Joys of the Animal Kingdom

One of the unique things about Uganda is the many different animals, specifically birds, that we have run into. There are the "I want to eat your children" birds--the Ugandans say when these birds squawk it sounds as if they are saying, "I WANT TO EAT YOUR CHILDREN!!!" Then there are the adorable little brown birds, that look like sparrows but the size of huming birds and have bright cobalt blue bellies.

Then there are the storks.

From day #1 we have been absolutely blown away by the presence of storks. They are everywhere. And, they are ridiculously large. When on the ground they stand about as tall as the average American 8yr. old child. We were originally very confused as to why the presence of storks even exists in Uganda, as we assumed them to be the type that dwell near oceans--not in countries surrounded by land. However, our dear friend Ivan pointed out they are here due to Lake Victoria. Usually, we are very humored by the storks. We enjoy watching them, perhaps chasing them, and are daily enamored by their ability to sit 12 at a time in a tree without causing the tree to collapse branch by branch beneath their weight. Today, however, we were not so amused by said storks.

Today while walking under stork-infested trees-- the storks decided it was about that time, to take a poo. That's right. We were poo'ed on. By our beloved storks. DIS-GUSTING. So as we sit in the internet cafe which is currently crammed with people meaning we may get kicked off at any given moment, we are covered in bright green bird crap and smell horrendously.

We have also encountered predator-like animal today--called man. Today while at our "spot", which is Baka's store where we purchase soda and sit and chat, Stacie was approached by a very friendly Ugandan man. He took a seat next to her, or facing her rather, straddling the bench and proceeded to profess his undying love for her. Rather, he interrogated her as to why she was wearing a wedding band when she clearly was not married. Stacie insisted over and over again that she indeed is married, and even callaed her 'husband' in the states to prove so. However, the man was unrelentless. Almost in tears, he continued to question, demanding a certificate of marriage. Finally, he gave up the good fight--his very last parting words, in near tears, "I LOVE YOU."

Ohhhhh the joys of Uganda.

On a more spiritual note. . . We are learning much about the power of the Spirit. It is often times that as Christians we tend to ask God for certain characteristics--such as "God, please grant me strength," or peace or endurance or whatever else. It is as if God has all of these qualities and we expect Him to kindly hand them to us in small servings whenever needed. Not so. Because the Holy Spirit lives in us--He indwells us--we ARE those things! We are love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, self-control, etc. etc. So rather than praying, "God grant me patience. . ." We should instead be asking, "God, please help me to recognize the patience that I already have."

Good stuff :) God is continuing to grow and stretch us both as He slowly reveals His plan and will for our time here in Uganda. It is so exciting to learn of what power we have thru Him /His Spirit!

Thank-You Jesus for storks and crazy men and the power of your Spirit.