Eating with the Sanhedrin

Yesturday I spent most of the day traveling on a bus from Soroti to Kampala. About one third of the journey in we had to stop and pick up another bus load because their vehicle broke down. Our bus was packed with people standing everywhere. I was supposed to leave Soroti at 9 am and finally got to Kampala at 5:30 pm - in the pouring rain. The city had parts that were flooded because a drainage system is lacking. Water was half way up the bus tires and gushing every where. When we finally arrived at our final bus stop, my new friend Charles picked four of us soaking wet ladies up. We have come to Kampala for a three day spiritual retreat - with FIDA and the PCU (Pentecostal Church of Uganda).

When we arrived on the gorgeous compound I was escorted into the staff office until the rains dissipated. My friends from Soroti were all shown either a dormitory to sleep in, or the church floor with mats. I was brought to a huge guest house... because I am a missionary. So I have a double bed, extra blankets, a kitchenette, and a tv. At first I wrestled with having such a big place to myself but I soon learned that I was just going to have to say "Thank you!". Charles even took me to the supermarket and he bought me some extra juices, eggs, and yoghurt in case I couldn't handle all of the Ugandan meals being offered.

Well, this morning I woke up at 6:15 am to the sound of prayers already beginning. I didn't walk up to the church until just after 8 am and I quickly found a place in the room to pace the floor and pray with the others. Man, these Africans can pray, and call upon the name of the Lord, and repent. We waved scarves, coats, or hankies or whatever we had to welcome the King of kings into our midst. I have danced, sang, and listened to three sermons already, and my day is not even over. (And I have two more days of this.)

It is strange having white skin. I am often the only mzungu in a crowd of three hundred Ugandans here and so I have been invited to join the speakers for their meals. Sometimes all I really want to do is eat with my friends from Soroti, but the leaders feel that it is not appropriate for me to sit on the ground. I eat in a special room with the Bishops, Pastors, and other church leaders. Tonight I joined them - me with nine other men. Miriam came to wash our hands. She brought us a huge plate of food, and then the fun discussions began. In Uganda there is a lot of talk about moving up in church circles. There are apostles, bishops, and popes. Tonight people were joking that I was eating with the popes or sitting at the feet of the Sanhedrin. I am learning to enjoy my status.

I hear the songs of prayers calling me again. I'm off to learn more from the elders of God.