I’m back, at least for a moment with what will probably be a rather scattered and poorly spelled update. Our location and schedule make sit very difficult to get on-line; we're across the dam from Jinja where the only internet cafes are located. Most days find us heading north and away from Jinja and rarely coming into town; when we do hit Jinja, it's usually in a rush to drop off and pick up because we have other things to get done (supper and evening commitments for example).

The team is keeping pretty healthy. I find sleep a bit difficult some nights because of the heat (I’m upstairs in our small room in the loft) and a rather uncomfortable mattress. Daily visits to Wakisi village put things quickly back into perspective. We’re so blessing being Canadian and being here!!

Our accommodation is simple but comfortable with spectacular views of the River Nile. Standing in a small tub for mostly cold showers is character building. Did I mention the views? We typically get three hours of electricity each evening, so keeping cameras and other electronic equipment powered is a real challenge. And then there are the views! We eat outdoors for all meals; a favourite time for me is breakfast when we gather, everyone walking up the hill from our rooms to gather in a small area with tables and chairs; the wonderful Ugandan staff greet us as we greet each other and we ease into the day with updates from the night (and laughter, as a rule). The coffee is excellent and go well with the views and company!

Some upset stomachs on the team, but that's about the worst of it; not slowing anyone down that I can tell; having good accommodation and eating every night except one at our retreat centre has a lot to do with it I think; simple meals but carefully prepared is the perfect formula. Lots of laughter is also a helpful distraction! We do laugh. At the emd of day, we're tired, sweaty, a bit sunburnt and envigorated at what God has allowed us to do.

We’ve distributed 100 family kits, visited island communities by boat, painted a school, and successfully completed the first pastoral training module; two nights this past week, we had arranged to show the Jesus film to about 1,000 people combined in two locations; cost for everything, including equipment, set-up and transportation: US$60! Several people were saved and the local pastors were very appreciative. Were establishing warm, trusting and easy-going relationships here; I was told by one pastor that we “are doing real ministry” – very encouraging for us and I hope for our family at Grandview. Them's the facts; the colour commentary will likely have to wait for our return; the stories and blessings (both ways) are endless. We have been busy every day all day.

Today is our first and only unscheduled day; some are river rafting, some on ATVs and a number of us bungee jumped (I went tandem with Damali Mirenda who many will know from previous trips – a thrill and treat for both of us). It’s a bit cooler and raining today (we’ve had periodic thunder storms but today is the first time it’s not been hot and sunny most of the time). Makes for a cool and wet trip for those rafting the River Nile.

There's so much that's been happening but hard to remember it all; I haven't even had a chance really to make notes or anything so am trying hard to separate the days. It's very much like our last trip but our deeper relationships and commitment have made a big difference; a healthy seed was sown and now we're known, welcomed and more effective as a result. The future is sure to hold great things.

Tomorrow, we’re off to church locally; most are going to Good Shepherd’s Fold orphanage where Brad will be preaching; I'm off to my friend, Robert Sityo's church north of Wakisi. Looking forward to it.

This coming week, we're doing a feeding for 500 kids Monday a.m. in a remote part of Wakisi (i.e., about a 20 minute drive off the paved road), meeting with community leaders Monday afternoon to discuss their needs in Wakisi, distributing school kits at Robert Sityo's school Tuesday a.m. (first day back for the kids from winter vacation) and am not sure about that afternoon; then we're done here. People have mentioned how busy we've been and how much we've accomplished which is great to hear from first timers.

Thanks for checking into this blog; thanks for your prayers and interest. Blessings to my ski buddies who will be heading to Colorado tomorrow; will miss the time on the slopes and hanging out; hopefully next year, God willing!

Hope to check in at least once before we return Friday.