Unlike the perpetual rooster’s crow that woke me up every morning in Siaya, the quiet mornings of Rukungiri have been a pleasant change. Sabrina and I (and sometimes Scott) usually wake up at about 6:45am to walk through the hilly streets and catch the sunrise over the mountains and plantain trees. We return back to our bungalow in time to bathe, enjoy a breakfast of tea, eggs, and toast (yes, we have a toaster this month!), and head to Emmanuel Church for chapel with other people from the North Kigezi Diocese community.
I wish so much that a recording could accurately capture the incredible harmonies of the singing students from the North Kigezi Secondary School, who join us at the chapel every morning. Their songs of praise to their Creator God bring heaven down into the chapel each morning, and I am filled with immeasurable joy as we dance together and lift praises to our King Jesus.
After chapel, we have just enough time to head back to our bungalow and regroup before we head out to begin door-to-door ministry. This past week, we teamed up with Reverend Benson, Commander-in-Christ Aidah, Archdeacon Elisha, and Lay Reader Justice from All Saints Church, visiting different homes in the community, sharing scripture, and praying for the families we met. Because Reverend Enoch, our local contact, is spearheading the youth ministries in the area, our main focus has been to pray for children, even if they might be away at school. It amazes me how many children most families have; I would guess that the average number of children per household is four or five! It’s quite a difference after having lived in China for three years, where the One Child Policy is more strictly enforced.
We have also been to several schools, where we’ve shared our personal testimonies, some songs, and a short message. I’ve been impressed by the way that the gospel is so openly shared in schools, and how the students all sing praise songs with such passion and genuine worship. It’s quite a change from the public schools I’ve worked at in the US.
On Saturday mornings, we've been spending time with the children at Compassion International's local Child Development Center. The children there have such incredible, and often very painful testimonies, but God is doing an amazing work in their lives, bringing them out of abusive situations, sickness, and rebellion. Our first Saturday there, most of the girls showered us with flowers and then taught us how to dance some of the local dances. I'll hope to post video of it at some point.
One of our favorite times of the day is “Tea Time.” Drew has become quite the addict, though I’m pretty sure he would say that addiction started long, long ago, with the Southern treat of Sweet Tea. He’s usually the one who initiates “Tea Time,” and then insists that he has a saucer with his cup. The rest of us tease him to no end and actually hid the new package of tea from him the other day, just to keep him in check. Dre (Andrea) discovered Tea Masala spice, which is a mix of cardamom, cinnamon, nutmeg, black pepper, and a few other yummy spices, which makes the tea taste like Indian Chai. Apparently “Chai” means “Tea” here, so saying “Chai Tea” is actually the same as saying, “Tea Tea.” Oh, the things you learn in other cultures.
Since we have a gas stove and oven this month (yes, we are spoiled, spoiled, spoiled, and thankful, thankful, thankful!!!), I’ve been doing a bit more cooking. I made Indian Curry with pumpkin, bell peppers, and eggplant last week, and then I tried my hand at making Pineapple Fried Rice and Stir Fried Beef with Bell Peppers a few nights ago. I even attempted a Pumpkin Pie using the leftover pumpkin from our curry; the pie turned out surprisingly well, despite the fact that I don’t have any real measuring cups, spoons, or a rolling pin. We made homemade pasta sauce with spaghetti for the Bishop and several other members of the Diocese on Tuesday night, and then we baked a Carrot-Pineapple Cake for Sarah’s 22nd Birthday on Thursday. Let’s just say this is another month when our parents don’t have to worry about us eating well enough. It’s pretty amazing how far $4 per person per day will go.
This Sunday, I will be preaching at the vernacular (local language) service at All Saints Church, and Andrea will preach during the English service earlier in the morning. Public speaking is definitely not my forte, but I feel like the Lord has been giving us newfound boldness this month to speak His Word, and to share our testimonies and what He has done in our lives. I’m excited to share with my brothers and sisters at All Saints Church, and I definitely pray that God would continue to use us for His glory here!
**VIDEO BLOG WITH PICTURES TO COME SOON… ELECTRICITY HAS BEEN A BIT SPOTTY THIS WEEK**
