jubilee missions

July 6, Monday

This morning we left earlier than usual about 8:30 because we had to very far. Peter rented us a jeep four wheel drive and a driver to take us on some very rough roads. We had 7 people so Peter and I sat on the third seat. The seat was next to the floor so our knees were up higher than our waists. The back of the seat was lower than my shoulder blades. Since the seat was so low, I sat on my Bible and Jason’s pack and Peter sat on a box of Bibles. We drove for four hours around the mountain we went up yesterday. We traveled through different tribal areas including this tribe that are cattle ranchers. They don’t have cowboy hats or horses but they do tend to small herds of cows. Peter said another tribe from Kenya crosses the border and steals their cows and sometimes kills the owners. We passed several military encampments. The government has stationed troops out here to protect the ranchers from cattle rustlers. The soldiers are on foot just like the Ugandan cowboys. We drove through grassland that was thick with thorny bushes and trees which reminded me of south Texas ranchland and also West Texas desert scrub brush.

We left the pavement about one hour into the drive and continued on the dusty, dirt roads. For about an hour the road wasn’t too bad but then we started the ascent up a steep, twisting mountain road. The four wheel drive barely made it up in some places because the roads were washed out. At one washed out area there were several men just standing there. This was in the middle of no where, miles from the nearest village that we could see. I felt a little uncomfortable as did some of the others, so we rolled up our windows and prayed. The jeep made it up to the other side but had we been in the van we wouldn’t have made it. The scenery was gorgeous so we hung out of the windows trying to get pictures of the mountains and the road we were using.
From a distance we could see the winding, dirt road zigzagging up the mountain and then in a while we were on that road. It took us at least an hour or two to get up that mountain road! We stopped once to let the jeep cool off because it was such a strain for it going up those steep inclines.

When we got to the village of Bukwo the scenery opened up into scenic vistas of cultivated land up the slopes of the mountains to the tops. Wow! This village is closer to Kenya that it is to Kapchorwa, where we were yesterday. Peter was in phone contact with the pastor of Bukwo Baptist Church so when we got into the village, he met us on his motorcycle and led us to the church. The church is up on the side of the slope of the mountain and we could see it from a distance. The road up to the church was only a steep cow path and we had to stop once to let the cows pass by us.

At the church the pastor thanked us in such a sincere, humble way that it brought tears to our eyes. We did the usual order to inaugurate and dedicate the church after Kemper and Jason spoke. All present indicated they were already saved so Jason’s sermon was to encourage them to go out and tell others about Jesus.

When we left this church, the pastor and another man, rode the motorcycle ahead of us to lead us to the second church, Chepkwesta Baptist Church. It was also on the side of another mountain slope. We could see it from a distance also. Again the scenery was lush shades of green all the way up the mountain slopes. There were more people to greet us here. The women and children were frightened because they had never seen a muzungu (white person) before. At first they wouldn’t shake hands and some even ran away. Gradually they came to trust us enough to shake hands. Then we brought out the digital cameras and they were fascinated by seeing themselves. After visiting outside for a while,
everyone went inside for the ceremonies and preaching. All here also indicated they were already saved. Praise God! After the service we went to the pastor’s home for some lunch. It was about 3:30 and we were hungry. The ladies and men sang blessings over us as the walked in procession ahead of us to the door. At the door they continued singing blessings over us as we entered the house. They served us rice, chicken and chapatti and sodas. There was a gray cat that belongs to the family that made friends with us while we ate. I think Kemper fed the cat because it stayed at his feet. The food was delicious except Jason said the chicken was very tough. I didn’t eat any chicken so I’m not sure if all of it was tough.

The air was cool and crisp up here in the mountains. About 4:30 we started the return trip up and down the mountainous road. A few times the jeep didn’t want to go up the steep incline, so the driver had to stop and down shift before proceeding. I had prayed about the place where the washed out road was because of the men that were there this morning. When we passed that way this evening, they weren’t there. We stopped for a short call (to urinate) by some bushes along the road. It felt good to stretch our legs because we had been in the jeep a couple of hours cramped and bouncing along. It didn’t rain today or even have heavy clouds, but there was a rainbow in the sky when we stopped. This is the second day in a row that we’ve seen rainbows. Thank you, Jesus.

As we descended from the mountains onto the rift valley below, the air was warmer and the vegetation was less dense and lush. We continued on the dusty roads for hours. Jason would signal us with a countdown when a vehicle was approaching, so we would roll up the windows before the cloud of red dust caused by the passing vehicle filled ours. After about 4 hours in the cramped jeep with only one pit stop, we reached Mt. Elgon Hotel in Mbale Town. Thank you Jesus! I was so glad to get out of that vehicle! My knees hurt when I stood up after having them in one position for so long. After walking around a while the soreness and stiffness left.

We ate supper in the hotel. I order spaghetti with pesto sauce, peanuts and olive oil. It came without the oil or peanuts and very little white sauce not pesto sauce. Service in Uganda is different than in the US to say the least. I ask the waitress to bring me the oil and peanuts and I would add them to my spaghetti. She never returned so I talked to the manager and he had her bring out olive oil and peanut gravy. I’ve never eaten peanut sauce on spaghetti but I was hungry so I ate it.

Thank you Lord, for keeping us safe on those dangerous roads and for letting us help those two churches build their buildings. I praise you, Lord, for allowing me to be part of your work here.

July 5, Sunday

I thank God for a good night’s sleep and energy this morning. I spent some quiet time reading outside in the courtyard before breakfast and talked with a man who works here who isn’t saved buy wants to be saved this year. I asked him about today, but he was busy working and moved on to the next table that he needed to clean. The breakfast buffet is awesome each morning. Afterwards we usually have about 30 minutes to rest and get ready to leave. This morning we were waiting on a man from Iganga to bring us some more signs, so everyone except Jason and Peter took a walk to Mt. Elgon National Park Headquarters, which is only a couple of hundred yards from the hotel. We asked about the park, fees, etc. We also bought some nature posters.
The subjects were gorillas, birds, animals of Uganda, lion, mountains and waterfalls.

