Nov. 30 – Saazi (Kitalya) Farm Prison - and a boat ride I had not planed for

 Ministry Partners,

Another beautiful morning in Kampala. I awoke at 5:45 this morning to the sound of swish, swish, swish coming through the open, screened window in my room overlooking the parking area in front of our cottage. A hotel employee was “sweeping” the cement block, parking area with a hand held broom with no handle, similar to a giant whisk. With all the red dirt here, in the air and everywhere, I am thankful that they work so hard here to keep everything clean, inside and out.

They brought our breakfast sausages and Rollxes (scrambled egg rolled in a chapatti) rolled in tinfoil so we could take some of what we did not eat with us, put it on the dashboard and that was they would be nice and warm after the crusade for us to eat. I also too some left-over pizza to warm on the dash.

I must tell you there is nothing like the unexpected adventures God allows these missionaries to go on. Yesterday we had the opportunity to preach inside a Muslim prison church and today we were to minister at a small farm prison we had never been to before. Yesterday, we were told we would need to use a ferry to cross a small lake but when we arrived today the ferries had already run for the morning so Alfred hired a boat to take us across. To get in the boat from the bank was NOT the most “lady-like” thing I have ever done in a long dress and de-boarding the boat to return to our van was not any better. Can you imagine, Alfred on one side, the boatman on the other side, trying to lift me by my arms up the slick steep rocky water’s edge! Appreciate your prayers as the way the boatman jerked my left arm/shoulder was pretty rough and it is a bit painful this evening.

But, as we started across the lake I observed the boatman’s helper bailing out water that was in the bottom of the boat. I wondered how fast he could bail during the 5-10 minute crossing. It made me nervous and it made Alfred laugh but I did not really see humor in our current situation. Of course Alfred was not laughing at our situation, he was laughing at me. For years I have said I would go wherever God and Alfred led, today God took me at my words.

We had to hire a car to take us to the prison that was a bit away from the boat dock. There were 70 inmates at the prison and they were all gathered singing praises to the Lord. There is just something so powerful when I hear men here boldly singing praise and worship songs without any instruments. Again, we watched/heard the Holy Spirit bring not only inmates but also officers to salvation, forgiveness and apologizing. It was a wonderful time watching God’s power at work.

The man that drove us to the prison said to call him when we needed the ride back but when Alfred called him he refused so Alfred had the O.C. call someone he knew to give us a ride. Let me tell you, it was a taxi to remember. It was a very old small car or should I say “junker”. The trunk would not open so Aaron finally got our sound system and a few of our other supplies in the front seat and the rest of our things were on our laps as the three of us crammed ourselves into the back seat. The windows could not be put down so we had some air and from the sound of the springs(? I’m too tired to think of the right name) every time we hit a bump or rut I had a bit of a concern that there was every possibility that we might break down out in the middle of nowhere. At that point, all I could do was look at Alfred, laugh and shake my head.

When we arrived back at our van I appreciated the lovely ride God has provided for us this trip. We enjoyed our nice warm lunch from the dash as Alfred drove. After eating I could not help myself, I fell asleep. After we arrived, back at our cottage, Alfred left me off and then he and Aaron headed to the van rental garage as he noticed an oil leak and he wants them to replace the seals before we head to northern Uganda and Kenya. 

 It currently is 6pm, which means I will get this posted soon and be able to get some things packed for our trip on Wednesday, bathe and get to bed by 9 ……. a first.

For sure, this trip it turning out to be one of a kind. We think we are prepared for each new day but when it arrives, we find God has a new design for the day and it is exciting to discover what He has laid out before us. I think through my 21 missions trips that I am beginning to discover what walking by faith means! 

 Please continue to pray for the prisoners, this trip, travel, and our health.

That none would be lost,

Arlene