Day 5...Define Mega?!

After a long successful night of signs (especially for "send it again John") and a little sleep, the day started with the traditional baked beans, meatballs, eggs and toast. Quickly followed by loading the bus and heading back out to Pugwini Village. We got to work weeding the garden and working on the roof for the "mega" kitchen.
Things we found out about Ugandan construction and each other:
* There are different formulas for concrete mixture depending on the round of mixing.... is it 4 wheel barrows of sand or rocks (small boulders)? The human cement mixers, Mike, Brett, Troy and YT, was in full effect!
* sawing with a hand saw on the hardest wood in Uganda is quite different than using a computer in a cubical!... Best quote by Julie as YT was watching her over her shoulder... "Don't micro manage me!!!"
*tamping and smoothing concrete on the veranda that will over look the soccer pitch... the girls felt like they were icing a cake with their trowels in hand!
* The Iron Tribe crew (Julie and Devon) showed their mad skills hoisting water on their heads and lifting buckets of cement up to Brett in the rafters. That Iron Tribe stuff is really paying off... thanks Mike Fox!
* The construction foreman, Julius', uniform consisted of a bright yellow ski bib... in 85 degree weather! What?!

After making a good start on the roof we handed the reigns back to our Ugandan friends and headed out so we could make it to the prison for visiting hours.

When we arrived at the prison we were split into guys and girls and went to respective prisons that were side by side. In the men's prison there are over 1000 men, some guilty, some not.
Troy and Brett headed straight for the infirmary. Brett got to hang out with former soldier who wasn't sick but just wanted  to encourage those that were. He was considered the spiritual leader of the infirmary. Troy got to speak words of hope and life to a man with a kidney problem who was also suicidal, a conversation Troy won't soon forget.

YT, John and Mike had a chance to sit with 10 men, most of whom are spiritual leaders inside this prison.  John had a wonderfully deep conversation with a man named David.  David is from an incredibly accomplished family, and is extremely bright.   A former University student, David made some bad choices that lead him to prison.  Although it has been a heart breaking experience, he continues to grow in his faith in Christ and will not give up hope that God can use him in big ways.

YT was able to reconnect with a pastor named William who he visited last year, William is in his 22 year of prison, and is currently studying Systematic theology.  he knows that God has him in prison and has redeemed his choices by allowing William to come to Christ in prison and grow into a spiritual leader

Then Bret and YT had a chance to play in the prison soccer game.  1000 fans, referee and two 30 minute halves of great competitive soccer and the most intimadating 12th in all of sports.  Right in the middle of the field is a tree.  A legit tree that blocks many a pass. Also on the field were three volleyball poles that players need to avoid . Bret showed his growth as a player as he held his own as a defender, except for the really hard wipe out that the crowd got a good laugh out of.  Their team won 3-2 and ended with a devotional time with both prison teams.

The ladies got to meet 60 women, some guilty, some not. CC, Betty and Julie shared encouraging words after praying together and singing some energized praise songs. The girls took bars of soap for everyone and challenged them to think about Christ washing us white as snow as they use it in their baths. In the last hour of being together, the girls split up into smaller groups and some women came to share their stories and ask for prayer. Only 20% of the women that shared were actually guilty of a legitimate crime. It's a helpless feeling to hear them share of the injustice occurring in "the system" here. Two women prayed to receive Christ. Ashley, with Julie by her side, mustered the courage to lead Percy (19 yrs old) to repeat the salvation prayer after her! Betty and CC couldn't contain their excitement after praying with their friend Janette... loud AYAYAYAYAYs were exclaimed! What a wonderful experience and celebration!

Visiting hours were over at 4:00 and we headed to the farm to say goodbye to the staff (can't believe our time is over here) and for a pig delivery. Part of the SOM program is to empower families in need by providing livestock for them if they build a suitable pen for them and contribute what they can for the animal. The team took two different families pigs. The best snapshot is...Picture the home owner being Mufasa and the pig being Simba from the Lion King... They held their pig over their head with loud exclamations of joy and thanksgiving. It was a great site to see and be a part of!

We shared our last dinner at the Church Hill tonight as we prepare to pack and leave tomorrow for the Safari. It has been a special time here in Gulu and we are sad to leave our new friends.

Thanks for following the blog and for praying... we can feel each one!