Arriving in Europe has been like waking in a fairy tale dream. The castles on the hills and the quaint little cafes on the street corners with well dressed students sipping their espressos and talking about philosophy. Having a stove that when you turn a knob it heats up instantly and you are ready to begin cooking. All of these creature comforts that but a year ago we took for granted, have become part of this surreal experience that is so enticing. Since coming to Germany we have been amazed with the efficiency and detail with which things here are done. But it has not just been a mechanical way of life but it has a great culture and history that fills the place with a certain brilliance. We have trekked to Cologne where we saw the wonderful Cologne Cathedral a wonder of architecture and God's majesty. The massive building is stained with the black smoke from the bombs of WWII and has a certain aura to it that captures ones imagination. On the inside the giant pipe organs haunting voice echoes throughout the hallowed place making it a magical atmosphere that tingles the senses. All of this has been just the beginning of our journey here. The struggle though has changed to an inward battle as opposed to meeting it face on in the day to day poverty that we have become accustomed to seeing. Beggars no longer seem in dire need, and we have become the ones looking shabby and forlorn instead of like the rich white people. That in itself has been a unique change, we are no longer celebrity status, but instead normal people living out their lives. So with that understanding we must begin to press into the word even more and realize just because Europe seems more like home, we cannot become comfortable and stagnant. With poverty slapping you in the face turning to God and asking why and what can I do and just seeking was a mandatory start to each day. But with practical room service some days here in Germany the need of a God who is bigger and guiding your every step almost seems quizzical at times. But its then that we truly need to press in the most. God has plans for our every day and that doesn't change depending on the continent we stand on. Lehmann

Holding Hands

Anyone who has been to Africa would probably know things are so different here it can make your head spin. The other day Jordan came walking home with our video store friend and had his hand held the whole way back. The joke has been that, if one of us is missing someone or feeling lonely, you just need to go for a walk with someone to remind yourself of those good times feeling loved. Now, I can't speak on behalf of ALL western men but, something about having a very prolonged soft grip with another guy's hand seems to throw off the rotation of the planets and life becomes different. When we began to first experience this holding hands phenomenon, initially it was just purely awkward. I began wondering how close this was to crossing over from being "different" and moving into "just wrong" or perhaps unnatural, as I liked to think. Each time it would happen my mind began thinking about the things that need to be done in Africa. The starving kids need food, the governments need accountability, the environment needs more respect, and men need to stop holding each others hands. I wonder if there are a lot of people who have thought about Africa and formed opinions, as I have, about what is wrong, or what needs to be done. But recently I was awkwardly holding hands with a man and had a thought. Maybe we have been treating these countries in Africa so much like charity that we have left them feeling less then us, and we feel like more than them. It's hard sometimes to get past the cultural differences and meet people where they are at. Where is the equality and the friendship? I feel challenged to offer more to these people. To stand with them, or even just to encourage them to love their own country, and to love themselves. When things get tough in life it's all about what you do in response. When hope is lost, your not left with much. In life we all want a HAND TO HOLD, someone who will stand and care for us, someone who will build hope in us. Its hard to miss that when you walk down the street here. The relationships I have here mean a lot to me and have challenged me heaps. Here is a few of our friends. The people we have met here are Awesome! Kenton (1) Our very funny friend, Moses. (2) Henry, who is looking for a wife. (3) Some of the youth, (between 13-45 years old). (4) Grace, our wonderful host.

Uganda's Greatest Memory!

It was a rainy morning, the thunder bellowed in the sky as we set out for the tournament. It was to be a day unlike any other here in Uganda. A day of blood sweat and muddy clothes! We approached the field to cries of muzoongoo muzoongoo, football!! The draft for players went out and three powerhouse teams were formed on that hallowed field. The first was Keno's which took the name "Barcelona" the second was Dan's who blazoned the crest of "Liverpool" and last but not least Jordan's team who were titled with "Manchester United" possibly the greatest football team to ever play the game! The first game was a battle between Liverpool and United. The rain was still soft and the condition of the field was slimy but playable. The teams took their positions and the fight began. It was back and forth, slide tackles, fancy footwork and finally a goal by United! The crowd went wild with cheers of Man U, Man U! Liverpool left that game heads hanging low. Next the mighty Barcelona charged the field against the leading United team. The rains became heavy and the thunder roared as Barcelona took up the champions cry and annihilated the United firm. It was a hard loss, but the game was fair. So with that loss United left the turf to be replaced by Liverpool. This game was invigorating. Liverpool had a fire in their eyes and wanted victory at all costs. Barcelona scored first, and the crowd cheered! But within a matter of minutes Liverpool's strong offence retaliated scoring their own brilliant goal!! The crowd was split, half chanting for Barcelona and half for Liverpool, fights broke out, tears flowed from children's eyes! The air grew thick! As the time ran down Liverpool with an amazing feat of footwork blazed a trail to the net and scored to win the game! The crowd went wild with excitement! The last game of the day was for all the glory. Manchester United pinned up against Liverpool! The rains were hard and the field had turned into a terrain of rivers and mud. The officials tried to call the game on account of bad conditions but the players would not hear of it. They took the field as if warriors of ancient Greece, not backing down, no fear in there eyes, only the thirst for victory engulfing there very soul! The whistle blew and the teams collided! It was back and forth neither team could gain an inch. The crowd's cheers were lost in the heavy rain and pressure of the game. Just as it was looking to be a draw match, Manchester United put it all out on the field pushing towards victory, and in one grand assault they took the win 1-0!! The fans rushed the team raising them to the air and shouting victory chants as the rains poured down. It was a spectacular event one for the history books of football! The tournament ended with photos of the teams. We all were covered in mud and tears, some of joy some of sorrow! But as we walked off that field, we all knew in our hearts that something special had taken place that day. A time of playing in the rain, fighting for victory and enjoying the crowds and chants of the stadium. A memory to be cherished. Lehmann