Departure Day

Monday saw me rise early to make sure everything was packed and I had time to say my goodbyes. 

Following breakfast - 2 boiled eggs - Cockroach came to pick me up. 

After praying with the assembled KCM team, we drove to Jarvas for lunch. We ordered a large Chicken Hawaiian Pizza and enjoyed it together - actually Cockroach enjoyed 6 pieces and I enjoyed 2 pieces as I wasn't feeling 100% - and nor was I particularly hungry. 

Over lunch Cockroach asked me about my childhood days and asked me to share my testimony. He REALLY seemed to enjoy hearing these stories and seeking my counsel about his future. He is especially keen to become financially independent and to be able to afford a family. I tried to explain the balance between being financially independent and faithfully God dependent at the same time. Trying to blend the Western and African mindsets while being Biblical at the same time. 

After about 2 hours we drove to Joeline's father's church to pick her up so she could come with us to Entebbe airport. En route we encountered a traffic jam. Our 90 minute drive took close to 3 hours. 

On arrival at the airport we pushed my trolley up the hill to the departure area, prayed and said our 'goodbye's'. 

Two hours later I was sitting in Business Class on my return Emirates flight - as I was fortunate enough to be offered an upgrade to Dubai. 

5 1/2 hours later I was walking around the Dubai airport for about four hours.  I decided to buy some men's perfume - what an amazing selection! What a headache! What a relief to find some I liked that was at duty free prices - Eternity by Calvin Kline. 

Preaching at Kyampisi and Christ the King

Sunday saw me drive the KCM ute to Kisassi to pick up Lexus and Sydney who had bought a mattress as they were sleeping out at Kyampisi tonight. 

Following this we drove to Kyampisi for church. 

On arrival I saw that Ja Ja Margaret wasn't there so I picked up Lawrence and drove to her home. As she wasn't well she wasn't able to join us for church. We did manage to organise for a doctor to visit her the following day though. 

Church was great - as it always is. Following the 2 1/2 hour service I enjoyed mingling with the locals. Many gave me little letters - which I'm yet to read. 

Everyone was very sad as during the service Pastor Kevin and Cochroach had thanked God for Alexus, Sydney and me and prayed for our safe return to family - and our safe return to Kyampisi. 

After many goodbye's I drove back to St Paul's House for lunch. 

In the afternoon we met Damien and finalised the bus arrangements for our Redlands College trip later in the year. 

Following this I drove to Leah's father's church - Christ our King - where I preached. Like last year, Leah's brother led his Sunday School class in a Bible

Quiz followed by some songs and a skit. The focus of tonight's skit was the Good Samaritan. 

Following church I enjoyed some prayer time with Leah's family in their home above the church. They were particularly excited that the walls for their new church are now finished and ready for the roof. They just need to add the corrugated sheets - 150 sheets at 100,000 schillings/sheet. The church was established in 1982 by Leah's dad and is growing all the time. 

Youth Conference at Kyampisi

Saturday saw me drive Barbra, Alexus and Sydney to Kyampisi for a Youth Conference. On the way we bought 4kg of meat from the 'Trust in God' butchery at Kisaasi (10,000 schillings/kg), 2 cabbages, a bag of tomatoes and a bag of onions from the 'Friendly' Fruit Market at Kisaasi (total of 20,000 schillings) and 3kg of rice from the 'Praise the Lord' supermarket at Kisaasi (3,500 schillings/kg). 

On arrival at Kyampisi we were met with cheers as the youth were really looking forward to the conference - keeping in mind we had postponed last Saturday's conference due to prior commitments. 

While taking the food down to the newly built bush kitchen adjacent to the yet-to-be finished Junior Primary classroom block, we were accompanied by the sound of drums and young people singing. A little later and we commenced the conference.

Alexus spoke about living an intentional life with purpose and I unpacked some wisdom from 1 Timothy - especially where Paul says "don't let anyone look down upon you because you're young but instead set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity."

After speaking to the combined group we broke into two smaller groups - boys and girls. We spoke about dating, marriage and sex. There were lots of questions and there was some very honest discussion. 

