Kumpe Nov 2019

“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness” (Lamentations 3:22-23).

Greetings from Uganda! We are well into the final school term of the year in both RICE and the Rafiki Classical Christian School here at the Village. Our residents have had an enjoyable break from school and are back in the routine of Term 4. Our grade 11 students (S4 level) are sitting for their national exams that take place all over Uganda from mid-October until mid-November. Test security is very high. Please pray for these students. It is an intense time of testing in many academic subjects.

We have also been interviewing and completing assessments for prospective RICE students. Our next group of new students will start classes on January 13—Term 1 of 2020. We are thankful that God has brought more students to this Rafiki program to train as Christian classical teachers.

While our residents were on school break, those that remained in the Village and did not go on home-stay participated in some fun activities. One was going to volunteer for the day at Ssanyu Babies Home. We have volunteered at this home in the past. Some of our residents lived at Ssanyu before they came to Rafiki. Our residents played with the babies and preschoolers, helped with lunch and bottle feeding, cleaning up, bath time, and getting everyone settled for afternoon naps. It was truly a joy to see our residents serving these little ones so well. Lots of smiles all around.

Another activity that we all enjoyed was celebrating Uganda Independence Day on October 9. We had games, a BBQ feast, and traditional Ugandan foods: matooke, greens, ground nut (peanut) sauce, and cold watermelon! Later in the day, the residents and caregivers and missionary staff enjoyed roasting marshmallows. Uganda has been an independent nation for fifty-seven years.

We have enjoyed exploring other parts of Uganda during some of our short breaks. Recently, we ventured over to the Nile River east of Kampala and stayed for a weekend at a wonderful resort called Wild Waters. It is nestled on an island in some of the shallow rapids on a section of the Nile. Lake Victoria is the headwaters of the Nile River. This legendary river weaves through the continent of Africa and empties into the Mediterranean Sea. The scenery was beautiful; the noise of the water rushing over the boulders was so soothing and relaxing. Access to this resort is only by the row boat that brings you to Wild Waters from the western shore. It was a wonderful getaway!

We are amazed that we have been in Uganda for almost a year. This time has moved so quickly and we have seen so many examples of God’s awesome power and grace. He has faithfully sustained us. Our time here has gone so quickly, with all that keeps us busy: finance, RICE Dean, Property Management duties for David, and Assistant RICE Dean and Childcare duties for Lynn. We are learning how to be faithful in doing what the Lord has planned for us each day. Thank you for supporting us and the mission of Rafiki Foundation. If you would like more information about serving as a Short-term Missionary or as a Long-term Missionary at a Village in Africa, please go to rafikifoundation.org for details.

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