Matugga to Jinja

Monday was a child morning. I was able to read, journal, and chill. Around 10 am, I saw Perez walking through the banana plantation. I asked where he was going and he said to pick Jackfruit. I have been curious about picking them since my last trip, so I set down my book, changed and went with him. I could actually HEAR the difference in the ripe fruit this time (ripe fruit sounds like a empty drum) and got excited as I watched Perez twist the fruit from the vine. We left the plantation, I went back to the guest house and finished reading while he went home. A while later I went to Sarah’s place and found them washing…like they do everyday, but today they had SO many clothes. This was the first time Sarah has ever said to me, “I wish I could stay home everyday and just do the ‘daily routines’ of life”. She is so busy with leading the school, counseling girls, being a wife, a mom, a co-worker, the accountant etc. that it’s hard for her to do the wash, make dinner, keep the house clean and play with her kids. You can tell she is enjoying this holiday just as much as the kids are. Once I was over there, we decided to go to the house cleaners hut to make a “last effort” in finding the money…

Mama Cathy’s house is humble, to say the least. Mattresses and barely enough dishes in the cupboard for her family of 4. Cement walls and floors. She is a widow. He husband died 5 years ago and once he past, his family came and took everything out of the house, claiming it was his property, so she shouldn’t be able to keep any of it. He had 5 kids from his previous marriage and they had 3 together, so she is a mama of 8 who has had to start over, plate by plate, dish by dish, clothing by clothing. She explained tome how she could never steal the money, and whether I believe her or not, she could def. use the $250 more than I could, so at the end of our meeting, we prayed together and I have surrounded the money, blessing whoever took it that it would go to good use and help to ease pain however possible. Sarah cried again hearing Mama Cathy’s story… it is really sad. Yet again, another “reality” of women here in Africa.

Sarah and I came back, had a late lunch with the kids and then I took Hannah, Grace, Joy and Brian for my daily exercise. I decided to do a fast pace walk with them, and they held up pretty good. On our way back, someone called out Mzungu and then some other words. I asked Brian what they had said. “There goes the white with her family”… and how true that was! This family has truly become like my own. It’s been a great week with them. When we got back, Perez was waiting with the volley and soccer ball. So, Brian and I joined him for a game of volleyball, which I won, 2 against 1! Then, they had me do push ups because they couldn’t believe I could do them. I did 20, then Brian did 20 and then Perez…well, he tried. After our “manly” competition, we went for a  run and picked up some sardines (for the dogs) and greens for us for dinner and headed back to the compound. The men of the town were already out drinking. I think that’s the first time I’ve been out since dark and I was glad I was with Brian and Perez.

After dinner, David and Sarah opened up about how hard it really is to keep the extra kids. None of their parents have offered help or monetary assistance and so, although they love the kids, it’s a major burden for them to carry. They are debating about care for the kids right now, as like any kids, they desire to be back with their families. They mentioned at the end of dinner that “because I am now part of this family, they are able to share with me the depths of their heart and thoughts”. I am honored and simply write this overview to ask you to pray for them in regards to provision and supervision of not only their 3 biological kids, but also for the care of the other 4 they have taken.

I left, heavy hearted and packed for the next day as I was to leave for Jinja.

Tuesday, I woke up around midnight to the smell of smoke. Those of you who know my story know that any type of fire will bring a sense of anxiety and fear. I looked all around, but couldn’t locate any fire, but still the smoke was so heavy in the house, I had a hard time falling back asleep. I left with David around 7 and headed for Kampala. Today, I needed to visit the doctor for a final check up…. With my stomach still in constant pain for the past 4 weeks, it’s made me a bit nervous. Plus, to check for any parasites I may have gotten… a check up was due. I took the advice of my friend, Grace, from a few weeks ago and went to a different clinic. Still nor sure if that was the best decision, but did it anyways.

After almost 4 hours in the doctors office: I am parasite clear, HIV negative ( you have to have that blood test taken) and have a small infection in my gut…maybe that’s why all the pain these past few weeks. I’m on medication now, and hoping the pain will be gone by the time I leave. After the doctors, Dennis took me on a few errands, one of which I met up with a sweet girl named Lauren I have met here, and then headed to the taxi park where I boarded a bus and headed to Jinja.

Tonight was great being back with my sweet friend Kate here in Jinja. We had pizza, wine and some good laughs as we caught up and watched some you tube videos.

Now, I’m exhausted, as I didn’t sleep well last night… so I’m off to bed.