One of my very first blogs, written even before training camp, was written while sitting in my tent that at the time was set up in the living room of my apartment in Wisconsin. As I sat in the tent I imagined what it would be like to be living in some far off place in Africa.
Ten months later and I am writing this blog from my tent in that far off African place called Rackoko in the Pader District of Northern Uganda. I am sharing a single 14×14 foot room with my new team. Our tents are crammed nicely in the room and are vital in keeping the assortment of bugs and lizards from attacking in the night. Our outdoor "shower" and squatty are just a short walk away. Using the squatty is a terrifying adventure. My first time involved me running out of it screaming because of the giant, creepy spider that was at head level. Despite the attempts of some of the local girls to get rid of it, the spider still lives.
The small village of Rackoko is quite rustic. There is a single main dirt road lined with small mud huts and has an abundance of goats, pigs, cows, and chickens. It is apparently mating season for the goats which makes things awkward for everyone. There are a few small shops, including a fruit stand that sells some delicious pineapple and jackfruit, which looks like an alien and tastes like some sort of fruit candy.
Electricity is scarce and there is no running water. Our food is cooked over a fire. And I'm getting a taste of hell with how hot it is. The people here are so friendly and I know that spending a month with them will more than make up for the heat and rustic living. I know it's going to be a month to remember.
We are here working with Kingdom pearl Ministry, which ministers to young men who have a passion for playing soccer (or football, as it's called here). We will get to spend some time with them, encouraging them and mentoring them. We also have the opportunity to get to know the community and hear their stories of life during the war that ravaged this place.
As I mentioned, I am starting month 7 with a new team. Check them out:
Frank Sawatsky www.franksawatsky.theworldrace.org
Carly Brown www.carlybrown.theworldrace.org
Rachel Gust www.rachelgust.theworldrace.org
Cody O'Donnell www.codyodonnell.theworldrace.org
Our team name is Throve – which is a smashing of the words "thrive" and "overflow" – two things that we want to have describe our ministry and our lives on the race.
