June 13

Today we finally laid the momentous last brick but not before the mortar mixers decided they were done and had put away all of the mixture’s ingredients.  So after a short delay and light rain shower the orphan’s home has finally been completed! (at least as much as we are supposed to do while we are here).  We have been working alongside a group of 14 from

Minnesota

who finished the house next to us shortly before we did--  though our house is of much higher quality than theirs we are sure. 

A few days ago the

Minnesota

group challenged us to a game of soccer, which was mostly developed from the rivalry of our two team hosts.  The match was set for today, house 93 (us) versus house 94.  Each of the team’s workers played with their own house team and all the kids had just finished school in time to watch.  They especially enjoyed the slipping and sliding in the wet grass, especially when a player went over the side of the hill.  It was a close match at 5-5 (Jake hit a header in for a goal to tie the game) and we went to the “shoot out”, which really thrilled the kids.  Unfortunately, with all the pressure on our hosts, the Minnesotans were labeled the winners.

One highlight of the day was learning “Trash Talk” in Ugandan.  We have learned a lot from the workers.  The low point of the day was our arrival back at the Regency to find the water tank truck pumping water on to the roof tank, while leaking down the stairwell, and then having a constellation of water situations—none, only cold, only hot, or just low pressure.  Maybe everyone will get to bath before they go to bed.

Tomorrow is the last day at the worksite and dedication ceremonies for the houses.  We are really looking forward to FUN FUN at the FANG FANG tomorrow night.

Comments

[barry]

Now let me get this straight, "the Minnesotians were labeled the winners." Are you trying to tell us that you lost? (I see how you tried to hide this fact in your blog) How are you going to show your faces at East Heights? Maybe we should have prayed harder when we commissioned you for this trip. Something like, "And Lord, please don't let this team embarrass themselves during an athletic event." Can you call for a re-match, something to redeem yourselves? All I know is that for the next trip you need to include soccer practice in the pre-trip get togethers!

[Toby Taylor]

We should have sent Dave Chesser on the trip. He at least would have negotiated a tie just like he did in volleyball. And as we all know in soccer you can almost count a tie as a win. At least that worked when we compared the girls 2nd grade vs. Marks boys 2nd grade team.

[Beth R]

Wow the house looks great!!! The whole family is VERY impressed. The kids were impressed that there were pictures of Hallie and EVEN Emily working hard.
Joe said it was OK if you want to bring home a baby for us as a souvenor (sp?)-
Can't wait to see you all.
Hey Barry, Brenda has learned how to stretch the truth to fit the message just like a good "pastor should" in school-it's paying off.

[diana]

I'd like to see barry haul 20 pound bricks for a week then win the soccer game! I can't even get him to haul boxes for one day with out hearing "my back my back". Peace to you all and safe travel back.

[Amy]

Wow, good work on the house. Dave will be signed up on the next trip with Toby. Please invite the people of Minn. to bring their skates. Skates + mud should provide some real sport.
We are glad that you are all safe.
We will hold a table for your return. We want to hear all of the stories first hand.
P.S. Yes, we would take a baby too.

[amy d]

hi this is amy right now its dinner time for us but for you its 1:30 in the morning. i just wanted to ask hallie how shes holding up and if shes been sitting around doing nothing. also if she likes the food there. same question for emily (lol)i cant wait till you guys come home. i hope you guys are having fun amy