About 11 a.m. we drove up the mountain to the town of Kapchorwa to Rift Valley View Baptist Church. The church was down the hill so we had to park the van and walk down to it. The church yard was fenced with bamboo fencing. The people were singing when we arrived. We had the regular agenda of singing, introductions, praying, preaching, dedication and inauguration. The Holy Spirit was present here and although all were already saved, when Jason preached about repentance of any sin that is separating you from more of God. He called people forward to kneel and repent which everyone did. Glory to God!!

After the church service we followed a pastor of a Pentecostal church that SOK is considering helping with their building. He rode his motorcycle and we followed in the van. We drove past the pavement onto the rough dirt road. We drove around the ruts and holes going from side to side on the road. Peter asked Pastor Philemon, who was riding with us, a couple of times how much further because we were low on fuel. We kept driving and saw wonderful views of more mountains, valleys, waterfalls, and mountain streams. The scenery was breathtaking but the road was perilously close to the edge at times. Then it started to rain and Peter decided to turn around. The people were waiting in the church but Peter said if we continued we wouldn’t be able to get back to the hotel today. The mud slick roads would prevent us from coming back up the side of the mountain and we would run out of gas. The van isn’t a four wheel drive and the soil is very slick when it is wet. As we started our return trip, the van was sliding from side to side as it worked to go up the steep hills. Several times the back of the van slid around and almost passed the front. Needless to say we were all praying and even singing to the Lord. Peter drove very cautiously and slowly as the van inched its way back up the mountainous road. I was singing, ‘rejoice in the Lord always and again I say rejoice.’ When I sing that song, fear has no power over me! Beverly was singing, ‘this is the day the Lord has made’. Finally the rain stopped so the roads weren’t as slick. After about 30 minutes we got back to the pavement in the town of Kapchorwa. Thank you, Jesus for your angels that guided our van safely on those bad roads.

Since we hadn’t eaten lunch and it was already 5 p.m. we stopped at Noah’s Ark Hotel restaurant and ordered supper. It rained while we were there and we saw a rainbow. In the restaurant the TV had a show about a witch doctor doing his magic! Yuck! It was also on very loud, so Beverly and I went outside. We visited with the watchman, who is saved. He showed us the pictures of his wife and children. We also looked at some of the rooms, because I may stay there in the future after the team leaves. I ate French fries, chapatti and some water. After about an hour we started down the mountain on a paved road without rain. On the ride down the angle of the sun made the cliffs and ridges light up and the waterfalls were also more illuminated. We took lots of pictures on the way down. Peter stopped so we could take pictures at Sipi Falls.

We arrived back at Mt. Elgon Hotel about 7:30 p.m. We have been looking at each others pictures and visiting with Kemper about the spiritual realm. Tomorrow we will leave early, so
we need to get more sleep tonight.

Thank you, Lord for an awesome day and for the safety you gave us during the dangerous ride up the mountain roads.

July 4, 2009, Saturday

This morning I heard the birds singing before the sun rose but I chose to stay in bed until 8 a.m. again. After breakfast Beverly and I enjoyed taking pictures of the gorgeous flowers and plants in the courtyard of the hotel. We could see the waterfall coming down from the top of Mt. Elgon mountain in the hazy morning distance. The morning was already getting hot by 9 a.m. Marie had a headache so she stayed in the hotel today. We went up the same mountain road today. The vegetation here is so lush especially compared to the dried and brown vegetation that I’ve looked at for years back home. I never get tired of looking at the scenery.

We turned off the pavement around the Sipi Falls area and traveled up, down and around curves on red dirt roads for a few miles. We realized if it rained we wouldn’t be able to navigate the roads back out. The mountain slopes and distant ridges are littered with huts and terraced with gardens. We could see down the steep cliffs to the rift valley below. We arrived at Kabeywa Baptist Church right before noon. We took photos of the new SOK church and then realized they put the wrong name on the church. They put Mountain View Baptist Church. We had singing by the school children that use the church building for a school during the week and singing by the church choir. The church choir from the neighboring Pentecostal church also sang a couple of songs for us. The men played bow harps (musical instruments). There was a large bass one that was also used as a drum and then two smaller ones. The music is very soothing. The cool crisp mountain air was delightful and the presence of the Holy Spirit was in this place.
I wanted to stay there all day.

After the introductions of local and church officials, the team was introduced. Kemper and Jason spoke and then we went outside for the ribbon cutting ceremony. The prayer of dedication and inauguration followed inside the church. Then Beverly got to give a testimony and I taught about God’s love followed by teaching them the ‘I’m a friend of God’ song in English and Lugandan. We concluded with more singing after which the Pastor invited us to his house for food. We walked toward the house which wasn’t far from the church and Peter moved the van. However, he didn’t see where we went, so he kept driving and got lost from us. We had stopped at a school yard to play with the children. Kemper and Jason growled at them and chased them, while Beverly and I spoke with the chairman. He pointed out Mt. Elgon in the distance and said we weren’t far from Mt. Elgon National Park which has wild animals. We never have had time to go to the park in the past and probably won’t this time either, but the views from the top of this mountain where we were standing were breath taking. I’ve decided I’d rather live in the mountains than on the islands. I will be back here in a week or two to teach and show the film.

As we walked to the pastor’s house, we went past an outhouse that had an American flag draped over the thatch wall (it doesn’t have a roof). Beverly and I stopped when we saw that flag. She hung the flag properly and I took a picture. This was our 4th of July celebration in Uganda!!

The pastor served us sodas and cookies, then the main course of peas, matooke and chicken. We ate and visited and Peter never came. When we finished eating some one called Peter and located him so he drove back. I can’t quite figure out why he would have driven far from us because we were just walking. I don’t know the whole story. Jason wanted some avocados from the tree behind the pastor’s house, so one of the men climbed the tree and picked a bag full for us. When Peter returned to pick us up all the food was gone so he only got a soda and some cookies. Two ladies got a ride with us down the mountain road to the paved road. Again my eyes feasted on the beauty of God’s creation. What an awesome day! The ride back to the hotel took almost two hours but I rested while listening to my music on my mp3 player.

