Hello from the Uganda team!!!

Monday was a much-needed, chill work day after a busy weekend. The team started the day with their daily Bible study on Genesis. Mr. Liam taught the study, while the kitchen ladies served hot tea for the team. After breakfast and personal devotions, the team got started on the work project! All day the team worked tirelessly on the security wall—their hard work is paying off! The team members can easily see how far the security wall has come, and it is a very rewarding process. During the work, the team members took turns saying their verse reviews. They have now memorized 24 verses! What an amazing thing they’re doing by hiding the Word of God in their hearts. One of the locals brought fresh maize for the team to enjoy while they worked. After a break for lunch, they got back to work for the afternoon but then had to stop early because of a rain storm. They spent the rest of the day enjoying free time and getting some bathing and laundry done. Jake and Jaxon were the KP crew for the day. They worked so hard washing dishes and helping out the ladies in the kitchen. Monday was extra special because it was a team member’s birthday. Happy birthday, Naomi!! The team had a birthday party for her after dinner with fun party hats, an ice cream bar, and lots of laughter and fun. Everyone did an excellent job at showing Naomi how loved and special she is. The team finished up the day with the guys and girls devotions where there were good conversations as the team learned more about how to become godly men and women.

Tuesday came with even more work and progress on the wall. Before heading to the worksite, though, the team spent most of the morning deep cleaning and sanitizing everything to prevent sickness. The eating site was swept and mopped with the tables being cleaned and rearranged. The kitchen also got a good deep clean. The team members helped to clean the bathroom block and showers as well. They worked very hard and the base is looking very sparkly clean! KP for the day was Genesis and Liza, and Rainan and Lando also helped to make the quesadillas at lunch. Genesis and Liza worked to wash dishes and make food, which is such a great help for the lady leaders. After a yummy lunch, the team members headed off to the work site. They took turns mixing mortar, laying bricks, and getting water and supplies. Everyone has such a good attitude and their good work ethic is evident in everything they do. While the rest of the team was working on the wall, Lando had the opportunity to help build a serving table as a surprise for the kitchen ladies. It is such a blessing! During free time, the team got to try fresh jackfruit, which surprisingly tasted like bubblegum! Most of the team quite enjoyed the interesting fruit that grows right here at the base. After dinner, the team members enjoyed hanging out and playing volleyball before finishing up the day with team time where they sang a few songs and Genesis shared her testimony. They then eagerly headed to their tents to pack because the next day was sightseeing day! The team will be heading out to Samuka Island, where over fifty bird species live. They will boat to the bird sanctuary, and stop by the amazing Source of the Nile on the way! They get to stay the night at the Island and enjoy resting, swimming, and having a good time fellowshipping with each other. The Island provides meals, including a yummy buffet for dinner! After leaving the Island on Thursday, the team will enjoy an afternoon of souvenir shopping and getting dinner out. Everyone is so excited and thankful for a fun next couple of days.

All the leaders are so proud of the work that the team has got done. It is obvious that God is moving and working in the lives of these young people. We pray that He continues to bless our work and shine His light through us as we continue our time here in Uganda.

Testimonies from team members:

“My time here in Uganda has been awesome. I love playing volleyball with the students, and teaching all the children new games and songs. I praise God everyday for placing me here with my team.” -Naomi

“Hi everyone! This past week has been pretty good. We’ve made progress on the security wall which has been cool. A few of us were sick but I think we’re all good now. Something God has been teaching me is to depend on Him more. Can’t wait to see what God does in the little bit of time we have left here in Uganda!” -Allison L.

“Hey friends and fam! Being in Uganda for the last 2 weeks has changed how I think and see things so much! (All in good ways) I miss everyone from home and I can’t wait to tell you guys everything. We’ve been hosting many clinics and doing lots of work on the security wall at the base here in Jinja! I’ve met so many brothers and sisters here in Jinja it’s been such a blessing. This will be a very bitter-sweet goodbye.” -Sierra