Love Means Never Having to Say Goodbye

What an exciting day!!

This morning and afternoon was spent in celebration with jja jja Maria. We drove about an hour to Entebbe (where the airport is) to dedicate a new house for a grandmother. Dark rain clouds followed us the whole way there, but the first drops didn't fall until we were standing outside her house ready to cut the ribbon. Sandra and Denise helped Maria ceremoniously open her home, and then the rain began pouring down. We all rushed inside the concrete structure and listened as rain pounded on the tin roof. That did not stop the celebration, however, as we sat on the floor singing songs of praise. The rain actually signified a great blessing... it was a sign of cleansing of the past and preparation for a brighter future. Maria's former home flooded every time it rained and bugs and snakes often found there way into her rooms. In her new home, she can stay dry and snake-free.

Our time of singing was full of joy and smiling faces. God's presence was all-encompassing as we sat on colorful mats and watched Maria soak in her new home. We enjoyed a traditional meal to celebrate the opening. Maria began preparing the food early this morning (probably while most of us were still sleeping), and she took care to maintain certain traditions. Our table consisted of two pieces of cardboard and carefully laid banana leaves. Many of the dishes were steamed in banana leaves. Maria unwrapped the food in a traditional fashion and laid it carefully aside. The first dish she opened was the "cake," which was really a pumpkin cooked with rice... interesting to say the least. Individual "chicken luwobos" were served, meaning we each got chicken and potatoes that had been steamed and wrapped up in a banana leaf. Other foods served included rice, matoke, ground nut sauce with and without mushroom, and eggplant.

We had a visitor crawl in during our meal... a large red bug about 2 inches long. We watched as it crawled slowly onto the banana leaves and food, but it then took a turn toward Sue and Carma. Sue swiped it back toward the food, but it returned with a vengeance. Its speed doubled and chaos ensued. Alex, Sue and Carma jumped up, knocking over Mountain Dew and Coke in the process. We chased the bug toward the door where it was squished... or so we thought. It could not be killed. But we were able to get it outside and return to our meal.

When we told Maria we were leaving soon, we asked if she wanted to say anything. And she replied, "Why do you have to go?" It was such a sweet time we had with her, and she was so happy to celebrate her home-opening with us. She also sends her greetings to all of you!

After saying our goodbyes, we heading for the Botanical Gardens. We had an hour to walk around the gardens/park, and we saw beautiful flowers and hungry monkeys.

Tonight we had our final devotions together where we spent time affirming one another. It was a wonderful way to end this journey and challenge ourselves to think about our next journey... returning home. We also took time to pray over Colleen (and Tim in spirit) as they continue their ministry in Uganda.

This is our last blog from Africa, but each team member will be posting a reflective blog over the next two weeks so be sure to keep checking for those! Thank you for your prayers and support for these past few weeks... we would appreciate continued prayer as we adjust to life at home.

We are leaving for Entebbe Airport tomorrow morning at 5:45 am (10:45 pm your time), and our flight leaves at 9:10 am (2:10 am for ya'll). We should reach London by 4:00 pm (12:00 pm). We will spend the night in London (warm showers and pizza!), and we leave from Heathrow Monday morning at 11:45 am and arrive in Chicago at 2:15 pm. Our plane departs Chicago at 6:05 pm and lands in Indy at 8:00 pm... where we will be looking forward to seeing many of your smiling faces!!

Signing Off,
Alex and Laura
YBC-2012-UPPT