Thanks for all your prayers over the last few days. As many of you know, there was some rioting in Kampala in the last few days- political differences. The newspaper today said that two people were killed and others were injured. Police had to use tear gas and water cannons to subdue the rioters. This all happened within a few blocks of Watoto Central (where Greg’s office is). Fortunately we were away on safari with our kids so Greg was not at Central while this was going on. Thank you so much for all your prayers for us. Unfortunately, this type of thing happens all too often here so the Ugandan people don’t get as “freaked out” about it as we do.
We have been having such a great time with our kids here. The only part that has been less enjoyable is the traveling- to go 250 kms in Uganda takes at least five hours. We had planned to take a trip out to Jinja tomorrow, but our children boycotted and said they wanted to have a “down day” instead. Jinja is about 80 kms away, takes two hours to get there and we were recently told it is the second most dangerous highway in the world. We’re OK with just having a down day tomorrow.
Today we went to “Friday market”- the best place to get African crafts at the best prices. Sounds like a great place to go for someone who loves to shop- of course, that is not me. I did buy a bracelet and my kids (especially the girls) bought a lot of things.
Our next stop was the Living Hope center to buy a few things that the girls have been eyeing since they arrived. I have gotten to know many of the Living Hope staff and a few of the ladies so we have stopped in often to look at the merchandise or just to say “Hi” in their air conditioned surroundings. The girls got some great stuff at great prices and at the same time supported a great cause. If you are not familiar with Living Hope, go to www.watoto.com and read about this amazing ministry to vulnerable women.
After that we went to the part of Kampala where all the fabric stores are. Remember in a previous post, I told you that you walk a few blocks from Watoto Central, go through a walkway and come out on another planet. Yep- that’s the place and my kids agreed with me that we had just arrived on another planet. We didn’t stay there very long!
However, Charissa still needed to spend a little more money before the day was done so we headed to a craft market that is near Central. Carlen just stood with me while Courtney bought a few things and Charissa bought many things. Thankfully, after that trip, our shopping day was done.
My kids are not sure how I am going to cope when it is time to come back to Canada. I have become quite skilled at telling people when I think they are trying to charge me too much. Often I will walk away and say, “I will not pay.” (the price they want me to pay). Often my kids remind me how little I am actually paying, but I still don’t want to be taken advantage of! On our way home after safari, we stopped to shop at several roadside markets along the way. By the time we were done we had 3 large pineapple, 1 watermelon, 4 very large avocadoes, 12 large mangoes, 33 small mangoes, 2 bunches of bananas, 32 tomatoes and 15 cobs of corn. The total cost for all of that was $9.04. The kids assured me I will not be getting that kind of deal at home and I just might get thrown out of the store if I start bartering or refuse to pay the price they want. It was a learning curve coming here and I think it will be another learning curve when we go home.
Tonight Greg, Courtney and I are enjoying a nice, quiet evening while Charissa and Carlen are out with some friends they have met working at the babies’ home. We have been enjoying every minute of our time together and plan to continue to do so.
Thanks again for your prayers.
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