After the Annual Field Retreat, Coppedge's, Rambo's and I took a road trip back to their homes in NW Uganda. Along the way, sigh, the second car (Yoda) broke down. It was a wee problem, but the girls piled into the first car (Shadowfax) and left the men to wait on our mechanic. They arrived to Arua about 3 hours after us, repair taken care of and all of us safe. Pray for road safety and working cars along the roads of Uganda please!
In order to help the kids pass the time until we discovered what the mechanical issue was, Joanna broke out a mini-picnic on the side of the road!
Because our break-down location was at a road junction, we were able to safely pull off the highway from the crazy speeding traffic. We watched these village women as they took their loads on bikes. Women using bikes is actually something you don't commonly see in the city, but only in the village.
Going to the open market with Meg & Joanna, we were able to pick out fabric that is the typical African print. Most come from Congo, while others might come from Nigeria or West Africa. We found enough cloth for all of Meg's windows (they just arrived in Uganda in May and she is working on their house), plus some skirts or dresses for me and for Meg. Fun!
Baby Rambo (yes he has a name, but I'm not giving it!) models the fancy Obama belt Joanna found in the market. She got it for a supporter, but when Rambo's came over for dinner one night, it was a useful tool to keep the baby in the seat at the table.
The time in Arua with Coppedges and Rambos was a blessing. I really enjoy getting to see them in their "home area" and as they live and minister. However, none of us were very thrilled to have a snake in the yard at Coppedge's home. The guard killed it (it is alive still but on its way "out" in this photo) and we were thankful nobody was hurt. This is a green mamba.
In Africa, in order to avoid cholera or other diseases, you have to soak all fresh fruits and vegetables in bleach water, usually for about 5 minutes. These were freshly done in Joanna's kitchen, and they looked so pretty I felt a picture was necessary.
ALL of us are Asbury University grads!
The Coppedge girls help make chocolate chip cookies while daddy (Billy) gets some nectar of life (coffee).
Taking time alone with each family during my days there, it was a joy to see the everyday life of our missionary family. Joanna and Meg also took me to their weekly ladies Bible study, which was very nice. I think about 5-6 nations were represented among those 10 or so women!
We also got to have a meal with long-time friend Andy, who was visiting Arua from Boston. He does ministries there about twice/year, sometimes bringing others to help as well. His sweet daughter Victoria was our original link to Andy. She came as a Volunteer about 4 years ago, helping at Heritage. Since then, we've had the blessing of knowing the whole family.