Rick and Janell's News: Uganda Trip Part 3

After spending time in Jinja and with Elders Wailagala and Appia, Rick and I drove over to Busia. Busia is a town that we spent a little bit of time in. We tried to get there at least once a week to work with President Ojiambo in visiting less actives and strengthening the members there. While we weren't close to too many people in Busia we did get to know President Ojiambo and his wife and David Wafula and his wife.

We first stopped at President Ojiambo's home. We had a little trouble getting there because while we knew we were taking the right road off of the Busia highway to get to his home....it looked different. We turned around and got back on the highway and realized it WAS the right road we had been on. A trading center had been moved right onto the little road that takes us to his home. Where once there was not much it was flowing with people and shops. After we got past that we recognized just how to get to his home.

President Ojiambo and his wife Rose were happy to see us. She had prepared fresh fruit for us so after visiting with President for a while we ate with him. She did not come in until after we were finished. It is a strange custom in Uganda that the women do not eat with the guests. They prepare food, and then clean up afterwards. I do not like this custom.....but it is the way it is done there:(

She finally did come in later so that I could give her a small gift. Rose is not a member of the church and while we were on our mission we tried to teach her. There is a small language gap but I think there were other things going on at the time as well. While she did not get baptized we felt like we were able to gain her friendship. It was nice to be with their family.

Next we stopped at David Wafula's home. He was President Ojiambo's first counselor. We had a great visit with him and his wife, as well. A new branch has been created in Busia since we have been gone and David is the Branch President of the new Branch. He is such a friendly person and we had nice conversation with him. Sister Wafula did not say much while we were there....again I think that's part of the custom. Their daughter brought us a refreshing soda. It was much appreciated because inside their home was very warm.

After visiting the Wafula's we made the hour and a half drive into Mbale. It was wonderful driving into our town! It was just as we remembered it. We drove right up to the Mbale Resort and got settled into our room for the night. It felt good to get there knowing that we were not only in Mbale but going to NOT be traveling for the next four days. We had a nice dinner at the restaurant, a bowl of their yummy vegetable soup, and a rolex for Rick and chicken and mashed potatoes for me.

In the morning after a good night's rest and getting a nice walk in around Senior Quarters, we talked with President Etiang (Isaac) to find a time to meet. We decided to spend most of the day with him visiting. We met him at the church where we were able to see for just a few minutes, Ben Tushabe and Gerald Mutebi. After a bit Isaac walked up and we got to visit with him as well before taking off to his home. Isaac has gotten married since we have been gone and "shifted" to a new place. He married to Cheryl who is an American living in Utah. Right now they are living apart....he in Uganda and she in Utah. It is very difficult for them. We had a couple of gifts that we brought over to Isaac from Cheryl and he was very happy to get them.

Isaac took us to his home and we were able to talk to him and catch up on what's been happening in the branch and in his life. He is a great person and we sure enjoyed being with him.

After visiting, Isaac hopped in our truck to take us to Manjerie's home. Rick wasn't sure he could remember exactly where she lived so Isaac showed us. On our way we stopped by Ellie's new shop. Ellie, a returned missionary has gone inactive. We stopped to encourage him and remind him about keeping the sabbath day holy. With his new shop this has become an issue for him and keeps him from coming to church each week. Anyway, we bought a few items from him and encouraged him to close his shop and be to church on Sunday. (We didn't see him:(

Next we stopped to visit Manjerie. She is the RS President of the Mbale Branch and was a dear friend to us while living there. She is one who will regularly call us at home so we keep in good contact with her. It was good to see her and to visit. Her little Joshua (who isn't so little anymore) was sleeping soundly next to her chair the whole time we were there.

Funny story.....Joshua woke up after we had been visiting about thirty minutes. With sleep eyes and a whiny voice he toddled over to me and started pulling at the bottom of my shirt.....and then he started pulling at the top of my shirt! I quickly realized that he thought I was his mother and wanted to nurse. I was thinking, "Wow, this kid is still half asleep to think that I was his mother!"

Notice the color of our skin..... very different, but baby Joshua didn't seem to notice! HAHA!

