End of the week in Ddwaniro

It’s just after 4 p.m. here in Ddwaniro. We’ve had a typical day (meetings in the morning, visiting local home groups and churches in the afternoon). Our meeting this morning was an important one. The water engineer and the District Chief met us at 9 a.m. to look at a spring well the community told us about. It’s currently drought season and there’s almost no water. My teeth are gritty right now from the dust that blew into the car as we rode around today. So this natural spring well is a big deal. We are looking into possibilities of partnering with the community and local government to put in a submersible pump which will transfer water up to a tank and gravity feed water to the community. We originally were researching drilling a bore hole (well) near the school but found out there was a well right in town. Having not heard of it before, we asked to see it. They didn’t tell us about it because the pump was not functioning and they said the water was bad anyway. Being problem solving Americans, we disassembled the pump and after an hour of borrowing a bicycle mechanics tools and tinkering, we got water to come out. We felt like heroes. The water is very clear but probably hard. We’re getting it tested along with the other spring well tomorrow to make sure it’s safe. The functioning bore hole gives us some time to look into better solutions, like the gravity feed system.

We’re getting good at preaching. Pastor Geofrey has us out in the community every afternoon. We speak to the people and pray for them. We’re always given seats of honor and showered with gifts when we leave. Today, we received a live chicken, a basket of eggs, 6 bottled waters and about 8 avocados. Then, just before finally leaving, a bunch of bananas. These people are so hospitable and gracious, I can’t describe it. I’m embarrassed to think of any of them visiting the U.S. We don’t have a clue how to entertain guests.

This church we visited today was next to a huge lake called Lake Edward. They said we could go swimming and we took them up on it. So today, we swam in a massive lake surrounded by mountains in Africa. Too awesome to describe.

The work with Glory of Christ is going exceptionally well. Though there are plenty of challenges, the vision is being understood and embraced. I’m especially thankful for Pastor Geofrey who each day demonstrates true servanthood and leadership. The other day he was telling me that we must make sure that the money gets to the community and not to things like transportation costs for leaders. And concerning the overextension of the school’s budget (meaning teachers don’t get paid), after hearing the idea of reducing the number of children at the school, he said, “No, we must save these children. If they suffer, we suffer with them.” He’s a good guy.

This place is magical. They have much to teach us and my prayer is that we can help them meet their basic needs without removing an ounce of joy.

Saturday, we take the day off and are planning on a Boda Boda cruise. We’re renting motorcycles from locals and heading to Sango Bay. Can’t wait!

Thank you all for praying. It matters.