Author Archives: Todd

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Saturday, 6 November 2021

Last night, I was joined by my friend, Akizza Robert. (For those of you who have been following along, this is husband of Zam and father of Praise and Noah.) He wanted to stay closer to the wedding venue without having to work all night at Rock Ministries, so he stayed down the hall from me overnight. 

This morning I woke up ready for the wedding, but my shirt looked like cooked bacon, so I called Laundry at the Tick Hotel. In less than ten minutes, my wedding shirt was pressed and looking great. Have I mentioned how much I like this hotel? 

I had breakfast with the Best Man of the wedding, Robert. I always love his company, but today, “goodbye” was on the minds of us both, and it got a little mushy. In the middle of his sentimentality, he did say something I will have to remember. He said I have a special way of making family wherever I go. I have never thought of it that way, but it certainly is an answer to my prayers that the Lord would expand my circle of influence, and help me to glorify Him in it. This is happening here. 

After I bid Robert farewell to go do his Best Man duties, I met with Dr. Jane at the hotel lobby. At a price even cheaper than the local favorite Test-and-Fly, she conducted a PCR Covid test and took the sample to a nearby hospital for testing. By the time I got back, my results were printed and waiting for me at the hotel lobby desk. 

The wedding was absolutely beautiful and everyone looked stunning. It was very much a worship and praise service with two people getting married in the mix. Peruth’s brother gave her away on behalf of the family, and Pastor Gitta was a great host, though he looked excited as a little boy on Christmas morning. At the end of the formal church wedding, we all climbed in cars, busses, vans, taxis, and Bodas (motorcycle taxis), to move to the reception location. 

As we arrived at the reception venue, it began to rain. Pastor Gitta’s generous open invitation met with hundreds of attendees, but covered seating for only some, so it was fairly uncomfortable for a few late-comers until the sun came back out. The rains in Uganda are like the ones in Florida, here for a few minutes, but wait awhile and the weather will change. The mud was the only residual trouble from the rain, and we all got red-clay-stained at least up to our ankles. We worshiped, danced, laughed, and had a great time. When the RG team was presented, the kids urged me to speak, so I proclaimed a blessing and even asked God to give Gitta and Peruth twins (a common Ugandan blessing). As I was preparing to leave, I was captured by Roy Kasozi, who demanded I come and dance one time in the spotlight before I leave. I had warned folks about what would happen if they did that and, true to my word, I tied my sport coat around my waist and did my best Kikkanga <chē-kän-ga>, a traditional Ugandan dance with a lot of shaking of the hips, which are always adorned with some kind of wrap, usually a fur. It was a hoot! And I left there a dancing celebrity. 

There wasn’t room in any of the vehicles, but I found the bus with the RG kids and we piled ourselves in making room where there had been none. Several sweaty minutes later, we arrived at Rock Ministries Kitetikka, where the kids were staying and where many others were staging to go home. Best Man Robert found me a willing driver to drop me off at the Tick Hotel on his way, and I missed the opportunity to say a final farewell to a couple of my close-knit group, but jumped in the car as it was leaving. There had been many sad farewells, and sweet embraces, but this expedited transport hurried up the process, even though it was like tearing away a patch from cloth. 

I thanked my willing driver, James, as I got in and he said, “Who am I to drive such an important person?” It reminded me how I often underestimate my worth as well, thinking I am not worthy to carry the message of the Gospel, or I am not worthy to visit with some important type person. As I preached to James, I heard the Spirit teach me, “Our Creator died for each of us. We are the same importance and value!” On the way to the hotel, I was chatting online with several of the RG kids and nurses, cooling off with the window open and the warm, Uganda breeze drying me and my sweaty clothes. As the car slowed for a traffic jam, just like lightning, a thief reached into the car, snatched my unlocked phone, and was gone in an instant. My police instinct was to jump out of the car and chase after him, but as I leapt from the car I found no sign of the thief anywhere. He was gone just that fast. We stopped at a nearby police station and reported the crime but, as a former police officer, I was well aware nothing would come of it. An investigator with an AK-47 on his shoulder said he would track it for 200,000 Uganda shillings, but I knew I could erase it remotely if I could get to my laptop quickly, so we left, but with the investigator’s phone number in case I changed my mind. 

