"We Bless The Rains Down In Africa"

Greetings,

The team talked, and it was decided that the lyrics from the tune "Africa", originally by Toto, should be used as the title for today's blog entry. Though we're in the midst of the rainy season, we've only had one day of rain and it only lasted for about an hour since our arrival in Africa - that was until today . . . A wicked thunderstorm, torrential rains, and hail were just some of the amazing natural phenomina that we expreinced today. However, thanks to John Cassels and his amazing "off-roading" abilities, the team arrived safely to his house for dinner, which is being cooked as I type.

The last two days have been busy busy busy. Yesterday, the morning began with the eating of an amazing birthday cake baked by Rachel and Krys - thanks to everyone for making my 30th a great day! From there we went to Pastor Ben's church where we packed 25 family kits. The family kits in Arua were different than those in Jinja. Pastor Ben, along with the Cassels, created a list of items that best suited the needs of the community. Items such as salt, sugar, matches, soap, cooking oil, reading material, and a small cash donation were some of things that were packed into bags. Everyone on the team had a chance to pray for at least one of the people to whom we delivered a kit. Along the way, we met many other children who we enjoyed engaging with. Steve has introduced a new handshake to the Ugandan children and it seems to be taking the area by storm. Throughout the day we also witnessed some of the construction work that was being done on the church floor and on the Pastor's house. Ben is extremely grateful for all that has been done and wants us to extend his thanks to the Grandview family. In the late afternoon, we met a man who shares his passion for God by managing a local Christian radio station. His personal story from being Muslim to becoming a Christian was quite interesting. Please check in with one of the team members upon our return to hear the details.

Today, multiple projects were underway. In the morning Monika, Steve, Steph and Brad met with a local Senior teacher, named Rosemary, who gave a brief session on curriculum. Tomorrow Brad, Steph and Steve will be teaching a lesson at Rosemary's school. While they were receiving a crash course in Ugandan Religious Education, Ashley Dan and I were out delivering more family kits. We me up at the church for an amazing lunch. It was a true Ugandan experience as we ate our meal (rice, beans, meat, eggs) with our fingers. Though not the most graceful team when eating, we thoroughly enjoyed the hospitality of our Ugandan hosts. In the afternoon the teams switched. The team that met Rosemary in the morning headed out to deliver the last of the family kits while Dan, Ashley and I took part in a prayer service. Singing and drumming, the delivery of a short message and then sharing of prayer requests all happened in a small "payout" (Lugbara for a small cement hut). Dan, Ashley and I, as the guests, were all asked to pray for the needs to those in attendance.

Well, it's about time to sign-out. I know I keep saying this, but I'm not sure when our last blog will occur, so if this is our last, thanks again to everyone for your prayers a well-wishes.

Regan, on behalf of the "Uganda July 2009" team