After about 40 minutes we joined together to share our respective conversations. I asked one of the boys to share what we had spoken about and one of the girls to share what they had spoken about. What followed was a very rich and memorable time together. 

I met Fred Mukasa, Principal of High Standards Christian School and Brenda, owner of a Hardware at a nearby town to Fred'a school at Jarvis at 5pm. As I had arranged to meet Cockroach at 7pm at the Acacia Cinema I needed to cut my meeting with Fred a little shorter than we planned. As it happened Fred needed to visit someone in Mengo Hospital so it worked out pretty well for us both. 

Our conversation covered many things, most notably Fred's need for 3,000,000 schillings to pay for hardware supplies for his newly completed classroom. I agreed to pray about it and give to him as lead by the Lord. 

After praying together, I drove to Acacia to meet Cochroach who didn't show. He had lost his phone and couldn't ring me. I called Joeline and drove back to St Paul's House. 

Good night. 

Day in the city

Friday morning saw Joeline and I have a significant conversation about whether the Redlands College team should sleep at St Paul's House or the African Village. 

It would seem members of the KCM Team are looking forward to us staying at St Paul's House as they'll be more easily be able to join in on activities - including devotions and meals. From my perspective the African Village has the benefit of lots more space, including a restaurant, coffee shop, library, breakout rooms, a pool and an oval - not to mention more conventionally cooked meals. As the facility also includes a primary and secondary school, it also presents an opportunity for ministry. Another huge benefit of the African Village is that it's literally only 7 minutes drive to Kyampisi - compared with at least 45 minutes from St Paul's House. 

Following our discussion, Cockroach and I spent some time in Kampala. I wanted to finalise the arrangements for our travel and accommodation to Murchison Falls National Park later in the year. After some negotiating with the Tourist Agent at the Fairways Hotel we drove to the craft market at the National Theatre. 

Following this we started to organise the bus for our College trip - a 27 seat coaster. We then drove back to St Pauls House for dinner and bed. 

Day at Uganda Christian University

Thursday saw most delegates enjoy breakfast together, although some needed to leave very early to catch their respective planes. Over breakfast I enjoyed a lengthy conversation with Michael Eep, Senior Vice President from ACSI and Vanessa Hall, trust speaker from Sydney. 

Following breakfast I took a tour of the facilities at the African Village with an eye to the feasibility of staff and students from the College staying there later in the year. 

By mid morning I was on my way. I drove straight to Mukono University where I met Lillian. I enjoyed a tour of the facilities at the University with Joel, Miriam, Fllavia and Anthony (not to mention Lillian). 

We dropped into nearly every facility at the University - including the boys dormitory where Joel and Anthony live. 

Each room contained 2 sets of double bunks, 4 wardrobes and 2 study desks. 

Although not as flash as some University facilities, I was very impressed with their diversity and standard. I was particularly impressed with the recent building program across the campus. The library facilities were superior to many I have seen and pointed to the high standards expected in research whilst studying. Another feature was the inclusion of scripture on the walls of many of the buildings. There was certainly no second guessing that this is a Christian University. Consistent with my understanding of many Universities in the United States, basketball and athletics are a key feature. The full stadium and beautifully sealed basketball courts are obviously well used. 

As the Refectory was packed and I didn't have a food voucher, I suggested we buy lunch at the little cafe just outside the University's main gates. We certainly enjoyed this meal together - sausages, rice and chips - and like most meals in Uganda, as cheap as chips! 28,000 schillings in total - a little over AU$10 to feed 5 of us!

The road into the University, while sealed, is very poor. The number of potholes is reminiscent of the moon's surface. I tried to capture this in a photograph but this was made difficult with the number of cars, Borda Bordas and people accessing the road at the time. 

Before leaving I wanted to take some photographs to capture the beautiful grounds at the University. 

Given the time, nearly 4pm, I thought it was time to drive to Kyampisi. Cockroach had suggested I drive back down Kiunga Road, past the African Village. I'm glad I did as Kililagi is only about 3 minutes past the African village and Kyampiai is less than 5 minutes past Kilagi. The drive didn't take very long. 

