musana.

On our way home we received a frantic call from Julie saying there had been an accident. She informed us that Sue's foot had been run over by one of the boda-boda's in town causing her to fall and twist her ankle. Our Musana friends were quick to respond taking her to the clinic to meet with one of the doctors and a few hours later Sue was hobbling back home with a boot and a crutch (which was more than she wanted to do - she simply asked for a band-aid). But, all's well that ends well, Sue simply has a sprained ankle and an abrasion, so she will be just fine. Our sweet Ugandan friends, Kyemba and Agnes were the ones most traumatized by the incident. They would not be consoled until they saw Sue come in the gates of Musana with a big smile on her face. Thank goodness for Laura's skills in the area of PTSD. They say it's things like this that draw a team closer together, so I suppose we can thank Sue for our greater unity. ;-)

We are all tired and ready to see our families, but we all agree God is doing powerful things around us and through us. Bless God!!