Sugar Cane in the Raw

We knew today was going to be a good day when breakfast was moved back to 8:00 instead of 7:30. We rolled out of the hotel parking lot around 9:00 and were on our way to Lajewetek. We had two teams today: construction and medical clinic. But before we separated we had a few minutes when we were sitting on the side of the road. The entire trip we have all wanted to try some of the sugar cane, sugar water in a stalk pretty much. Robert allowed us to try some of his, and once we had some we had to get more. Some of the team went across the street to buy a whole stalk of sugar cane. Let’s just say, there is nothing ladylike about eating this native treat. We felt like barbarians, ripping part of the fibrous, juicy stalk off with gnashing of teeth. Barbra said she felt as though she was chewing splinters. Delicious splinters. You might be able to equate the sugar cane with very fibrous celery. Soon after we enjoyed the sugar cane we parted company, the construction crew to Lajwatek and the medical crew to Lapinyoloyo.

We thought going to Lagutu was an off-road jungle experience, but traveling to Lapinyoloyo was by far the most exciting. Rumor has it that the 18 passenger van got some nice air on the footpath which turned into a treacherous road less traveled. If you want to do some real mud bogging, come to Africa. The potholes and inclines looked suspiciously like mountains and gorges. We bottomed out at times, sliding through mud holes for about 20 kilometers on a barely used dirt road with overgrown trees and brush. At times we may have had moments of anxiety as fleeting thoughts of getting stuck with no life in sight crept into our minds, but prayer always brings comfort. Many were praying…hard. With 1 km to go we were forced to abandon the bus and take the rest of the trek on foot.

As we were arriving, we were passing all the children. Usually they are lined up waving at us, but this time they were walking by us rocks in their hands with smiles from ear to ear. We found out they were carrying rocks to drop in the mud holes so the bus could get through, which, eventually, it did. They continue to be the examples of serving with excellence even at a young age. Greg says he is going to move his family here so his kids will behave more like these children.

Over 300 adults and children came to the medical clinic today, with 13 receiving Christ. Praise God. The last two were sisters, both named Agnes. We expanded our treatment with Aaron finding his new calling. Apparently, Aaron is destined to change professions. If a new OB/GYN practice opens near Wilmington soon, don’t be surprised if it is his…



The construction crew had a busy day as well. Barbra and McKinley switched from the medical crew so they could make a few bricks. Sam took a video which accurately portrayed the intensity of brick making. It is not for the faint of heart. After making a batch of bricks we were called to tea: an absolute must in Northern Uganda. The team is planning on starting a new tea trend upon our return. Ashley and Eric were our masons today. The bricks have now been completed for the schoolhouse kitchen and the foundation has now been laid. After a few hours of strenuous labor we went to the well to clean off the grease and grime. The cool water was extremely refreshing after working in the hot African sun.



The sun turned into a downpour at the end of the day, postponing the Jesus film to be shown in Lajwatek today. This gave us an opportunity to fellowship with each other as a team, fellowshipping and catching up on the details of what God has done, which was awesome and inspiring. Ashley misses the late night Mirinda toast with Whitey, but this does not curb his obsession with the drink.