Update from Uganda 7/23/09

It has been a long day but very blessed.

We started out in Entebbe after a night of rest with a few team members not feeling well. April and Dr. Cross, as of tonight, are doing much better. Thank you for the prayers. We drove to Jinja, which is about 3 hours away. Once we arrived we had lunch and then headed to a community center for women who are HIV positive. This was a great time.

We pulled up to a greeting of chanting and singing and dancing! As we entered the center, which was built by US AID the ladies entertained and welcomed us with more songs and dances. I only wish we had a video recorder as a number of team members where pulled up, had a sash tied around their waists, and then proceeded to shake it with the ladies in celebration. Dr Cross, Sue, Summer, Pam, Katie, Hank, Dr. Thorn, Rebecca, and Jody did us all proud. They simply celebrated with these women. And that was what struck me. Celebration. Jody shared tonight that when he heard from Edward we would visit this center he was thinking we did not have time. A lot was left to be done. Check in the hotel, sort medicine and supplies, buy other supplies. But he knew we needed to go. And we got to experience joy. Here these women are whose bodies are breaking down. Dying. And they were joyful for our visit. Joyful for another day. Joyful in the Lord. Wow. Just a great experience for the team. There are pics of the team dancing, so no worries.

Once all was sorted and purchased we relaxed and then had a time of worship. We sang and enjoyed communion together. I was very moved to be worshipping and preparing to serve tomorrow with my friends. Dr Cross shared with us about the name of God and its power and even read from the Hebrew. Powerful. It was emotional as he shared from God's word and how the name of the Lord is powerful and when we are sick or tired in the days ahead we can call on His name to sustain us. Truly a blessed moment. Thank Michael. Joey and Katie have done a fantastic job leading us in worship.

And finally we went to dinner at an Indian restaurant. Let it be said that some team members are not quite ready to dive head first into the culture when it pertains to food. Dewey entertained all by eating the eyes from the fish in his dinner. The looks on many young ladies faces was priceless!

And to some of our family we apologize, but a group of us got to experience a local custom I have been wanting to do since we first came in 2007. Therese, Clint, Jody, myself, Katie, Dewey, Laura, Katie, and Rebecca got to ride on a boda boda for dinner. It was awesome and all I thought it was. Driving through town at night on the back on a motorcycle is as exciting as it sounds!! Don't be made.... The drivers did a great job!! And I got pics!!!

Well it is off to bed. Tomorrow we drive 1 and a half hours to the village of Mayuge to set up the first clinic. Everyone is ready to hit the ground running. Continue the prayers. It will be a long day and a busy day, but also very blessed!

I must say you should be proud of you family or friend on this team. Everyone is ready and willing to help or do whatever needs to be done. A sense of community has already developed. I am honored to be among them.

We did not get to the building today or visit the board. That is being saved till Sunday and the dedication. It is killing me!! The ceremony being planned is big. This building is a huge deal in town. I cannot wait to get there!

Tall to you tomorrow. God bless you!

CRT