Thunderstorm!!

After a particularly hot Saturday, I was longing for some rain. I didn't hold out much hope as the night before it had threatened rain and then just passed us by. So Saturday night I suddenly found myself awake, realizing I could hear the rumblings of thunder and see repeated lightning flashes lighting up the room. I looked at the clock -just after midnight.
Then all of a sudden the heavens opened and the rain hammered down (tin roof!). I pulled over a blanket as the temperature suddenly dropped. The thunder came closer and the lighting flashed repeatedly. After one particular bright flash of lightning came a deafening crack of thunder that made my heart pound! And with it there was suddenly bright light!?!
The hall light had come on!!! The hall light has not worked for the last 3 months! With the light on I now could see how each time there was a roar of thunder my mosquito net billowed with the resulting gust of wind! I debated about getting up to switch it off but as I continued debating getting up out of the safety of my bed in the middle of a tremendous thunderstorm my problem was solved – the light went out again!
As the rain began to ease I did venture out of bed just to check on water status in my wing – and found a small trail of water moving down the steps in the hall way – but that was all. I wondered how the guests were fairing in the other wing – but did not venture to find out!
Sunday I opened the door to the living room/dinner and discovered 2 big puddles! Not quite sure how they got there! The leaks always seem to be in a new place from last time! I think the wind has something to do with it! There was also a big puddle in the kitchen where the water had come under the kitchen door from outside.

postscript....
Sunday evening we had another storm - hailstones!!! I discovered where the water was entering!! Roof leaks!! One of the visitors had water pouring through her window (wire mesh at the top - there's no stopping it!) So her bed got a bit wet!
On Monday morning on the way to work there was a commotion - a tall Eucalyptus tree had fallen during the storm on Sunday night - it fell in the direction where least damage was done. An outside kitchen and toilets were damaged. Had it fallen any other way it would have landed either on the church or on houses. God was Merciful!

A Weekend Away

Last weekend I ventured south for a change of scenery. I made contact with a family with whom I have distant contact and arranged to visit them.

This trip required me to travel on the infamous Gaga Bus (my fist journey with them!). They provide multiple trips daily from Arua to the capital, stopping at towns on route as requested. Travel in this bus is well know for it's high speed. Sure enough once I was seated, we set off at high speed zooming up and down hills and swinging round bends. (when a seat belt was looked for - none could be found!)

As I was getting comfortable (if you can on narrow seats and plastic covers at high speed), the in house entertainment began! Music DVDs to start with. East African music artists. These were played at loud volume, and had cheesy dancing and back drops .... I was informed by my neighbour that some of these artist were famous gospel singers - I showed my ignorance by never having heard of any of them! I thought to my self - "if this is the in house entertainment -we'll be OK (bearing in mind I'd got 5 1/2hrs of it)!" Some time into the journey.... Entertainment changed.... to a Nigerian Film - if you have never seen one - in my opinion count yourself lucky! But maybe you should see one just to share my experience! (People love these films here - I think it's a cultural thing, to which they can relate. Usually there is a strong Christian overtone through out, and the storyline aways contains someone who is evil/ uses witchcraft, causes mischief and by the end wrongs are put right...). Any way 5 1/2hrs later I disembarked in Luwero in one piece and was picked up by the Brown family.

The Browns live and work at New Hope Children's Home. A lovely set up 1/2hr out of Luwero with green gardens (ours are brown currently!) and with several families based there. New Hope provides a home for orphans in a family set up and provides education for them.

So I spent a relaxing weekend in their home with their three children. I was taken for walks, to the market in the near by town - Kiwoko. Where while drinking a soda I had my toe nails painted! (It's a common trade - women here are very proud of their feet and like having their toes painted with fancy designs. I asked for a pattern on mine - and got a french manicure, Kathryn was sitting next to me and he just copied what was on her toes!)

On the Sunday afternoon, we walked to a near by village to visit the home of one of the girls who attends Kathryn's Sunday school. An hour long walk in the hot sun... We reached the home - She is an orphan being cared for by the grandparents. In fact altogether they are caring for 6 orphan grandchildren. The grandparents had 9 children. Lost 2 sons in the war (rebel war here in Uganda) and other losses related to HIV/AIDS. So they are bringing the grandchildren as best they can. They were delighted by our visit.

Monday brought departure day - after seeing some home schooling, eating lunch I was dropped off in Luwero to catch the Gaga bus for my trip up north.... Back to work again!