As I sit here at Mokka Terrace, drinking my latte and checking Facebook, I can’t help but have my mind wander to what I’ve seen these last few days in Uganda. I’ve been staring at this page for about 20 minutes trying to think of what to even write. So many thoughts and images race through my mind making it hard to focus on anything.
This is a very different place than anywhere I’ve ever been. I could even feel the difference at the border of Kenya and Uganda. When we crossed over it felt like we were on the other side of the tracks if you know what I mean! I am definitely more aware of my surroundings here more than anywhere else we’ve been.
Trash is everywhere and it’s all covered in flies. Toddlers are lined up along the sidewalk like traffic cones. They spend all day begging, rain or shine. They use old tires and even trash as toys. Most babies run around naked and hardly any of the kids have shoes. Everywhere you look people are carrying around these yellow containers to fill with water. But it’s not cold, purified water. No. It’s dirty, murky, water they collect to take home and boil. A common way to try and make a living here is by owning your own shop. You build it from pieces of scrap metal, twigs and branches or pretty much anything you can find. People sell fruits, vegetables, electronics that are probably stolen, clothes, shoes and more.
I’ve seen a lot of poverty these last 8 months but I’m telling you, Uganda is different. It almost makes me mad! I just want there to be a sense of respect here. Respect for their property and belongings but also for themselves! And it’s frustrating to feel like you can’t do anything about it.
So your prayers would be appreciated this month especially. We are working with an awesome church with great people. We spend most of our time doing door-to-door evangelism and preaching at the church. Internet is very limited here but I will try and update you as much as possible.