Back at the hotel, Regina was very sympathetic, but said she had lost eight phones in similar circumstances. Message to travelers: don’t use your phone where it can be snatched, and keep your windows half-way up! Being without mobile communication left me feeling like the “goodbyes” were abruptly ended, and the conversations I was having were interrupted by someone who, for all I know, was harvesting my data as we speak. All the wedding photos, videos, and notes I took would be lost forever. I signed into my Apple account from my hotel room, was heartbroken to confirm that none of my photos had uploaded to the cloud, and then promptly sent an “Erase iPhone” command to the handset. Ouch!

Sunday, 7 November 2021

It is departure day, but I have some business to attend to. I got as many phone numbers as I thought I might need for my journey and wrote them on paper. Then I walked to a few nearby banks until I found one that would accept my ATM card. A few keystrokes later, I was on my way to the local phone service center. When one center said I needed a Ugandan ID to get my SIM card reactivated, I got directions to the next nearest service center, where I was helped with just my passport. I bought a cheap handset and a new SIM card with my old number on it, and spent the next couple hours figuring out why the darn thing wouldn’t start up. After lunch, I took it to one service center, where I was told to take it to the center where I bought it. A long Boda ride found me at the locked doors of the very service center I had visited hours before. Disappointed, I returned to the Tick on my fourth Boda ride of the day. 

If you are imagining a pretty day on the back of a motorcycle, you have the wrong picture in your mind. First, imagine the roads slick with recently moistened red clay. Next, picture six lanes of traffic on a road built for two, and a steep drop-off at each edge, where rocks line the drainage ditches, each between two and four feet deep. Then, add in pedestrians of every size, shape, and purpose. I am almost sure I clipped a man with a wheelbarrow with my knee as we squeezed between him and a cement truck. Especially for an American control-freak, this was an exercise in managing terror. 

At the hotel lobby, Owen kindly put my new SIM card in his own phone and discovered it was functioning but not yet active. He explained that the mobile carrier has to go through a process of terminating service on my line in the other SIM card before it can activate the new one. Just activation can take thirty minutes, but disconnecting from the old one may take 12-24 hours. So, my line may be renewed, and the mobile money I had on that account may be restored, but I may not know it until I return to Uganda and again reactivate my phone. So, there is today’s lesson in patience and contentment. I’m still working on forgiveness for the thief too. 

It’s time to pack. I have four hours in which to do it, but I want everything ready to go when the time comes. I may not have Wi-Fi again until I reach the U.S. so I’ll load this now. 

My reflections about this trip center around how totally worth the hassle of delayed flights, a trampy New York ghetto hotel, lost luggage, no laundry, misunderstood intentions, theft, and danger it really is to be in Uganda and meet with the wonderful people whose company I have enjoyed these six weeks. I have seen firsthand how universally we humans tend to doubt ourselves, our positions, and our value, and how much we need to be reminded that our Creator found us worth dying for. I have learned some valuable lessons about what to do and what not to do, and have found myself at home among the Acholi of the north and the Buganda of the south. God is glorified everywhere I go, even in dark traffic jams. The children and staff of RG really need a friend, and I have even more calling me their father figure than I did in the spring. I cannot wait to return and love on these fine folks again!

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Sunday, 31 October 2021

I changed my plans so I could attend church this morning. I will head out to Masaka tomorrow. Today, I had breakfast with Kizza Robert at The Tick Hotel and then rode out to Rock Ministries Church Kibanga (pronounced Chē-BÄNG-ga), pastored by my new friend, Kasozi Roy. I knew him and his wife, Caitlin, because they had sat near me at Gitta’s introduction. When we arrived at the ministry compound, I saw a boarding school, a health center, a worship center, and a newly cleared lot that will house the new, bigger worship center. As we entered for church, there were only a few in attendance, but as we got started, the room quickly filled to standing room only. One of the school teachers led an informal “Sunday school,” then the worship and preaching began. Caitlin did the announcements in her Glasgow, Scotland accent, and a Luganda interpreter echoed everything. The worship was sincere, and even the smallest of children participated in what appeared to be great earnest.

