Gunshots at 5 am

This morning's prayers of thankfulness were more deeply felt since there were 3 rifle shots early this morning on our side of the hill. The sounds seemed to come from different locations, separted by 5-10 minutes in time and some ways from my place.

Many homes have armed security guards at night time. The guards have training and are authorized by the police and their company to shoot 1 time at intruders coming into the compounds.

My guards do not have rifles, just a bow and arrows and a baton. I think mostly they rely on the dogs to keep unwelcome visitors away. They patrol my yard and the yard of the lady next door. She does not have an enclosing wall as I do. However my wall is low enough in place that I could climb over it if I had too. So not really much of a deterrent. However, the dogs do a really good job of patrolling the entire area and let us know if there are any strangers around. Since most Ugandans fear dogs, this is a big help.

Anyway, thankfulness for peace, for law and order, for safety in one's home and a sense of security are not things to take just for granted or as an entitlement. They are blessings, new each and every day.

Thanks be to God.

Fasting a new exercise

My acquaintances who are Muslim began the month of Ramadan fasting 13 hours a day from food and drink, even water. Beginning Sept 3 or so, for 30 days there is a conscious choice to change daily eating patterns to seek a higher good. Children are exempt of course and those who are seriously ill. But this fasting is a reminder to pray and seek God.

Last week during my devotion time, God's call for me to fast was very clear. So from now until I am settled into my new home in Jan I will be fasting one day a week and using the time gained to do more prayer and listening to God.

Stay tuned for developments from this season of spiritual exercise.