Staff Training

Today (Thursday) I remained at ECM headquarters for their staff training.  I was invited to sit in for the opportunity to learn more about the different projects in Uganda, specifically the Kampala area.  Those who attended were ECMs director (from the states), eleven Ugandan staff members, and myself.  It was very informative as I listened to them problem solve and discuss various topics.  The staff in Uganda works very hard to help better the lives of the children here.  Because I was a guest at their meeting I will not discuss any issues in detail.

We had chapati and bananas for lunch. Chapati is like fry bread and it is made by the villagers but you can get it many places. Yesterday I had a samosa, which is kind of like a flaky, fried triangle of bread stuffed with either meat or veggies. Mine had peas. Meals here are few and small but I bought a few boxes of water, a box of Rice Krispies, and I brought some protein bars so I'm all set. :)

Yesterday there were some female prisoners walking outside of the village with their guard and Resty recognized one woman from her church. She was arrested because she owns a shop and a teenage boy stole from her and instead of going to his parents or guardians, she caned him herself. That is now illegal in Uganda so she was arrested and put in jail for the next 3 years.  The jail is a small brick dwelling with barred windows. I can't even begin to imagine. Resty was very shook up when she found out. You know the saying, "It takes a village to raise a child?"  Well, since the beginning of time, that was true here...until now.

Tomorrow I will be heading back to Kampala to visit with the Karimojong people.  They are the poorest of the poor and rejected by society. Their homeland is about 8 hours away in karamoja land in the north.  There is some confusion as to why they migrate south because the government says they want to but the conditions they live in suggest otherwise.  It can take days to walk or they will travel by crouching under bus seats or holding onto the bottom of vehicles.  I will learn much more tomorrow.  It will be a long, hard day and I will need prayer.

It is so hard to remember everything I want to share on a daily basis and believe me, my words do not suffice.  I miss my family but I am hanging in there with the help of my savior.  I finally got to hear Ryan's voice this morning. I was able to purchase a cheap international phone and Kabule helped me figure it out.  It was finally charged this morning but it was midnight your time but I had to call him anyway. He answered and I had to fight the tears of joy. We are never apart and that is the hardest part.  He assured me that Maggie is doing great and I just know that her peace comes from God.  I will call her soon, but I have to say I'm a little afraid of hearing her voice.  It might send me over the edge.  I have heard from Brittany through texts and am so blessed by her love for me. I love her so much. Again, please keep commenting on my blog (I hate that word too, Ginger.  What is that all about?).   Hearing from you strengthens me on this journey.  Please, anyone, even folks I don't know, talk to me!  I'm assuming that those I have not heard from is because you can't post it.  Technology issues. Ryan said, "I wrote you so many things and it all erased."  :(.   I will say that there are a couple comments that show up in my menu and I was able to read them, but they do not show on the main blog so keep trying!  No such thing as a blog hog with me Matt.  I want to hear from you!!'

In conclusion, I have some distressful news about Rodney.  He showed up again last night so I captured him in a plastic container.  I just thought of it as his pet kennel.  I was going to put him outside in the morning to run around for exercise knowing that he could have run away.  But you know what they say, " if you love something - set it free....?   Well I was willing to take that chance BUT, when I went to check on him this morning he was gone.  His container (kennel) was put back and it was empty.  I tried asking the staff where he was and they seemed confused as to why I cared and as to whether or not they should tell me.  They had to wonder why I put him in a container in the first place.  So I kept saying, "no, I don't want him back.  I was just wondering where he was.  Not that I care because I don't because it really doesn't matter."  But I don't think they believed me.

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.     1 Thessalonians 5:16-18