Roy preached on not being afraid, and Robert kicked me when the sermon topic touched exactly what the two of us had been discussing in our travels. It was great to hear the Spirit confirm in the mouth of our musumba (pastor), what He had already been saying to and through us to one another.

After church, Roy and Caitlin took us on a tour of the Kibanga Health Center, which is staffed by Naomi, the only nurse. She was a familiar face, since she was the English - Luganda interpreter for Roy during the service. Her face beamed with pride as she showed us the facility and described for me her plans to continue her education. We spoke of the clinical capabilities of the center and the doctor that visits two days a week. While there were beds for four males and four females, she said they mainly only see outpatients.

After our tour, we were treated to a fine Ugandan meal there in the health center. We were joined by the other first-time visitors to the church, and had a fine time sharing with all.

At the conclusion, Roy and Caitlin invited me to stay in their home. Robert delivered me safely to their amazing house tucked on the side of a hill that would not easily be found, but which shared a neighborhood with political and music celebrity Bobi Wine, who recently ran for president of Uganda.

Roy and Caitlin have a large guest house, a recording studio, and a fine house for themselves. They welcomed me into their own home and had guests enough to fill their guest house as well. We sat together all afternoon, getting to know one another and enjoying each other’s company. As evening came, Robert returned with Pastor Gitta, and we all had pizza and played games. It was a great time of Christian fellowship!

Even the guest room in Roy and Caitlin’s main house had private shower and toilet facilities. I was really impressed with the place and slept comfortably.

Monday, 1 November 2021

My arranged ride to Masaka had to cancel and refer me to a friend, who had to cancel and refer me to a third friend, who had to cancel and refer me to a fourth. I cancelled him and called my own friend, Jeremiah, who was the travel savior of my previous trip to Uganda. He was more than pleased to fetch me from Roy’s and take me to Masaka, where I would stay in a guest house and visit my friend, Kelsey Linduff, of Willow Resource Foundation (https://www.willowresource.com), and maybe even see my other friends, Tyler and Liv Workman at Okoa Refuge (https://www.okoarefuge.org).

The trip was more like fellowship with a friend than riding with a taxi driver. I am familiar with Jeremiah, and we talked the whole way. We passed by a major tourist attraction — the equator. I snapped a quick photo over my shoulder, but we kept going. Cindy and I made a big deal the first time we came through, but now it seems like just part of the journey. Even more significant to me was a few miles later, when, in the middle of a cattle ranch, we spotted a whole flock of at least a hundred Crested Cranes, the national bird and symbol of Uganda. I had hoped to spot one on this trip, but I had never dreamed of seeing so many. We stopped for lunch at a place called “Gators Cafe.” The wait staff even dressed in orange. I felt right at home. The waiter, however, could not understand why I ordered off the local menu rather than the Western one. We were on our way as soon as my g-nut and mushroom soup, matooke, posho, and greens with pumpkin were gone.

Half way to Masaka, I got an email notification that my hotel reservation had been cancelled and the place was full. Kelsey directed me to the Banda Lodge in Masaka, where I found a lovely traditional looking lodge with grass thatch huts for lodges. I got a shower and then let Kelsey know I was there. She told me we would meet for a tour of Willow tomorrow, and I would facilitate a Bible discussion at 3pm.

I spent the evening relaxing in the shade under a sort of cabana picnic table outside my hut. I wish all my friends could experience Uganda and all the beauty and hospitality it offers!

On the American side of my life, I got word that our house is finally on the market. I saw the online photos and hardly recognize the place. Clearly Cindy and her associates have been busy making the house presentable for the market. Please pray it sells quickly and for the full asking price.

Tuesday, 2 November 2021

I woke up to the sounds of nature singing for the dawn and a nearby Masjid speaker reminding everyone to pray. The man prayed in Arabic and addressed the public in Luganda, and it reminded me to pray for all who will be saved, especially those converting from Muslim backgrounds, who stand to lose all their associations and inheritance when they accept and publicly profess Jesus.

I went for breakfast and was invited to join the hotel owner, Carsten Jespersen, and his party at their breakfast table. Carsten and his friend, Joan, are Danish, and They even shared some Danish cheese with me, which I politely finished, though I do not recommend to anyone who has not acquired a taste for loud cheeses. I enjoyed their company, and shared some of my story while I tried to drown the flavor of Danish cheese with my Danish pancakes and pineapple.

