We were excited for worship, Uganda-style! We walked just down the road, to Arise Africa. Its mission is to have every Ugandan come to know Christ! It is a guest house, and also holds church on Sundays. Christy was familiar with this place, as she and her family stayed here for a bit while adopting their son a couple of years ago.
Our short walk took us past Katie Davis' house. Are you familiar with her story/book, Kisses From Katie? It's sooo worth the read! Talk about relentless faithfulness!
Arise Africa is pastored by American pastor, Smooth Via. He and his family (his wife and four daughters) are living an incredible testament to Jesus' leading. You can read about it, here.
Welp. Christy was trying to get a pic but couldn't fit us all in. So I tried... end result was giganto Jamaica + a silly little armpit growth named Nicole. At least everyone else looks cute... haha
After church, our driver, Paul, took us to Mary's restaurant. Mary is the cook at Sole Hope. On Sunday, her day "off", she runs Sonrisa, a delicious Mexican restaurant! Consistent with Ugandan culture, service ran on quality and efficiency, not timeliness. We had a great time getting to know Paul better while we waited, and honestly, these were the BEST chicken burritos I've ever had :)
It felt invasive.
As we climbed out of Paul's car we were mauled because we were mzungus ;)
"Sweets! Sweets, mzungus!", the kids shouted, as they swarmed me (probably because I was digging in my bag for a pack of Mentos)
This brought about a myriad of emotions for me, in a real hurry.
As we reached the landing, led to Joel's boat, "The Jewell of the Nile", one of us just couldn't do it. Paul took her back to the Sole Hope Guest House. I think the rest of us may have considered it, as well, but armed with the recommendation of those we trusted, and the assurance of God's protection, we prayerfully climbed in. This was one big example, at least for me, of how much that important, inner voice God blesses us with, was in effect during this trip. I feel like I used that 'gut feeling' continually, both to stay safe and guide decision-making, and also while meeting and developing relationships with Ugandans.
It was a tiny boat. At this point, after walking through the shanties to reach it, the vibe just felt so
desperate and uncertain. But, at no time did I feel unsafe. God truly guides our footsteps when we follow.
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| the bottom of Joel's tour boat As we pulled away from the shore, we saw another view of the slum fishing village we'd walked through, to get to the landing, and charcoal stacked on the banks. The material poorest of the poor are found here.  Joel started explaining to us (though his accent was difficult to discern and follow) how fishing exportation works here.  |
Tilapia is what is mainly exported... to Egypt,
the Middle East, multiple destinations. Sadly, this can't continue forever, and Lake Victoria is rapidly becoming depleted, threatening the lives of millions of East Africans.
Joel told us that there are several prisons on the lake riverbanks, like the ones seen in the two pictures above. This is because they are made to labor in these fields and also because it is secure, as 96% of Ugandans are unable to swim.
Can you spot the HUGE lizard?!
tilapia fishing cages
It's difficult to see, here, but to the left of this picture, a Vervet Monkey can be seen. He is stealing corn from the field, and he was fast!
Uganda gained its' freedom in 1962, but British influences can most certainly still be seen here, as is the case with the road, above. It's the nicest road in UG, by far (most are riddled with bumps and potholes)... constructed for the Queen to reach the riverside, when she visited.
After riding on the lake a bit, we headed toward shore. We landed at Kikondo, another fishing village which, like many Ugandan villages - is a Muslim community. The banks were lined with men, women, and children staring at our Caucasian arrival... We were surprised when Joel got up and moved toward the front of the boat and encouraged us to get out. Ok. That voice I mentioned a bit ago... it was now telling me that there was a possibility we were all about to be sold to terroists! No, not really. We were out of our comfort zone, for SURE, but we climbed out and were again swarmed by happy children.
And I mean, HAPPY. Such joy and light is still left in these eyes! There is so much potential there, and it broke my heart to know that a future for them is increasingly unlikely. This was a tough day, the toughest one in Uganda, for me.
The fish drying process
The kids followed us the entire time we walked around their village. They'd stroke our unfamiliar light hair and skin and look at us with such wonderment and curiosity.
This picture pretty accurately depicts both ends of the Ugandan economy. A sailing club is pictured on the left, and a slum on the right, a mere fence dividing their contrasting existences.
Dear Lord Jesus, please pour your unending love and grace over these sweet souls that seemingly to us have little hope for an earthly future, here! They matter to You, and so they matter to us. They are beautiful and we know that they are also made in Your image! Please refresh, restore, and bless the efforts of Christian missionaries and aid workers (such as with TradeWater)in Kikondo and other villages and places where You are not yet known! We trust in Your BIG BIG plan, even when we can't understand it, because You love us more than we will ever be able to comprehend, in this earthly life.
In Your Holy Name, Amen!
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