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Sat: Bore Hole Dedication |
| Monday, September 18, 2006 |
What an incredible day. We had a flat tire before we left Kampala, and another flat tire 40 miles from anywhere (luckily, Charles had the insight to fix the flat before we left town!). We arrived at Naigobia 3 hours late...but everyone was happily waiting near the bore hole for our arrival.
We were greeted with loud african singing and drums by the children, and we were escorted to the bore hole for the dedication. Village and church leaders made statements about the impact of this addition to their community. They introduced the bore hole committee, 6 people all given specific tasks regarding cleaning, care, and maintenance of the bore hole to keep it in working condition and clean. This is a critical step in African relief...it ensures local ownership of the bore hole...its THEIRS to care for and protect.
It was interesting that the church chairman pointed out that, although the bore hole is on church property near the center of the village, he made it CLEAR that this is for all people regardless of their faith. This made us so happy...we want the bore hole to be an expression of love to everyone, not an exclusive privelige only for those who profess to follow Jesus.
Watch the Borehole Dedication Video (250kb/s - 5 minutes)
After the dedication of the well, we were given a gift of a goat and a chicken from the community. We spent several hours with the beautiful simple people. Everywhere I walked, I tried to hold a child's hand. Or give a smile. I wanted these children to know that they are loved and that they matter! The smallest expressions of love to them made them light up with joy.
We drove the 2 hours back to Jinja with no flat tires, and had dinner at the Triangle Restaurant, a deck that peers over the bay that is the starting of the Nile River. We enjoyed Nile beer and deep fried (entire fish!) talapia caught hours earlier.
What a day...we are priveliged to be in this beautiful land of valleys and trees unfamiliar to us, and to see how the universal language of love transends the differences of culture and dialect.
Your servants,
Troy, Mike, and Paul
ps - today, we're off to Bulumwaki to deliver suitcases of medicine and first aid. So many contributed to these stock...thanks! This will be the initial stocking of a medical dispensary that will grow and serve thousands of people who otherwise would travel 10+ miles by foot to the nearest clinic. You don't know what you've done...thank you!
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