Greetings at the end of this Lord's Day!

As the sun set over Mbale tonight, we were again filled an overwhelming sense of the love of God as seen in nature and as was experienced during worship this morning at Pearl Haven. It's been a day filled with His goodness and grace.

We spent the morning with the brothers and sisters in Christ at Pearl Haven Christian Center, where Paul was invited to deliver the message. He taught on "Finishing Well: Three Life Lessons from the Life of Solomon" and I guess I'm allowed to say that he did a great job. It was practical and very applicable to life here. Many seemed to appreciate the message. Besides his teaching, the time of worship through song was lively, and any gaps that might have existed between our cultural backgrounds were closed as we sang "Days of Elijah" and other well-loved choruses. The unity of the body of Christ is palpable in times like these. It was refreshing and invigorating to share the morning with this congregation.

We met up with our California friends, Jan and HA Northington for lunch, and our plans to relax by the Mt. Elgon Hotel pool were dashed by a huge rainstorm that moved in right around 1 pm. No worries. We just lingered over lunch with our dear friends and then headed home for a nap. Yes, you read it here. Can't remember the last time we actually experienced rest on the Sabbath, but our whole household napped and it was lovely.

Derek and Julie stand with Jan and HA Northington, as Jan models her new Ugandan costume.

Paul and I took a nice walk after the rain had stopped and the naps had ended, and the Lord rewarded us with a gorgeous sunset. A perfect ending to a renewing day.

First thing in the morning, we head to Jinja for the pastors’ conference. We have a full house—22 couples—and we're hearing there is a high level of excitement about it. We will likely not have internet access for the three days we're there, so there may be a lapse in our posting. If there is a way, I'll continue to post—but if not, we should be back online on Wednesday.

Thanks for your continued prayers on our behalf. We need you to continue. As excited as we are about this retreat, we also find it somewhat daunting. We covet your prayer covering.

Sending much love and appreciation from Uganda—

Paul and Virginia