Email from Kampala

This morning I received an email from Kampala that caused the tears to flow. Just wanted to share with everyone:

Dear Judy ,
Hullo Madam , my name is Jane Christine , we met at the Kingdom
Business Conference at pastor Bugembes Church in Kampala Uganda and i want to thank you for the
words of wisdom and knowledge you gave us . They are very valuable
.They pushed me many miles ahead .I am now trying to put them into practice
and i will succeed in Jesus's name .
Thank you once again
May the Lord God bless you abundantly,

Landed for the (kinda) last time

The group is back and landed in LAX. I know some Mzungus have more flights, but for the most part, they have made it home. Now that they've landed and have time to write about the trip, I ask you to please stay tuned! I know they're dying to share their adventures with everyone... just as soon as the jet lag goes away.

Thanks, God, for a safe trip!

Returned to London

The group is back in London after their flight. I received some pictures from Bill (no explanation of where they came from yet) but thought I would share them with everyone anyway!

Rockin' it with the bow!

Back at Nairobi Airport

I talked to Judy briefly this morning while they were waiting at the Nairobi airport. They're getting on a flight about 2:00pm PST and heading to London. It sounds like the safari was a blast and definitely needed since they were all pretty emotionally worn out from the teaching in Kampala and Nairobi. About 11 more hours and they'll be back in London!

Early morning text

I received this text at 2:01 this morning!

We have arrived at Mara Simba Lodge in the Kenya savannah. Already saw a hippo, croc, and lots of other animals as well as Masai tribe.

Now in Nairobi

Today we spoke to about 35 Kenyans, some who had driven over 6 hrs to get here. We taught for 5 hours and then met in groups based on particular interests for 4 more hours. For example, I met with 7 gentlemen interested in organic farming, a big potential in the Christian community in this part of Africa. The information exchange was tremendous. 35 Kenyans left with a new sense of hope and the knowledge that God had sent our team. We left with new friends and a lot of work to be done. We are all exhausted but exhilarated.

~Bill

Sunday in Kampala

The teaching conference was amazing--about 400 people showed up. We taught from 2-6pm. then, we had dinner with everyone and they lined up to talk to each of us.

It's heartbreaking how much these people want to work and have a better life. They have such limited opportunities--all the things that we take for granted, like school, libraries, the internet, seminars etc... are virtually non-existent for them. Yet, there is such a determination on their part and I believe that more than anything, we gave them hope and encouragement. They PLEADED with us to come back and to teach them more.

I think that Uganda has grabbed my heart and that I will return. We each seem to have found niches or market areas where we feel we can make a difference. So, I know that much good will come out of this.

I met so many women last night who kept hugging me and thanking me over and over for what we have taught them and the common refrain was "please come back--don't leave us--we need you". How can I not come back?????

Off to Nairobi at 3pm today.

Love,

Judy

Thoughts from Bill

Today I tramped thru the countryside visiting pig farms, chicken farms and a host of samll micro businesses that we have funded thru Pastor Bernard. I was covered with red mud as we traveled the dirt roads on foot, even fording streams by crossing on logs. Quite an experience for me. It was gratifying to see how these businesses have changed peoples' loves. We met with a pastor that we are supporting who now has a tv repair place. He can now support his family and pastor his church. He was thankful beyond words. it is both inspiring and humbling. I will return to Uganda!

Some tidbits from Ruth

The countryside is very lush with fertile red soil. The smell of diesel, people and cars going everywhere, pedestrians beware! People have very little yet are so very gracious. Those connected with church and projects that we support are so very appreciative that we have come and are very hospitable. They are more of a blessing to us that we are to them, I feel. The children are so very adorable.

Worship Night

Let me begin by thanking everyone for their prayers. Last night (Friday night) was a high point for me. I had the privilege of speaking to a packed house (around 800) people. The session began with great worship by various groups from both Uganda and the US. The praise was lively to say the least. At the end of my message the entire house broke into worship lead by their pastor Wilson. The singing was in Lugandan. Our group from the US couldn't understand the words but we were swept up the in atmosphere that thick with the presence of God. Today we begin the business training sessions and many here are looking forward to the teaching. The country is full of people desperately hungry to rise above the poverty and ignorance that holds them down. All of us feel greatly honored that we can have a little part in walking beside them on their journey.

Sincerely,

Pastor Bob

It is Thursday morning

Received at 1am last night!

The food here is fabulous. And the staff is so lovely. Lots of hugs all around. I love the people. This afternoon we meet with the Light the World Workers Union and will talk to about 30-40 folks who have written business plans. I read most of the plans this morning and they are very interesting. Ruth and I will coach and mentor the women. Bill and Bob are off with Pastor Martin (who lives here) and looking at his church and some of the businesses he has helped start. Tonight dinner at Ema's. I am terrified of getting in the cab again and driving around. You cannot imagine the traffic and the potholes and the small driving lanes and the craziness of it all. What an experience.

Thank goodness for about 7 hours of sleep.

Love to all of you. I am doing fine--as is all of us. Today should be really interesting.

In Kampala

The group is now landed and in the guest house in Kampala. Judy wrote some thoughts about her first impressions of the area:

1) Very green and lush
2) People very soft spoken and very nice and respectful--they laugh a lot
3) Huge rain storm this afternoon with lightening and thunder--really cool
4) Lots of fruit and veggies
5) I observed people talking and laughing outside along the streets in the market, stalls, etc... very social
6) I had rollers in my hair after showering and the girls who worked here thought that was really funny.

Shane is really excited about this week. Our taxi driver, Ema, will take us to his house for dinner tomorrow nite and we are told the whole village will show up and check out the mzungus.

That's all for now--I am brain dead and have lost my prescription glasses--must have left them on the plane. This should be fun! Love to everyone.

In Nairobi

Got a text at 8:50pm. The group has arrived in Nairobi! Next small flight to Entebbe, and then they will make their way to the Episcopalian Guest House.

Arrived in London!

Got a text earlier today, at around 11:15am our time, from Judy (who also doubles as my mom, so she better update me!) They made it to London safe and sound:

Here in London. Raining here but flight good. Leave for Africa tomorrow. More tomorrow.