We arrived back at our hotel by 5 p.m. which is the earliest we have finished in several days.
Marie had a good day and is rested now without a headache. There was some discussion about where to eat supper. Sunrise is cheaper but this hotel has a better variety. When we found out there is a buffet here tonight that is cheaper than ordering from the menu, the group decided to eat here.

I’m able to journal earlier than 10 p.m. tonight so that will enable me to go to bed earlier than the last several nights.

God is good all the time and today has been especially delightful.

July 3, Friday

This morning I slept until almost 8 a.m. because I stayed up late journaling and emailing last night. Breakfast here is the best with many choices: eggs, bread, potatoes, sausage, pineapple, cereal & milk, cooked tomatoes, juices, tea and coffee. I enjoyed eggs, bread, pineapple, juice and tea.

We left the hotel at 10 a.m. and stopped in at the market in town for Jason to buy some balls for the children. While he was shopping we ladies looked at some of the items for sale on the sidewalk. A Moslem man wanted Beverly to take his picture but her camera wasn’t working right. We had walked away when the man called us back to take the picture again. We had a conversation about Jesus and another very tall, large man came up who is Catholic. He said the other man was his brother and he’d been telling him about Jesus. The first man wasn’t really interested in hearing about Jesus so we were about to walk away when I noticed Kemper walking toward us. The spiritual atmosphere was very demonic but when Kemper was walking up, the demons were fleeing. Shortly afterwards Jason arrived with the balls so we left.

We drove out of Mbale on the road toward Kapchorwa to our first church. The drive up the winding mountainous road was very scenic with waterfalls off the cliffs and the rift valley in the distance. After about two hours we arrived at Tubani Baptist Church built in honor of Sam Bryson of San Antonio. Sam, a SOK, worker put the signs on the outside of the church while we waited for people to arrive. It has been raining for the last few days, so the people in the villages are in their gardens planting. There was a group of about a dozen dirty, raggedy clothed children and a half dozen men and women present when we arrived but more arrived later. We gave the children some cross necklaces and took lots of pictures. Beverly visited with the ladies and Marie gave the children pencils and paper and had them sitting down and writing. After awhile we had about 40 people present for the dedication and inauguration. There was singing, praying and introductions before Kemper and Jason spoke. All adults present indicated they were already saved. Then we went outside where Kemper cut the ribbon and prayed. After that we went back inside with more singing and celebrating.

The second church was reached after traveling on some rough roads. The people had been waiting for us so we arrived to the sound of singing and drums. Bulegen Bapist Church was built by Riverside Church. The people had been meeting in a nearby home for church so they were very happy to have a building now. Since the people were already inside waiting for us we didn’t have time to interact with them like we did at the previous church. The same procedure was followed: singing, praying, introductions, preaching, ribbon cutting, dedication, and inauguration. All here also indicated they were already saved. Glory to God!

Before we left Beverly and I went to the outhouse. I praise God for protecting me. As I placed my feet on each side of the hole, the dirt and sticks on the left side caved in and my foot went between the logs. Somehow my foot stopped and I didn’t even fall down. As I brought my foot up, praise God, I didn’t even lose my sandal. The pastor walked up to tell Beverly that this one wasn’t good to use just as I recovered my balance. Thank you Jesus. This is the second miracle. When we arrived at the Triangle Hotel, a couple of nights ago, the hall lights were very dim with only one light burning. As I was walking down the hallway, I didn’t see a step of about 10 inches so I stumbled down. Praise God! I didn’t fall or hurt my foot or ankle! Psalm 91:11-12 “For He shall give His angels charge over you, to keep you in all your ways. In their hands they shall bear you up, lest you dash your foot against a stone.” Thank you, Jesus for keeping my body from injuries.

We drove on the rough road to the third church, Kibembe Miracle Center Church, a Pentecostal church. This church is in need of help to complete their building. They have mud walls, dirt floor and a tin roof. SOK will plaster the walls inside and out with concrete, put in a concrete floor, put in windows and doors and paint it. Peter and Kemper explained what SOK does and what their responsibilities will be. They will take care of the orphans of the village, they will assist with the construction, they will feed the workers that SOK sends and their own people and none of them will get paid any money for working. They agree to use the building as a church to worship God, Jesus and Holy Spirit and to learn, teach and keep the Ten Commandments.
They agreed to these conditions so the next step is Kemper will look in the US for a sponsor to send the money for the materials for the construction and he explained this could take months or even a year. The people were very excited and appreciative of our offer and our visit. We didn’t stay long at this church because it was time to start back to our hotel in Mbale. We took a different way down the mountain. The unpaved road was rough with steep switchbacks and the scenery was breathtaking. We saw two more waterfalls as we went down. We stopped once to take some pictures before we got to the bottom of the mountain road.

By 6:15 we were at the Sunrise Hotel to eat supper. Tonight I had fried fish and French fries with a bottle of water. Everyone seemed a bit quieter tonight because we were all tired and hungry. During the day we only ate some of our snacks in the van for our lunch and most of us didn’t drink much water because of the lack of toilet facilities. I plan to go to bed early tonight after journaling and sending my emails.

What a blessed day we had. We visited three churches and got to worship God with three different groups of people. We had beautiful scenery, safety, good food and a good place to sleep tonight. Thank you, Lord for everything.

July 2, 2009, Thursday

This morning we enjoyed our breakfast of eggs, toast, fruit, juice and tea with a view of the lake. I took pictures of the scenery, birds and the hotel swimming pool. We loaded the van by 10 a.m. and then bought some malaria pills at a pharmacy in Jinja. Peter drove us to Bugagali Falls on the Nile River. While Marie, Beverly and I enjoyed looking at the falls and taking pictures, Kemper was doing spiritual warfare. Jason witnessed to two men who got saved today and as we left they were telling their friends about Jesus. Hallelujah! Glory to God!

Then we went back to the Source Café where we ordered lunch and then shopped while waiting for it. I bought some earrings, bracelets, carved animals and bookmarks. I quickly ate my lunch so I could finish my shopping. I visited with Rita and her husband and took some pictures of them and their girls. I bought some necklaces and a purse from Margaret.

