I am writing from my hotel room in Kampala with my companion Leonardo the Lizard. He is a “Gecko-like” wall climber whom I considered throwing out of my temporary dwelling, but then realized he might be eating some of the mosquitoes that are committed to tormenting me in my sleep. Besides, I decided naming him was more fun than exiling him. As I stare through my open window at the thick red clouds being painted by the rising sun the aromatic scent of cow manure from a stray longhorn is wafting into my room. The sounds of Dolly Parton and Kenny Rodgers are beginning to play from the restaurant below and hints of charcoal are beginning to push away the cow dung odor as they fire-up the cooking area to prepare breakfast for the guests and boil the water for a fresh cup of freeze-dried instant coffee. If your pallet is used to Starbuck’s House Blend, you will find this blend of instant coffee resembles coffee flavored pond water. Unfortunately my bag of Good African Coffee has run out and my French Press sits lonely and empty on the nightstand. But after returning from a 6-day road trip, I am honestly grateful to have a bed, a bathroom, and instant java.
My current surroundings may not resemble the comforts and familiarities of home and I confess; if I hear “Islands in the Stream” one more time I may have to jump off the balcony. :) But even lukewarm baths, rough roads and country music from the early 80’s cannot dampen my spirit as I reflect on the significant ministry I have been able to be a part of the past two weeks. Too many exciting things have happened and the response to our efforts has been so encouraging. I have taught in and around Kampala, in Mbarara, Rugungiri, and Gulu. We have done site visits to children home’s for orphans in Kampala, Mubendi, and Musindi. I will tell you more about these projects in days ahead, but the care given to these precious little ones is remarkable. In a country with over two million orphans, it is wonderful to see ordinary people coming together with very limited resources to love, serve and equip these little ones. It is a privilege to help them if even in a small way!
The Leadership Summit’s have been fantastic and the messages on Living out the Character of Christ; Servant Leadership; The Treasure of Integrity; and Beyond Belief… the Art of Following have been received very well and I am trusting that God will use them as a catalyst of social and spiritual change among the participants.
More to come… but for now I think I will go downstairs and grab a charcoal/coffee flavored cup of instant yummy!
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