On our arrival at Kyampisi we were met with personal cheers and laughter. It was lovely to see the spontaneous response from people when they recognised who was driving Peter's Prado. At first it seemed they were thinking 'that looks a lot like Mark... wait a minute, it is Mark'.
Prior to the service commencing at 11am Lawrence, Dale and I drove to the respective Ja Ja homes to see if they wanted a lift to church. Ja Ja Nalongo and her grandson joined us but Ja Ja Margaret and the other blind Ja Ja weren't in a position to come with us on this occasion. Ja Ja Margaret agreed to join us next week and bring the whole family!
As is the custom for those who are new at church, Peter invited Jamie, Anna, Dale and me to address the assembly - which we did. Jamie and Anna are a couple who are working at Kyampisi for 2 months to FINISH the Health Clinic.
As Peter had invited me to preach while on this trip, I was honoured to be able to give the message.
The service included the usual segments of Kyampisi Children's Choir, Kyampisi Boys Dance Troupe, Tithes and Offerings, corporate singing and prayer and Testimonies. Barbara gave testimony to Mary, one of her choir members, who had tragically died the previous day.
Following the service I enjoyed catching up with many of our Kyampisi friends - all of who wanted to know about 'mummy' 'Eli' and 'the girls'. I was pleased that I had organised photos of the family in my wallet. These were passed around for all to see!
Following a beautiful time of catching up with everyone, including Hudson, Chairman, Cockroach, Angel, John, Juliet, Rita, Lukia and the many Kyampisi 'mums' and 'children', I drove a car-full of friends down to the funeral service and burial of Mary.
When we arrived, the service had just commenced. There was easily about 300 people in attendance - nearly half of those living in the Kyampisi district. A friend of the family was thanking everyone for their support of the family at this difficult time. Following this, the local Catholic Priest shared a few words and led the 'official' part of the service. To be honest, I can't be sure what either men said as they both spoke in Lugandan throughout the proceedings. While they were speaking a number of the local men were preparing materials for the burial. They were mixing cement, stones and water while also reinforcing the mesh that would be placed on top of the dirt to seal the burial pit. As they were making so much noise, it was extremely difficult to hear what was being said.
As the family walked the coffin to the burial pit many of the locals were singing hymns, again, in Lugandan.
Following the service we enjoyed a meal of rice, beans, matoke, casava and beef and some further conversations with friends from the Kyampisi community. I particularly enjoyed chatting with John about his time at a local boarding school. It seems he is doing extremely well but is struggling to pay his fees. I offered to pay his outstanding fees so he could return on Monday with no debt.
Prior to returning to St Paul's House, I took Jamie, Anna, Peter and Dale up to Prayer Mountain. Interestingly, we found evidence (grass baskets and large seed pods) of witch doctor practice while walking on the mountain. In the course of my conversations with Peter, it came out that he actually purchased the mountain earlier this year.
Following our drive home we dropped into the cafe beside Ntinda Shopping Centre (opposite Tusky's) and enjoyed some further conversations with Jamie and Anna and a cup of Ugandan coffee.
On our return to St Paul's House, we enjoyed a meal of rice, noodles and fruit. Part way through the meal Simon Forbes arrived - father of Eddy.
After everyone had gone to bed, I enjoyed a conversation with Jamie and Anna about the vision God had given Peter when he first commenced at Kyampisi five years ago.
Peter has been a little distracted the past couple of days - not surprising as he has been busy planning his 'Introduction' this Saturday and his wedding next Saturday.
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