(2016) Week 2: Kumi and Jinja

We had plenty of time to mentally prepare for the outreach in Kumi, as the van ride was nearly six hours long on dusty and bumpy, unmarked Uganda roads. We passed the rest of the time by sharing stories and Rolex (basically a better version of an American breakfast burrito).

In Kumi, we were humbled to teach 30 bright women in basic business and financial management skills. The women were passionate and engaged, and we’re excited to refine their current businesses and create plans for future adaptations.

While we trained the women, a dental outreach was held. Brian Rushaju is the founder of R.U.N dental, an organization that seeks to meet unreached dental needs in villages outside of Kampala. A team of surgeons gives dental hygiene tips and free dental treatment to people in villages who otherwise wouldn’t have access to it.

That night, Mommy Harriet and Pastor Stephen (our host parents) spoiled us with delicious food and hospitality. We certainly felt re-fueled and prepared for the following day.

Sunday morning we were asked to share in church, which was initially intimidating but ended up being an incredible opportunity to allow the Lord to speak through us. Ammabel followed by giving a powerful sermon from Proverbs 3 on trusting the Lord.

With our bellies filled with liver and fried potatoes, we left for Jinja to spend some time with Grace, a dear friend who pours into Empowering Nations. Grace is a criminal prosecutor and the owner of a demonstration farm who lives her life solely for the Lord and others. In Jinja, we toured the political head quarters, sat through a court case on the recent elections, took a small boat to the source of the Nile and ate a much needed bacon pizza.

We are now back in Kampala and have been reviewing business proposals and brainstorming about structural improvements for the programs. The Lord has been working in mysterious ways. Please keep the women and us in your prayer as we continue this journey.