The Learning Curve

You'd figure after we have been going to Nebbi to disciple and interact with our pastors, things would become relatively routine. In a sense they remain familiar - same church, same pastors, more or less the same local food. But this weekend was somehow different.
Cosmos and Benson, two of our pastors who have had leadership roles over the last year, came up to Arua on Tuesday because there were some "serious" issues to discuss. The long and short is interpersonal conflict and confusion among several of the pastors. I have to say, my initial response was - hooray! We must be doing something right if there is potential "spiritual competition" and division. While growing up, often when something went amiss for unexplainable reasons, my mama would borrow from C.S. Lewis' Screwtape Letters - "Smells like ol' Slewfoot is at work." This smelled like ol' Slewfoot! (We still need your prayers!) Thus, we felt it would be best for me to go down Friday evening to have a "chat" with one of our guys.
Usually we take the Land Rover to Nebbi, but Joanna was planning on coming with Elsie Jayne Saturaday morning and it was high time we had tested "public transport" to Nebbi. So Friday afternoon I found myself lost in the Arua taxi park, looking for the "stage" where you pick a taxi to Nebbi. Sure enough, some kind soul assisted me to the right pick up area and within a short while, me and six of my newest friends were crammed into a small four door taxi. We made "great time" even though we stopped once for one of the passengers to pick up his luggage from the roadside, once for mangos, and once for grasshoppers - a real treat this time of year!
Jesus really helped with the interpersonal conversation with our pastor friend Friday evening. Conflict and confrontation in my own culture is hard enough but learning how to follow Jesus amidst a different culture when those conversations are necessary requires a is a whole new level of grace and learning. Jesus was graciously present though with us, for which I thank Him.
Saturday morning, when I got to the church only two other pastors were there - the two other pastors I "needed" to speak with regarding another interpersonal matter. So while everyone else trickled in, I listened to their sides of the story and promptly invited them for another more in-depth conversation this Thursday. We all took tea (which means breakfast) togetherand then jumped into an introduction of what the next year of training will look like. By that time Joanna and Elsie Jayne had arrived - with much fanfare and delight. Elsie Jayne was such a help!!! Needless to say, she adds something to everything she is included on. She thoroughly enjoyed her "normal" lunch and then ate again with us and the pastors.
Of course, then she needed to "wash" her hands which was a wonderful experience Pastor Cosmos was more than delighted to "pour" for her!
Joanna had brought the final exam results - Hallelujah! Praise GOD that everyone passed! With their returned exams, they all received an official Africa Gospel Church pastor's identity card. Needless to say, they were all smiles!

The journey home was almost as exciting as the trip down. We stopped to pick up charcoal which we'll give away as Christmas presents. The Land Rover was piled high which added to the excitement and we trust the one charcoal lady was happy with her sale.
After charcoal, we decided to brave the mango market! Bravery is what it takes but Joanna managed and we had mango, pineapple and banana smoothies today as a tribute to her victory.
After mangos, we dropped one bag of charcoal off at our friend Susan's house. She was so excited!!! Let's say, for all practical purposes, her place is a little bit off the beaten path.

We did finally arrive home, weary but very thankful. Elsie Jayne's bath water was "village dirty," which is always a mixture of humor and dismay:)
Jesus continues to teach us more about His faithfulness, the people He has called us to, and even our own hearts. We are grateful for His patience and His presence on adventurous weekends like this one.
Thank you for your prayers - specifically, pray this next week as we continue crafting next year's "curriculum" as well as meet for our "continued" conversation on Thursday with two of our pastors. We are grateful for your intercession.
Hallelujah! Praise God Forever!