a quick update while we have power....

I consider that our present sufferings are not worth
 comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. 

Romans 8:18

My time in Uganda so far has been enlightening and joyful and encouraging…and heartbreaking.  Any of you who have taken such a trip to a 3^rd world trip will know exactly what I mean, and those of you who haven’t should prayerfully consider planning for one. 

I had hoped to upload several diary entries this morning to give a fuller picture of our trip thus far, but the Ugandan government implemented rolling blackouts a few weeks ago, and we only have sporadic power.  As a result, most people who brought laptops are conserving the battery life and I haven’t wanted to ask to borrow one.  I did wake up at 5am this morning and saw a few lights on outside, so I jumped up and borrowed a teammates laptop and now I’m sitting in the bathroom typing up a storm while they snooze until 6:30am.  =)

We’ll all be up early this morning – today we’re taking a boat across Lake Victoria and then renting boda bodas (motorcycle taxis) to take us to Bethany Children’s Village.  We’ll spend the day there teaching some Bible lessons in the morning and preventative health sessions in the afternoon.  We plan to head back in the early evening because we’d prefer to be off the boat when it gets dark.  Go figure.

The time is passing VERY quickly, but I feel immensely grateful for this opportunity, and I am working hard to be intentional about my time here.  Please pray that my time will continue to be fruitful, and that I’ll find a way to use the time in between activities.  I’m programmed for efficiency, and time spent sitting around waiting for the next step is a challenge.  I want to be prayerful in those times, and allow God to use them for His purpose… I just don’t know quite how that should look right now.  If I could figure that out while I’m here, it would be the greatest gift to take home!

Have a super weekend!

MaryAnn

p.s.  Please pray for Chris and Caro while I’m away.  I stocked the pantry and left notes and prayers, but I’d like to think my presence is larger than that.  I don’t want them to be in any discomfort while I’m here.  They are God’s great gifts to me.