Patience is a Virtue

Hello from Gulu, in northern Uganda. Yesterday we journeyed here, with seven of us packed into a vehicle. It was a tight fit but a smooth and safe ride. There has been much progress here with the condition of the roads, so we had only a few encounters with potholes, and movement along Gulu road is good. This is so good for Ugandans who have been accustomed to dirt roads and large craters for many years.


But I have found that patience truly is a virtue, especially in Uganda. The traffic can slow down to a stop at random times, roads are crowded, and it is very hard to predict travel times. Also, when ordering food, it usually takes 45 minutes to an hour to receive it. This is the Ugandan way, but on the flip side, it is made fresh and tastes great. The people here must also have great patience because things are difficult to accomplish. Convenience has not even begun to be a part of life here.
Water is boiled, food cooked on open flame often, and most people walk everywhere. Also, today in Gulu the line at the bank is about 60 people. Being here has taught me to take life one minute at at time and enjoy it, savor it.

Along the way, we were blessed to encounter many baboons near the River Nile. They came and sat right next to our car, since we shared some of our roasted maize with them. It was fascinating! They are very gentle and calm creatures, and the way the mother and baby interact is so human! And I can understand their interest in the maize - it was warm and delicious. In the villages and towns along the roads here, there are many markets and street vendors selling their products - roasted maize, fruit, and even roasted meat - we stayed clear of the meat on good recommendation!


As we approached Gulu, we were looking to see the IDP camps - but we were disappointed, very happily disappointed. The camps have all but disappeared now, and people have moved back to their homes or to build new ones. People are also moving around freely without fear. It is so good that the people here are finally able to begin a new life - many have lived in camps their whole life. Joseph, our driver, said that the people are now happier and feeling useful again. Unfortunately, there are still so many men without

Time to return to our home. Love to all from Gulu, and peace.\