Team 2 greetings Monday 11 July

Hello to all from the team - or at least a small part of it as we are currently split into two groups. A little catching up as the internet has not been readily available since Friday morning. When we were at the Colline last year the front desk would open up the computers pretty much any time, day or night. The Ridar's is not so available, mostly only during the day and over the weekend it was not working at all. Since we are not right in Mukono town now, the cafe is not within walking distance.

Friday was a good day at the site, with the usual various activities. Amy taught again and by the end of the day we saw many students with thier origama cranes - so part two was successful. Even as we finish inventorying one thing, more things are brought out so it is pretty much an ongoing project. We had pizza for lunch Friday at the Colline. The youth leaders, Rachel and Daniel, joined us, as did Rev. Toko the UM district superintendent from Arua district and of course Moses, our driver. Rev. Toko declined the pizza but Moses tried it and liked it. Daniel and Rachel enjoyed as well.

When we got back to HUMS the mosquito nets were drying in the sun after being treated with the chemical that will repel the mosquitoes. They dried quickly. Tom and lots of little helpers figured out the method for hanging them in the boys dorm and spent the afternoon stinging rope from the window vents. The girls dorm is easier with no ceiling. Before we left one was completely up. I hope you got the photos we emailed and were able to see it during church. I think most of the boys are now hung. I haven't checked on the girls.

Susan and Shana are much better but were not up for the 5 hour (which turned into much more) trip to Busia. But they did go to Jinja with the whole team for sightseeing at Bujagali Falls and the Source of the Nile. At the falls we got to see 5 rafts come down the river. First the spotters in the kayaks come down, then the rafts. 4 made it through right side up. 1 turned over. The spotters quickly make their way to any who lose grip of the raft and fish them out. We placed our order for lunch at the beautiful Triangle Annex which overlooks Lake Victoria, then went into Jinja town for a quick visit to the Source Cafe, a Christian run internet and food cafe. There was a freezer full of Nestle ice cream bars which quickly became the favorite treat. Some of the kids grabbed some quick internet time. Rev. Elliot found some really good maps at a shop up the street so many of us headed up there to buy some more. The shop had probably never had so many sales in one day. Pastor Isaac fromWanyange Central was at the source so we had a nice visit with him. Then it was back to Triangle Annex for lunch. We have the before and after photos of the whole talapia that many chose to eat. Some of us had grilled cheese sandwiches that were excellent as well.

After that the team split. Jen, Susan and Shana headed back with our driver (Daniel's car) to Mukono while the rest headed on to Busia. The reports from there were multiple tire problems. They were able to get both tires repaired and limp into Sangalo Beach Hotel late that night. My understanding is that one of the tires was questionable the next day so Erin, Kevin and Rev. John Kiviiri were stranded for a brief time at the church they went to. Caitlin and Diane had stayed at the hotel to nurse questionable stomaches. The report this morning is thata they are much better now. When I spoke to Cathy this morning the 11 were on their way to the church where Rev. John Elliot (too many Rev Johns) was to do another session of teaching. Then they would start home. I suggested the restaurant in Iganga for their meal.

I brought my cell phone along because I use it as an alarm clock. The first day when I turned it on it gave the message of "searching for network". Saturday when I turned it on it told me I had Uganda CelTel network. So even though the team is split we have phone access. Who knows how much it is costing. I guess I'll find out how much it is costing me when I get home. I called the team in Busia yesterday and again this morning. I even called Pastor Dave Sunday morning but he was already hard at work and not available to answer.

Susan, Shana and I were able to worship at Loving Example. I am really sorry they were sick but overjoyed to be able to worship at our home church. It was a wonderful experience as usual. No I did not preach, but I did offer greetings. I much preferred to hear Robert preach then to do it myself. I am not sure who in the other team preached at the four churches. Hopefully someone from that group will update this site soon. Dave Bennett and Daniel also made it out to Loving Example so we were able to pray for Dave as he prepared to start his journey home. He is really considered a Ugandan by those here. The love and appreciation they have for him is evident. He is a blessing for us all as he sacrifices his time to come and serve each year.

We found out yesterday that Robert was scheduled to baptize many folks. So after lunch at the Colline went went to a creek that runs about waist deep. Robert and his associate Robert waded in and we were privledged to witness the baptism of about 30 people, the youngest about 6 or 7, the oldest probably 60 or so. It is the first time in about 2 years that there has been baptisms at LEUMC. Paul and Miracle were both included, as was Daniel, one of the youth leaders. Derrick was also baptized. We are always asked about Derrick when people see his photo - he is albino so very distinctive. It is a difficult life for him in the intense sunlight here. Tom brought him some new sunglasses. The baptisms were a moving experience. They do not believe in sprinkling here in Uganda so many of the churches come to this same spot. Many observers came and stood along the banks singing the whole time.

After that it was back to HUMS for a very short evening worship. The HUMS children's choir sang several selections. A friend/relative of Roberts who is a pastor in Kampala shared a brief word. Then it was back to the Ridar where Susan and I enjoyed seeing some traditional dance. There was a professional group there who are from the Acholi tribe. They were talented musicians and dancers.

It was a late night for Robert, who had meetings in Kampala so at noon we are just leaving the Ridar and our first stop was here in Mukono town. The internet cafe here is much cheaper than at the hotel (about $1 for an hour of time). Then we are shopping for gifts for the teachers. Rev. John helped us locate some tea mugs for their afternoon tea time.

The 11 should be on their way home by now, but with lunch stops will be a 6 hour trip. Please pray for Rev. John Elliot and Jen who will catch a 8:00 am flight for Arua tomorrow morning. Rev. Toko asked if it was possible for Rev. John to come and have some teaching with the 16 pastors from his district. Since it is a 9 hour drive, flying is the only option. We will return Thursday morning, as there are no flights out Wednesday night. Arua is in the far northwestern region of Uganda.

Lots is being accomplished. The swing set has been fabricated by the welder Matthew. We brought the seats with us. The nursery playground is being leveled and readied for sand and swing set. The windows were being set in the first staff housing building. Matthew was to purchase the metal to fabricate the medicine cabinet this week. The decision has been made to hire out the installation of the submersible pump and all electricals associated with it to a professional group, but then do all of the ditch digging and laying of pipe, fabricating the tank tower and setting the tank by local labor with our foreman supervising.

Thank you for your prayers and your posts. The time is passing much too quickly.

Peace, Grace and Love,

Jen for team 2