I had two more vaccinations today and was able to continue my conversation with the doctor. Backed up with a bit of briefing on Islam from a colleague, I asked him what he thought would happen when Jesus returned. At which point he threw me another 'curve ball'. Apparently he's not your average Muslim, but was brought up in a small-ish (only 120 million!) but fast-growing sect, which believes in another Messiah named Ghulam Ahmad. About 120 years ago he claimed to bring further relevelation from Allah.

Despite my being once more on the back foot because of my ignorance, we had an amicable and, hopefully, worthwhile conversation. I was able to make it clear that I believe Jesus died to deal with the problem of our sin and not, as Muslims believe, that we have to hope that our good deeds outweigh our bad ones.

He's a genuinely nice guy and happy to engage in conversation. He's not, in his words, 'deeply religious', but open to weigh what others believe.

Pity I can't keep going back for more vaccinations... or maybe not. Seven down; two to go, in a fortnight's time.

I said I would try to introduce you to some of the people I hope to meet in Uganda.

This is Seb Allwright. In our prayer diary, 'Pray For Africa', Seb's work is described as 'encouraging young people to live for God'. In his prayer letter he refers to it in terms of 'discipleship' on three levels: his 'own personal growth and discipleship, discipleship of those working for the discipleship of the young people in schools (Patrons and Chaplains) and discipleship of the young people themselves'. He goes on to define 'discipleship' like this:

Empowering, encouraging, equipping and educating involving a variety of different methods (teaching, preaching, mentoring, small groups, Bible studies etc) with the aim of people having a personal, intimate, fruitful walk with Jesus.

What a brilliant description and what a fantastic work to be involved in. I'm looking forward to spending time with Seb and meeting the young people he works with. He's also invited me to attend a one-day workshop for the Patrons and Chaplains. Here's a photo of a previous workshop.

I've copied this photo from the blog of Katie Mead, one of AIM's short-term workers under the Synergy programme. She's working in an orphanage close to Jinja, where I'm going for the conference. The photo was taken nearby, at the spot marking the source of the River Nile. Maybe I'll get my own photo taken in the same place.


If you haven't already picked up the link from my Facebook page, you may like to check out Katie's blog at:

http://www.katieinuganda-blog.blogspot.com/

I'm due for two more vaccinations tomorrow. Only two more after that. :)

I've had a change of schedule on the vaccinations - three more today. That's five down and four more to go. Thankfully, no adverse reactions so far.

I had an interesting conversation with the doctor who gave me the jabs. He asked me where I was going and why, so I told him I was visiting missionary friends in Uganda. He said that he saw quite a few missionaries at the clinic and asked if I was a Christian believer (or something similar). He then told me that he had been brought up in a Muslim household but encouraged to be open-minded. By the time he was 16 he had read the Bible, the Quran and the Torah and was struck by how they shared similar stories. He asked me if I knew that Muslims were expecting Jesus to come again. He said that the Quran told of the coming of a Messiah who is Isa (Jesus).

I have to confess that this was something which I was only vaguely aware of and wasn't able to take the conversation much further before the injections were done, other than to say that Christians were expecting the return of Jesus, too. Let's hope for more opportunity next week when I go back. Must read up on the Quran.

There are more developments regarding the trip itself. I had an email this morning from a missionary nurse, who works in HIV/AIDS education and treatment in Kampala and on the Ssese Islands in Lake Victoria (see picture below). She's invited me to join her on a visit to the islands. She flies home to Scotland tomorrow for an operation, but hopes to be back in Uganda in time for the conference. I hope to talk to her while she is home about visiting the islands. Sounds like a great opportunity to see her work 'up close and personal', but a bit daunting. Once more, prayers for wisdom would be appreciated.

Over the next few days/weeks, I'll try and introduce you to the people and places I'll be visiting. To get you started here's a map of Africa and a closer-up one of Uganda.

Today I had my appointment with the practice nurse at our health centre and my first two vaccinations or five, depending on how you count. One was a triple vaccine and one a double. Only ten more to go! Or possibly fewer.
Some of the vaccines have potential side-effects which could be serious, so I need to take advice on whether or not to have the injections and maybe risk contracting a serious illness. Please pray that I get good advice and I make wise decisions. Judy isn't finding this easy and I'm beginning to realise that there's a bit more to it than a couple of sore arms.
Next appointment - 27 April.

The bad news
I received a prayer letter last week from Zillah Whitehouse. Zillah is a physiotherapist who lives and works in Mbarara, one of the places I hope to visit on my Uganda trip. In her letter, she mentioned that several pets had been found dead in the area and it was suspected that a lion or leopard was responsible.
Helpfully, she provided advice on how to tell the difference, with pictures and paw prints, and also what to do if attacked by either. 
In the case of a lion: Don't run; food runs! Stand still, stare into its eyes and make a lot of noise.
In the case of a leopard: It will attack from the front, so protect your face. If it runs over you, grab hold and hug it tight and try to put your hand down its throat.


The good news
It was a lion and it has been caught! Judy is relieved and I've eased off on my animal recognition and wrestling practice.

Just had word from Seb Allwright in Mbarara to say that he's happy for me to visit him there after the conference. He's involved in youth work, so that suits me fine. We still have to work on the details, but things are beginning to take shape. Seb's hoping to get to Jinja a day or two before the conference starts and go rafting on the Nile. Maybe I could do the same!! Watch this space.

This is one of the Ssese Islands in Lake Victoria where one of our Mission Partners is engaged in HIV/AIDS awareness and treatment. To find out more visit www.aimint.org/eu and click on 'Why do you love me?' on the LATEST menu.

I now have a date for my visit to the clinic to talk about vaccinations. I'm due there on 17 April. So far the list of possible jabs reads like this: cholera, diphtheria, hepatitis A & B, meningitis, rabies, tetanus, typhoid, and yellow fever. Sounds like I could feel like a walking dartboard.

I guess this will be my first taste of missionary life, before I even leave home. Hmm.

The place I'll be staying for the conference rejoices in the name Hotel Paradise and overlooks the source of the Nile. Impressive.