Uganda at Last!!!

Coming off the plane from London and arriving in Entebbe, Uganda with all of our bags (seven!) without anything missing or any overage charges was nothing less than a miraculous answer to prayer! God is so good! Our field director picked us up from the airport, and the first place he took us was to our house! We were so excited to see “our first home!” It is only temporary for our first 3 months here (until we move up to Arua), but it is perfect for us! I am learning to cook here with a lot less store-bought ingredients than you can find in the States, and John & I are both learning quickly how to live without electricity! It only goes out about every other night from 7 pm to 7 am, but we have two battery operated lights to help us out! We are also learning a ton about African culture, including the appropriate way to greet people, not making eye contact with the opposite sex, how to follow directions without any street signs, how to shop at many different stores or markets instead of just going to Wal-Mart, Swahili lessons five days a week, oh…. and I have to learn how to drive a stick in AFRICA! That is going to be very challenging as the roads are horrible here! But I know Jesus will help me! John is doing great with the driving! We also were blessed enough to have an “All-American” Thanksgiving meal with all of the other missionaries, although it wasn’t the same without our family & friends! Jesus continues to encourage us every day and give us the kind of strength and peace that you know can only come from Him. Thank you all for your support and prayers!

We also attended our first church service in Kampala last Sunday. It was interesting to say the least! There were about 200 people that attended, it lasted over four hours, and for those of you who know Kanye West, they played his song “Jesus Walks!” There was a guest speaker, who is actually known as one of the “Top 5 Pastors in Uganda,” who was unfortunately less than challenging. We have been told that the Senior Pastor of this church is very solid, and that is encouraging. However, hearing this other pastor reminded us of our whole purpose that the Lord has us here for, to disciple pastors. There are so many people in Uganda who know Jesus only on a surface level and are lacking a depth in their walk with God. Next Sunday, December 3, our friend and teammate, Billy Coppedge, will be preaching at this same church so you can be praying for him.