February 2, 2012

• Hangin’ on by a thread

  So if you have been keeping up with our blog, you see challenge after challenge that we have.  More often than not, it is a problem with the vehicle that we purchased.  If your not familiar, let me summarize…

  A few months back, we realized that we were limiting our reach of the ministry here in Uganda.  It was apparent that our kids were just as much a part of our ministry as we were.  So we debated for a while whether or not we should get a vehicle.  The alternative was taking our kids on the public taxis (really a 16 passenger bus that should really only have 8 people on it.  It included late nights and having the kids in the city after dark.  Needless to say we were not too comfortable with that.  So we decided to purchase a vehicle for the sake of our minds and ministry.  Because with the aid to ministry, it also ended the limits we had as far as transport went here in Uganda.

  Well, just yesterday, we had our tenth day of trial (catchy phrase).  In ten days, our vehicle broke down 5 times.  We have actually been putting a lot of money into the vehicle so that it is reliable and trustworthy to take on long trips.  Partly because most of our projects are far into the bush, but also because we had visitors coming and we planned on taking them on a safari.  Well… this ten day period has really broken us down, literally.  Most of the problems were minor, and easily repaired, still costing money.  But yesterday, the engine seized.  Not because of low oil, or misuse.  I regularly check all the fluid levels because the conditions here are so rough.  Nope, this time, it is serious.  We are being given hardship to test us.

  I feel horrible.  I actually exclaimed to the mechanics who continually drain the money, “I hate Uganda!”  Sadly, it was emotional, but a little true.  I cannot stand the corrupt systems of daily life.  Yes, corruption is apparent in the government, and people acknowledge it and shrug it off.  But the corrupt system of treating one another and taking advantage of everyone, that is the problem that is not acknowledged.  I will apologize to those gentlemen tomorrow.  I need to repent of my aggression.  It is not one person’s fault for the situation we are in.  So I should not have taken my emotions out on them.

  As you can tell from my posting, this situation was not too long ago.  I am angry typing as I write this.  That is my way of venting and feeling better (a little).  Liz, on the other hand, is having to be alone.  She could very well be crying, but she doesn’t want me, the kids, or anyone to see her as she is angry.  We are hanging on by a thread… please pray for us.

  We are VERY close to just leaving that stupid vehicle un-repaired as an ornament to our front yard.  We can turn this place white trash even though we are the only white people!  However, they are going to repair the vehicle once and for all.  Tomorrow, after the test drive, when it appears that the vehicle is repaired, we are done.  We are selling that horrendous money pit.  We are going back to the good old, bad days.  But it is less painful than the constant depression and challenge of keeping it.  So please pray for us as we will be seeing how our ministry is affected again.

  Sorry about the downer blog posting.  But serving abroad is not always bright and shiny.

  On a good note, everyone remains healthy.  The kids are growing like weeds… Lydia 3/4″, Grace 1 1/4″, Isaac 1 1/4″, and Izzy 4″.  The roads have been repaired a bit, which was another issue, but has recently seen some resolve.  Though the water has not been on in 4 days, it should come back soon.  So that will be good… soon.

  Anyway, we are obviously seeing challenges.  We have much to be thankful for.  But for some reason, its hard to focus on those.  So please pray for our strength and perseverance.

  Chad Neeley

  Volunteer Construction Coordinator – WWCS Uganda/USA

  • 9:14 am
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