November 13, 2011

This morning I woke up to French toast wonderfully prepared by our host Pam Porter.  I was shocked to see such a wonderful breakfast.  The food here really isn't bad at all.  I don't think there has been anything that I've really not been able to eat.  Lots of beans and rice, fruit, avocados, and peas, nothing to crazy so far.  In fact, it's all been really good.  Today was a down day because the hospital was closed.  And by closed, I mean the sick people were still there but no medical workers, the patients just kind of take care of themselves on Sunday.

This did give us a great opportunity to tour eastern Uganda a little.  I didn't know but Uganda has beautiful mountains, gorgeous water falls, huge lakes, and it's actually where the Nile river starts.  So today we went hiking up Sipi falls in a mountain range close to the border of Kenya. We rode the van up muddy streets on the side of mountain and I prayed more on that ride than I think I have ever prayed in car.  Actually, I'm quite terrified every time I get in a car in Uganda.  Eventually, we made it to the falls and it was worth it.  This place was amazing!  Looking out into the vastness, one could only assume a Great Creator.  We hiked for 2 hours through the mud and under and on top of the falls and it was awesome to say the  least. 

In the beginning of our hike a local boy named Peter started talking with me.  He was 13 and spoke really great English.  He immediately became my best friend that day and helped me up rock stairs and held my hand while we slipped through muddy paths.  I did find out later that he really just wanted money from me, but it was great talking to him about his culture.   He told me about the falls and the people who lived on the mountains, he taught me different types of plants and showed me coffee beans.  He said that where he lives they all go to church and he has always been a Christian.  I got to tell him about my wonderful church in America and what Jesus' life and death and new life, means to me.  Peter is still processing a lot through his faith, but it was a blessing to be able to chat with him.  I'm hoping to be able to get more opportunities to share my faith in Jesus and what He means to me with the people of Uganda.  I'm excited for whats to come. 
Tonight we've pretty much just been able to relax and hangout as a team.  We played some games (I won, lol).  It's so fun getting to know our team.  They are all so hilarious, I've laugh until I've cried or stopped breathing so many times already!  I am excited to see what the rest of this week has in store!