On arrival at Kyampisi I led the Thursday night Bible Study and then drove back to St Paul's House for dinner. 

Banana alcohol - tonto

Banana juice mixed vigorously with ground sorghum and covered with banana leaves and grass (to produce heat) in a boat makes alcohol - tonto. 

The first day it is sweet but after 2 days it is strong alcohol. 

After 4 days it is bitter and sour and is still drunk but it is dangerously strong. At this time it is boiled in a metallic tank connected to pipes. The steam that comes out of these pipes produces another type of alcohol called enguuli. This is even stronger alcohol. 

Annette in car accident

Sunday morning saw me up early to prepare my sermon for Kyampisi. 

Joeline had asked if I was willing to drive her to White Angels Primary School on the road to Bbira to pick up Milika and Mark, who board there during the term. 

Just prior to Joeline dropping into St Paul's house she received a phone call to say that Annette, Peter's sister, had been involved in a car accident. Apparently the driver had swerved quickly to avoid a head-on crash, but in so doing tipped the car onto its side. Annette lost a lot of skin and broke her arm and possibly her wrist. 

We drove into Mengo Hospital and walked to the Emergency Ward where we found Annette and her husband - and a group of nurses and doctors trying to work out what to do - meanwhile Annette was screaming from the pain. 

The medical team worked with basic supplies and in humble surrounds. Interestingly there was a church service taking place throughout this time so we had 'Hillsong' as background music.  Before we left to pick up Milika and Mark I prayed with Annette and the doctors. 

White Angel day and boarding primary school is set about a 5 minute slow drive off Bbira Road. The school is quite large. Every classroom has inspirational words stuck above their front window. Every class was FULL of colour and text - words an posters were plastered on all walls. The rooms were warm and inviting and Well set out. Class sizes seemed very reasonable. 

As it was pick up day for boarders, every man and his dog were waiting to speak to their child's teacher before taking their child home. 

After Joeline spoke to the respective teachers, we picked up their clothes and hit the road for Kyampisi. 

On arrival at Kyampisi we were greeted with the final sections of the service. While Pastor Kevin asked me to say a few quick words of encouragement I missed out on preaching from the Word as we were about 75 minutes late. 

After a few quick 'hellos' we drove back to Joeline's for lunch. After lunch I drove out to Mukono to the Christian University. 

On arrival I was met by Grace from registrations. Following a lovely traditional dinner with all the usual suspects, we enjoyed an Official Welcome and Keynote Address. One of the speakers was the current Minister for Finance who spoke on behalf of the First Lady. What she said was outstanding. 

As I wanted to take the KCM ute to the Hotel, I drove behind the University bus to the African Village where we're staying for the week. The journey out to the accommodation took about 30 minutes. The bus driver must have been late for something because he drove VERY quickly. I almost couldn't keep up with him! 

The Joint of Joy - Wandegeya

While sitting in the ute and waiting for Cochroach to purchase the required medication for Loy (85,000 schillings) I was approached by a man from The Joint of Joy seeking money to buy some water. I was parked right outside the restaurant. 

What transpired was a longer conversation about never thirsting again and drinking from the Word of God. 

Interestingly, one by one five staff members came and asked me for a PWT. I was happy to oblige, although I did run out of them. 

As we were about to drive back to the hospital another man passed by and asked for a Bible. It seemed to me that he was recovering from a hangover. Interestingly, he said he was the son of the Minster for Finance. Who knows? He was certainly very happy to be taking home a new Bible. 

Mulago Hospital

Saturday morning saw me preparing myself to speak at a youth convention at Kyampisi church. The Lord led me to the book of Timothy - and his encouragement to live faithfully in these last days.  

On our drive to Kyampisi we bought 10kg of rice and 3kg of meat @ 3,500 schillings per kg and 10,000 schillings per kg respectively. 

On arrival at Kyampisi we were met with the news that Loy, the little girl we'd met on Friday and who had undiagnosed celebral malaria and possibly viral meningitis had deteriorated. 

