Arriving up country

Our trip to Gulu was delayed by a few hours, but we did get away around 9:30AM. Of course, by that time, the traffic in Kampala was heavy so it took a long time to even get out of the city.

The good news is, they were telling us the truth about the Gulu highway. The construction that was occurring right outside Kampala is now complete. No more waiting for 30 minutes to one hour while vehicles from the other direction pass by.

The worst part of the Gulu road was always the last 80 kms into Gulu- this stretch of road would take 2-3 hours depending on the time of year (rainy season makes it worse) and the amount of traffic. The road was murram (the red dirt) and was so eroded from each side that sometimes all that was left was a small strip in the middle. I remember one trip up country with my friends Estella and Judy in 2013. It was during rainy season and we encountered a pot hole so large that Estella commented, “You could fish in that one!” Today, one could not believe it is the same road (see attached photo). No more pot holes the size of fishing holes. Just nice, smooth black pavement, or tarmac as the Ugandans refer to it.

There have been many improvements made since my last trip here in 2013. As I understand it, each district was given some grant money for improvements. I have been told Gulu used theirs so wisely that they are now being given a bonus of more grant money. There are solar powered street lights in some areas of Gulu town and many other improvements have also been done. It is such a joy to see the country moving forward.

It is an even greater joy to see the progress of the facilities team and to see the growth in individuals on the team. They have come a very long way in the 3 ½ years Greg has been in their lives. He is a teacher, a mentor, a leader that leads by example and he is also a “kicker in the pantser” when that is needed. Above all, he loves these guys and he is their biggest cheerleader. He gives them the confidence they need to be all that God has called them to be. Who knew 5 years ago that God would call us to Africa to build into the lives of this wonderful team?

I keep saying guys, but there are also three very capable women on this team that play key roles. Since they are not tradespeople, Greg is not involved with two of them, but I do want to recognize the huge contribution they make to this team. Then there is Jacqueline, the person who took over Greg’s job when we left. She and Greg work closely, whether we are at home in Canada or here on the ground. She does an amazing job steering this ship and keeping things moving forward.

At home I don’t ever see Greg “in action”. He goes to work, he comes home and life goes on day after day. Being here I have had the opportunity to see him everyday, doing what he loves, using the skills God gave him to raise up the leaders of tomorrow.