Let's Go To The Village!

Yesterday we had the privilege of visiting one of our AGC pastors, Gideon and his wife Josephine.  Usually Nathan is the one who gets to go encourage our pastors and spend time out in the village.  This time our whole family was invited!  We all were so excited to get to go.  I thought it would be fun to share with you what a visit out to the village looks like.

Traditionally here in Uganda it is customary to bring a gift when you visit someone. I LOVE this because I am gift-giver at heart. This time I put together a basin (used for washing dishes or clothes) full of rice, sugar, tea leaves, soap, crayons, a coloring book and bubble gum. :)

It takes 2.5 hours to get to Gideon's church and school. I saved back some animal crackers that was sent in a care package and surprised the kids with them. They all  happily shouted "ANIMAL CRACKERS!" Thanks again Abstons! 

The roads in the village were B U M P Y! I thought it was hilarious that a sign was made for the speed bumps or 'humps' because we had already driven over miles of humps and bumps with miles more to go! 

The kids laughed and laughed at the huge pot holes! We were grateful for their positive attitudes. We often say here, "Just because it's different doesn't mean its bad or wrong. It's just different." Here's a 1 minute video of the bumpy ride and beautiful village scenery....

On the way to Kayunga Ruby fell asleep at 10:30am. This never happens.  She usually naps at 1:00pm.  Nathan said, "I think this is one way God is showing us His love today." Because Ruby napped on the way she got to happily play all afternoon long with the school kids. Praise Jesus! 

When we arrived Pastor Gideon introduced us to all the school children. When he started the school in 2011 there were 48 children. Now the school has around 360 kids. We had two main purposes on this visit: encourage Gideon and his wife and encourage the school children. We spent all afternoon playing games together. We taught them how to play frisbee.  None of them (including the teachers) had seen or heard of a frisbee.  It was fun to watch them try to figure it out and then shout when the disk actually flew a little ways.

We played frisbee in shifts. The kids who weren't playing laughed and laughed at the ones playing (especially when someone got hit in the head with a frisbee...this happened several times. Haha! Ouch!)

The children taught us their version of dodgeball. It was a blast! 

We taught them limbo. :)

And musical chairs. They loved the games! :) 

After a fun afternoon of playing games we were served a delicious lunch. We were served greens, potatoes, beans, rice, beef, posho and sodas.  This was an extra special treat! 

Here is the  church. Perhaps this looks familiar as it was the first church Nathan preached at in Uganda.  It's in worse condition than the last time we saw it.  They've struggled to keep the structure standing but the congregation continues to meet and worship here together.

After lunch we all gathered in one of the school rooms for chapel. Typically chapel is held in the church but because of some roof problems we met in the school room. The children in grades 1-5 performed special songs and dances for us. Out in the village we get very special treatment, which is something that we have had to get used to. We normally would be fine to sit on the floor with the other kids but we realize sitting in the special 'visitors' chairs is the right thing to do.  It is showing that we accept their very generous gesture. 

Then the most amazing thing happened. Gideon's wife Josephine pulled Nathan out of his chair during a traditional Ugandan dance and made him dance with her. He never dances! His worst nightmare was my favorite moment! Haha! :)

Sophie taught about Adam and Eve before Nathan spoke about God's love. She did a great job! 

What a great day! We are so grateful for the opportunities to visit our pastors. We praise Jesus for a safe journey on the roads and for the sweet time we had together.
Maybe next time you can come with us?! ;)