7PROLOGUE
After the whole debacle with the Church, life at District 9 had settled down.
The elders were not excommunicated after all. With smooth talking, mostly on behalf of Elder Price, the President was merciful enough to hear their side of the story; the verdict was that the district would remain open, at least so long as Elder McKinley kept everybody in line. All of the elders had resolved to stay in Uganda after all that had happened.
And so life went on.
The teachings of the Book of Arnold spread like wildfire beyond the borders of the village, as new converts were baptized each day. Almost three months later, the elders of District Nine were proud to report that only one person had left the Church, and that person was General ButtFuckingNaked. But it was surprising that the general had even joined the church in the first place. Nobody had heard or seen him ever since he disappeared – It seemed that he had at last decided to leave the small village alone.
Connor McKinley, knowing that he was holding onto his position as District Leader by a thread, was being extra careful about everything he did. However, he was finding it progressively harder to "turn it off". He had been having the Hell Dream every night as it was, but he noticed that they were increasing in magnitude and intensity. There were some feelings that he couldn't suppress, and he knew those feelings were wrong in every way… if only he could find that gay box and crush it for good.
As for Kevin Price and Arnold Cunningham, they remained the best of friends. Though Kevin still had a bit of an ego about him, he was overall happy for his friend, giving him the spotlight and even coming up with ideas for new parts to the Book. He would smile a million-dollar smile as he told of the miracles performed by the magical AIDS frog and the glory of Heavenly Father, enrapturing the hearts and imaginations of countless villagers. He was there, still there, and he made sure it was known that Elder Kevin Price was there to stay. He had vowed to help his friend in times of joy and sorrow, and so he did.
Arnold's relationship with Nabulungi was still in full swing (although he couldn't remember her name). Although he had not told her quite yet, much less her father, he had let his best friend that someday in the near future he would propose, and they would get married in Sal Tlay Ka Siti, the most perfect place on earth – or perhaps they would get married in Uganda, and honeymoon there, Arnold had not worked out the details yet. Nabulungi was undoubtedly the Church of Arnold's most faithful member, and Arnold loved that about her.
All in all, life was good in Uganda. The people finally had a sense of hope to grasp onto. Hope in the midst of misery. The elders were doing good in the world. Things were getting better. Definitely.
Then it all came crashing down.