After shopping we drove to Phil’s house in Iganga to leave off some of our luggages. We greeted him but didn’t have time for a visit since we still had to drive to Mbale. We made the decision not to show the film while we are in Mbale, so the team can travel together as Kemper inaugurates churches. After a couple of hours we arrived at Mt. Elgon Hotel where a rain shower had cooled the air. The weather has been awesomely pleasant, much cooler and wetter than at home in Texas.

This hotel is the best I’ve ever stayed in with TV, wireless internet and air conditioning. All three of us have beds and they gave us a better price than the hotel we stayed at last night. Thank you Jesus for the awesome blessings you are giving us.

We visited over coffee (I don’t drink coffee) in the restaurant while enjoying the view of Mt. Elgon mountain in the distance. Jason and Kemper keep us laughing with jokes and stories.
Then we walked to the Sunrise Hotel for supper. Supper is cheaper there than in this hotel.
Peter had fallen asleep in the room so we walked in the fading light after sunset. It started raining as we sat under a large umbrella in the yard of the hotel and ordered our food. Peter called on the phone to find us and then drove the van to join us. We were blessed he woke up so we didn’t have to walk back in the rain. I had half an avocado and chapatti for supper.

After many stories and jokes and a delicious supper we returned to our rooms at the Mt. Elgon Hotel. Today has been a fun day of seeing the falls, traveling and shopping. Tomorrow we start visiting several churches each day.

July 1, 2009, Wednesday

Peter and Marie retrieved her suitcase from the airport this morning and then we checked out of the hotel. Peter drove us in the new (2000) white Servants of the King van. The van is really neat and clean. When we arrived in Jinja we stopped at the Source Café for some lunch. While waiting for our guacamole chicken wraps, Marie, Beverly and I shopped. Peter told us we didn’t have time to shop today, just to look because we’d have time for shopping tomorrow. I went into several shops to greet my friends from previous visits. I saw Rita, her new baby girl and her twins. I also visited with the man who does the animal carvings and took a picture of him working. Then I said hello to Margaret, the lady who makes the bead necklaces. After eating lunch we quickly dropped our suitcases at the Triangle Hotel on Lake Victoria and started the long drive to the first church.

This Catholic Church needs help finishing their too small, 1920 building. As we drove up our van was surrounded by several hundred people singing, dancing and shouting. They had been waiting for us and were overjoyed that we would come and confirm that Servants of the King would help them with their construction. They played the drums, zylophone and a bow harp as the ladies danced. After the children sang, introductions were made of the Ugandan government officials and church leaders. We were introduced and then Kemper and Jason spoke. After these outside events, we concluded by going inside the empty church building. The people continued to cheer and wave as we drove away. Before the year is over they will have their new building.
What a joy to be part of advancing God’s kingdom and helping our brothers and sisters in Christ.

We drove past more villages as we proceeded to Nanabirye Christian Church. We were joyously greeted by an exuberant smaller crowd as we drove up. The ladies were trilling and waving and dancing! After greeting many ladies and bongaing with many children, we sat under the shade of a large mango tree. When the singing, dancing and introductions were over, Kemper and Jason spoke. As the sun sat, about 350 people repeated the prayer of salvation! Praise God! Then Kemper inaugurated and dedicated the church to Jesus Christ and cut the banana leaf ribbon. All of us went inside were the celebration continued with singing. After more prayers we went outside and ate beans, rice and chicken which the church ladies had prepared for us. Then we started the long drive, it seemed like a couple of hours, back to the hotel.

At the hotel we had to get a fan and a towel brought to our room. They didn’t have a room with three beds so they placed a mattress on the floor for Marie. We reorganized our suitcases so we can leave some at Phil’s in Iganga tomorrow. They wireless internet here so I was able to journal and send my first emails.

Today was awesome. Seeing the joy of people’s faces, sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ and helping our brothers and sisters in Christ made it a very memorable day. We felt like rock stars as the crowds enthusiastically greeted us before we could even get out of the van! God is good and I am so blessed to be here with this awesome team.

June 30, 2009, Tuesday

This morning we slept late and then enjoyed visiting over breakfast. The airlines said the luggage should come in on the flight tonight but said we should come in the morning to get the luggage.

After breakfast the men slept the rest of the day. We ladies visited and had the buffet lunch which consisted of many choices: sweet potatoes, irish potatoes, green beans, two kinds of rice, 3 kinds of meat, salad, matooke, chapatti, g-nut (peanuts) sauce (gravy) and some other things. Beverly and Marie enjoyed trying new foods. We went to the little supermarket across the street and checked out the exchange rate at the Barclay’s Bank next door. Then we read, visited and napped the afternoon away. When the men woke up about 3 p.m. Peter gave us the okay to exchange money at that bank so we did. The rate is $1.00 = 2004 shillings which is an excellent rate.

After taking care of the financial business, we were ready for supper. This hotel doesn’t have fish and Kemper really wanted fish, so Peter drove us to a lake side restaurant that I had been to a couple of summers ago. The only thing on the menu was whole tilapia fish and French fries, nothing else. So we went to the Golf View Restaurant, where the team had stayed a couple of summers ago. Finally we got to eat fish fillet and chips (fried fish and French fries). We sat outside on the green lawn under large shade trees and enjoyed the cool evening breeze. It really got cool! Sure beats Texas heat!!

We were back at the hotel and ready for bed by 9 p.m. Beverly and I visited for a while longer and now I’m journaling while everyone else is asleep.

Thank you, Lord that everyone is here safely and for allowing me the opportunity to be part of your Kingdom work in Uganda. I love you Lord.

