Tuesday, August 28, 2007

Day 2

Day 2 of the Academy is almost finished. Actually, the Academy is closed for the day. I am sitting now in an internet cafe that Moses, our driver, brought us to. The rates for using the internet are a lot lower here than at our hotel, but it is farther to go.

Today was a much better day as far as the Academy itself is concerned. Yesterday's morning opening celebration threw the whole schedule off. Today we were able to stick to it better. Each class lasts for two hours followed by a 30 minute review and test. The students have three classes each day. That is seven and half hours of class each day for students have not been in school for years. By the end of the last class they are all pretty tired.

Our classes are:
  • Prayer and worship, taught by Byron Fritz
  • Paul's Epistles, taught by Carol Fritz
  • Church history, taught by Bob Land
  • The Prophets, taught by Jim Hertel
  • The Pentateuch, taught by Dewey Miller
  • The Synoptic Gospels, taught by Bob Coleman

It is clear to all of us that these students are extremely motivated. They are called by God to pastor and are doing their best to prepare themselves to learn and minister more effectively. They are filled with questions and interesting comments on each subject.

This afternoon the power and water were off for a while at the hotel. Although it was inconvenient everything has returned to normal now.

Lunch today included talapia, goat, matooke, posha, rice and irish potatoes. Irish potatoes don't seem to fit on that menu. We are about to go to dinner. We'll see what's next.

Tonight there will be an equatorial full moon. We don't know what it will be like, but we'll see it anyway.

Most of us are surprised by the weather. Here we are on the equator, in Africa and the weather is beautiful. Sunny and 70's all day. We think that is probably lots cooler than it is at home.

Byron and Carol led some of the children (about 25-30) from the school in an assembly this afternoon. They did magic tricks, sang songs, gave gifts and had a Bible lesson. They had a great time and the children had a lot of fun too. David, our coordinator, still does not know where Byron put the scarf in his magic trick. (Byron made a scarf disappear to illustrate how Christ takes away our sin.)

6 comments:

landfamily said...

It sounds like you are having a great time and great weather.

Yesterday it was in the high 80's and today it will be 91.

How is the food? It sounds different that US food, but I love fish and potatoes.

We are praying for all of you.

God Bless your service to the people of Uganda.

Amy, Katie & Michael Land

My life is a walk in the park by Kim Shepherd said...

Wow Sounds like you are working hard but having fun too...

We ALL would like to know how Byron does those tricks!!

I know the children were blessed by your love !
Take care
Kim

Nana said...

It sounds like they are very interested in learning how they can better spread the gospel.

I am glad things are going better today than yesterday.

Yes, Byron does have a way with his tricks. He and Carol has always been good with the children. Tell them both that we love and miss them. We will be praying for all of you.
Judy Settles (BGUMC)

Tande said...

How Exciting!!!
Mission work is such a blessing - for both sides.

The food sounds interesting - always a highlight of a new culture (Dewey, how was the goat??).

We will continue to pray for good health and good weather, and definitely for improving communication.

I hope someone can put together a slideshow upon your return to share with many and maybe inspire mission work in those who may be called - a life changing experience.

Many Blessings
Trish & Eric Greider (Howe UMC)

Eckers said...

Wow, what a trip! Egypt sounded wonderful. Hope you are all feeling better by now.
We want to see your magic tricks, Byron!
You are all in our prayers!

Jeannie, Keith, and Kerrie Ecker

Eckers said...

Oops! Forgot to say we are from Cicero UMC!