A WHIRLWIND WEEK 07/10/2010
The week has come and gone in a whirlwind; it’s hard to separate all of the activities and highlights, the emotional impacts and challenges that all team members have experienced. From a very practical perspective, everyone has been healthy and safe (even the intrepid group of Nile river rafters who survived several class 5 rapids are all in one piece though a bit traumatized!). The group has melded together wonderfully with lots of care and concern being shown for each other and lots of serious introspection and not a little bit of laughter when we’re just by ourselves. Family kit distribution continues to be an excellent introduction into village life and the needs of widows and orphans where we’re serving; it’s wonderful to be recognized for our commitment and the strong relationships that have taken hold. Somewhat surprisingly, the teacher workshops on Wednesday proved to be very emotional experiences for our four classroom professionals. The health clinic held several kilometers off the main road that runs through Wakisi attracted several hundred people, all of whom were ministered to and served by the team of local health care workers and team members. The theological training has become a highly engaging exploration of God’s Word as Ian and Doug challenge some long-held cultural interpretations of Scripture. The participants’ receptivity to looking at God’s truths in fresh new ways have been particularly rewarding. Today, we visited the Railway Barracks, the place where Grandview really began its ministry in Uganda; conditions are unchanged for the most part. Unlike the villages, the people here are clearly in more desperate and intolerable circumstances. Our work started with the team venturing into the main Jinja market where we purchased clothing for distribution in the Barracks -- lots of bartering for the best deals and a great experience interacting with the many merchants who make up the sprawling outdoor market. At the barracks, food and clothing distribution to the children was a challenge given the relentless efforts by some to get more than their fair share – a sad commentary on the conditions there, but easily appreciated because of the squalor. This afternoon, we broke into sub-teams after lunch and purchased household items and furniture for the expanded Sonrise Babies Home which now has a new facility for toddlers and children of an older age. As I write this, the surprise has not yet been discovered by Damali Mirembe, so we’re looking forward to seeing her in the morning. Again, we’re all doing well and are energized by the opportunity to serve and build on the teams that have been here prior. It’s a blessing on so many levels and an experience that is as rich and satisfying as it gets. Blessings from Wakisi, John CommentsLeave a Reply |
