"Welcome to Uganda", Tripp said on our bus ride from the Entebbe airport last night. We'd been traveling for 30 plus hours straight. 3 plane flights later, I was tired, but Tripp had me beat. It looked like he'd been up for about 3 days preparing for our arrival. You know that glowing sheen on the face and greasy hair that happens on mission trips. But Tripp did it with pleasure. I realized the amount of preperation necessary for this team's arrival in that moment.
"TIA will explain a lot for you this week", Tripp went on, "meaning This Is Africa." He went on to explain how differently things work here that may not make sense to us, but that's just how it is here. As always, we were reminded to be flexible, expecting sudden changes in schedule and plans, and allowing those things to happen without becoming frustrated.
Today was spent seeing a cultural landmark and touring the Watoto orphan village as we recovered from the long travel. The landmark was the former palace of the Ugandan king. He now lives in a modern home, his monarchy alive and well, just not politically. The palace consisted of the world's largest thatch hut, inside of which we learned of the Ugandan history. Currently, their government is run by a president and the king is sort of a cultural figurehead, much like the situation in Great Britian.
The Watoto orphan village was our next stop. We walked on school campuses, and homes built by the hands of God for his orphaned children. The birth and development of this creation is truly phenomenal, so I encourage you to visit watoto.com to learn more. We held babies that had been thrown away in trash dumps, abandoned at police stations, and rescued by the loving arms of this ministry. Watoto raises the kids into responsible christians and productive citizens of Uganda.
After a nifty pizza dinner, we got our first dose of TIA. Our bus driver hadn't been feeling well and didn't accompany us inside. Once we were finished, we got back to the bus, but there was no driver. He must have decided to go home, we don't know. This Is Africa.
Tomorrow, we're splitting into sub-groups to worship in Nelson Kasoka's church and various church plants around Kampala. Pray for us as we begin using our God given talents for his glory tomorrow and the week to come. Thank you!
Jerry Cotney Jr.
Roanoke, AL
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1 comment:
ausitour prayers are with the group and we hope you have a wonderful trip . you will be blessed for your work. my niece Stephanie Kirby is on this trip with you.be safe and god bless you all. Delane and Jerry McElroy
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