Digging

These posts are quite old... And this blog was the failed attempt at keeping my friends updated while I was in Uganda during the summer of 2009.

One week anniversary

So it has been over a week since I arrived in Bundibugyo.
The clouds have released their last few raindrops for the evening, beating a syncopated rhythm on the tin roof of our house; tonight's lessened heat will be more bearable than last night's baking. Thank you Lord for the rain.
Today I went with one of the young team's MK's to a Ugandan primary school for about an hour and a half. I don't remember first grade very well, but I remember enough to know that today's experience was quite different. In particular, I don't think there was a "class privateer" (by that, I mean a kid that would sit in the back of the class with a stick and smack those who misbehaved - bad posture was particularly offensive). I was happy to be the "ignored guest," especially since I found myself texting someone mid-class (*gasp*) - Mr. Privateer decided that rules didn't apply to me (either that, or he found my white, relatively tall frame to be rather mysteriously menacing...). Later I found out that cell phones weren't allowed at the school. Oops. At least I had it silenced and relatively hidden. I think just having a mujungu (basically meaning "white person") in the classroom was the greater distraction.

Waiting to embark...

I'm sitting in the Heathrow airport, and will be boarding in roughly 1 hour. Then it's off to Uganda! Please pray that all the travels will go smoothly (flight, baggage, meeting up with the Myhres, etc).
It turns out that we'll be driving from Kampala to Bundibugyo, so get excited about seeing some Ugandan countryside! I will try to upload photos ASAP after arriving in Bundibugyo.

End of respite, gateway to adventure!

It's high time for an update!
To clarify:
All of the support is in. My need has been met. Thank you for your generous gifts!

And now, on with the developing tale:
I just got back from having supper with some friends; it was originally supposed to be a surprise party, but they decided that it would be nicer to give me a bit of a heads-up (about a 3-hour warning). They did well. Today was my last day in Granada. As always, I pack best when it's the night before I leave (meaning, I can never bring myself to really start packing until I have no other option but to pack). Because of the forewarning, I was able to start a bit early. Now I have returned to what had been a hopeful "I will be able to finish my packing in three hours!" session, and to tell the truth, the remaining work appears to be fairly manageable.

My Mom and I will be taking a bus to Málaga in 6 hours, and then a flight to London. We will have some extra time together over the weekend (which, given the past few busy weeks, is a much-appreciated blessing). I will meet up with my fellow intern, Doug, after he arrives in London, and we will spend the day vigorously strolling through town. Sunday evening, Doug and I will board our flight to Uganda.
Do I hear drums rolling...?

Uganda Support Letter

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

I hope this news finds you enjoying the signs and promise of new life this spring! I have been offered an opportunity this summer, so I invite you to share in it with me and support me through the adventure!

I am currently in my second year of college at the University of Virginia, studying lots of chemistry, biology and physics in preparation for the MCAT, and eventually – Lord willing – medical school. Ever since I started this journey towards a career in medicine, I have dreamed of spending some time with Scott and Jennifer Myhre, medical doctors with World Harvest Mission in Uganda, Africa. With that possibility in mind, I was trained and certified as an emergency medical technician last summer. This summer, I have the chance to go.

I hope to be joining the World Harvest Team in the western region of Uganda, close to the border with Democratic Republic of the Congo for a summer internship that will last approximately seven weeks (June 7^th – July 29^th). During my time there, I will be able to gauge whether or not I feel a calling to future long-term medical missions. Among other things, the internship will include: shadowing the doctors in the clinic, participating in a nutrition program for the poor, teaching at a primary school and training in evangelism and cross-cultural ministry. I also expect to learn about the local culture, enjoy the beauty of God’s creation, be immersed in African life and experience stretching, testing and growth in my relationship with the Lord.

I would be very grateful for your prayers. Please pray that the Lord would work in and through the hearts of the Ugandans and the missionaries. Also, pray for safety. Bundibugyo is a district that has witnessed guerilla warfare, cholera, HIV/AIDS, Ebola and malaria. Travel is not easy in that region, and neither is communication. Please pray that God would get me there and back, in one piece! Please ask the Lord to grant me humility, openness and eagerness to learn and serve in whatever circumstance.

Please also pray that I would trust in God to provide the funds for this mission. I need to raise a total of $4250. This sum includes roundtrip airfare from Philadelphia to Kampala, a Ugandan travel visa, food and lodging, local transportation, and other ministry expenses (some of which covers malaria medication and two lovely immunizations!). 100% of the support is due by May 4^st, and I still need $1800.

I know that many people are facing economic troubles at this time, so it is difficult for me to ask for your help. But would you please pray and ask God if He wants you to support me in this mission? However He leads is perfect.

Checks can be made payable to World Harvest Mission and sent to: World Harvest Mission/Donations Processing Center/ PO Box 1244/Albert Lee, MN 56007-1244. Please include my name on the memo line. Donations may also be submitted electronically at: http://www.whm.org/give/missionary?ID=26029. (I certainly appreciate any and all donations; however, since the due date is so close, electronic donations would be preferred.)

Thank you for taking the time to read about the burden the Lord has placed on my heart. Please consider partnering with me as I embark on this mission, in whatever way you feel led. I would love to know what you decide, new developments in your life, and any way I can pray for you. (Please respond to tim.t.wills@gmail.com)

May the Lord bless you as you become more aware of the tremendous renewing power of His mercy and grace.