Greetings from Soroti, where I have come for one of my student’s ordination. I thought I was going to have a conflict with today, and when I told him, Emmanuel reminded me that he is my son. And so he is. I’m grateful that the conflict resolved itself, and I was able to come.
The drive to Soroti can take up to five hours, and people often note that the road to Mbale (the next major town after Jinja) is good, but the road to Soroti is not good. Not good, of course, is code for awful.
Imagine my surprise, then, when Mbale itself is a hot mess because they’re tearing up the road in town. The diversions got to be crazy, and when I stopped to ask directions, the man suggested coming wih me to show me, and I could give him money for a Boda bak. I didn’t love this idea for any number of reasons, but said a quick prayer and unlocked the doors. A few minutes later I was near the road that my new friend promised goes to Soroti, though I was sufficiently confused that assuming I meet the same diversions on the way back, I’ll have to find a new friend to guide me.
Having said that, the road to Soroti is pretty good now. We’d think it is just the rough pavement, but it is absolutely bliss compared to what it was. However, the improvements stop at the Soroti district line; fortunately, I only travel a few minutes after that.
Since I’m in the diocese where most of my discipleship group is, I’ve called to say hello. They will be attending the ordination, and I’m looking forward to seeing them. Godfrey already stopped by to greet me, and gave me a bit of flack for not coming to supervise him; I’m glad he’s as annoyed as I was at the change of plans.
Of course, I’m most looking forward to seeing Emmanuel’s ordination to the diaconate. He’s the new missions coordinator for the diocese, and I know he will do well.
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