a lot of catching up to do

So I apologize for not keeping this up as I intended.  To be quite honest after everyday I was so exhausted and free time was rather limited I decided keeping up the blog on a daily basis was not the best way to go.  In fact I am already back from the beautiful country of Uganda but over the next few days I will be reflecting on our trip and my experience of it all.  So keep visiting I will have several entries within the next few days.

Without delay here is my recollection of the first leg of traveling:

Our group piece by piece met at the terminal.  It was exciting to see some of the same people who I have embarked on a similar journey before with as well as those who have never been to the Republic of Uganda.  Bright shining faces were ready, excited, and busy. FYI I suddenly got sickish a couple days before the trip... not fun. Group money was distributed, bags were weighed and checked.  It was really sinking in for me... the long plane rides were coming... I would once again return to a place that for me is holy/sacred.  No not in an awkward their country is following all of the Bible, in love with Jesus, no problems, better than America kind of "holy" but a special, set apart place.  A place where God has broken me, spoken (not in an audible voice by myself in my room dark kind of way), taught, ministered, and affirmed. I guess we all have a place or two like that in our lives which is pretty important.  Any way not there yet. Still in the airport eating our last 'Merican meal saying "See you in two weeks" to the people we really care about and thinking literally of thousands of things that may take place once the plane lands 7 hours into East Africa.

Well the flight was a long flight 8hrish to be not so exact.  Allen and I hustled to get seats next to one another and stayed up for the majority of the airplane ride.
Then crazy happened.  We landed in Heathrow had a slight layover and were going to rest for a few hours in the Yotel (think dorm room size place to lay down for a few hours.) All of a sudden I could not find my boarding pass... wait my passport is with my boarding pass... wait, wait! THE GROUP MONEY is with my boarding pass, and passport. I emptied my carry on bag and extra item severla times. I can't believe this... I must have left it in the pocket of the last airplane.  Forgetful, butterfingers Jonathan has lost something again and this time it wasn't keys. It was everything I probably needed to survive traveling.  I hurriedly find a British Airways lady to help me with my problem... I break out in a nervous sweat...getting nauseous answering as many questions as possible.  I tug my pants because the seem to be slipping. Wait what is this... my money belt that was once around my stomach...it slipped down into pants. I didn't notice probably because my backside was numb due to the long flight.  I relay this message to the wonderful mum helping me with my panic. She smiled and with her quick British wit made light of the whole ordeal. All was well with the world once again.

Well after another moviefest on another 8hr+ flight we touched down in Entebbe.  We were finally here.
Uganda

Third times a charm.

I'm going back! I'm going back! Yes today is the day we board to go to a place where a part of my heart lives... Uganda.  I have truly missed the beautiful hills and free roaming chickens, the avacado on every plate, but most importantly the people who have shared a part of their lives with me. Those who invite me into their homeland where we can share stories of how God is at work all around us. It's still 6 hours until we leave and I am so antsy.  The laborious plane ride will all be worth it. The day long church service and continuous praise of God which includes so much dancing and pure joy, I just can't wait. Granted I will miss something's here but I have missed Uganda too  And it is time remedy that. I wish many of you could go and experience this great thing but who knows maybe one day you will but for now maybe you can life vicariously through this blog. I plan on updating everyday if wifi is available and if I do not no worries I will. Keep the team and the people of Uganda  in your thoughts and prayers. Love you guys,

JB