Thursday, November 2, 2006
Yesterday marked 2-month anniversary, and it seems in many ways to have gone by quickly. It is hard to believe that we are still not in our home, though we see how God has used the time in the guesthouse to guide and direct us. We have accomplished very little by our American standards, but know that God is shaping us and preparing us for ministry.
We have learned a lot and have been surprised by many things, even though I had been here before. We had been warned of culture shock during our training at MTI, but had expected that it would take longer to hit us. We were told that we would have a “honeymoon period” where everything would be exciting and fresh. It has mostly been difficult and frustrating to make the adjustments. Some examples: driving is very difficult, and it can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 1 hour to get to Makerere University, which is only 6 miles away. Driving is very stressful because of the traffic, taxis, and boda-bodas (scooters), combined with bicycles, people, and many potholes. When someone, especially the taxis, gets impatient, they form a new lane of traffic. So it is not uncommon to see vehicles four abreast on a two-lane road. Efficiency is not a word that you could use frequently here. It takes many hours to get anything done. The other big shock has been the cost of living here. Most items are at least twice as much as in America. For example, gas is over $4/gallon, a box of cereal is over $5, and a can of shaving cream $6. The most expensive things are internet service and cell phones. Internet service (dial-up) is $70/month and cell phones cost about 15 cents/minute to use. Airtime is purchased in $10 increments and people run out all the time, so they ask to use your phone, or they will call you and immediately hang up signifying that you should call them back. (It is free to receive calls.)
I did discover that ESPN Sports Center comes on every Sunday at 1:00 pm local time and I can get college football highlights from Saturday. We found a place to get ice cream cones that cost only about $1.50. I have learned my way around fairly well so that I can drive most places without getting lost. We are enjoying the climate and adjusting quickly to life without air conditioning. It is the rainy season, though, and not as warm as it will be in a couple of months. Our boys’ school is excellent and they are all doing well and seem to like it (well, as much as young boys can like school).
We visited a church at Kampala International University (KIU) on Sunday for the first time and really enjoyed it. There were about 500 students in attendance and they were from several countries including Uganda, Kenya, Congo, Sudan, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Zambia and probably others. We are seeking God as to where we are to focus our many ministry opportunities. We also have an opportunity to work with a local mission in training national pastors. I still believe that a major focus is supposed to be on developing economic opportunities so that the local people can have money to live life. It is such a struggle here for many, and poverty is rampant. I have met others who are also concerned and we are seeking the Lord on how to proceed.
We are still waiting to move into our house. Other than the last 3 weeks we spent in Niceville in June/July while we were packing up our home, we have been living out of suitcases since the end of May and are really ready to be settled into a home.
We supposedly will get our work permit application stamp tomorrow, which will allow us to get our container and move into our home. Tomorrow is also the last day that we can stay in the guesthouse because others with prior reservations are arriving tomorrow. We may be sleeping on the floor for a night or two, unless God works a miracle and we get everything done tomorrow.
We have had so many delays throughout our time here, but see God’s hand in all of it. He has used the delays to protect us, give us relationships with other missionaries, lead us to ministry opportunities, and purify/prepare us for ministry. God has reminded us often to wait upon Him and see Him accomplish His will and purpose. We have had to dig deeper into God’s Word to seek Him and His direction. We have an especially difficult and trying week but cannot share all that has gone on. We just ask that you would pray that we would find God as we seek Him with all of our heart, and that He will make His way clear. We need discernment and wisdom about many things.
Yesterday marked 2-month anniversary, and it seems in many ways to have gone by quickly. It is hard to believe that we are still not in our home, though we see how God has used the time in the guesthouse to guide and direct us. We have accomplished very little by our American standards, but know that God is shaping us and preparing us for ministry.