Afterward, Kelsey Linduff arrived and took me to Willow Resource Foundation (https://www.willowresource.com), a new mission she began last December. Willow has a tidy little campus very near town, with a new pavilion for meeting outdoors, and a well-furnished meeting house with office and facilities. Inside the meeting room was a budding library of Christian books and a computer, which many use for studies and devotional reading.

Today was “staff day” at Willow, which is used for organization, planning, and staff devotions. I attended the morning staff devotion and got to meet Kelsey’s closest circle. I tried very hard to use everyone’s name, and it served well later in the day.

One young man, Emma (short for Emanuel), who was celebrating a birthday, is from the North and speaks Acholi Lwo, so he was especially blessed to hear me speak his native language while he was so sorely missing home and his mother on this special day. I was not aware of any such tradition, but I was told the “birthday baby” had to be doused with water to commemorate his birth. The boys were ruthless, splashing bucket after bucket of water on Emma, who was such a good sport about it he even waited for the next bucket standing in the pouring rain. Even though I thought he had enough, each member of the group took turns pouring on this birthday baptism until even I joined in at Emma’s invitation.

After Emma dried off and changed clothes, we all enjoyed a traditional Ugandan lunch and separated for reflection and a few items of business. At 3:00, we came together again in a circle of chairs in the courtyard, and started the weekly Bible study with worship, introductions, and a round robin of thanksgiving. After about a half hour, I was asked to lead the Bible lesson, in discussion format.

I have taught a lot of Bible studies, but I have never had an audience so attentive, so engaged, and so perceptively adherent to the talk. As I addressed the participants by name and actively engaged with them, we had a great time of fellowship and sharing. We used the following as discussion points:

• Matthew 6:34 Do not worry (The Bible repeats 365 times, the message “do not fear”)

• 2 Corinthians 10:5 Take every thought captive

• Romans 12:2 Be transformed by the renewing of your mind

• Philippians 4:8 If anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things

The day was well spent and it wasn’t even over. I returned to the Banda Lodge for some rest, writing, and freshening up, and then rode a Boda (motorcycle taxi) to the home of styler and Liv Workman. Their home sits on the side of a hill nearly at the top, with a breathtaking view of much of Masaka. Their residential level sits above their livestock barns, home to several goats. I was made welcome at family dinner at a table for a dozen or so. The Workman eight are usually joined by others, but I was the stranger at the table, but was welcome nonetheless.

The Workman eight just returned from an RV tour across America, and were still re-acclimating to their home environment while preparing for a grand opening of a new project at Okoa Refuge (https://www.okoarefuge.org/), so it was a privilege to be welcomed at this hectic time. They shared about their recent developments and expanded vision in the inspiring manner I’ve grown to expect from Tyler and Liv. At some point, Liv, a nurse with ICU experience at Mayo Clinic, and I began talking nursing, and I realized quickly that we had left Tyler out. He later confessed he was happy Liv had someone to speak “nursing” with because that was part of her life that remained a mystery to him. I remembered how left out I feel when people speak Luganda or talk about the intricacies of football (soccer), and tried to interpret for him as best I could. Still my dialect of nursing is ER and Liv speaks ICU, so our even our shared experiences suffer from cultural differences. Nurses reading this will understand.

Liv administers Okoa Refuge with all the diligent determination and precision of an ICU nurse, but with all the management skills and patience of the nursing home supervisory nurse of her previous experience. It is clear God made her for just such an assignment as this, and paired the quiet, capable, and resourceful Tyler, who is like a real live MacGyver, for His kingdom and glory.

Wednesday, 3 November 2021

I began the day with a grand treat of breakfast for six. My friend, Kelsey Linduff, and her four girls joined me at the Banda Hotel breakfast bar. What a joy it was to start the day with such lovely ladies! The girls age 13, 12, 12, and 6, and each has her own special personality easily distinguished from the other. We had a great time getting to know each other.

