It's really difficult to put into words.
Amazingly the week at Faith Quest Uganda has passed. The week started in heavy rain… mud… mud… and more mud. Vehicles stuck. Huts incomplete for campers. Water source non existent… Toilets defiled… Yet, God was there in the midst of this insanity. By the start of Faith Quest we were at our end, which is a good thing that the theme for the week was BACKWARDS! If it was going to go wrong, chances were that it did. Even when we set up our tents in our hut the roof started to leak all over our luggage. Water was pouring in through the doorway and since our hut was mad from mud, I didn't think it would hold up to the pounding rain. I thought for sure it would collapse any moment.
But, in spite of all the difficulty and us, God was there to do the great things.
Tuesday had a bit more rain, but not as much as to start building an ark. We adjusted, like good africans, and had some sharing time with the students and a few classes.
Ugandan students love to sing and dance, we could learn a lot about the joy the Lord gives to those who truly seek him.
During the week I turned 40. I've considered the past few years of my life as walking in the desert… I'm not sure why. I've not had to wander physically, but I've been on a journey spiritually. Not that I've had to live on manna (what is this)? Yet, spiritually, I've eaten things and I've thought, "what is this?"
What was it like for a generation to walk in the desert for 40 years and then have God say, "OK, now is the time to go and take the promise land." This is where I feel I am. So I look to what the Lord told Joshua. Here is what He said…
"I’ve commanded you to be strong and brave. Don’t ever be afraid or discouraged! I am the Lord your God, and I will be there to help you wherever you go."
What powerful words. So here I am, 40 and a world away. How can I live my life Strong and Brave? What does that look like wherever I go?
My prayer is that the days left here will be won for the Lord. That walls will be torn down and that I will be a messenger of the promise the Lord gave long ago. Jesus is working hard on lives here. The enemy is real, but we can overcome.
So, tomorrow we will have a day of rest just in time to kick off Monday. I plan to meet with a World Vision Rep to arrange my sponsorship visit. I hope we find time for others to blog about their experiences. They have lots of stories too.
peace.
johno~