And we're OFF! (Wednesday, Sept 24)

First of all, while we were in Mbarara on Monday, we were able to get Mike's phone configured for the internet; hence, the reason that I can check my email and post again! This will have to be quick though as I'm quickly running low on power. With the rainy season comes little sunshine which means less power is generated by our solar panels, the camp's source of power. I just wanted to say thanks to those of you who are continually praying for me as well as those of you who have emailed. As you probably already expect, it maybe awhile before I'll be able to get back to you so please consider this update as kind of a partial response! =D

Today, we tested the water from the source that we visited on Monday that we were considering as a possible project. We had had high hopes for the results to show that the water was clean, the first requirement to be able to submit a project proposal for funding. Unfortunately, four of the five sources that we tested contained some amount of E. coli and the source that was the most used was the worst, with E. coli in 69 of 96 samples. It was a bit tough for me when I realized that this water, which would be considered to be of wastewater quality back in Canada, is already the best option for many people in this community. They have either this water or the swamp to choose from, and as it turns out, the former isn't actually a whole lot better. It is even more difficult to comprehend the fact that, even though we have two sources that are much better quality, because they are not perfectly clean, the project would not qualify to receive funding to complete. Thus, as far it goes for ACTS, and our involvement, we can do nothing to help these people. So I ask that you would keep these people in your prayers, both in this community of Nyaruhandagazi and the over 5000 people that live there, and in the countless other communities with the same problem of contaminated water. This community even had the awareness and initiative to come to ACTS with a proposal and request for help. But in this case, and I'm sure in many more to follow, there isn't much that we can do to help them.

One of the taps along the pipeline that brings clean water to local communities -->


Tomorrow marks the last work day before the "off", where everyone at camp gets five days off. For many of the Ugandan crew, this monthly break is the only time that they can spend at home with their families. For the interns, we'll be heading down to Rwanda for several days, a decently short four hour (hopefully) bus ride from camp. Because of the large involvement of the Canadian military during the Rwandan genocide, I've had many opportunities at school to study and learn about the tragedy that happened there. Thus, I'm both excited, and a bit apprehensive, at the opportunity to actually visit the genocide memorials, some of which are places where the massacres took place.

Anyway, I just wanted to update before I head off and once again, to thank all of you who are taking the time and care to pray for me and follow the work that I am doing. Through my reflections and devotions, I am often reminded of how blessed I am to have the prayer support and encouragement that you all provide.

ps. I can't take the credit for most of the pictures that I've posted/will be posting up. It turns out that there are a bunch of avid photographers on our team and I figure that they and their cameras are much more capable of capturing our experiences justly so most of the pictures you'll see are probably not mine. =P