We sure love Manjerie!

Next, just over a couple of houses is Harriet, Manjerie's sister. It was good to visit her as well!

That evening we met up with President Isaac and his (and our) dear friend Alan. Alan has met a wonderful returned missionary from Jinja. Her name is Julian. (Gillian??) They are hoping to be married soon. It all depends on that darned dowry. They are hoping that her father, who is to a member, will not require one. If he doesnt' they are hopeful to be married by the beginning of the year. If he does require one it might take a bit linger than that! They are very cute together!

After another good night's rest (and another walk around Senior Quarters) we set out for another day of visits. First, we met up with Fazira. She was super happy to see us and vice versa! She kept saying, "I did not think you would ever come back!" Fazira was our groundskeeper of our Mbale home. She is a muslim and just a sweet, sweet lady. After living in our home for a few months she finally warmed up to us....mostly Elder Phelps because he is just so darned nice, and we became friends. I would make treats for her and offer her cold water on a hot day. She ha been working in that location for many years. We are so glad she was still there to find and visit with. She kept saying, "You come back! You live here again!" After telling her that we probably would not be living there again she said, "You have two homes! One there (meaning in the States) and one here!" You know, if it weren't so far away we just might consider that. We love our Fazira!

After visiting Fazira we drove up to the church to pick up Benard Wandera. He was a Branch missionary with us and we worked with him quite a bit. Benard has many challenges in life and he struggles with a good attitude but we love him for who he is. While picking him up from the church we got to see a few of our Young Men/ Young Adults. Emma, Ben, and little Sam.

Little Sam is a 16 year old boy who was one of our first baptisms. We think so much of him. Sam's mother passed away just this last summer and it has been really hard on him. He is living with Emma at this time but doesn't know how long that will last. It seems that Emma has not been a good influence on Sam and so that is a concern but I know members of the branch are trying to encourage the both of them to stay honest and work towards good inter life. Sam is very smart and is a good student. He is having trouble getting the money to pay his school fees. We are hoping he can finish up High School. Brother Phelps and I are hoping to help him finish his last year of school, as well as encouraging him to prepare for a mission. He wants to serve a mission in the next few years. I hope that will happen.

After visiting with the kids Benard got in our truck and spent the day with us. We first stopped at Francis' home in "the village in Palisa". We call it the village cause that's what we've always called it. Not even sure what it's real name is. We were super happy to see Mary and she was equally happy to see us! She hosted us many times in her home while we served there and it was good to be with her again. She invited us in and served us lunch (rice and mandas). Again, she left the room while we ate and I was sitting there thinking, "We came here to see you, not have us eat in one room an you in another!" That culture thing again! So we sat Benard in the room and ate while watching Mary through a doorway sheet sitting on the ground with Jimeema and Agnus eating their lunch. After finishing our lunch she finally came in and we got to talk about Francis and about her different children and Alfonzo, her husband. We left the family presents (Jimeema loved the small stuffed animal I brought for her......she even brought it to church on Sunday) and they were happy to get them! I wished the other children had been home but they were all at school:( Agnes was home because the was not feeling well that day. (We did get to see them all briefly at the group on Sunday)

Francis' new home that the family has been built for him since he has left on his mission. He is so happy to have a place to return to since his other one was in sore disrepair. He will stay there when he returns from his mission.

Jessica and Anna are using it for now.

After visiting Mary we drove toward Kabwangasi. We stopped at Sam Kirunda's place and said hello to his wife and a few young children that were there. Sam pulled up on his motorbike so we got to see him as well. We didn't stay long. We could tell that Sam wanted his wife to prepare food for us, but we knew that we needed to get moving if we were to get to Kabwangasi. We felt bad because it is offensive to not stay a least forty five minutest. We had not taken that into consideration when we stopped by to say hello. We were there for only about fifteen. I believe they were a little offended:(

While looking to greet Dr. John I spied a man in a green shirt and thought that looks like Michael Achilla, (one of our baptisms) AND IT WAS! I was super happy to see him! He was just finishing his day up at the school where he teaches and found us. I told him, "We were just getting ready to come up to your home to see you. I'm so glad that you found US!"