To cut a longer story shorter, we decided to postpone the Youth Conference until next Saturday given the urgency of driving Loy into Kampala - though the meat will need to be eaten before then. 

After picking up Loy from Naggaloma Hospital we drove her mum, Betty and Loy into Mulago Hospital in Kampala. 

We had to negotiate our way into the hospital car park as they didn't seem to want us to park in the public car park - I suspect the guard wanted money and Cochroach refused to pay. After about 5 minutes of negotiating, Cockoach asked me to just drive off without paying. I was sure the police would come after us - but to this point I've not heard from them!

We parked our car and walked to the Administration Centre. They asked us to take Loy upstairs, which we did and found our way to the Casualty Ward - to be more precise outside the Casualty Ward. After negotiating our way in we discovered people lying on beds (at least 15-20) in the hallways and outside waiting rooms. To be honest, it was very confronting as many of the people where VERY sick and obviously needing significant help. 

After a few minutes one of the staff informed us that we needed to go back downstairs and then make our way up the hill to the Paediatrics Ward - which was pretty much where we started our journey an hour before. Loy's mum and I took it in turns to piggy back Loy as we walked. As we walked through the emergency section of the hospital we saw a taxi with a smashed front window and people being carried into the hospital - it certainly didn't look good to me! 

Interestingly we walked right past a room with windows, behind which were piles of files. I suspect this was the official records room - although I wouldn't want to be in a hurry if I was trying to find a file. 

The paediatric ward was the same ward we brought Doreen to back in late 2012 and to be honest, it looked better then. You'd want to be really sick to bring a child here and when you come inside you discover lots of sick children - again quite overwhelming. I think it's the smell of the ward that leaves a lasting memory too. 

Initially we waited to speak with a doctor. After waiting what seemed like an unreasonable amount of time, we went on a doctor hunt. 

The doctor we found seemed very tired and over-worked but was very helpful. He took us all into his consulting room and inspected Loy. He believed she had the signs and symptoms of meningitis not malaria. After discussing whether he should undertake a lumber puncture and deciding that he should, he twmberef that the required staff didn't work

on a Saturday. He asked us to go and buy a supply of meningitis medication - which we did. On our return trip to the hospital the gears on the ute started to fail so we could only use the second gear - a very slow journey indeed! 

On our return to the hospital I spoke briefly to an African albino couple with a black baby. They seemed a little embarrassed to be there. I've since been told that African albinos are thought to be cursed

After the nurse administered the appropriate medication to Loy they found her a bed. They anticipate she'll be in hospital for about 10 days. Mum and Betty will stay with her - no bed supplied for parents just a concrete floor. 

Arrival in Entebbe

Following a late departure from Dubai airport, I arrived at Entebbe airport at 3.30pm - about 2 hours late. 

Upon arrival, and after waiting in one of three queues of travellers that didn't seem to be moving, I discovered that the cost of a 3 month Visa had increased from 50USD to 100USD a few days before my arrival. Thankfully I had sufficient money and was processed pretty quickly - including finger and thumb prints from both hands. 

After collecting my bags, I was met by Robert (Cocktoach) at the entrance to the arrivals, which was a blessing as when you exit the airport you're hit by a sea of locals all wanting to drive you to wherever you want to go. 

Cockroach asked me to drive him to St Paul's house, which I did, via Acasia the new shopping centre, where I exchanged some USD into UGS and we bought some dinner. 

On arrival at St Paul's house I met with Joeline and after a brief conversation went to bed. 

Preaching at new church at Kyampisi

Following a very quick drive out to the Kyampisi District I took the dirt road off to the right about 8 minutes from the Kyampisi turnoff. 

The journey, and I use that term quite deliberately, included some of the worst dirt road conditions I've ever seen. Deep channels and puddles, not to mention exposed rocks that would have been a challenge for an army tank, stood in the way of me making it to my preaching post before 6pm - when it's getting too dark to see or read anything. 

We arrived safely and I preached on Philippians 4:4-9. I also tied in verse 13. I challenged the locals not to be anxious about many things as God provides the peace, strength and grace required as He is always faithful - it's His nature. 

