Searching for a house in Kampala has been a bit more challenging than anticipated. We are now beginning week 3. Seems we have been looking at houses for 2 months, but it has only been 2 weeks. Exhaustion has begun to set it, but somehow we manage to push onward. Location is now at the top of our priority list. Please be in prayer that God continues to give us wisdom.
We made our first major purchase, we bought a van! Now buying a vehicle in Kampala isn't exactly the same as buying one in the States. In fact, it is very different. First, you need to know someone, actually it seems you need to know someone for just about anything you do here. Second, buying a "new car" from Kampala, isn't really buying a new car. Most cars that are in Kampala come from Japan or Europe, and all of them are used, at least the ones the average joe can afford. Third, you go to "the bond" to find the car you desire, then negotiate on the price...this is a bit tricky, but again, if you know someone, the transaction is much smoother. My "someone", his name is Godwins...and he lives up to his name. After you've negotiated, you literally pull out your cash, and ONE piece of paper is signed, and you are driving. Now there are a few other minor steps, but as long as you have cash and a passport, you can drive...that's it. License and insurance are included in the deal. And so we decided on a 99 Toyota van...I am the first time driver on it here in Uganda, which makes the van a lot more valuable. The next paragraph tells you why...
The roads here are brutal, and most damaging to your vehicle. Potholes are the size of VW Beetles, and the homemade speed bumps created on the dirt roads seem to grow daily. And the traffic! My goodness for those in the states that think they have experienced crazy traffic, I would challenge you to drive in Kampala! If you want a small taste of it, go to YouTube and type in Kampala traffic. I've heard some say it's like driving in a real life video game. I'm no gamer, but maybe that's true.
An update on our Visa status. For a fee (of course), the internal affairs office extended our visas for 2 months, which gives us time to work on our permanent work visas. We've met with an attorney regarding this issue and he seems to think he can take care of this for us. But, nothing is done yet, and for that I would ask you all to continue praying that God would make at least this visa process smooth and seamless.
I met with the gentleman in charge of getting our container out of customs, and into our hands once again. His name is Jimmy, a friend of Godwins. Jimmy asked me all of the customary questions like, what was in the container and how long we were planning on staying in the country, pretty easy stuff. We are meeting again tomorrow to discuss more details and so I can give him my passport and of course a fee. Jimmy's hoping because we work underneath a missions organization that our tariffs will be waived. PLEASE, pray that God softens the hearts of those in charge of this decision.
Wow! And I thought Boston drivers were bad :) That's incredible, the videos I saw were pretty chaotic. Will be praying for your safety when you are driving around!
ReplyDeleteYes, I have never seen anything like it; we are starting to get used to it, the girls think it's fun...lol! I still have not driven it, I am more scared I am going to miss seeing a large pothole to late and wreck the car versus a car wreck or anything like that!
ReplyDeleteAmen...Todd you are God sent and nothing can stop you from bringing this Mission to life. Psalms 24 says," The earth is the Lord's and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it, for he founded it upon the seas and established it upon the waters."
ReplyDeleteThe Government cannot stop what God has started.
Be strong and know that He is God.