And Now we are Caught Up...
September 12, 2016

OK- I guess it is time that we actually get busy and do some work. That is what we came here for, isn’t it? Of course it isn’t! We came here to bring glory to God by sharing the gifts and abilities He has given us. The bonus is that we get to hang out with really amazing people every single day. So much happens everyday that it is difficult to capture it all.

Today, like every day, we got to hear Watoto Children’s choirs practicing as they prepare to go out to various countries.  Since we have been here, we have met the team leaders for the choir that will be coming to Canada.  We have chatted with many of the leaders that have been to Canada with choirs in the past few years. It really is like coming home to a big, huge family. Everyday we run into someone else.

On our first trip to Uganda in 2010, we were met at the airport by two hosts- Bonny and Apollo. Today we were sitting eating lunch and Bonny walked into the lunch area. Of course that meant more hugs and also to hear about the exciting things in Bonny’s life, as he is now a pastor at one of the Watoto campuses. Apollo is no longer with Watoto, but is now working with a US based NGO here in Kampala. I forgot to mention that I ran into him at the restaurant, the day I ran into Joanna- see there is so much everyday that I keep forgetting to tell you things. I think instead of just reading this, you should all just pack up and come on over to experience it yourself. It is an incredible experience that you will never forget.

We really did do some work today! Edward, Greg and I went to Watoto East campus (it has a new name which reflects the area of Kampala it is in, but I can’t remember, pronounce or spell it!) to look at some equipment there. It was a public holiday today (a Muslim holiday that is not observed by Watoto) so there was no traffic (by Kampala standards) which means it was still mostly bumper to bumper, but it was still moving! Going anywhere in Kampala takes a long time (comparatively speaking!)

Tomorrow “Boot Camp” will begin. That is two weeks of intensive learning sessions that will equip the team to better understand the workings of air conditioning. There will be lots of lecture time combined with hands on experience. We spent some time today preparing for Day 1. Keep us in your prayers as we get going.

September 13, 2016

Every Tuesday, Watoto Church has devotions as an entire team. That means 300-400 staff members gather at 8:30 AM to worship together, hear a devotional presented by one of the pastors and to be encouraged. Each week is a little different in some way. Today we welcomed back the founders of the organization, Garry and Marilyn Skinner. They have been away on a break so everyone was excited to have them back. We also welcomed back the worship pastor Grahame and his wife Sheila, who have been out of the country (I believe in India) for their daughter to have a bone marrow transplant. It was such an encouragement to hear of God’s healing power and God’s provision in their lives.

Of course with all the staff meeting together, there were more hugs as we connected with people who we had not seen yet. Since we are staying only one month, I think we will be constantly hugging people- either to say hello or as time goes on, to say “see you later” (we don’t say good-bye, only see you later).

Boot Camp Day 1 started at 10:00 AM and is now in the books. What a privilege it is to share your knowledge with people who are so hungry to learn! Greg talked about refrigeration stuff- I hope the team got more out of it than I did! Of course I didn’t understand much, but then again I wasn’t really listening (again- don’t tell Greg). I shared a little bit of health stuff regarding the importance of staying hydrated. Tomorrow I will ask them what colour their pee is today! They really don’t know what to expect when that crazy Mzungu woman gets up there to speak- why disappoint them now?!