He stayed with us as we visited Dr. John and his new girlfriend, Eveline. They served us little cakes and Miranda soda while we visited in his little shop.

Afterwards, Michael hopped into our vehicle and off to his house we went. It was wonderful to see his wife Daphne and their son John. Daphne disappeared shortly after seeing us...to start cooking, of course, but we had a nice visit with Michael who also showed us his lovely garden and fruit trees. What a wonderful time visiting with our wonderful Michael.

Daphne made us some delicious matoke with g-nut sauce.

Michael's beautiful avocado tree.

Michael, Daphne and some family members.

We returned home later that evening. It felt like we had been eating all day so we didn't bother eating dinner that night. I might have had some popcorn an chocolate.......But it was imperative after eating in the village that we finish the night off with a coke!

The next day was Friday and after our morning regime we took off for the Mugiti Home of Good Hope Children's Orphanage to see Dan Dirembenza. Dan was baptized just about 6 weeks after we arrived in Mbale. We love Dan! He is such a kind and hard working young man. He works as a tailor and puts most of his efforts/finances into running the orphanage school. We were an hour late getting there (because sometimes that's how it goes in Uganda) and he along with a number of others were waiting for us to arrive. We enjoyed a nice meal provided by the teachers at the orphanage. Some of the other people that were there were three European young women who are doing some Humanitarian work in the area. Another man was Dan's girlfriends father. Sam Kirunda (a member of our branch) was there along with Sam, a fellow that we many missionary lessons with, but was never baptized, and a few others that we didn't get to know.

Dan took us around to see a few people. One was this young boy who is sick. WE remembered him from our previous visits to the orphanage. His stomach was very distended and had been in terrible pain. Dan had just taken him to Kampala to get some treatment but came back to see us. Not sure what was happening to this poor boy's little body (I thought maybe an intestinal blockage) but Rick was able to give him a blessing. He was the only Priesthood holder around (Dan has not been ordained yet) so Rick just gave him a blessing of comfort. This little guy has been in our prayers. Children die of curable ailments all of the time because there is just not good medical service in Uganda.

This cutie wanted a selfie with me!

We were joined by about six other children who wanted their pictures too.

They had a fun time looking at themselves in my phone!

That evening after resting at our hotel for about an hour we had a lovely visit with Jonathon and Rachel. These two!!! We love them so much and wish that they would join the church but it hasn't happened yet. We consider them to be dear friends and had a lovely time in their home.

We met Jonathon and Rachel on Christmas Day 2016 when they show up to the Mbale Branch Christmas services. They were new in town and wanted to "worship" somewhere nice. Well, they chose our little branch and that was a beginning of a new friendship. We have been in their home many times trying to teach and encourage in the direction of the gospel but they never seemed to interested. Instead we found good people that we connected with and the rest is history.

When we met Jonathon and Rachel they were just newlyweds. Well, as happens with newlyweds pretty soon she found herself expecting a baby. I remember taking her some ramen broth when she was so terrible sick with morning sickness. She loved it and I left her a bunch of packages for future use. Anyhow, fast forward to this night and we got to meet their little Keith.

Keith is their pride and joy! He is an adorable little guy that was not afraid of us in the least. He just played along side of us for the few hours we were there and then eventually fell asleep right next to me on the couch. So sweet. We also got to meet little Brazil. Rachel had a second baby TEN MONTHS after Keith was born. Rachel is a busy little mama and loves her little ones.

I did not get any pictures of Brazil that night but was able to take one the next day as we visited Rachel at their shop. I sure do love this lady!

While we were visiting at their home Rachel spent most of the evening preparing our meal. She served us goat meat, potatoes and rice. This was only my second time to eat goat meat. The first time was in Rachel's home just before we left Mbale. It's not my favorite but it was flavorful albeit tough. The Ugandans love their goat meat!

The next morning was Saturday. We knew that we wanted to take a drive up Wanale and had planned for this morning. Wanale is close to Senior Quarters and is a beautiful mountain with at least four waterfalls. What a beautiful drive! We stopped many times passing out candy to the children and waving hello to all of the people living on the mountain. It is a beautiful place.

