Road Trip Uganda 2008

Entebbe to Gulu to Lira to Omot to Sipi to Kapchorwa to Kiriki to Jinja to Lingria to Kampala

I've spend the last two weeks traveling around the whole country of Uganda, experiencing both urban and rural. Faced bumpy roads for long hours. Searched for Western vs. Non-Western restrooms. Enjoyed many bucket baths.

Uganda was very different that my stay in Kenya last year. It was hard to experience poverty but also the effects of violence on communities of people. It is one thing to struggle to find food and resources but it is another to worry about violence of rebels. Our group visited many IDP (internally displaced perons) in Northern Uganda. These people are living in larger communities away from their home land because the still fear the LRA. The conditions are so unimaginable. There was a camp of 200 sharing 10 bathrooms. The school systems are fairly non-existent. On a walk through the camp I noticed a structure of bare sticks, I asked the man what it was. He then told me that it was a church. People bring tarps and other clothes to pitch over it on Sunday mornings.

Even in these conditions people find the faith and determination to worship the Lord despite all of their hardships. It was quite amazing to interact with them.

Throughout the last two weeks, we have helped an organization distrubute shoe boxes filled with items such as soap, toys, and school supplies. We get to witness the joy and hope that a simple box brings to these children.

But my emotions and thoughts have been all over the place since being here. There are days were I could be content living here the rest of my life. Other days I'm overcome with all the difficulties and endless numbers of problems these communities face. The Lord is definitely challenging me and making me take a position on what I believe my role in all of this is.

Yesterday, we travelled from Kampala to Nairobi on a 14 hour bus ride. I had a quick fish lunch on a 20 min stop. I was thinking of the hotdogs, brats and burgers that the rest of my family probably enjoyed to celebrate our nation's birthday. Missed home on the 4th. Also want to wish my brother Lou a happy 24th birthday.

Today our group is headed to one of the centers for street kids. I'm so happy. I feel like I'm coming home. Last night and this morning I enjoyed being greeted by friends I made last year. I'm very excited to be spending the next two weeks here.