After breakfast, Tyler Workman picked me up and took me on a quick tour of the new developments at Okoa. First, we stopped by the Philippi Project (https://www.okoarefuge.org/the-philippi-project) for women escaping the sex trade. I was amazed to see all that they were able to do with the right funding. God provides! Next, we toured the new Health Centre next door to Okoa Refuge. It was still under construction, but scheduled for a tour by the donors and dedication later tonight. What an amazing resource for building abundant life this will be! Then, we toured the new baby house and dormitories of Okoa Refuge. I could not believe how much has changed in the last seven years since I was last here. There is room for twice as many as the 105 kids who live at this child rescue center. Last, we visited the church and new community center. It was lovely to see how active things were even on a weekday. Neither God nor His kingdom ever sleep. I ruined Tyler’s schedule with my tour, so we said a quick goodbye and he dropped me at Banda.

After a quick freshening up, I called Kelsey’s favorite Bodaman, Simon, and rode off to Willow. There, everyone was busily preparing for the next day’s CrossRoad Church sponsored simulcast of the Global Leadership Summit. It is amazing to see all Kelsey and her staff have done since this place opened last December! I got to share my time there with Kelsey’s girls and some of the children of the staff. Afterward, I was asked by Director Julius if I had ever had training in dealing with kids, because it seemed it was my speciality. I confessed that the best training I ever received in dealing with kids was having been one and raising two. My greatest contribution to the day may have been the Badminton lessons for the younger girls. When we talked of favorite TV shows, the girls compared me to Little House on the Prairie’s Isaiah Edwards. I guess I will have to teach them to whistle and spit. 😁

When everything was ready for Thursday’s Summit, we packed up and went to Kelsey’s home. It was a fantastic house with two gardens, a raised pavilion the girls use as a play base, a tree swing, and climbing ropes, which the girls were only too happy to show me. While Kelsey readied things inside for her guests, the girls and I played outside. After a while, Willow Directors Julius and Martha arrived, and we all went inside. The girls served as a team of hostesses, each very eager to show me their quarters and entertain me with their latest video productions. Kelsey’s youngest developed a strong attachment to Uncle Todd, and hung close to me the whole night. She even served as my videographer when the older girls serenaded me with their violins. It was a great night, which concluded with only the youngest shedding the tears even I was holding back.

Julius and Martha drove me back to the Banda Lodge, and complimented my Bible teaching and skill with kids the whole trip. They slowed on the way to point out their bridal shop in town, a beautiful shop with amazing wedding dresses in the enormous window. When I told Martha of my recent dress-shopping endeavor, she commended my effort and the stunning selections the girls made as we perused the photos of the recent shopping day.

The night was leisurely, with no football on and BBC’s coverage of the Global Warming Summit, I talked on the phone and chatted on WhatsApp with friends. Apparently, Cindy has sold our house for well over the asking price. Now we have to pray it appraises for that amount.

The only setback was that the hotel has had my laundry for three days and I need to pack it for tomorrow’s departure.

Thursday, 4 November 2021

I found my laundry hanging wet on the line behind my hut this morning. When I inquired about it, I was informed there was a problem with the machine, so my laundry was done the night before, precisely when I inquired after it. A quick call to my driver delayed him a couple hours for the sun to come up. I prayed that Gideon’s dryer of fleece would also quickly dry my clothes, but ended up stowing the damp items in my mesh laundry bag to carry them to Kampala.

My driver used to be a tax collector, and he was trying to advise me about car buying practices here in Uganda, but none of what he said matched what others tell me about the process. One other thing that didn’t match was his fare, which was 25% higher than what Jeremiah charged me to get to Masaka. It pays to negotiate first.

We safely reached the Tick Hotel, and even without a reservation, I was welcomed back as “Mr. Mucungua” and offered my “regular” room. How about that? I’m a regular now! Owen, my steward, took my bags, which he knows I cannot manage three flights without an elevator, while I filled out another registry card. Before it was even half done, the clerk said it was more than enough once it had my name on it. Nice right?

I spent the rest of the day making the most of the comforts of The Tick Hotel, watching Liverpool win their football match, chatting with folks on two continents, and researching all-wheel-drive vehicles available in this market for when I return.