After getting read for the day we stopped and did some shopping for our YSA activity for that night. We purchased rolls, cookies, and soda. We also picked up some baby items for this girl. Sarah Anyinda is another dear friend to us. She was one of our YSA girls that we got close to. Unfortunately, she is unmarried and ready to deliver a baby boy any day. Still haven't heard if he has come or not. She has gone a little less active which makes us very sad but she is such a hard working, sweet lady. Life is going to change for her very soon. I wish she was married and could have the help of a husband. We love Sarah!

Here is a picture of us with Sarah and Dina, who happens to be Sarah Butali's daughter. They both work at the Arabica Cafe.

That night we had our YSA activity.

Can you believe I did not take one picture of our beloved YSA's?

We had a fun night watching a talk from President Oaks on tithing. Gerald Mutebi gave a spiritual thought on the paying of tithes and offerings and then Brother and Phelps and I were able to share some thoughts as well. We played the 'I Have Never' game and had a fun time getting up and fighting for chairs! Everyone loved the snacks, of course, and cleaned us out! I'm sorry that I didn't get any pictures of our fun night.

The next day was Sunday. We got to the Group a little early and was able to greet many people.

This is the tent set up for the group. It gets set up son Saturday nights at Samson's home out by the orphanage. The group is growing so much that we were stuffed in there like sardines. They might have to get another tent so everyone can fit.

Francis' family came a little late so we did not get to greet them as much as we would have liked. It was good to see them again. They are all growing:)

Gerald (Francis' younger brother) did come early so we got to talk with him before the meeting started. I love this picture! He looks so much like Francis!

A selfie with Dr. John.

Rick had let Mpande (the group leader) know that we would need to leave just after the Sacrament. We wanted to catch the last part of the Branch meetings. But as Mpande was conducting he said, "and after the sacrament we will hear from our visitors." It turned out well. We gave a few thoughts and bore our testimony and then said our goodbyes. We felt bad that we had to leave during the meeting and cause a bit of a disruption.

We got over to the Branch just as it was ending and got to see a few more people that we hadn't had the opportunity to have seen. Esther Rose, Mary, and Faith and her new husband are just a few. After meeting with Isaac one last time, we started off on our journey back to Entebbe to catch our plane. Our drive was pretty uneventful except for a stop we made for lunch. We pulled over on the side of the road in a town just off the highway before getting to Iganga.

We had packed some bread and pb and j to make sandwiches. As we pulled over I hopped into the back seat to prepare our lunch and about twenty or more kids gathered about twenty feet away and just watched us. It was quite comical that we were such a spectacle. They literally just watched us!

It was kind of awkward feeling so as we were leaving I pulled out our last bag of candy that we hadn't given away and called over the older looking girl. I gave her the bag of candy and told her to share with all of the children and then all of a sudden they all started swarming her!! She could not get away from them! They were pushing and reaching and I could tell she wanted to share but they were absolutely mauling her! She took off running and they all were following close on her heels. "OH MAN", I thought. "I KNOW EXACTLY HOW YOU FEEL!" So many times I would try to give out candy from the safety of the truck and we would get swarmed. Also, whenever we stopped to buy bananas, pineapples or oranges from a roadside stand we would be swarmed by many people! I always was in the safety of the truck, though. This poor girl was left to the wolves. Rick was laughing as we pulled away and I was left feeling sorry for doing that to this poor girl.

Anyway......we got to Entebbe got checked in and hopped on the red eye to Amsterdam. We actually got some good rest so when we arrived in Amsterdam we felt ready for the day.

I love the flowers in Amsterdam! I would have loved to bring some tulip bulbs back but there was ABSOLUTELY NO ROOM left in our carryons. We had given two of our four suitcases away back in Mbale and we were overweight on our luggage so we had to cram extra stuff in our carryons. So bottom line.... no tulip bulbs to bring home. Although we did buy some stroopwaffels, three blocks of cheese, a pair of wooly socks for me and each of us a sweatshirt. Our. Bags. Were. Full.