How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of the messenger who brings good news, the good news of peace and salvation, the news that the God of Israel reigns! (Isaiah 52:7 NLT)
James led us in devotion this morning. He was talking about how before we were born God knew that we would be here. It is not an accident. We bring forth the good news to those we come in contact with. We are climbing mountains everywhere we go, it's the people who do not yet know Christ that are the mountains. And how every step we take God is there to protect us.
Today we headed to prison. When Sue asked Stephen if we could vote someone to spend the night at the prison, he said he chose her. We had to wait a little bit, for they were getting things prepared for us to go in. We went into what we would consider a country jail. The people who were in there were for minimal crimes like stealing or fighting. We walked through this small door into a section that felt like a barn. The door leading to the courtyard area was a wooden door with the number count of people in which prison on it. We walked through a small door, and before us were about 50+ men all in yellow singing and clapping. It was a unique feeling walking through that gate and into the open area. There was a peacefulness that I can't explain. We took our seats at the front, and had the opportunity to say who we were and give a word of encouragement. Of all the things we have done thus far, this has been one of my favorites. We were able to bring them blankets, sugar, soap, and a few solar lamps. It truly was an honor to meet the faces that we have been praying for. We sang a song for them and they sang a song for us. It was a sweet time and I'm so glad The Lord have us the opportunity to experience that.
On the way to the market today, Haji decided to do donuts in the road. He's a nut. They have roundabouts and Hadji kept going around and around and around. The locals were looking at us like we were crazy. Its because we have a crazy bus driver. We headed back into the market to get some more items for our kids. It's always an adventure. I was looking for a backpack, there's not quite the selection like there is in the states. You have about 5 choices. Everyone was able to find what they were looking for except these little croc like looking sandals the kids wear. We went to a different little section to find them. While everyone was picking out these shoes, I was distracted by the cutest little baby. Then another man with a naked baby came up and said, "this baby is an orphan". When I asked how come, I think there was a language barrier for i got no answer. Instead he asked if he could have my number. Not sure how we got from orphans to numbers.....that was a fast turn in conversation. I politely said no I can't, though there's another language barrier because he went away laughing. I need to learn this language faster. The language barrier makes things a little uncomfortable at times and always confusing. I kept sue out of the street once again and off to Kyemba's house we went.
You have not experienced true hospitality until you have been to Kyemba's home. His wife..precious. They're family always welcomes you in as if its where you always belonged. When we pulled up they were wiping down the chairs and had everything ready for us. They sat us under a tree for shade, and asked us to take a seat. They're hospitality is humbling. Kyemba kept telling us to have another round of food. It was all so good, some of the best food since I've been here. Once everyone was done eating, his wife went inside to get a mat and walked over to this area to put it on the ground. Shortly after, a gaggle of children inhabited the mat. His wife grabbed a huge plate thing, piled it with food then set it among the children. Then she told them to wait, she came back with water to wash their hands. Stop it. They weren't even her children, they were her friends'. Not only did she feed us, she fed the sweet babies who live around her. This is something they always do. Chills. We got to see the well they use for water, and after we were treated to some sugar cane. She asked us if we could stay with them tonight. To have that heart. Where all you want to do is cater to people, expecting nothing in return. I hate to say goodbye to this sweet family, because my heart just wants to stay with them forever.
We finally said our farewells and loaded up to head to Phil's. I love those children, they have such a special place in my heart. Brenda grabbed me to come jump rope with the girls, boy did that wear me out! Apparently I walked away with 11 husbands and a child, they thought it was hilarious. Thank you jump rope game and communication barriers. Phil pulled up and asked Sue to come take pictures of the property in the back. Jaimie and I tagged along. Of course we found a gaggle and of course Jaimie scared them. We played a little Tarzan too! I swung from a vine, it felt like it could break any minute. Glad it didn't, though the kids would've gotten a kick out of that.
Our team said our farewells to the kids and we headed back to the Mum. The pastors were there to greet us. Since its our last night here, all the pastors joined us for dinner. I tell you they are the sweetest group of men and women. Their hearts for the gospel to be spread in this country is encouraging. I'm so blessed to have the opportunity to spend the month with them and see them at work. They love the children, they love the country, and they love this ministry. What a blessing. They have a great sense of humor too, I feel right at home. There hasn't been a day that's gone by that we haven't been continually laughing. Between Haji and Stephen, our abs have gotten the best workout. Haji and I sat at the end of the table and launched straw wrappers at people. I would prep the straw and Haji would launch it. We made a pretty good team. Haji was cracking up, for once the victim was hit he would act as if nothing happened. Of course not for long, for shortly after he would just crack up. He's still a kid at heart. Tonight was our teams last night in Iganga. Tomorrow we will head to Musana to meet Andrea then off to Kampala! The road home for the 8 of them will begin tomorrow. Prayers for safety traveling as they board the plan on Sunday night. We are sad that they are leaving, but excited for what The Lord has in store for the four of us these next two weeks!
-Liz
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