Naomi seems to have Africa on the brain these days (for some reason) and made up a song/poem this morning while coloring with her daddy. Enjoy!

The gray days
are here again;
All the bears
and monkeys are gone
But the tiger is still here
and the sitatunga

Many people we meet are interested in learning about what life is like in Bundibugyo. It’s been difficult for us to give a complete picture in the course of a short conversation, so I thought it might be useful to provide the following

GUIDE TO SIMULATING RURAL UGANDAN LIFE AT HOME

1. Shower using cold water only. Be sure not to get any in your mouth or you’ll get “Idi Amin’s revenge”. Use bottled water for any purpose that involves actually putting water in your mouth.

2. Purchase assorted farm animals (cows, chickens, goats, etc.) and let them roam freely in your neighborhood. Don’t worry about their “deposits” — your neighbors will appreciate how they help keep their lawns lush and green. Also, the crowing of the roosters will help keep people from oversleeping (i.e. past 5 AM).

3. When driving, don’t give pedestrians the right-of-way. As long as you don’t actually hit them, they won’t mind if you drive within inches of them. Also, feel free to drive on sidewalks, lawns, etc.

4. Let a small colony of rats live in your attic. If you find one downstairs, use it as the puck in a game of “rat hockey”.

5. Do normal household chores as follows:
- Housecleaning: without vacuum cleaner
- Clothes washing: by hand, using tub, brush, and cold water.
- Cutting grass: using a scythe
- Dish washing: by hand, using water heated on the stove.

6. When you realize that #5 is completely impractical, hire one or more poor people to do the chores for you. Keep in mind that this will obligate you to pay for medical care, weddings, parties, and other expenses for them, their siblings, 3rd cousins, etc.

7. Eat lots of rice. Garnish with tiny rocks before serving.

8. Once in a while, hide a small live scorpion in the toilet paper — preferably just before your spouse needs to use the toilet.

9. Walk into your neighbors’ houses without knocking first. They’ll appreciate the feeling of togetherness this creates.

10. Make it a habit to “borrow” money and small household valuables from friends, neighbors, and family members without asking first. Encourage them to do the same to you.

11. Buy only the toughest cuts of meat. Don’t remove the bones before serving.

12. For all dishes, eat with your fingers only — no silverware.

13. Don’t go outside after dark. If you do, wear a blindfold to simulate the complete lack of outside electrical lighting.

14. Don’t use any appliances or other electrical devices that require more than 20 watts each (about 1/4 the size of a typical light bulb).

15. Have family members or neighbors cut your hair.

16. Visit the grocery store only once every 2 months. If you run out of some vital item, improvise. For example, banana tree leaves are large and may be used as toilet paper. If you don’t happen to have a banana tree in your yard, use what you have. Holly leaves are not recommended.

17. Attend a church whose services are conducted in a language you don’t understand. When the offering plate comes around, feel free to give agricultural products such as eggs, chickens, cows, etc. instead of money. If your offering is too large to conveniently fit into the plate, auction it
to the congregation and then donate the proceeds.

One of the gals from Uganda, JD, sent us an email including this quote which made us laugh!

“You would hardly recognize the weather, it was so
rainy while you were here. But now it is so dry that you feel like your
sweat evaporates as soon as it forms. Like even your saliva just gets
sucked out of you. Very dusty and not even the occasional cloud gives any
moisture and HOT. Everyone here says “It sure feels like Christmas!” As
for me, I miss the snow!”

As she mentioned, it was rainy and a bit muddy while we were there. I’ve included a picture of David driving into a nearby town. On the way they encountered a small rivers sans bridge. Not unusual, thus the need for souped up safari style vehicles!! Merry Christmas all!

Just a few pictures of beautiful Bundibugyo. The people are truly the most beautiful part, but here are a few pictures of the landscape. A few are aerial photos from our little MAF plane.

After two weeks of concentrated time in prayer, studying God’s word, and getting counsel from many wise friends, mentors, and pastors; we have decided to pursue this Uganda opportunity %100.

We believe our call came from that very first phone call with the mission doctor who is one of the team leaders in Bundi. When that phone call ended we knew that this was the open door we had been waiting for. The events, the timing, the circumstances were so supernatural. We KNEW from that moment, though we could hardly believe or imagine.

Since then the confirmations have been ongoing and faith building. From all the incredible answers to prayer that allowed us to travel just one month from that first phone call, to the completely positive responses from every person we have gone to for counsel. God has been reassuring, reaffirming, and commisioning us to go.

David and I knew when we arrived back in the States that we would go, we felt that it was inevitable. David said he couldn’nt live with himself if he didn’t. But we wanted that concentrated time seeking him, reflecting, counting the costs, seeking counsel. We wrapped it up with a prayer date as a couple, during which time God spoke to each of us from specific verses. Though it perhaps would have been neat for God to give us the same verse, we felt the different verses spoke to the different calls God is giving us there. We will always be a team, but God has given us different gifts and we expect to be involved with some different ministries there.

For David came Isaiah 41:9-13: “I have called you back from the ends of the earth so you can serve me. For I have chosen you and will not throw you away. Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you. I will help you. I will uphold you with my victorious right hand. See, all your angry enemies lie there, confused and ashamed. Anyone who opposes you will die. You will look for them in vain. They will all be gone! I am holding you by your right hand – I, the LORD your God. And I say to you, ‘Do not be afraid. I am here to help you.”

For me there was Isaiah 49:vs.3-7, selected parts. “you are my servant and you will bring me glory.” it talks about God “commissioning” . and it says “I will make you a light to the Gentiles and you will bring my salvation to the ends of the earth.” ” Kings will stand at attention when you pass by, Princes will bow low because the Lord has chosen you. He, the faithful Lord, the Holy One of Israel CHOOSES YOU.”

Both of these passages are actually God speaking to Israel, but in this case we also felt him speaking to us!!

This photo is of us with the team in Bundibugyo in front of MAF airplane that flew us in and out. That’s the airstrip we’re standing on. I was sobbing when we left a few minutes after this picture was taken. It felt so wrong to be leaving. It feel great to know that D.V., we’re going back!

Two days ago we received a formal invitation from the team in Bundibugyo asking us to pursue joining them. The letter reviewed our potential roles, a potential timetable, and a few potential concerns. (things they’d like us to discuss, work through, or get advice on)

This puts us back in the drivers seat, if you can say that at all when the car has always been and will always be, driven by God. We’re pursuing wise counsel, spending time in God’s word and speaking with Him. We’re counting the cost, and counting our readiness.

I love the way a verse puts it - in Luke 15: vs. 28 Jesus is talking about being his disciple, following his leading, giving up your own life for the life He has planned for us:

“But don’t begin until you count the cost. For who would begin construction of a building without first getting estimates and then checking to see if there is enough money to pay the bills?”

So that’s where we are, getting estimates and checking the bank acccount!! Thanks for all your prayers.