Week of Fun.

Well it all started in Gulu. 

Sarah and I left early in the morning and arrived in Gulu early afternoon last Friday. When we got there we went to the guest house we were staying at, and took about 2 hour naps. Then we met with Pastor Alfred, the pastor of Gulu Baptist Church and site manager of Hope Alive, and then we went out for dinner. Saturday we woke up early and went to the Hope Alive program. Hope Alive, by the way, is a child sponsership program that was started by a WorldVenture missionary. There are four sites throughout Uganda, and the main branch is here in Kampala. There were about 200 kids at the Gulu site, and about 8 mentors. The mentors go to the kids houses about twice a week to make sure they aren't sick, help with homework, and make sure everything else is okay. Many of the kids in this site are orphans because of the war, and the head of the house is just a 12 year old kid. So Hope Alive, through its sponsers, pays for the school fees. It also has a food pantry on site. It's a really neat program. There's lots more I'll tell you about that when I get home, if you so desire.

So we were there from about 9:30 to 3:30, and then we went to Pastor Alfred's house for sodas and snacks, where he told us about the NGO's in Gulu and what the government is doing to rebuild the city. That was kind of our purpose in going up there. We have heard a lot of smack talk about the NGO's in Gulu as we have been here in Kampala. So as a westerner, I wanted to know what I could do from my house in Farmington Hills to effectively help here in Gulu. And what I found to be the answer is really what I knew all along. At the core of everything, what people need is Jesus Christ. He is the only hope, the only way to bring peace, and the deepest satisfaction one can ever know. So, support orginizations that support the truth of the Gospel. And Pastor Alfred gave me some specific ways, and we can also talk about that if you so desire.

The on Sunday we went to Gulu Baptist and experienced village church. It was so awesome. And then we went home. And it was the worst bus ride of my life. Our driver was so out of control and was running other cars off the road. Sarah and I were praying the entire time, and its only by the grace of God that we got home. He was insane. Then we entered the heart of darkness, which is Brian's term for downtown Kampala. This is where the bus stop was, and where Renee was going to pick us up. But there was some miscommunication, and all in all, it was a pretty scary half hour. My phone got stolen right off my person. But it wasn't even my phone, i was borrowing it from the Davis'. Such a bummer. And a rough night. 

I think all in all, my time in Gulu peaked my interest for the village life. Kampala is so fast and such a big city.  The picture I had in my mind before I came here of where I would be working looked much more like Gulu. And if you are wondering what Gulu is like, think Evart, Michigan but just African style. Seriously, I kept thinking that.  I would love to come back and stay in the villages for a while someday. I'm just praying about that. 

Then, on Monday, Sarah and I had our final debrief with Renee. We went to this GORGEOUS hotel and ate by the pool and just talked. We called it the "Oasis", but that wasn't its name. But it did feel like we stepped out of Kampala for a moment, and that was such a blessing. Especially after that rough day we had on Sunday. But, it was such a good day and then we went to the Davis' house for a bbq. We each had some time to talk with Renee and she basically evaluated us on our time here. And I'll tell you about that if you so desire. 

Then, Tuesday morning, we left for the Safari. I know you're all wondering, but we did not see a lion :(. But it was still awesome. We went on the game drive wednesday morning for a few hours and saw buffalo, elephants, giraffes, one billion antelope, vultures, baboons, warthogs and various birds (and probably some other animals I am forgetting). And then took a boat down the nile river and saw a billion hippo and some crocs. And it poured! And we got soaked! And then today we went on a hike up to see the waterfalls and they were absolutely majestic. And then we drove home. And here I am. 

Tomorrow Sarah and I are going to go to the mall to pick up some gifts, and then its our final pizza movie night. Can't believe I'm almost leaving Uganda. 

and here's some pics. just some highlights. 

Some of the beautiful Hope Alive children. 

Our little tent at Murchison. 

I was so pumped I just wanted 

everyone to see it. 

This was my favorite Giraffe shot. 

What an awkward little pose.

Got lots of pics of these guys for you to see pamma. 

Elephants! SO INCREDIBLE. I got so many pictures of elepants. 

The Falls. 

Independence Falls is on the left and Murchison Falls is on the right. Breathtaking. 

Rainbow.