Winding Down

Hi Everyone,

We are now at the Safari lodge...after an eventful trip...but first the last few days of our week.

One team went into Sanyu baby home and then had to negotiate the taxi park in Kampala. Think 200 vans parked so close together that you cannot walk between them...and everywhere else is people....and that is the taxi park. It's always an experience going there! The youth of our team did a great job leading 230 african children for a day of VBS on the life of Jonah.

Thurs, the youth went into Sanyu and another team went into the local prison to do care and compassion there..and have a football game. On Wed Pastor Paul did a one day church seminar for leaders...about 60 people attended and it drew rave reviews.

We had to keep our tuck ins in each children's home to a minimum on Thurs night as Wed night the girls home broke into tears because we were leaving soon. It's incredible the kind of bond you can develop with these kids in just two weeks. So THurs night was a quick good night to each home and we said our goodbyes as they went on their way to school. The girls home made cards to give to many of the team...beautiful cards that will remain keepsakes for many of us.

Fri we got up bright and early and started the long drive to Queen Elizabeth park for our safari and debrief. Our van blew a radiator hose on the way, but the drivers were able to fix it. Then the other van got a flat about 10km from the lodge....and a second flat the next day out on safari!

the lodge we are staying at is amazing....nicer than most places I've stayed at in Canada. I've never been here, so it was a nice surprise. It is located on the ridge where two lakes come together so the view is breathtaking. Across the lake you can see water buffalo, hippos, and sometimes elephants....it's quite surreal being in this kind of setting even though I've done it before. Our early morning game drive didn't reveal a lot of animals..but we went out on a boat in the afternoon ans saw elephants, crocs, water buffalo, and hippos up close...as well as a bunch of other smaller things...so that was fun. As I type, the team has gone back out before our late dinner to try and spot some lions which have been tough of late to see.

Our debrief time is not all just animals....the team has received 5 pages of debrief notes and lots of questions to start processing. We have met twice already and will meet one more time to discuss how this trip has changed our view of our world, ourselves, our country, our God, and anything else that comes up. If you think about it, please pray for us as we move to the 'mind work' part of our trip.

Tomorrow it's back up to Entebbe....a 9-10 hour drive...and sleepover night at a guesthouse there....and in the morning it's off to the airport to fly home.

looking forward to seeing you all soon.

Grace & Peace,

Scott