We have learned a lot and have been surprised by many things, even though I had been here before. We had been warned of culture shock during our training at MTI, but had expected that it would take longer to hit us. We were told that we would have a “honeymoon period” where everything would be exciting and fresh. It has mostly been difficult and frustrating to make the adjustments. Some examples: driving is very difficult, and it can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 1 hour to get to Makerere University, which is only 6 miles away. Driving is very stressful because of the traffic, taxis, and boda-bodas (scooters), combined with bicycles, people, and many potholes. When someone, especially the taxis, gets impatient, they form a new lane of traffic. So it is not uncommon to see vehicles four abreast on a two-lane road. Efficiency is not a word that you could use frequently here. It takes many hours to get anything done. The other big shock has been the cost of living here. Most items are at least twice as much as in America. For example, gas is over $4/gallon, a box of cereal is over $5, and a can of shaving cream $6. The most expensive things are internet service and cell phones. Internet service (dial-up) is $70/month and cell phones cost about 15 cents/minute to use. Airtime is purchased in $10 increments and people run out all the time, so they ask to use your phone, or they will call you and immediately hang up signifying that you should call them back. (It is free to receive calls.)
I did discover that ESPN Sports Center comes on every Sunday at 1:00 pm local time and I can get college football highlights from Saturday. We found a place to get ice cream cones that cost only about $1.50. I have learned my way around fairly well so that I can drive most places without getting lost. We are enjoying the climate and adjusting quickly to life without air conditioning. It is the rainy season, though, and not as warm as it will be in a couple of months. Our boys’ school is excellent and they are all doing well and seem to like it (well, as much as young boys can like school).
We visited a church at Kampala International University (KIU) on Sunday for the first time and really enjoyed it. There were about 500 students in attendance and they were from several countries including Uganda, Kenya, Congo, Sudan, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Zambia and probably others. We are seeking God as to where we are to focus our many ministry opportunities. We also have an opportunity to work with a local mission in training national pastors. I still believe that a major focus is supposed to be on developing economic opportunities so that the local people can have money to live life. It is such a struggle here for many, and poverty is rampant. I have met others who are also concerned and we are seeking the Lord on how to proceed.
We are still waiting to move into our house. Other than the last 3 weeks we spent in Niceville in June/July while we were packing up our home, we have been living out of suitcases since the end of May and are really ready to be settled into a home.
We supposedly will get our work permit application stamp tomorrow, which will allow us to get our container and move into our home. Tomorrow is also the last day that we can stay in the guesthouse because others with prior reservations are arriving tomorrow. We may be sleeping on the floor for a night or two, unless God works a miracle and we get everything done tomorrow.
We have had so many delays throughout our time here, but see God’s hand in all of it. He has used the delays to protect us, give us relationships with other missionaries, lead us to ministry opportunities, and purify/prepare us for ministry. God has reminded us often to wait upon Him and see Him accomplish His will and purpose. We have had to dig deeper into God’s Word to seek Him and His direction. We have an especially difficult and trying week but cannot share all that has gone on. We just ask that you would pray that we would find God as we seek Him with all of our heart, and that He will make His way clear. We need discernment and wisdom about many things.
posted by Ironside Tribe at 5:51 AM
3 Comments:
So good to read your latest update. We love you guys and miss you very much. I hope you all get settled into your house very soon. It is hard not having a place to call "home." I'm glad the boys are enjoying their school. I know you all will find your place there in ministry soon, God will make it very evident to you in His timing. I think of that choir song we did once Pamela, "He's An Ontime God".
Larry's preaching a series on heaven on Sunday nights, he informed me that there would be no beaches in heaven, scripture says "....and there was no more sea.." I was sad. :o(
Kevin,so, you're able to get some sports updates there, huh......Tenn plays LSU this wk end I think, not sure who I want
to lose that game. I just hope we can come up with a game plan to beat Miss State this Sat. Been a pretty disappointing season, lost a couple of games we should have won.......wha, wha.......oh well, it's just football, right??
Just wanted to say a quick hello. Tell the boys hello and give them a hug from me.
Love, friend in T-Town
We are standing with you, knowing that God has promised to never leave you or forsake you. He has marvelous plans to prosper you and not to harm you. We pray that He will reveal those hopeful plans for your future SOON! :) Usually, the process is not so fun but is more important than the end result. We love you and miss you tons!
Wonderful to read your update - thank's for such a lovely update - and your real update!! May God bless you and grant you patience during this adjustment. Im sure your family is an inspiration to many! Press on!
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