News Update

Last night I experienced a terrorist attack. It is still surreal. You always hear about unrest and violence in third world countries on the news, and, if you’re like me, afford little thought about the tragedies. We’re so removed from the reality of it. Reports of such a kind are sad, sure… but that kind of stuff is always so far away. Last night, it wasn’t; or rather, I wasn’t.

I have been in Iganga, Uganda for the last week, a town that is about a two-hour drive from Kampala, Uganda’s capitol city. I was told that I would be returning to Kampala on Monday morning, after the mission in Iganga was completely over. However, I was informed after church on Sunday morning that the plans were changing and I was to go back that day, right after lunch. I was totally fine with this. I was looking forward to getting back because I was going to meet up with some of my American friends who were doing mission work in Uganda. They were Catherine Wise, Tori Kalmberg, Jay and Carrie Clark (siblings), Allen Nunnally, and Mason Holt. I was to stay with them the whole week, and we had plans to go whitewater rafting on the Nile on Tuesday.

We were supposed to eat dinner at 6:45 so that we could get over to another restaurant early. Although we were not eating, this second restaurant had a big projection screen, and if we got there early, we would ensure good seats, front and center, for the World Cup Final. However, we ran late. A combination of things, including traffic and picking me up, led to a late arrival for dinner and, consequently, a late arrival at the second restaurant. We were ushered into the side room with the little TV screen. We met another American there, a guy named Matt who they had met there during a previous game. The eight of us watched the first half in peace, most of us enjoying Mountain Dews (which, in Africa, are sweeter and better).

As soon as the second half ended, a bomb went off in the courtyard where the projector was. Of course, we had no clue what was going on. The moments immediately following the blast were a complete blur. We got all the girls against the wall and crouched there for a few moments, I’m not sure how long. Then we saw people clearing out as quickly as they could. We began to uncoil. We checked, and it seemed that our group was okay. As we began to make our way from the little side room in which we had been seated to the street in front of the restaurant, following the crowd of panicked people, I perceived very little. It was as if I had tunnel vision. Here is what I did see. Two white people, one holding the other and splattered all over with blood. The leg of one was mangled and covered in blood. People were crying and screaming. There was blood all over the floor, and many in our group later said that they were slipping in it. I hesitated. These people were badly hurt. Allen said not to touch anyone (blood was everywhere), and heeding his words, I proceed out.

We got out unscathed. All seven of us, eight including Matt (who stayed behind to help). Allen got a single tiny cut on his leg, and a few others got nicks that were scarcely the size of paper cuts. God was looking out for us. We found out later that 15 died in our restaurant. Almost 50 more died at another restaurant that was attacked with two bombs. You can read about it on any news source. President Obama has even commented on it. We were at the Ethiopian Village. People right behind us died. The bomb was detonated in the courtyard in which we had planned on viewing the game, just feet away from where we were seated in the side room, behind a wall. His timing is perfect. He is faithful. Had I not come, or had we been on time, we could have sat in the main room. Catherine and I were about to get up and walk around outside, but delayed. Allen had just gotten back from the bathroom (wanting to beat the halftime crowd). The curtain in front of the window prevented the glass from hitting Allen, who was sitting in front of the window. We are all beyond humbled and thankful. We should not be okay. People behind us died. People had parts of their body missing. Once outside, it was pandemonium. One man was bawling… his brother had died. Mason and Jay saw a man stop breathing.

We made it safely to the Sozo, Intl. orphanage and haven’t left since. Flights have been booked. We are alright. Reports blame Somolian terrorists that had been trained by Al-Quaidda. At the other restaurant, it is even suspected that it was a suicide bomber. God has a plan for us. I have peace, and although not unshaken, I have the whole time.

Thank you for your prayers and concern. Your prayers for our safety have been answered. It’s amazing to be in the Body of Christ at such a time and to see people from everywhere praying and helping. Thank you. I thank God for all of you and the love He has given us. To Him be the glory.