June 9th: Enchiladas on Sunday
12:22 PM
June 9th:
This morning Aidah made us chocolate chip banana muffins and they were every bit as good as they sound. We walked a few miles to church with Aidah. She goes to a church called Christian Life Assembly. It meets in a huge building and we were met on the way by a line of bodas, cars and pedestrians. Once we reached the church, we could hear the music playing and we were surprised to realize we knew the song, we ended up knowing all the songs in fact. The church was actually quite like churches I had been to in the states. We were lucky enough to catch an english speaking service. I loved every minute of the church service. Even though it was a similar set up to the services I typically go to, there was something about a community that had been through so much, finding their ultimate joy in the Lord. It was inspiring. I was also inspired to see that the church had a missions outreach in South Sudan. If you don’t know about South Sudan, they gained independence from Sudan in 2011 but are currently engaging in warfare both within the country and outside of the country over oil and other entities. The church is working on building up infrastructure as well as testifying to the people. A woman got up in front of the congregation right then and there and donated a motorcycle to help with transportation. In America, many times we feel that we have a white mans burden to take care of everyone else. I have learned that America definitely does have a role in helping internationally but also with the realization that we are not the only country that has the potential to make a difference. Africa helping Africa is a story that needs to be told more because it is a beautiful thing.
After church, Jenelle and I made our way around town to buy bus tickets for Kampala. Again, we needed to ask the locals how to get around and once again a sweet local came through for us. At one point we were surrounded by bodas asking us where we wanted to go. I am not sure if there is anything more overwhelming than eight men on motorcycles on all sides of you speaking a different language. Luckily, a woman came up and ended up walking us to the bus connection that we needed. Again, people are good and it is evident that the Lord is guiding our path. We paid a visit to Kimirongo market again to pick up our bags, only to find that the seamstress had left the province. Unfortunately we lost a few bucks in the process but you win some and you lose some. There is no use worrying over simple things like handbags.
We went back home to meet up with Lindsay and Anna. Aidah made the best bean and cheese enchiladas for dinner (Praise the Lord that we have an appetite again) and then we started packing for the trip back. We were able to do laundry which is a way bigger blessing than I can even convey to you. As I lay in bed, our backpacks are packed again and tomorrow morning we will wake up at 4 am and head back to Kampala. Our week in Rwanda, despite throwing up our guts, was fulfilling and full of adventure. So here is my shameless plug: If you are interested in a semester abroad, check out GoEd, they have programs in Rwanda and Mekong, Thailand (may I suggest Rwanda). I can guarantee you that you will fall in love with Kigali, and enjoy food from the wonderful Aidah (go-ed.org).
I am excited to head to Gulu on Tuesday which is where we will stay for the majority of the trip. And friends, I’m unsure of when my next chance will be to catch some wi-fi. If you are still reading this, I hope you’re enjoying the madness that is going on here in Africa. I’ll update you when I can, until then know that I appreciate the readers, your thoughts and your prayers.
“Our battered suitcases were piled on the sidewalk again; we had longer ways to go. But no matter, the road is life.” -Jack Kerouac
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