August 14, 2012

Hello, I wanted to update my state of being as I had asked for prayer regarding my venture into Kampala solo to the Owino Market. I was really scared of going, but I had  asked the Lord if I should go and I felt Him say "yes, I know you are scared but do My will anyway." I was even more so this morning when I told Flavia what I was doing and she was shocked. She didn't think Baifa would find me in the Owino market, so she suggested I get off sooner and ask someone on the bus to help me find where to get off, then call Baifa and have her meet me. Keep in mind we are advised not to use our phone because of the potential of people stealing them out of your hand!

I got the boda fine but getting the taxi apparently is difficult on Mondays. I was waiting for the taxi with a young Ugandan man who said hello. He was at "the spot" as there are no designated transit stations here. He shared with me this news that it would be difficult because it was a Monday. 

One finally pulled up after many totally full drove by, this one only had one spot on the taxi and there were now 4 of us. I told the man to get on since he had been there first, he said no please you go. I sat by a young Ugandan lady that would' t talk to me. She was either too shy or maybe she didn't speak English. Then the taxi stopped and I had to get out to let someone off and ended in the back of the van by an older woman who smiled and talked to me. She heard what I needed and said she would help me, when she told me to tell the conductor to stop, and I did, the van went right by my destination. I said to the lady "oh he's not stopping." She said "here you must be patient, he will stop" and he did:))) 
I called Baifa and she saw me, the lone muzungu in the crowd! 

I was treated very kindly in the market and learned from my first time to push through the narrow openings in the frantic activity. As I followed Baifa, I slipped on the gutter running down the aisle and grabbed whatever I could to stabilize myself, which happened to be a Ugandan man's butt. He grabbed my hand thinking I was picking his pocket; whipped around as I was apologizing and then grabbed me and pulled me into the market stall and saved me from being whacked in the head by a man with huge wooden boxes barreling through. We had a laugh and I trotted after Baifa. 

Please keep Flavia in your prayers, her brother has been missing for three days now.  He was going from their sister's home to their mother's on his university break. The first day he was missing his phone would ring with no answer and now it doesnt ring. She has gone to hospitals and police stations to look for him, without success.

The missionaries with AIM have been very kind to us. We have been to three homes for meals so far and we have only been here two weeks.  We are very much appreciating the kindnesses.  We may not be able to see you but you all are very much in our thoughts and hearts.  For those who did pray for me thanks!! Our God is very good, and I am so glad I obeyed Him and went to the market:)