We
are in Uganda!!! As I write this we are on the bus headed to Gulu, about an 8
hour drive (depending on the road conditions). Everyone is doing well – a
little jet lagged as we acclimate to the 7 hour time difference after 30+ hours
of travel time. You can see the head bobbing on the bus as we take turns
falling asleep to the lull of the bus – those who are a little tired are taking
their “naps” only on the smooth sections of the road…some of us are just
passing out no matter how much swerving or bouncing the bus is doing J.
We
arrived a little after midnight last night in Entebbe and were met by our great
friend & driver, Andrew. He has been such a blessing over the past 10 years
through his steadfast friendship & commitment to making sure the team has
safe reliable transportation. We know we are home when we clear customs at the
airport and see Andrew’s smiling face.
After
departing from Raleigh early Monday morning we spent the day in NYC. Once we
arrived at JFK we rearranged our carryon bags in preparation for a day in the
city. While we were doing that a lady came over to speak to us. She had noticed
our shirts and wanted to know what we were going to be doing. We shared with
her about our trip & then she slipped some “seed money” as she called in
into one of our team member’s hand. She then shared with us about her 23 year
old son who had died a less than a year ago, showing us his picture &
talking about how he was sold out to God & serving others. He had gone on
several mission trips and was preparing for a military career when he died
suddenly of a heart attack. The love and tenderness in her voice was so sweet.
She was quick to share with us that although she missed him dearly she knows
that he is with his Lord and that one day there will be a great reunion when
she sees him again, for eternity. What a blessing it was to have this woman
share her son’s life with us, if for only a few minutes. It reminded us that
God is always in control, no matter what the storms of life may bring. “The He
arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, ‘Peace, be still!’ And the
wind ceased and there was a great calm.” Mark 4:39
We
went to ground zero to see the 9/11 Memorial but were disappointed that in
order to see it we would have to go to another location to purchase tickets
& then come back & wait in line to get in. Due to time constraints we
decided to have some pizza & head onto Time Square. Justin did a wonderful
job of getting us to where we wanted to go & back to the airport in time
for our flight onto Amsterdam via the NY subway system.
We
are in Gulu & finally getting settled in. We had a wonderful supper with
the Coggins & the Riegers, a quick review of the upcoming schedule of
activities, then off to bed. There will be much more to come, as our week of
activities unfold. This is the funnest, if there is such a word, part of the
trip – Seeing how much of our planned activities we actually do as we had
planned when God starts giving us opportunities we could not have anticipated
or planned for. Let the fun begin J
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