Mission Complete

As expected, things got crazy on our final count-down before returning to New Zealand. Time was of-the-essence, as we tried to finish up the Cell Point system while life was dotted with good-bye dinners, departure medicals, winding-down ministry and packing our bags.

Good Bye Dinner with IT & Volunteer Staff
On our last night in Uganda, we went out to dinner with the IT Team, a couple of our fellow volunteers, and our volunteer coordinator. It was great to have a chance to appreciate each other.

We received some really nice going-away gifts. We had so much fun with these guys and we will miss them a lot.

So, How Was Uganda?

Discipleship "Overnight Celebration"
It was hugely satisfying for Jordan to attend some of an all-night worship service, whose audience consisted of the hundreds of people who graduated the discipleship class, including his group. We know we will enjoy lasting relationships from this time.

Cell Point (Trial) Finished!
In the last half-hour of our IT work time, we published the completed, live trial of the Cell Point System.

For us and the IT Team, it was hugely rewarding to see 'our baby' running. We have high hopes for this system saving hours of fuel and pastoral time for Watoto every week.

IT Classes Started at Bbira
Another exciting result of our trip is the kick-start of the IT classes at Bbira children's village. With John keeping the flame burning with this one, we feel privileged to have piloted the launch.

Children's Church
It was wonderful for Julie to be involved with Watoto children's church. We attended an afternoon retreat with the children's ministry team during our last week. They are such a high-quality team. Julie looks forward to receiving a DVD of the Christmas Cantata children's play which she has helped audition, edit and direct.

Overall
We are overwhelmed with how God has used our little visit to achieve so much. We have personally grown heaps through new ministries, like teaching, hospital ministry, enduring difficult situations in an unfamiliar country, and through encountering the Spirit of God in the African people.

We will miss Uganda. It certainly has its up-sides!

Arrival Home

On our first day back, we met our family and came back to Julie's parents' house. They were all ready for us to camp in the back yard, complete with campsite modelled after the recent "occupy" protests!

Now, we get over jetlag and reintegrate into New Zealand life. We look forward to sharing all the experiences and enrichment we have received during our time with Watoto.

You have all done so much for us in supporting us to live in work for Watoto in Uganda.

Thank you!


Here is a collection of our 'sign spotting' photos from the trip (click for the gallery):