After the service we enjoyed some fellowship and some photo time. I also presented the new fellowship group with a Gideons Bible. 

After delivering the many locals back to their respective homes along the drive home, we returned to St Pauls house. 

Day at Busoke

Friday saw Edwin and I pick up Pastor Norman and drive out to Busoke for the day. 

The 45 minute drive was uneventful, except for a short break to buy fuel, chipatis and coke. 

On arrival at Busoke we went for a tour of the facilities - not a great deal has changed since working with Dale on the foundations for the teacher's quarters last year. 

The temporary timber school is still standing, but has been significantly affected by white ants. 

The temporary teachers quarters have been extended to accommodate another teacher. 

The pig pen has also been extended, but the piglets have all been sold and Edwin is about to purchase some more. 

Perhaps the most marked change is the extent of agriculture - mutoke, banana and citrus trees and sweet potato and kusuva planted everywhere. 

The chicken farm that I thought was on site has actually been built many kilometres away - closer to market and Edwin's home. 

Edwin has recently bought a billy goat and is planning on a breeding program - similar to the pigs. 

It's good to see the community developing a number of self-sustaining industries.

After a tour of the school and a prayer with the staff we headed back to the building site - not to build - to play modified soccer. After trying hard not to embarass myself - but failing - we made our way back to Kampala. 

As we drive through the market centre of Busoke I stopped to take a few photos. As a crowd was assembling, I decided to hand out a few Bibles and PWTs. As always, I NEVER have sufficient as EVERYONE wants one and is very happy to ask for one. 

While taking photos I noticed that the soccer ball the boys were kicking around was actually a tight ball of paper and tape. I promised that I would bring them a new soccer ball when we return in December. Not surprisingly, the adults that I was talking to asked for a soccer ball too - I agreed. 

Following my feeble attempts to communicate in Lugandan - I certainly provided some comic relief for the day - we headed back to St Paul's house where I had arranged to meet Robert as I was asked to preach at the new fellowship group on the outskirts of Kyampisi (next blog page). 

Victory Church orphanage

Thursday morning saw Joeline and I drive to the petrol station at Kisaasi to fill up with some diesel prior to a short drive to Victory Church Orphanage, situated directly behind her parents beautiful home - where Peter and Joelne had their 'Introduction' last year. 

As Peter had left in a hurry he hadn't checked 'under the bonnet' of the ute before he flew to the United States. He asked Joeline to ask me to check it out before doing too much driving on this trip. 

To cut a long story short, about 45 minutes and 90,000 schillings later, we were on our way. The men checked water levels (in the radiator and battery), oil levels and radiator fluid levels. I might add, the water in the radiator was a soup of mud and red dirt. While I was happy to pay the money, it was a little frustrating as they probably didn't need to add fluid to some of these areas but did so anyway - trying to take advantage of a muzungu. 

On arrival at the Orphanage I was hit by the friendliness of the staff and children, not to mention the quality of the establishment - lovely facilities, lots of open spaces and a very inviting playground for children.  We enjoyed a tour with two couples from Wales who had been staying there for three weeks and who head up a UK ministry that supports the Orphanage financially. 

Following lunch together (Nile perch and kusuva) we drove the Welsh couples to Kyampisi for a quick tour.  We left the couples with Joeline so we (Robert and I) could drive to Naggaloma hospital to see Loy, a local girl who was admitted due to a severe case of malaria that is deteriorating very quickly. 

After speaking to the doctors and parents and praying over Loy, I asked Cockroach if I could pray over the other 10-12 children in the room - which was dark, had a cement floor, no curtains and not very 'homely' at all. 

I wasn't prepared for what I was about to see over the next 20 minutes - children with cancer, children with no ears and no eyes, children with significant loss of blood and any number of other health concerns such as malaria, typhoid and HIV. 

After driving back to Kyampisi church I preached at the usual Thursday afternoon Bible Study. I spoke from John 21 where Jesus asked Peter 'Do you love me?'and Jesus tells Peter to 'Feed my sheep' and 'Follow me'. 

Following Bible Study we drove back to St Paul's house for dinner and an early night.