Here’s the first trip report from Frank and the team in
Kampala:
 |
| At Rahab |
“The travellers arrived weary
from the long flight in Entebbe this morning at 7.30, passed through
immigration uneventfully (with the exception of the 1 person who was organised
to have arranged visa before arriving), collected our 27 checked bags and
spooked Paul and Emma with the amount of luggage. For most people the drive
from Entebbe along the lake to Kampala was the first experience of Uganda, the
traffic, vegetation, red earth and the people.
We were allowed a brief turn
around at the American Club while Paul and Emma and Clare sorted the bags and
then we were off. The plans for today had changed, and they were much better.
All 9 of us went directly to the Rahab drop in centre to meet Annette, her
staff and about 10 of the regular girls and their children. After introductions
the group broke up into little groups of team members and the girls and
children to look at pictures and hear about each others lives. Annette
reflected on the transformation in the behaviour of the girls through the work
at the Rahab drop in centre, where shown God's love in action they respond and
become different people. It was great to see everyone throw themselves
immediately into the trip and engage with the girls. The group were very
enthusiastic about Annette's visit and her presentations the 10th and 11th
October. She gave us a brief preview of what she will say. Please recommend
these sessions to your friends, I think it will be most inspiring.
Next on to Kiswa the partner
school to the Gerrards Cross C of E school. We were shown in to Pastor Wilson
office for a briefing and to allow us to pass on the letters and CDs that
Nicola had sent. We also gave the school the "run the race t shirts"
and some scholastic materials from the supplies. Just as the rain started we
were led across to the school by 2 girls spreading rose petals on the ground
for us to walk on. The welcome to the "dear visitors" from the school
choir was extravagant. We were introduced to the prefects, staff, music
director and the (fearsome) headmistress. The visitors were then called on to
respond by introducing themselves, quickly learning that the response to
"Praise the Lord!" is an enthusiastic "AMEN!" We were able
to teach the kids the actions to "God is good to me," they were quick
learners. The rain fell throughout the performance, heavier and heavier with
the sound on the tin roof deafening, making it difficult to hear the kids and
then suddenly there was a flood of red muddy water coursing across the school
floor so we all had to lift our feet and bags off the ground to keep dry. For
the finale the Kiswa kids sang and danced an energetic song which culminated in
them rushing off the stage to grab the "dear visitors" to join in.
Fortunately no one was free to photograph this particular spectacle but the
Kiswa kids clapped enthusiastically. The exuberance these kids show for the
gospel in songs and dancing is exhilarating.
The leaving was emotional,
we were blessed by Pastor Wilson and led out to the ACET vans through throngs
of enthusiastic kids who wanted to shake hands and high five.
The weary group then split, Phil
and I went to the PAG offices to meet with Bishop Simon Peter's representative
(long story but we never met anyone) while the others changed money and
returned exhausted to the American Club for an early dinner and unwinding from
the hectic first day.
Tomorrow is a travel day all the
way to Soroti, maybe 5 hours, maybe 8 hours or more driving.
It has been a great introduction
to Uganda and Love Africa for everyone.
Thanks for your support for Love
Africa and the group, please remember in your prayers
- to give thanks for
Annette's vision for creating Rahab, the transforming work among these at risk
girls and for safety for her staff and the girls in this hostile environment
- to give thanks for
Paster Wilson and his work in creating the Kiswa school for 250 children in
this poor area of Kampala offering a primary education
- to give thanks for Paul
and Emma from ACET as they organise us, drive us and inform us on our visits
- for safe travel tomorrow
for the group on the long trip to Soroti .”
