Morning Walk/Runs...

 

Since being here, I've been trying ever so hard to keep up with running.  But because we took a loooong vacation before we got here(and who runs on vacation? not me!), moved from the very flat Willamette Valley to the not-so-flat foothills of Mount Elgon, and moved a few thousand feet higher in elevation... successfully running a full 5K seems to be somewhat of a challenge these days.

 

But I do manage to get out and walk/run a couple miles every day.  I also use the time to load my phone up and listen to many good sermons from Paul Washer, Voddie Bauchum, Alistair Begg, and John Piper.  I treasure the nourishment to my body and soul that these miles bring.

 

In the states when I would run in the morning, hardly anyone was out, and if they were, they very rarely would say anything more than a mumbled "hi."  There was something nice about not putting on a hot, sweaty and out-of-breath display for the world...really...no one benefits from seeing me like that...

 

But not so here...there is absolutely no hiding my glorious sweat here.  I run right when everyone is walking to school or work (pretty much as soon as the sun rises).  Most Ugandans don't "work out" because everyday life brings more than enough exercise, so I'm sure (at least from the looks on their faces) I'm quite the obscure sight to see. 

 

And just for fun the school kids sometimes run with me for a while...laughing with delight.  They always do a fine job of keeping up with me...be they barefoot or in flip flops.  Do you think that says more about how slow I am or how fast they are?  :)  Truth be told though...I love the company of their raw joy...I think it spurs me on...

 

Yes, I took these pictures with my phone, while running.

 

 Most mornings give me glorious sunrises over Mt. Wanale. 

 

 

And when I'm finished, I return to our compound...usually cheerfully greeted by this little crew of mine.

And just for fun, here is another picture of Mt. Wanale taken on our family walk last night at sunset...it really is a glorious sight.