Uganda Trip #13 | Post 6
Mike, Stu, and I broke out the pickleball gear as it only got to 98 degrees today-even though our weather app said 104. There was pretty good cloud cover, so it wasn’t too bad. No injuries, mild sweat and a good time. I got 13,000 steps in today (so far). It was nice to move in a way that is different than merely walking. It was also nice to not fall while walking today-I still haven’t got all of the gravel out of my hand from yesterday’s wipe out.
Part of our teaching today had to do with understanding the recipient of Paul’s letter to the Ephesians. Not understanding the differences between those on the receiving end of our communication can result in a very different perception or outcome.
For example, one of our men had a coughing attack during a lesson. It became a bit distracting and one of the other men gave him water and encourage him to stand up. One of the leaders referred to him as Dr. Phillip and the rest of the group laughed. My American bound mind immediately went to Dr. Phil of Oprah fame and assumed that was why they were laughing. Turns out that they had never heard of Dr. Phil, although most of them were familiar with Oprah.
Yesterday felt a little flat in the sessions I led, but today felt really different. The students seemed more engaged, the material seemed to land well, and I could sense new concepts making sense and being welcomed. We were able to get through the curriculum early and had a spirited discussion on marriage in the church.
I shared the teaching duty with Vincent, one of our lead trainers, who is pictured on this post. He will be one of the full time instructors in this location once we pull out in September. He is articulate, sensitive, and very knowledgeable with Scripture. The future of this abiding network of African lead churches is in very good hands. He recently was promoted from running the farm associated with the compound here, to overseeing four departments.
For some reason I am really dragging on this trip. I don’t feel ill, just hitting walls in regard to fatigue with some regularity. I’m not doing anything different than other trips. Last night I slept from 10 pm to 2 am. I’m about to finish my third book on this trip, Suffering is Never for Nothing by Elisabeth Elliot. Tomorrow, I teach my last class as Vincent will cover the remaining sessions.