Ayikoru

Wednesday 22^nd April

An early rise this morning! Moses picked me up at 7.30am to take me to Riki to see an ‘Eagle Process’ workshop in action, facilitated by Rev Alice and two Mother’s Union ladies from the Province. We drove for about half an hour along very dusty, rocky and hilly roads to get there. It’s amazing that on either side of the roads are incredibly luscious, green fields and mountains, full of plants and trees! It’s not exactly what most people picture when they picture Africa. Uganda is blessed with both a dry season and a wet season every year so the land is very fertile.

We arrived at the church and I was left on my own for a few minutes in a mud hut and then escorted into the room in the next door primary school where the workshop would happen. Moses went to the house where Alice, Ruth and Constance had slept over-night. Because of my full programme on the other days, including work with the cathedral staff, I wasn’t able to stay over but these three ladies are there for 3 full days and I was just joining for 1. I think also Alice may have feared about me having to ‘rough it’ too much in the village. I think if my programme hadn’t been so packed, I would have been up for giving it a go!

 Learning to use the resources which are available

 Some of their ideas were pretty inventive!

I realised once again, how my western lifestyle has totally diminished my appreciation of God’s provision in creation. Here I have learned how dependant people are on the rain to fall and the sun to shine to make their crops grow, so that their family can eat. I drop into shops without giving it a second thought really. Today encouraged me to really think outside the box about what is around me, before I throw money at problem. I have definitely begun to appreciate just how much God provides, in terms of natural resources as well as the spiritual.

This was another day of lasts! I have to admit that I was a little bit emotional by the end of today because it was the last I would be working alongside Rev. Alice. She will be staying in Riki until Friday and then going to Kampala at the weekend but assures me that she will be back to see me on Sunday evening before I start my journey home on Monday morning. I have had such a great time working alongside Alice. There is always laughter in everything we do, even if we’re just in the office! She told me that she noticed I have constantly smiled and laughed during the past 3 weeks, so I was given my new African name today. She has decided to name me ‘Ayikoru’ which means ‘Joy’ in English. I think it’s pretty apt for summing up my time here. It really has been a time of joy! God has been faithful and his blessings have been abundant!

                                                                      Rev Alice and I

With Moses, the driver.

With love from Uganda,

Danielle ‘Ayikoru’ x