June 29, Monday

We all slept late and had breakfast of tea, toast and fruit about 9:30. Since I slept so good last night, I feel much better today. Then Beverly and I have had time to visit and to organize our things. In the afternoon we walked to the Pearl Supermarket and drank a Ugandan Coke. They taste so much better than US cokes. We enjoyed looking at the variety of items for sale while listening to the music of Michael W. Smith on the store’s sound system. Back in the hotel room we ate our fresh apples, visited and took a nap. That apple and some peanuts were my lunch and later we’ll eat supper before going to the airport to get Kemper and Marie.
June 29, Monday

We all slept late and had breakfast of tea, toast and fruit about 9:30. Since I slept so good last night, I feel much better today. Then Beverly and I have had time to visit and to organize our things. In the afternoon we walked to the Pearl Supermarket and drank a Ugandan Coke. They taste so much better than US cokes. We enjoyed looking at the variety of items for sale while listening to the music of Michael W. Smith on the store’s sound system. Back in the hotel room we ate our fresh apples, visited and took a nap. That apple and some peanuts were my lunch and later we’ll eat supper before going to the airport to get Kemper and Marie.

While waiting for Kemper and Marie, we visited with a lady from Texas named Norma who lives in the Gulu area and is a nurse practicioner and a Christian. She shared stories of the people returning to their land after years of being in the refugee camps. She said there is a great need for churches since all the structures were burned during Kony’s raids, when the people return to their villages, they have no place of worship. We introduced her to Peter and hopefully, in the future Servants of the King will be able to help with the construction of churches in that area.

Kemper and Marie arrived on the flight about 9 p.m. and waited for their luggage. All arrived except one of Marie’s pieces. Kemper said their flight from Atlanta was three and a half hours late leaving so when they arrived in Amsterdam, our flight had just left a few minutes before.
The airlines put them up in a hotel and fed them. They had an excursion out of the airport and into Amsterdam. When they arrived they weren’t nearly as tired as we had been since they spent a night over in a hotel. The Lord blessed them abundantly even though they missed the original flight.

We visited a while back at the hotel before everyone went to bed.

Thank you, Lord that they arrived safely. We thank you Lord that the luggage will arrive tomorrow so we can start doing your kingdom’s work.

June 29, Monday

We all slept late and had breakfast of tea, toast and fruit about 9:30. Since I slept so good last night, I feel much better today. Then Beverly and I have had time to visit and to organize our things. In the afternoon we walked to the Pearl Supermarket and drank a Ugandan Coke. They taste so much better than US cokes. We enjoyed looking at the variety of items for sale while listening to the music of Michael W. Smith on the store’s sound system. Back in the hotel room we ate our fresh apples, visited and took a nap. That apple and some peanuts were my lunch and later we’ll eat supper before going to the airport to get Kemper and Marie.
June 29, Monday

We all slept late and had breakfast of tea, toast and fruit about 9:30. Since I slept so good last night, I feel much better today. Then Beverly and I have had time to visit and to organize our things. In the afternoon we walked to the Pearl Supermarket and drank a Ugandan Coke. They taste so much better than US cokes. We enjoyed looking at the variety of items for sale while listening to the music of Michael W. Smith on the store’s sound system. Back in the hotel room we ate our fresh apples, visited and took a nap. That apple and some peanuts were my lunch and later we’ll eat supper before going to the airport to get Kemper and Marie.

While waiting for Kemper and Marie, we visited with a lady from Texas named Norma who lives in the Gulu area and is a nurse practicioner and a Christian. She shared stories of the people returning to their land after years of being in the refugee camps. She said there is a great need for churches since all the structures were burned during Kony’s raids, when the people return to their villages, they have no place of worship. We introduced her to Peter and hopefully, in the future Servants of the King will be able to help with the construction of churches in that area.

Kemper and Marie arrived on the flight about 9 p.m. and waited for their luggage. All arrived except one of Marie’s pieces. Kemper said their flight from Atlanta was three and a half hours late leaving so when they arrived in Amsterdam, our flight had just left a few minutes before.
The airlines put them up in a hotel and fed them. They had an excursion out of the airport and into Amsterdam. When they arrived they weren’t nearly as tired as we had been since they spent a night over in a hotel. The Lord blessed them abundantly even though they missed the original flight.

We visited a while back at the hotel before everyone went to bed.

Thank you, Lord that they arrived safely. We thank you Lord that the luggage will arrive tomorrow so we can start doing your kingdom’s work.

June 29, Monday

We all slept late and had breakfast of tea, toast and fruit about 9:30. Since I slept so good last night, I feel much better today. Then Beverly and I have had time to visit and to organize our things. In the afternoon we walked to the Pearl Supermarket and drank a Ugandan Coke. They taste so much better than US cokes. We enjoyed looking at the variety of items for sale while listening to the music of Michael W. Smith on the store’s sound system. Back in the hotel room we ate our fresh apples, visited and took a nap. That apple and some peanuts were my lunch and later we’ll eat supper before going to the airport to get Kemper and Marie.
June 29, Monday

We all slept late and had breakfast of tea, toast and fruit about 9:30. Since I slept so good last night, I feel much better today. Then Beverly and I have had time to visit and to organize our things. In the afternoon we walked to the Pearl Supermarket and drank a Ugandan Coke. They taste so much better than US cokes. We enjoyed looking at the variety of items for sale while listening to the music of Michael W. Smith on the store’s sound system. Back in the hotel room we ate our fresh apples, visited and took a nap. That apple and some peanuts were my lunch and later we’ll eat supper before going to the airport to get Kemper and Marie.

While waiting for Kemper and Marie, we visited with a lady from Texas named Norma who lives in the Gulu area and is a nurse practicioner and a Christian. She shared stories of the people returning to their land after years of being in the refugee camps. She said there is a great need for churches since all the structures were burned during Kony’s raids, when the people return to their villages, they have no place of worship. We introduced her to Peter and hopefully, in the future Servants of the King will be able to help with the construction of churches in that area.

Kemper and Marie arrived on the flight about 9 p.m. and waited for their luggage. All arrived except one of Marie’s pieces. Kemper said their flight from Atlanta was three and a half hours late leaving so when they arrived in Amsterdam, our flight had just left a few minutes before.
The airlines put them up in a hotel and fed them. They had an excursion out of the airport and into Amsterdam. When they arrived they weren’t nearly as tired as we had been since they spent a night over in a hotel. The Lord blessed them abundantly even though they missed the original flight.

We visited a while back at the hotel before everyone went to bed.

Thank you, Lord that they arrived safely. We thank you Lord that the luggage will arrive tomorrow so we can start doing your kingdom’s work.

