I’m here! After another 8 hour flight I arrived in Uganda at 8 am on Friday. I had a scare that only half my luggage would arrive (especially after what is happening with B.A. at Heathrow) but after some waiting I spotted my second box.
Jeff and Shannon (link) picked me up and took me into Kampala, the capitol and largest city. They showed me around a bit, took me to the only mall (Garden City), and I bought some food for the next day or two. We then dropped Shannon off at an orphanage that she volunteers at and headed to the ten acres, where I would be staying. The car ride from Kampala to Mpigi is about 45 minutes.
After I got settled, Jeff, the boys and I took motorbike taxis into town. I was shown the market, the supermarket, and we met up Jay, a friend who has a guitar workshop there. We came back, had some dinner and I slept very well for my first night..
The rest of the weekend consisted of going back to Kampala to pick up supplies for the team that is coming in a couple of weeks, meeting people around where I am staying, going to church on Sunday, actually preaching at church on Sunday, saying goodbye to Jeff and the kids, and spending the afternoon eating and talking with Michael, who started the church and the community projects here.
I realize that this description is very vague. I have trouble spending any more time on it. However, I thought I would, instead, give some impressions and tell a couple of stories.
The first think I noticed after leaving the airport is that everyone is outside, walking at the roadside, in open air markets, and it really gives a greater sense of community. When I tell people here that most people spend their time inside in Canada they don’t believe me. The closest thing I can describe it as is Granville Street on a Saturday night (minus, of course, the alcohol and the police). It is just that feeling of people everywhere. I will try to take a picture next time I am in the city...
Another thing I am getting used to is the concept of time. Everything is much slower here. Jeff was shocked when a local plumber came the next day to fix a leak in the sink. When I asked someone about when we should meet, they said, “Monday afternoon.” I wanted to clarify. I replied, “When Monday afternoon?” He said, “Monday afternoon.” Well, alright. Monday afternoon it is.
I am overwhelmed by the children. There are over 50 orphans here and they are consistency curious about everything that I am doing. Some are beginning to learn English. However, most cannot say more than their name. But, they rarely have any time with adults. So, although we cannot communicate, I am beginning to realize that just being with them is enough.
I will try to post more pics next time (I always am forgetting to take pictures). Here are a few of the 10 acres and my residence.
More to come…
Saturday, April 26, 2008
A Weekend In
fraser Saturday, April 26, 2008
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The guest house looks good all painted! Jeff had some insecticide powder that he was attacking the ants with last year...although it's pretty much a losing battle no matter what you do. Just consider them extra protein;)
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