To everyone’s amazement, I did venture off on my own, first to the nearby pharmacy, and then the other way to a nearby market. After I got he few things, I returned unharmed toting all my acquisitions. The security guard applauded my resourcefulness. Apparently, they don’t see many mzungus (whites) doing for themselves.

Friday, 5 November 2021

I enjoyed breakfast of Irish potatoes, fried sweet banana, pineapple, watermelon, sausage, boiled egg, passion fruit juice, and Ugandan tea. I dare you to try to find a better breakfast anywhere.

Today is a day of leisure, since I have no plan at all except wait for tomorrow’s wedding. It was a divinely timed rest at a hotel where facilities are always available, since my stomach is not enjoying the new medicine I got at the pharmacy yesterday.

I reached out to Roy and Caitlin, but they were too busy with guests of their own to be my guests at the hotel restaurant. I finally heard from Kizza Robert, who accepted my invitation. So now I won’t dine alone tonight.

Downstairs, Regina, the beautiful and friendly hostess at the desk, greeted me by all three of my names: Mr. Lemmon, Mucungua, and Kasirye. I am still learning that third one, so the fact that she knew it was pretty impressive. She laughed at me and said it was a fairly common Baganda name. Regina helped me to schedule Covid-19 testing before my flight Sunday. She arranged for a local doctor to come straight to the hotel, so I don’t have to travel anywhere. This doctor was cheaper, even coming to me than Test-and-Fly, where most travelers go, and promised results in 12 hours. She will be here tomorrow morning before 8:00 am. I like this hotel! Regina and Owen have taken great care of me. I hope I am able to remember them as well as they have remembered me.

On the American front, Cindy has accepted an offer on the house, so we are praying it appraises for full value and that closing goes off without a hitch. There were competing offers within days of marketing the house, so I’m confident God will work out whatever happens and hopefully throw open a window of blessing in the house sale.

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Tuesday, 26 October 2021

Last night, a sweet old lady patient of mine died. I was told that, even in her last hours, she asked for me. I had recognized her distress when others overlooked it, and tended to her discomfort as well as her health. Even though we shared little language, she knew I loved her, and we exchanged prayerful blessings. At one point I noticed the oxygen tubing was causing wounds behind her fragile ears, so I fashioned a headband out of gauze and fixed it so the tubing would not rub her ears. Even after she was taken off oxygen, she still wore the gauze headband, because it was a gift from me. She was precious, and I look forward to seeing her again in Heaven.

This morning we received a patient who complained of abdominal pain. We treated her as quickly as possible until an ultrasound scan revealed an ectopic pregnancy. This is a critical emergency even America, but sadly she passed away shortly after the surgery. In the brief moments I knew her, I tried to make her feel cared for.

After work I met the adult kids at Team House. A couple needed encouragement, and I did my best to meet the need. As they left for their night classes, I began to do my laundry, but remembered just in time that Robert and Zam had invited me for dinner.

When I got there, Promise was cooking while Zam tended the baby and Praise ran about looking for attention. Robert and I sat together, talking, as dinner was prepared for us. As our plates were served, one of Robert’s students arrived for a piano lesson. So I ate while they played and Robert joined me when his lesson was over. Zam bathed the baby with one hand and ate with the other, while Praise continued to seek attention, crying when he could not find it. He is still too cautious of me for me to be of assistance. When I approach, he often screams, eliminating all attempts at peace. Strangely, this chaos made me feel more a part of the family than before, since the guards and pretenses of host and guest were gone, and I was just one of the family.

Wednesday, 27 October 2021

Today I went to work for a short shift. I preached the morning devotion again for the hospital congregation of about 45. I added onto last week’s “Belief without action is dead” talk with a sermon that started as cautionary about false teachers (like the one we heard Sunday) and ended with a summary nugget of Jesus’ teaching. We looked at 2 John 1:5-11, 1 John 2:4-6, Matthew 7:21, Matthew 5:44-45a, and finished with Luke 10:25-28 NIV, which reads:

“On one occasion an expert in the law stood up to test Jesus. “Teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?”

“What is written in the Law?” he replied. “How do you read it?”

He answered, “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’; and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”

“You have answered correctly,” Jesus replied. “Do this and you will live.””