Sunday, June 28

On the flight from San Antonio to Houston on Saturday morning I sat by an eight year old girl who was flying back home to North Carolina after spending two weeks with her father and stepmom and baby sister in San Antonio. I tried to read part of the time but she was a chatter box while playing her nintendo DS so we visited most of the way. I talked to her about Jesus loving her and she said she knew about him although she and her mom don’t go to church. The hour went by quickly and I was soon in the Houston airport. I was able to work on an editing project for a couple of hours while my computer was plugged into electricity. About noon ordered a chicken salad at Ruby’s restaurant and before I started eating that huge salad, Jason called. He was already at the airport and met me for lunch. Our flight to Amsterdam left about 3:30 so after our visit over lunch, I was able to work some more on my project. Although I had a six hour layover it went by quickly.

On this 8.5 hour flight I sat next to Salman from Saudi Arabia. He is about 25 and a student at U of H. He shared about going to school in Oregon and now in Houston. He hasn’t seen his family in a year and is anticipating seeing them again. He shared that his family had chosen a possible wife for him so after he meets her and they discuss their plans he might become engaged. It was very interesting to listen to him speak about his prospective wife. It sounds like a business arrangement. If they both agree they have common goals and interests then they will marry. He loves his mom very much and shared how he would take care of his wife and provide for her. He also shared that after he gets his degree is in electrical engineering he will start a family business in his home town. He wants to provide employment for himself and his family while helping to better his community and country. He is a bright young man who learned English and speaks it fluently after one year in the US. He is Muslim and we had a wonderful dialogue about the similarities and differences between Islam and Christianity.

After we had supper, I wasn’t sleepy so I used the computer to continue my editing project. It was impossible to open up the laptop because the space was so limited between the seats, so the flight attendant allowed me to seat in the jump seat for several hours while I finished it. I think I didn’t get sleepy because I was so focused. In the Amsterdam airport, I was able to purchase some internet time and email the project to Ginger. While waiting the short three hours for the next flight, Jason played his guitar and we sang some songs. We met with Beverly by our gate about an hour and a half before the flight to Entebbe. She had arrived earlier than us and was happy for us to connect. We expected to meet with Kemper and Marie but they never came. We understood that we would all be on the same flight to Uganda but that didn’t happen.

When I was packing at home my suitcases were too heavy so I had to leave some things like my extra shoes, a jar of peanuts and a sack of hard candies. I didn’t want to leave my peanut butter so I put it in my carry on. That jar made it through security checks in San Antonio and Houston, however security agents confiscated it in the Amsterdam airport because they considered it a gel!
Oh, well, so much for the peanut butter!

On this flight I sat by a gentleman that didn’t understand English so we didn’t visit. I was falling asleep with food in my mouth! I slept off and on for several hours. I tried to watch a movie but slept through part of that too. By the time we arrived at the airport in Entebbe, I was awake again but exhausted. Praise God! All of our luggage arrived with us and Peter was there to pick us up. We asked him about Kemper and Marie but he thought they were coming with us too.

We loaded the luggage into the new Servants of the King white van!! even had a ladder on the back so suitcases can be loaded on the luggage rack! This will be a great help when teams come and also when I need to take so much equipment and supplies to the boat landing in August.
After loading our things inside, Jason and I went back into the airport to check the flight schedule to find out if Kemper and Marie might be arriving later. Peter called Kemper’s home number to talk to Tommye but she wasn’t home. There are two flights in from Nairobi tonight but no others from Amsterdam. We checked in at the Entebbe Flight Hotel and the men went back to the airport for the flights from Nairobi. They checked with the ticket agent and found out Kemper is listed on a flight tomorrow night from Amsterdam, so we will stay another night here.
Sunday, June 28

On the flight from San Antonio to Houston on Saturday morning I sat by an eight year old girl who was flying back home to North Carolina after spending two weeks with her father and stepmom and baby sister in San Antonio. I tried to read part of the time but she was a chatter box while playing her nintendo DS so we visited most of the way. I talked to her about Jesus loving her and she said she knew about him although she and her mom don’t go to church. The hour went by quickly and I was soon in the Houston airport. I was able to work on an editing project for a couple of hours while my computer was plugged into electricity. About noon ordered a chicken salad at Ruby’s restaurant and before I started eating that huge salad, Jason called. He was already at the airport and met me for lunch. Our flight to Amsterdam left about 3:30 so after our visit over lunch, I was able to work some more on my project. Although I had a six hour layover it went by quickly.

On this 8.5 hour flight I sat next to Salman from Saudi Arabia. He is about 25 and a student at U of H. He shared about going to school in Oregon and now in Houston. He hasn’t seen his family in a year and is anticipating seeing them again. He shared that his family had chosen a possible wife for him so after he meets her and they discuss their plans he might become engaged. It was very interesting to listen to him speak about his prospective wife. It sounds like a business arrangement. If they both agree they have common goals and interests then they will marry. He loves his mom very much and shared how he would take care of his wife and provide for her. He also shared that after he gets his degree is in electrical engineering he will start a family business in his home town. He wants to provide employment for himself and his family while helping to better his community and country. He is a bright young man who learned English and speaks it fluently after one year in the US. He is Muslim and we had a wonderful dialogue about the similarities and differences between Islam and Christianity.

After we had supper, I wasn’t sleepy so I used the computer to continue my editing project. It was impossible to open up the laptop because the space was so limited between the seats, so the flight attendant allowed me to seat in the jump seat for several hours while I finished it. I think I didn’t get sleepy because I was so focused. In the Amsterdam airport, I was able to purchase some internet time and email the project to Ginger. While waiting the short three hours for the next flight, Jason played his guitar and we sang some songs. We met with Beverly by our gate about an hour and a half before the flight to Entebbe. She had arrived earlier than us and was happy for us to connect. We expected to meet with Kemper and Marie but they never came. We understood that we would all be on the same flight to Uganda but that didn’t happen.

When I was packing at home my suitcases were too heavy so I had to leave some things like my extra shoes, a jar of peanuts and a sack of hard candies. I didn’t want to leave my peanut butter so I put it in my carry on. That jar made it through security checks in San Antonio and Houston, however security agents confiscated it in the Amsterdam airport because they considered it a gel!
Oh, well, so much for the peanut butter!

