Thursday, July 17, 2008

home again

Well folks, sitting here posting this final blog concerning the trip to Uganda. So many memories and feelings come to mind, Especially the one feeling like I didn't do enough or make the best use of the time I was there. I don't think I was naive enough to believe that there wouldn't be some sort of letdown in returning, Just wasn't sure in what way that it would manifest. The Ugandan countryside is indeed very beautiful, the people were warm and very geniuine, and the suffering and lack is indeed very real. I feel like I was ministered to more than actually doing any ministering, and the people I was fortunate to come across have enriched my life in a way that's hard to describe. After experiencing this, the urging of the Great Commission takes on a greater dimension. What did I learn from this experience? That we all need love; Not only the kind shown to us by Christ on the cross, but the kind shown when we take time to involve ourselves in the lives of others, when we show that we genuinely care, and when we convey to other hurting, broken and scared people that they are not alone. It's not the highfaluting stuff that people desire to see out of us that are in the body, it's the very indicating of how much I am in need as the next man that conveys realness. In some ways I was shown how all that life in America offers can certainly be a hindrance to being continually dependent on Jesus; and to be blessed is only meant to indeed attempt to be a blessing to others. Coming to a realization of just how selfish I've been and become is not the most pleasant revelation in the world, but is certainly necessary to acknowledge in order for me to keep growing. Thanks to all who kept abreast of my goings on while I was overseas and for the prayers offered as well. Peace and Love, Peter

Tuesday, July 15, 2008

trying to get it right

what a sight

wade in the water

hungry, hungry hippos?

Murchison Falls


raging rapids of the Blue Nile

parting shots

Well, time is winding down as we finish up some loose ends and say our goodbyes to those we have been blessed by in our visit here. Parting in this case is far from sweet, but is indeed sorrow. It certainly is an ideal time to cast my cares upon Him, for He cares for me. Wanted to include some shots from the ride on the Blue Nile. Without a doubt, some beautiful landscapes (and waterscapes too!) Peace and Love, Peter

Monday, July 14, 2008

time waits for no one


Well folks, just got back from a very, very scenic journey. We visited Murchison National Park and Game reserve, where we had the opportunity to visit an absolutely gorgeous waterfall, as well as huge area where various wild animals reside (with the pictures to prove it!) I've finally visited both tributaries of the mighty Nile River and have been overwhelmed by another aspect of God's creative powers. Looks like we're heading for the States tomorrow, so certainly my heart is heavy with the realization of having to depart the African continent once again. I was once again beginning to feel so very much at home here, despite the outward differences that may be present. The time was indeed too brief, but hopefully some of the people of Uganda realize that the love of Christ indeed knows no geographic boundaries. I guess if you're gonna have something to be sad about, it should be something of a worthwhile nature. You realize that there was so much more you wanted to do (to help)but you try and do what you can. Perhaps this discontentment will lead to a return to this land of so much promise and so much suffering. Peace and Love, Peter

Saturday, July 12, 2008

try again


Pastor David's house

old-time assembly line

bricks for Pastor David's house

old-time assembly line

unloading bricks for Pastor David's house

kids time


children receiving gospel bracelets

newfound friend


visit to preschool in Kamwenge

village visit


gentleman suffering from elephantiasis

village visit

gentleman suffering from elephantiasis

something long overdue

Hey everyone, long time, no blog. Sorry it's been some days between entries, attempting to blog in Uganda is a little different from American fare. Between power outages and an unpredictable schedule(generally speaking) It's been difficult to get a finished entry out there. Enough of that part, hopefully here comes the good stuff. We were gone Tuesday and Wednesday to a village called Kamwenge and another place called Fort Portal. Both are relatively near the border of Uganda and the Congo. We are in Kampala, which is in the middle of the country, at the southernmost point, bordering Lake Victoria. In Kamwenge we visited families that GFR sponsors, as well as some that are living at a level of poverty that is hard for Americans to fathom. We were definitely away from the masses. One woman we came across was a widow from conflict going on in Uganda right now (military) she also had four children and no place to live. Hopefully GFR will allocate the resources necessary to provide some immediate help for her. Another village we visited had several people there who suffer from elephantiasis, which is very painful, but is relatively inexpensive to treat. So it was gratifying to be able to provide antibiotics for those in need. We visited two schools, one middle school, one preschool, both with stories that really touch your heart about the suffering that is not uncommon here. The second day in Fort Portal we visited a village that has been drastically affected by AIDS . There was a choir of over 125 kids who had lost both parents to the virus, singing to us about their experience, and minutes later singing about how they lowe Jesus! Talk about blown away! That particular day we were painfully made aware of how lack compared to resources was overwhelmingly imbalanced. You find yourself wanting to do more to help these people, who are a humble, grateful, and spiritual people. Yesterday we visited a mother who is blind and HIV positive with three children. You could see that even in the condition she is in, that the presence of the Lord is with her. Today's visit was the most gratifying so far. We went to an area known as Namyoya, where there is a pastor that GFR sponsors and a recently constructed church and pastor's home is located. A lot of children reside in this village, so really enjoyed the fellowshipping as well as helping with some of the construction work,(moving bricks) So nothing glamorous, but certainly necessary. Tomorrow(Sunday) we are going on safari in another region of the country. We will have the opportunity to visit the Blue Nile, and apparently the waterfall there is fabulous. I look forward to relaying what this experience will be like. Thru all the things that have happened here, truly God has been at work here. I feel like the people here have ministered to me more than the other way around. Until next time, Peter

Friday, July 11, 2008

Thursday, July 3, 2008

Greetings folks, This whole process is still taking some getting used to.(blogging, that is) We arrived in London , wednesday afternoon and have been here since then. We missed our connecting flight to Nairobi and had to wait till Thurs evening to find out this flight was overbooked. We are (supposedly) leaving Friday morning for Nairobi and (eventually Uganda) Not exactly thrilled at having to spend the extra time here at Heathrow Airport, but certainly it has been an excersize in patience and endurance and good cheer. Miss you guys greatly, hopefully I'll give an account when we get to our final destination. Peace and love, Peter

Tuesday, July 1, 2008

Well. the long awaited day has finally arrived! To paraphrase M. C. Hammer,... Uganda time!