Afterward, I checked with Miriam, my toughest critic, and asked how my annunciation was — whether I was guilty of using my American “lazy speech.” She said I had pronounced all my words clearly, and that I had brought the kind of solid Bible teaching they needed to hear. She even said I should become the hospital pastor! 😁

When Day Shift was over, my friend, Opiyo Patrick, and I went to Gulu. I needed to pick up the rest of my apartment keys from my landlady, and he needed to visit his family, to organize yet another family funeral. We decided to make an overnight trip out of it so we (and by that I mean “he”) could revarnish my new dining room set. Since it was my first overnight stay in the new place, Patrick said tradition dictates I must cook a meal. So, when we went out separate ways in Gulu, he went to his village, and I went shopping for pork, cassava, and tomatoes. When one is not used to cooking, and has absolutely nothing in the house, one forgets such things as salt or onions. The result was a meal that was anything but appetizing, but Patrick returned from his family meeting in time to rescue the undercooked pork and make something edible out of it. He even blessed me with a bag of salt.

The first night in my new place was uncomfortably hot. To keep out mosquitoes and bats, we closed the windows, but that also stopped all ventilation. With no power, there was no fan. I’ve got a great one, but it cannot run on positive thoughts. Solar power is next on my “to-do” list.

Thursday, 28 October 2021

I woke up to find Patrick on the floor next to the couch where he had retired the night before. He said it was cooler on the tile, and that I was going to have to do something about the mosquitoes. A quick shower later, I was ready for the day. Patrick had already begun varnishing the furniture, convinced it needs to impress Cindy with its shine when she first sees it. After a brief attempt to help with the varnishing, diligent perfectionist Patrick had me do other household tasks instead. He used to make extra money varnishing furniture for the vendors, and knows just how it should be done.

When the house was mopped, the bed made, the window tracks cleaned out, and the remains of supper were eaten as breakfast, we headed out. We made it back to RG around 1pm, and I got in a little nap. It was really a very restless sleep the night before!

The kids visited during their school breaks. There is a sad tone to all our meetings, now that “goodbye” is nearing. The fact that I will see many of them at Pastor Gitta’s wedding next week helps, but it was gloomy packing to leave.

I was invited to dinner at the Cessnun’s house, and the kids had a dinner theater show for me. It was a western, staged in a haunted ghost-town. They were great, and being part of their family is always a treat! It was especially hard to say goodbye to this bunch.

Friday, 29 October 2021

I am all packed to leave. I went to the hospital to participate in morning devotions and to say “goodbye.” I have been here five weeks, but it seemed to pass very quickly, and such was the sentiment of many of my friends at work. Several even complained I had not stayed long enough. I got a touching note handed to me by one of my friends, and hugs all around. I do so love this group!

Back at Team House, I was left alone, bored, and hungry, so I decided to go to the Canteen to buy some eggs. They were closed, so I stopped to check if my traveling partner, Robert, was ready to go. He wasn’t, but offered me breakfast, so he was quickly forgiven. Zam and Promise made us omelette sandwiches and porridge. It hit the spot!

The goodbyes that met me back at Team House were bittersweet, since they were really, “see you next Saturday.” John, my driver arrived about 9:40, and we picked up Robert, a sack of rice, and a bottle of liquid propane. John made excellent time and it was best if I didn’t watch how he did it or the close calls he narrowly missed to make that great time.

We arrived at The Tick Hotel in Kampala, where my misgivings about the name were assuaged by the comfort and amenities of this immense hotel. When I ate lunch at about 2:30, however, I started feeling poorly, and quickly recognized I was running a fever. I slept through the worst of it, then thought better of ignoring what could be malaria. I tested myself with supplies given to me by Francis, the lab technician, football captain, and all-around good guy. Fifteen minutes later my fears about malaria were abated. One more very sweaty sleep in the air conditioned room would find me as well as when I arrived. God be praised!

Saturday, 30 October 2021

It is Introduction day for Gitta! We got a late start, I’m told, because Joel had to pick up a cow thigh, the blood of which was still on the trunk lid. We had a quick breakfast from the hotel buffet and got underway. I am always surprised at the adventurous nature of Ugandan drivers. Not only does it take sheer courage too challenge Ugandan traffic, but we went down roads in a small Toyota that I wouldn’t even attempt on a donkey.

