Dearest Jo and Family and Friends,
We are most thankful that our vehicle didn't quit 'til we stopped at our place near the Bishop's house and not way out in the bush. There was no place to check it in N. Uganda, so a large truck going from Juba (Sudan) to Kampala gave it a lift. Loading it was with much pushing help and some large I-beams on a hillside. Mike returned today with a rented Landcruiser that we will use for a while. Incidentally the first truck we'd tried to rent broke down on the highway to Kampala on Mikes return. We have many things for which to be thankful.
Our new cook, Agnes comes from a village about 15 KM from Gulu. She tells of her brother being abducted one night in 2000 as she and the family were fleeing into the bush. They haven't heard of him since. Don't know if he is alive or dead. Everyone has stories of fear and tragedy.
By contrast today we visited the service of the church and school of the Anglican Diocese of N. Uganda. There were about 250 kids about ages 10 to 20 present. You would have loved the energetic and most melodic music. Several African, homemade stringed instruments were used and one large drum covered with stretched skins. It was Palm Sunday and they brought their own palm branches and flowers to wave. It was most
beautiful and such a happy contrast to the terror of the recent past. The words spoken were most honoring to Christ-God.
As an example one song went "Judge my feelings, Judge my soul, Judge my feelings and make me whole." Another song said, "We have wandered away Lord, Pardon us father, to thee we have come."
The pastor spoke words like these, "Have you invited this Great One into your life?"
So much more I could tell. Such a clean country, where they even sweep the dirt of their front yard by their huts. Trash is very little by the roadsides. Tomorrow we anticipate going to the most remote area.
Much love to you, Jo, and our families and many dear friends. Ken