On this flight I sat by a gentleman that didn’t understand English so we didn’t visit. I was falling asleep with food in my mouth! I slept off and on for several hours. I tried to watch a movie but slept through part of that too. By the time we arrived at the airport in Entebbe, I was awake again but exhausted. Praise God! All of our luggage arrived with us and Peter was there to pick us up. We asked him about Kemper and Marie but he thought they were coming with us too.

We loaded the luggage into the new Servants of the King white van!! even had a ladder on the back so suitcases can be loaded on the luggage rack! This will be a great help when teams come and also when I need to take so much equipment and supplies to the boat landing in August.
After loading our things inside, Jason and I went back into the airport to check the flight schedule to find out if Kemper and Marie might be arriving later. Peter called Kemper’s home number to talk to Tommye but she wasn’t home. There are two flights in from Nairobi tonight but no others from Amsterdam. We checked in at the Entebbe Flight Hotel and the men went back to the airport for the flights from Nairobi. They checked with the ticket agent and found out Kemper is listed on a flight tomorrow night from Amsterdam, so we will stay another night here.

Sunday, June 28

On the flight from San Antonio to Houston on Saturday morning I sat by an eight year old girl who was flying back home to North Carolina after spending two weeks with her father and stepmom and baby sister in San Antonio. I tried to read part of the time but she was a chatter box while playing her nintendo DS so we visited most of the way. I talked to her about Jesus loving her and she said she knew about him although she and her mom don’t go to church. The hour went by quickly and I was soon in the Houston airport. I was able to work on an editing project for a couple of hours while my computer was plugged into electricity. About noon ordered a chicken salad at Ruby’s restaurant and before I started eating that huge salad, Jason called. He was already at the airport and met me for lunch. Our flight to Amsterdam left about 3:30 so after our visit over lunch, I was able to work some more on my project. Although I had a six hour layover it went by quickly.

On this 8.5 hour flight I sat next to Salman from Saudi Arabia. He is about 25 and a student at U of H. He shared about going to school in Oregon and now in Houston. He hasn’t seen his family in a year and is anticipating seeing them again. He shared that his family had chosen a possible wife for him so after he meets her and they discuss their plans he might become engaged. It was very interesting to listen to him speak about his prospective wife. It sounds like a business arrangement. If they both agree they have common goals and interests then they will marry. He loves his mom very much and shared how he would take care of his wife and provide for her. He also shared that after he gets his degree is in electrical engineering he will start a family business in his home town. He wants to provide employment for himself and his family while helping to better his community and country. He is a bright young man who learned English and speaks it fluently after one year in the US. He is Muslim and we had a wonderful dialogue about the similarities and differences between Islam and Christianity.

After we had supper, I wasn’t sleepy so I used the computer to continue my editing project. It was impossible to open up the laptop because the space was so limited between the seats, so the flight attendant allowed me to seat in the jump seat for several hours while I finished it. I think I didn’t get sleepy because I was so focused. In the Amsterdam airport, I was able to purchase some internet time and email the project to Ginger. While waiting the short three hours for the next flight, Jason played his guitar and we sang some songs. We met with Beverly by our gate about an hour and a half before the flight to Entebbe. She had arrived earlier than us and was happy for us to connect. We expected to meet with Kemper and Marie but they never came. We understood that we would all be on the same flight to Uganda but that didn’t happen.

When I was packing at home my suitcases were too heavy so I had to leave some things like my extra shoes, a jar of peanuts and a sack of hard candies. I didn’t want to leave my peanut butter so I put it in my carry on. That jar made it through security checks in San Antonio and Houston, however security agents confiscated it in the Amsterdam airport because they considered it a gel!
Oh, well, so much for the peanut butter!

On this flight I sat by a gentleman that didn’t understand English so we didn’t visit. I was falling asleep with food in my mouth! I slept off and on for several hours. I tried to watch a movie but slept through part of that too. By the time we arrived at the airport in Entebbe, I was awake again but exhausted. Praise God! All of our luggage arrived with us and Peter was there to pick us up. We asked him about Kemper and Marie but he thought they were coming with us too.

We loaded the luggage into the new Servants of the King white van!! even had a ladder on the back so suitcases can be loaded on the luggage rack! This will be a great help when teams come and also when I need to take so much equipment and supplies to the boat landing in August.
After loading our things inside, Jason and I went back into the airport to check the flight schedule to find out if Kemper and Marie might be arriving later. Peter called Kemper’s home number to talk to Tommye but she wasn’t home. There are two flights in from Nairobi tonight but no others from Amsterdam. We checked in at the Entebbe Flight Hotel and the men went back to the airport for the flights from Nairobi. They checked with the ticket agent and found out Kemper is listed on a flight tomorrow night from Amsterdam, so we will stay another night here.

Sunday, June 28

On the flight from San Antonio to Houston on Saturday morning I sat by an eight year old girl who was flying back home to North Carolina after spending two weeks with her father and stepmom and baby sister in San Antonio. I tried to read part of the time but she was a chatter box while playing her nintendo DS so we visited most of the way. I talked to her about Jesus loving her and she said she knew about him although she and her mom don’t go to church. The hour went by quickly and I was soon in the Houston airport. I was able to work on an editing project for a couple of hours while my computer was plugged into electricity. About noon ordered a chicken salad at Ruby’s restaurant and before I started eating that huge salad, Jason called. He was already at the airport and met me for lunch. Our flight to Amsterdam left about 3:30 so after our visit over lunch, I was able to work some more on my project. Although I had a six hour layover it went by quickly.

On this 8.5 hour flight I sat next to Salman from Saudi Arabia. He is about 25 and a student at U of H. He shared about going to school in Oregon and now in Houston. He hasn’t seen his family in a year and is anticipating seeing them again. He shared that his family had chosen a possible wife for him so after he meets her and they discuss their plans he might become engaged. It was very interesting to listen to him speak about his prospective wife. It sounds like a business arrangement. If they both agree they have common goals and interests then they will marry. He loves his mom very much and shared how he would take care of his wife and provide for her. He also shared that after he gets his degree is in electrical engineering he will start a family business in his home town. He wants to provide employment for himself and his family while helping to better his community and country. He is a bright young man who learned English and speaks it fluently after one year in the US. He is Muslim and we had a wonderful dialogue about the similarities and differences between Islam and Christianity.

