Lazy, Hazy, Crazy Days

"I can throw a water balloon," chimed our grandson, Cole, when I asked him what he liked best about summer. "I can squirt Ben with the water gun," responded Emily, echoing the same child-like approach to this season's pleasures.

Oh, to be a child again... to risk getting wet with our clothes on, to just abandon oursophisticated response to life. However, at this time of year, our calendar is often filled to the brim with weddings, showers, graduations, family reunions, barbecues and vacations. Too often, several commitments appear on one day, challenging us to keep cool in more than one way. When summer's last rose petal falls, will I be able to say that I have enjoyed it?

The words from the old song, "Roll out those lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer" gave me food for thought. I determined that my summer be filled not only with activity but with contentment as well.

Oxford dictionary defines LAZY as averse to labour, indolent, slothful; slow-moving. Ido not want to be lazy but those words remind me to slow down this season.

Three weeks ago, I sat at my desk with a pile of work staring at me. I had no other choice but to don my helmet, kick back the stand, jump on my bicycle and ride away. Twenty-five minutes later, I arrived at the water's edge of Belwood Lake. Quickly I forgot the long to do list back home and drank in the tranquility. Beside the still waters, I watched a mallard duck as he lazily floated upstream. I liked his approach to the day. My mind drifted to an ancient writing, pointing to the creator of all nature: "Be still and know that I am God" gave a fresh calmness to my sun-parched spirit.

HAZY is defined as misty, vague, and indistinct. Often I have a dim, distorted view of life and ask why there are such challenges, pain and suffering all around me. My mother always reminded me that everything happens for a reason. For now, I will don my spiritual glasses and know God is working on a bigger plan.

Extremely enthusiastic, unrestrained, exciting are just three definitions for the last word CRAZY. How well they describe the uninhibited nature of children. Ready at a moment's notice to laugh, giggle and forget the scraped knee. I've heard it said,"What you focus on grows". I am going to focus on enjoying the longer days, delighting in all that is mine and choosing to . Why not join me? Come to think of it, I think I'll go fill a water balloon and have some fun.

Uganda's beauty- at the Congo border

With recent word that Africa is experiencing the worst drought in sixty years, those that travelled there last month are praying for the beautiful people to know we care. There are ways to help their severe plight. If you want more information, email me: ruth@seasonedwithsalt.net

And now, come along as we explore new territory!

Rwebisengo- What and where?

Rwebisengo... a village near the Congo border. We were told that it's the place where the best looking women in Africa live!

To get there is about two and a half hours through some of the most beautiful mountainous terrain in Africa. The road is being improved since our last visit but still needs prayer, both for those widening it and those travelling it!

With no guard rails for protection, passing is next to impossible and the constant fear is falling rock! But the beauty – breathtaking!

Our team stopped for a photo while waiting for the rock slide to be removed. (shown in the picture above)

People met under open-ended tents for the Pastor's Conference and surprise bike distribution. Most pastors in the rural areas of Uganda cannot afford transportation. Through generous donations, we were able to provide about 80 bikes.

While nurses did HIV testing, and other team members provided a program for the children, we were able to preach and teach the Word of God. Even the children worshipped in this open air meeting.

One of the highlights of our day in Rwebisengo was visiting the Medical Clinic. Directed by Evelyn Komuntale and Outreach for Africa, we loved meeting each patient and staff. They all enjoy having their pictures taken.

The building is rectangular shaped and has small rooms designated for patients, maternity, pharmacy and laboratory. This could serve thousands of people in the area. Medical help is not easily available.

The patient rooms are very basic. A bed and not much else. No running water, monitor or medical utensils.

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Three patients were being treated, two of which were young women giving birth.

The reality in Uganda is that the average number of children per woman is 7. Over 6,000 women die yearly in Uganda because of child birth complications that could be avoided. Death in child-birth takes as many lives as HIV among women.

These two women, in the pictures below, are experiencing contractions and within hours would give birth. No hospital garments, no water, no monitors, little care and no food. We were deeply moved as we prayed for them.

Through the generosity of several health units in Canada, we were able to provide much appreciated and welcomed medical supplies. As a team we were pleased to represent the generous people of Canada.

On Wednesday, Ruth and I said goodbye to Africa. We promised our airport hostess and a wonderful believer, Joyce, that we would be back.

Africa won our hearts!

We hope you have enjoyed the journey to Africa. We would love to hear from you!

Uganda- Here we come!

Hello Uganda!

We stepped out of the Entebbe airport into beautiful sunshine and warmth, lush foliage and the sound of a hundred singing birds. We were ready for another adventure! We loaded 21 pieces of luggage into 2 vans and our team of 7, plus drivers and our host, Evelyn Komuntale, were off to Kampala.

Our vans had to be guarded as we parked in downtown Kampala to exchange our currency to Ugandan shillings. Some of us stayed behind and were shocked at the number of children coming to our van to beg. The sights, sounds and smells of uncontrolled traffic, street vendors and people walking briskly everywhere, many with a basket on their head, made for an interesting 'people-watching hour'. How very different from our country.

Arriving at our Guest House was a reprieve. We settled into the modest rooms and quickly headed to a thatched roof gazebo to enjoy bottled water (our only safe drink), cheese, bread and fruit!

We needed time to get to know our host, Evelyn,Ugandan born/American.

One of the highlights of our time in Uganda, known as the Pearl of Africa, was the distribution of some 200 Bibles. A number of the Pastor’s Conference participants had tattered, well-used, 20 year-old copies.

Many others had no Bible and dearly wanted their own personal copy of God's Word. This would be a treasured gift. They waited, and waited and received!

The conference centre exploded with music, dance and joy when the final Bible was given out.

They placed their Bibles on their heads and celebrated! The hunger for God’s Word in Uganda is genuine! One Pastor told one of our team leaders: “We need the teaching of the Word of God more than we need money.”

What a joy to give these gifts from your hands. Thanks to those who made this possible.

Stop by again for more gift-giving opportunities.