Day #9

5-28-09

Once again, we are back in Kampala (Uganda's capital city). At first the sight of the city disheartened me (especially after the beauty of Mt. Elgon), but then God changed my perspective. He reminded me of how many people live in Kampala and the deep spiritual and physical needs of these people. While the majority of Uganda's population live in the rural areas, a large chunk reside in the cities, as well.
As we were driving, I noticed a large amount of individuals either sleeping on cardboard boxes or just simply lining the fence along an old rail road track. Clearly they were homeless. I must admit, this took me for surprise at first. When I had asked Nathan, Helen and Patrick's son, if he thought there were a lot of people without shelter, he said he thought most had somewhere to stay. Of course, this was in the rural areas where it might be easier to get a hold of resources to build a home. But usually in cities you need money to rent or buy a house and to get money you need a job. Just like in the states, without a job, you are homeless. However, I am not sure that the government in Uganda supports people like our government does with welfare and food stamps.
And then you also have those who live in slums. From the sounds of it, these are absolutely horrible places to live as there is no sewage, no clean water, and many diseases. Sam told me there are probably about 5 or 6 major slums in Kampala alone. It's just so sad to think about how people live. And the contrast... even in different parts of the city! How can this be?
On various occasions throughout this trip I have felt a sense of hopelessness toward the state of poverty in this country. However, I know places like Budumbuli and Kampala's slums are not beyond help. Anything is possible with God and the Bible is living proof that He can change circumstances through the faith of only one individual. Good can always come from the glaring "messes" around us. That's the beauty of our Lord.