So we have are just finishing our first two weeks in Uganda. The first day here I thought, "What have we done?". I was really thinking that I would just fit in perfectly. I'm sure you are all stifling a laugh right now. I was unprepared for the emotions that I would go through in just the first 24 hours. I have to say, watching my children gape at the countryside and poverty as we drove from the airport to Kampala was fascinating. Now, two weeks later, everything is already common place to them.
We are officially in our new home smack in the middle of the slums of Kampala. I do not call them slums to be dramatic. They really are. Our house is very nice by slum standards but I would venture to guess that most of you (my american friends and family) would find the accomodations unacceptable. I say that not to condemn, but becuase I found them unacceptable at first. It's amazing how much less we need in our lives to not only survive but live relatively well. First of all, we have no hot water here. No water heater. I was shocked at first but I have learned to boil a kettle of water and mix it with cold water in a plastic tub. Then I perch on the edge of the bathtub, avoiding cockroaches and flies if at all possible and splash water on myself. After shaving and washing my hair with cold water I dump the warm water over me to wash off. The kids think it is great fun. I"m not willing to say it is fun but it is do-able.
Electricity here is another weird thing. I have been taught all my life NOT to stick things into a light socket. Here it is necessary to ground the plug. Seriously, I have to stick a screwdriver or pencil into the grounding hole to plug anything in. I waited for the electric shock to come but it never has so it must be okay. I've learned to shrug and say, "Hey, it's the African way."
Food is the real difficulty for me. I love protein and dairy in a wicked way. Here you don't eat much of it. Rice, beans, bread, chapati and fruit are the main dishes. My kids are becoming carb addicts and are hungry all the time without protein. I did find a good grocery store though so I will be introducing protein back into our diet. I would give my left arm though for a piece of Hawaiian pizza and some lemon cake. MMMM...or even McDonald's.
Transportation is interesting. For any of you that have driven with my husband you understand how frightening it can be. Yet here in Uganda Dan's driving is considered top notch and he is able to maneuver through traffic better than most of the locals. We are sharing a car with Pastor Joel right now and it seems to be working well. We also make use of lots of taxis and boda-boda rides.
I have a wonderful house girl named Lillian and a guard named John. Lillian is 22 and is currently working to save money to rent a house in Kampala to bring her 3 year old son here to go to school. She cleans and washes clothes for me while I homeschool the kids. Me + Lillian = love. Seriously, if I ever move back to the states I will not know how to live without her help. John, our security guard is an elderly man. He didn't inspire a lot of confidence with his older, frail physique but he is truly dedicated and trustworthy. He guards our house all night with a bow and arrow. Seriously! How cool is that? I bring him tea and bread every evening and we chat for a minute and then he stands guard all night.
All in all, we are adjusting well. It seems like we have been here longer than 2 weeks. I am a little too sheltered in my gated house but as I grow more comfortable I'm sure we'll venture out more. We are scheduled to go to Kenya on February 11th for a four day crusade. I am thrilled to get to see more of Africa. We also had our first dinner guests two days ago. Three white guys from the states who are linked to the Act 29 Network, through Mars Hill Seattle church. One of them just moved to South Africa and has invited us for a vacation anytime. Life will be okay here.
Please continue to pray for health. Malaria is a constant danger. Pray also for unity with our marriage our kids and our fellow co-workers. Pray for more support to come in for us so we can afford to do more ministry outreaches and to pay for school for our kids. Thank you for you love, support and prayers. You all are so valuable to us. You have no idea. Your encouraging emails and prayers do wonders! Love to all! I'll post pictures soon!
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We eagerly await every word from you guys and are so excited when you write! Love you all! Tell the kids hi, I think Momma Bird is having some detachment issues...
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I'm praying for you! John and I want to come in the future, but know until we get there in person our hearts are with you.