The hotel Wi-Fi was helpful to remind me I am missing out on the Florida - Georgia game today. I also got to see a lot of Halloween costumes on the kids of my American friends. There is no such celebration here. Instead, my Premier League football team, Liverpool (#2), will play Brighton (#5). I may even return to The Tick in time to see the second half.

Later…

Wow! The traditional Buganda Introduction was amazing in any language. I’m not sure how I scored a seat with the VIP guests of the groom, but I received a gold ribbon of honor and a place at the table right behind the groom. There were parades of women representing different groups, each dancing to their spot at a pair of mats in the middle of the courtyard. All the ladies danced lower and lower until they collapsed on the mats. The younger ones had the advantage here. Later there was a parade of men, but they all came at once and the girls had come in small groups, each group in matching outfits. Last of all was Paruth, the bride, dressed like a queen.

I got to participate when it came time for the presentation of the gifts. We emptied a truckload of presents, but for the bride’s family, not for the couple. There were boxes of every size, cartons of sodas, and everything from bags of flour, sugar, and rice, to chickens and a 3000 liter water tank, and, oh yes, the side of beef from the trunk of our car. The toughest, though, was the living room furniture. All the groom’s guests pitched in, and we all worked up a sweat in some of the fanciest garments I’ve ever seen in one place.

I was singled out to “introduce myself” but, thankfully, the emcee did all the talking. He announced that I had a new Buganda name, a traditional one from Gitta’s family — Kasirye. Whatever the name means, the fact that I was given a family name means I am an honored and distinguished guest, welcome in the family.

One last time, I got called up to present the bride’s family with a portrait of the Buganda king. There were five in my presenting party, each carrying a portrait or a plaque. I had warned people that, if called upon, I would dance the traditional Ugandan dance on my way, but I suppose no one believed me. When I began my dancing march across the courtyard, the entire place erupted into cheers, laughter, and applause. I was assured later that it was because someone from outside their culture was doing their dance and not because I was doing it wrong. I even got compliments. Apparently, not all white visitors dance. I got smiles and high fives from everybody after that.

There was a ceremonial presentation of the gifts to the family, which concluded with Gitta handing over a live chicken to a member of Paruth’s family. From what I could gather, this was the official transfer that the family would either deny or accept. They accepted. The bride cut the cake which was passed out to everyone. Afterward, Gitta and Paruth knelt before Paruth’s elders and signed a marriage contract, which Gitta danced back to his seat. Strangely, no one laughed at him.

It was a beautiful ceremony and Paruth must have danced around in at least five very grand gomezi (the traditional dress of Uganda). The whole crowd of about 300 was fed a big meal with both beef and chicken. When we left, I got to greet Gitta’s mother, Grace. She is such a beautiful lady with a giant, endearing smile, and a warm personality to match. She and I exchanged blessings, and I was, once again, made welcome, even as I climbed in the car to leave.

On the way back I tried to imagine what it would be like if I, or any American, was driving. Imagine game day traffic, on Halloween, after the end of fourth quarter, only pack four lanes of traffic into the two lanes on the road. There are no traffic lights or road signs. Rules are just suggestions. There is no right of way, just muscling in wherever you can. The biggest vehicle wins, but the smallest one usually gets around the mess fastest, and anybody on a Boda (motorcycle taxi) clearly has a death wish.

I tucked my head in and tried not to watch, as we navigated the mad rush of traffic. Suddenly, two and a half hours later, we were back at The Tick Hotel, where I was greeted by name. The desk clerk who knew Mr. Lemmon was also kind enough to send up a needle and thread, so I could sew on a button that came off my jacket today. It’s nice being in a nice place, even if it is named “The Tick” (pronounced Teek here).

Several back at RG have called or sent messages today, missing me and pleading for me to return. The biggest concern is the absence of Pastor Gitta. When he is gone, and Robert is not around to preach, the substitutes are usually awful. The older kids recognize it but would get into trouble if they skipped out. Please pray for God to send a true minister of the Word to fill Gitta’s shoes. That place needs someone who will preach the Gospel, not the will of men.