African Activities

I slept under the mosquito net; a slightly different experience. I am very happy to have running hot water for a shower. I spent the morning requesting room service for breakfast only to have nobody show. No breakfast this morning. I also hand-washed my dirty clothes in the sink. (Thanks for telling me to bring detergent, Cat.) My breakfast this morning consisted of several handfuls of Kirkland Fruit & Net Medley and half a PowerBar (Thanks for telling me to pack these, Cat). Patrick agreed to pick me up to attend a worship service at the University here.

Patrick has been a true blessing in so many ways. I spent Sunday with him and his wifre Barbara first worshipping at St. Francis Chapel at Makerere University (www.stfrancesmakerere.org). Afterwards, he took me to his home for Sunday lunch. His was prepared a very good meal while Patrick and I discussed business and how the US and African society and business culture differ. After a fantastic meal, the three of us went to visit Jonathan (their eldest son) at a top boarding school. He is about to take his exams which will determine his university options. After patiently waiting, he showed and talked with his parents. He’d been so eager to see them from many text messages to his mom during the previous days and since his parents showed up later than normal this day, he was disappointed (thinking they may no come) and was taking a nap when we arrived. I was truly impressed with the character of Partick and Barbara. They consistently reinforced the face that God was in control and has always blessed them. Before Jonathan left, they prayed as family for God’s blessing and provision, but were also very thankful for all He has done for their family.

Today, I leaned several amazing things. These people are very joyous and grateful. Coming from the US, I am appalled at our selfishness. These people, whom have less than your average homeless person in the us, are so friendly and giving. They are incredibly grateful for the blessings they have in their lives. These people are constantly thinking of others and caring for them. Their mentality is not as self-centered as ours in America.

During the worship service this morning, there was a reading from the Bible about how God provides and is to be praised through hardship – suffering, persecution, famine, lack of clothing, etc. To us in American, we know that we will never face that – so this verse is lost on us. However, hearing these people praise God through this reading was humbling. These people run this risk every day – famine, lack of clothes, suffering, disease, etc. Yet they are so joyous and are praising God for everything in their lives. They choose to praise when we American would choose to complain. How selfish we are.

Patrick has shown me everything about his business and has agreed to give me all of the materials he uses to run his internet cafes. How amazing is that? He is going to give out his propriety knowledge, processes, and templates which have taken him 6+ years to develop with many pitfalls for no reason that I can figure out. He is truly a diving gift of God. Even though I’m going to competition for his business!

We sang songs today that were community-centered. That may seem small, but it different to hear these people create songs where they proclaim the hope they have in God (astounding when contrasted with the opportunities in America). They sing songs where they ask for God to bless their land – not for God to bless them! They sing songs that say, “All we can do is say, I love you Jesus.” I only heard these people asking for God to bless them as a whole and them proclaiming that God is good, sovereign, and constantly blessing them. Yet, as an outsider from America, I see difficulty and hardship. I wonder if American will continue to be blessed by God with our self-centered complaining attitude. I wonder if our wealth separates from the joy of God. I am almost said to hear that these people want to go to American to experience the “American Dream.” How I do not want these people to become dull Americans living the unfulfilling and monotonous suburban life. They have too much energy and love for that.

After around 24 hours of travel, I arrived in the Enteebe airport in Kampala, Uganda.  My first taste of Africa was in Ethiopia where I had a layover to catch a flight to Uganda.  The flight was scheduled to leave at 10:45 am, however we did not take off until 12 noon.  When I arrived in Uganda, and found my contact, Paul M, he said he was very pleased that I made it out of the airport by 2pm (even though I was scheduled to arrive at 12 noon).  He immediately informed me that the African culture does not run on schedules very well.

I went around with Paul M to take care of a few things and get checked into my hotel.  After this, he and I took a taxi (not like in America) back to the city for dinner.  What an ordeal; however ,this is completely normal for Uganda – you get there when you get there.  I made contact with Allison and then Patrick as well.  After arriving back at my hotel, Patrick came and picked me up to show me his internet café operation.  He has been in the business for 6 years now and his experience shows well.  He had means to address many of the issues one has to deal with when running a business in Uganda.  Many more obstacles than in the US – mostly people management though – a whole new area for me.

God has been very good to connect me with such a well-established businessman.  He even gave me a cell phone to use while here and has agreed to give me all of the documents surrounding his business plan so that I can incorporate them into this one.

With the beginning of the internet cafe in/around MBale, Uganda coming up very soon, there are many questions that need to be answered quickly so that this endeavor can progress. No white board here, but please comment and provide suggestions if you have some insight.

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Well, I’ve been trying to connect with as many people as possible that may be able to help me understand how to coordinate this internet cafe endeavor.  I must admit, I have been very frustrated with it recently.  I’ve been realizing more and more that there are simply so many unknowns, especially for me since I’ve never done anything like this before.   However, I just received an email from somebody in Uganda that may be able to connect with somebody that has started and is running four internet cafes in Uganda.  That’s so exciting.  And just when I needed it.  God is good.

Even though I still don’t have a lot of definites yet, I’m excited that things are looking up.  A friend of mine mentioned to me today that he may be interested in coming and helping.   This is awesome because he is also a technology guy.  I have been concerned with the fact that I wouldn’t really have anything with a business and technology mindset to help me with this.  However, his insight and friendship would be greatly welcomed on this trip.

I must admit, that everybody I have talked to about this has been incredibly supportive and has tried to connect me with somebody with some Ugandan experience.  I’m quite surprised how many people know somebody that has been to Uganda or are able to make a connection in some fashion.

Overall, I need to relax and trust that God is going to take care of this.  This project’s success is not my own, but God’s.  It’s God’s project and he ultimately determines its success.  So, if God wants it to succeed it will, and to Him be the glory.  It will definitely not be because of my own abilities - because I have none at all to even feign responsibility for success.  May I humble myself and remember that throughout this.

Today I begin my journey. I met with a woman, Jane, last week after hearing about her desire to start an internet cafe in Uganda to support the orphanages in the area. I was very excited about such an opportunity and quickly realized her need. She does not have a business (not that I have much) nor technical background whatsoever.

We began discussion the purpose, the goals, and some basic logistics. Even though I am a bit doubtful about this venture , I am excited to learn through this process. There isn’t much time to come up with an execution plan, test various business/marketing/technical ideas, or even evaluate various setup options in-country.

As I begin this trek, I pray that others with a heart to help can provide insight for me as I go forward. I deeply appreciate any connections, thoughts, criticisms, encouragement and support you can provide. Please see the Vision page for more information on what is going to happen.

Comment on here directly or send me an email.