Good morning COTHA!
I’m the third newbie on this trip. I’ve become known as the old guy who can’t hear. It’s been a bit tough trying to understand their English since tend to speak so softly. I’m managing however.
God put it on my heart for a very long time to come on a mission trip to Uganda but I never felt that I could leave my business for that long. We began our day with breakfast, prayer and devotion (led by Becca). Then we set out on a very rough road to minister to our third church. I’ve hunted on ranches in Texas and fished off roads on Utah Indian reservations that were smoother than these roads. The Soroti road authority has a very nice building along the route but I doubt anyone is there because no one is working on the roads.
We arrived at the church about an hour later to be greeted by a large group of people. They seemed very happy we were there. My usual duty in the morning since the start of our trip has been to distribute mosquito nets. That’s where I started this morning . We have this lovely Ugandan lady named Jennifer that runs the show. We have become very good friends. It will be very sad to leave her smiling face when we start home. It’s been interesting to watch the people come with a somber face to get there nets and when I hand the net to them I say “may God bless you”. It’s hard to describe the smile that comes across their face. I always get a thank you or God bless you to. I’ve participated in all duties except the kids programs. We have left that to Becca, Micheal and Lorine.
It is definitely out of my comfort zone to pray over some one. I’ve prayed for Holy Spirit to guide and direct me in what to say. Of course, he’s all over it. It seemed in the beginning that I knew what I wanted to say but it just wouldn’t come out. It finally happened today. I looked forward to it instead of being scared out of my mind. The experience has been extremely satisfying.
I’ve counted pills directed by my other new friend Esther Ruth. She sings some very beautiful songs for us as we work. I’ve helped with fitting glasses on our friends as well. It’s fun to watch the expression on their face when things are suddenly clear for them.
I’ve found the Ugandan people to be very appreciative of what we are doing for them. I’ve been impressed at how respectful they are, especially the women and young ladies. The young teenage boys can sometimes be a handful but Becca has done a super job with all the kids.
Today we handed out 1070 mosquito nets. The doctors saw 1273 patients. We wrapped things up late afternoon after a long hot day and headed back to our hotel on that same rough road we came on this morning. We will return tomorrow morning to do it all over again before some of us come home. Another group of us are going on a two day safari before we head home on Wednesday. I have dearly loved being here serving these wonderful beautiful people, and looking forward to the return trip next year.
Phil Staley
I’m the third newbie on this trip. I’ve become known as the old guy who can’t hear. It’s been a bit tough trying to understand their English since tend to speak so softly. I’m managing however.
God put it on my heart for a very long time to come on a mission trip to Uganda but I never felt that I could leave my business for that long. We began our day with breakfast, prayer and devotion (led by Becca). Then we set out on a very rough road to minister to our third church. I’ve hunted on ranches in Texas and fished off roads on Utah Indian reservations that were smoother than these roads. The Soroti road authority has a very nice building along the route but I doubt anyone is there because no one is working on the roads.
We arrived at the church about an hour later to be greeted by a large group of people. They seemed very happy we were there. My usual duty in the morning since the start of our trip has been to distribute mosquito nets. That’s where I started this morning . We have this lovely Ugandan lady named Jennifer that runs the show. We have become very good friends. It will be very sad to leave her smiling face when we start home. It’s been interesting to watch the people come with a somber face to get there nets and when I hand the net to them I say “may God bless you”. It’s hard to describe the smile that comes across their face. I always get a thank you or God bless you to. I’ve participated in all duties except the kids programs. We have left that to Becca, Micheal and Lorine.
It is definitely out of my comfort zone to pray over some one. I’ve prayed for Holy Spirit to guide and direct me in what to say. Of course, he’s all over it. It seemed in the beginning that I knew what I wanted to say but it just wouldn’t come out. It finally happened today. I looked forward to it instead of being scared out of my mind. The experience has been extremely satisfying.
I’ve counted pills directed by my other new friend Esther Ruth. She sings some very beautiful songs for us as we work. I’ve helped with fitting glasses on our friends as well. It’s fun to watch the expression on their face when things are suddenly clear for them.
I’ve found the Ugandan people to be very appreciative of what we are doing for them. I’ve been impressed at how respectful they are, especially the women and young ladies. The young teenage boys can sometimes be a handful but Becca has done a super job with all the kids.
Today we handed out 1070 mosquito nets. The doctors saw 1273 patients. We wrapped things up late afternoon after a long hot day and headed back to our hotel on that same rough road we came on this morning. We will return tomorrow morning to do it all over again before some of us come home. Another group of us are going on a two day safari before we head home on Wednesday. I have dearly loved being here serving these wonderful beautiful people, and looking forward to the return trip next year.
Phil Staley
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