After we had supper, I wasn’t sleepy so I used the computer to continue my editing project. It was impossible to open up the laptop because the space was so limited between the seats, so the flight attendant allowed me to seat in the jump seat for several hours while I finished it. I think I didn’t get sleepy because I was so focused. In the Amsterdam airport, I was able to purchase some internet time and email the project to Ginger. While waiting the short three hours for the next flight, Jason played his guitar and we sang some songs. We met with Beverly by our gate about an hour and a half before the flight to Entebbe. She had arrived earlier than us and was happy for us to connect. We expected to meet with Kemper and Marie but they never came. We understood that we would all be on the same flight to Uganda but that didn’t happen.

When I was packing at home my suitcases were too heavy so I had to leave some things like my extra shoes, a jar of peanuts and a sack of hard candies. I didn’t want to leave my peanut butter so I put it in my carry on. That jar made it through security checks in San Antonio and Houston, however security agents confiscated it in the Amsterdam airport because they considered it a gel!
Oh, well, so much for the peanut butter!

On this flight I sat by a gentleman that didn’t understand English so we didn’t visit. I was falling asleep with food in my mouth! I slept off and on for several hours. I tried to watch a movie but slept through part of that too. By the time we arrived at the airport in Entebbe, I was awake again but exhausted. Praise God! All of our luggage arrived with us and Peter was there to pick us up. We asked him about Kemper and Marie but he thought they were coming with us too.

We loaded the luggage into the new Servants of the King white van!! even had a ladder on the back so suitcases can be loaded on the luggage rack! This will be a great help when teams come and also when I need to take so much equipment and supplies to the boat landing in August.
After loading our things inside, Jason and I went back into the airport to check the flight schedule to find out if Kemper and Marie might be arriving later. Peter called Kemper’s home number to talk to Tommye but she wasn’t home. There are two flights in from Nairobi tonight but no others from Amsterdam. We checked in at the Entebbe Flight Hotel and the men went back to the airport for the flights from Nairobi. They checked with the ticket agent and found out Kemper is listed on a flight tomorrow night from Amsterdam, so we will stay another night here.

Sunday, June 28

On the flight from San Antonio to Houston on Saturday morning I sat by an eight year old girl who was flying back home to North Carolina after spending two weeks with her father and stepmom and baby sister in San Antonio. I tried to read part of the time but she was a chatter box while playing her nintendo DS so we visited most of the way. I talked to her about Jesus loving her and she said she knew about him although she and her mom don’t go to church. The hour went by quickly and I was soon in the Houston airport. I was able to work on an editing project for a couple of hours while my computer was plugged into electricity. About noon ordered a chicken salad at Ruby’s restaurant and before I started eating that huge salad, Jason called. He was already at the airport and met me for lunch. Our flight to Amsterdam left about 3:30 so after our visit over lunch, I was able to work some more on my project. Although I had a six hour layover it went by quickly.

On this 8.5 hour flight I sat next to Salman from Saudi Arabia. He is about 25 and a student at U of H. He shared about going to school in Oregon and now in Houston. He hasn’t seen his family in a year and is anticipating seeing them again. He shared that his family had chosen a possible wife for him so after he meets her and they discuss their plans he might become engaged. It was very interesting to listen to him speak about his prospective wife. It sounds like a business arrangement. If they both agree they have common goals and interests then they will marry. He loves his mom very much and shared how he would take care of his wife and provide for her. He also shared that after he gets his degree is in electrical engineering he will start a family business in his home town. He wants to provide employment for himself and his family while helping to better his community and country. He is a bright young man who learned English and speaks it fluently after one year in the US. He is Muslim and we had a wonderful dialogue about the similarities and differences between Islam and Christianity.

After we had supper, I wasn’t sleepy so I used the computer to continue my editing project. It was impossible to open up the laptop because the space was so limited between the seats, so the flight attendant allowed me to seat in the jump seat for several hours while I finished it. I think I didn’t get sleepy because I was so focused. In the Amsterdam airport, I was able to purchase some internet time and email the project to Ginger. While waiting the short three hours for the next flight, Jason played his guitar and we sang some songs. We met with Beverly by our gate about an hour and a half before the flight to Entebbe. She had arrived earlier than us and was happy for us to connect. We expected to meet with Kemper and Marie but they never came. We understood that we would all be on the same flight to Uganda but that didn’t happen.

When I was packing at home my suitcases were too heavy so I had to leave some things like my extra shoes, a jar of peanuts and a sack of hard candies. I didn’t want to leave my peanut butter so I put it in my carry on. That jar made it through security checks in San Antonio and Houston, however security agents confiscated it in the Amsterdam airport because they considered it a gel!
Oh, well, so much for the peanut butter!

On this flight I sat by a gentleman that didn’t understand English so we didn’t visit. I was falling asleep with food in my mouth! I slept off and on for several hours. I tried to watch a movie but slept through part of that too. By the time we arrived at the airport in Entebbe, I was awake again but exhausted. Praise God! All of our luggage arrived with us and Peter was there to pick us up. We asked him about Kemper and Marie but he thought they were coming with us too.

We loaded the luggage into the new Servants of the King white van!! even had a ladder on the back so suitcases can be loaded on the luggage rack! This will be a great help when teams come and also when I need to take so much equipment and supplies to the boat landing in August.
After loading our things inside, Jason and I went back into the airport to check the flight schedule to find out if Kemper and Marie might be arriving later. Peter called Kemper’s home number to talk to Tommye but she wasn’t home. There are two flights in from Nairobi tonight but no others from Amsterdam. We checked in at the Entebbe Flight Hotel and the men went back to the airport for the flights from Nairobi. They checked with the ticket agent and found out Kemper is listed on a flight tomorrow night from Amsterdam, so we will stay another night here.