Today was a special day. We dedicated both homes built by our combined team. The workers were there as well as representatives from Watoto. Bob the Builder is the construction supervisor! We sang “They’ll Know We Are Christians By Our Love” and the workers sang a song to us in Lugandan, which is their language. We gave the house to the glory of God and dedicated it in prayer. It was a very special time for all of us and there were even a few tears shed. Then we greeted each worker individually. They were such a positive part of our experience here and had a lot to teach us—not only about construction but about their culture and life in general. We hung the plaque we had brought outside the home and had pictures taken before we moved to the other site to dedicate the teachers’ home that the West Heights team built (plus George—we outnumbered them and so George volunteered to help their team out).
Some of us were treated to a tour of Bbira Village. Bbira means “forest” and there are lots of trees and beautifully cared for plants and lawns. We got to see the children in some of their classes. In other parts of Uganda, children are often in classes as large as 90 children (if they go to school at all), while in Watoto the class sizes are much more manageable at about 25-30. The children all seemed to be happy and focused in their learning. The Ugandans place a great value on their teachers, knowing that the only way to get a quality education is to get quality teachers. Currently, there is only a primary school at Bbira, grades equivalent to our K-8. Buses take the older children to Suubi. Bbira is in the process of building a high school, provided enough partners come through to support the building.
After lunch on site, we went to Kampala Pentecostal Church to get our passports and extra money that they had been keeping in their safe. We had a debriefing with our tour hosts Andrew and Melvin and they told us what to expect for our next few days at the safari lodge. Now the vacation part begins! We also learned about the vision Watoto has for the children of Africa and the planting of a new church and Watoto ministry in the northernmost part of Uganda, where there is much war and consequently, much need. The biggest problem in northern Uganda is the child soldiers. We really admire the people of God here in Kampala for taking a stand for justice and moving to plant a church and Watoto ministry in the heart of a most desperate situation. Put the children of Gulu on your prayer lists! KPC is also trying to spread the concept of Watoto among other African nations so that the continent as a whole will benefit from increased education and attention to the needs of the children—the future leaders!
Tonight we are being treated to dinner at a local Chinese restaurant called Fang Fang. We have no idea what to expect, but are all getting a little tired of the lack of variety in the African diet compared to the American diet. We have started dreaming of the foods we want to taste again when we get home. Most of us will miss the fresh pineapple here but will be happy not to have some form of banana at each meal!
Even though the work on our home is completed (at least on our part; a crew will come in to place the plumbing, electricity, and roof before it is painted on the inside and landscaped outside), we realize that there is still great need. Watoto is clearing land in this village for another 6 clusters, holding 9 houses each of 8 children each. Each of these homes is in need of partner churches to raise funds and send teams to build. The goal of the Watoto ministry is to care for 10,000 children, and they are well on their way. Please pray for the people of the world who might be moved to be part of this exciting and important ministry.
Congratulations to all the workers. Your projects looked excellent. Enjoy your vacation.
Posted by: Liz | June 14, 2007 at 05:32 PM
It has been with great interest that I have followed the project. Congratulations to all for the work completed and now go enjoy for a few days. Hey, bananas are a great food! I know, I know, just not every meal! Praise God for you all and for the work being done at Watoto!
Posted by: Fay | June 16, 2007 at 12:34 PM
I have enjoyed all the pictures and daily notes. I am jealous, wish I was with all of you. Enjoy. and to George. Dylan and I had a great time in La. Miss and love you. Nancy
Posted by: crandall | June 16, 2007 at 01:44 PM