it's hard for me to believe that i will be homeward bound in three weeks....i have so much to do before i head back to tennessee. i really want to scream YIKES at the top of my lungs, but i don't think that will help me too much....maybe just give me a sore throat. the past month has been AMAZING in such a positive way. i have dug deep and found i can do more than i thought i could, and do it with more compassion and conviction and JOY than from day 1 of Desana Uganda. YAY ME! George said that God had to pass me through some difficult times to make me stronger, and yep, here i am....not exactly Wonder Woman, but definitely not the same person who began this journey back in January.
i am really happy with our current projects....working with the House of Hope and Naguru Remand Center and the Citizen's Trust Academy....and don't let me forget the Water Project in Kiganda. I think we have all grown together, the kids and me....!! i enjoy every minute i spend with them and just know that wonderful things are on the horizon, afterall, this has been a journey of faith. I had no clue where to start on day i, just a knowledge that i would figure it out when i got here. oh, i'm still learning, each and every day.....but what an amazing experience it has been. i can't imagine 2 months or so without seeing my young friends....but how great it will be to see my family and friends back home!!!
we are planning the first annual Halloween party at the House of Hope! today i told the kids about bobbing for mangos and sack races and the egg toss game and wheel barrow races. they weren't real sure when i told them we would cook hot dogs over a campfire...i think they thought bob and wooofie were going to be the main course. they were excited about the candy and maybe eating cakes with their hands behind their backs. it is going to be so much fun, can't wait. we were able to buy clothes for each child this week, 2 shirts, boxers, shorts and track pants..they were thrilled. next week they will all get shoes and sox. when i told patrick i had bought the clothes at oweno market, he said...."now, you really know where to shop!' yes, and i am really good at bargaining..just ask peter and robbie!!!
i have loved the kids at naguru from the day i met them. most are simply victims of circumstances. if you are 12 and an orphan or homeless, you do what you have to do to survive. most of these kids have never had guidance or stability or love...most are good kids. they are stonger and more spiritual than most adults. we provide food mostly, and hygiene products, some medicine and blankets and matresses, sometimes transport to their villages when they are released....and bibles, lots and lots of bibles. next year our dental mission, Abrazos Con Alas (Hugs With Wings) will provide dental care to the residents. God is opening doors for us all over the world!!
i love the little ones at the citizens trust academy in kibuli. they are always so happy to see me and always sing and jump up and down and climb all over me, especially the baby class kids....little david thinks he owns me and now alex and he are 'negotiating' for my lap! hmm....i need a bigger lap! everyone there is so nice and i always feel at home. i am so pleased with our relationship.....another divine connection that i'm hoping will develop and grow over the years. they are so special and caring.....the children and staff are wonderful.
we have other projects as i mentioned....the water project in kiganda, we buy sewing machines for a lfe skills training class in mubende, the medical equipment for mubende district, scholarships, trips to kisenyi, lots of things really. time and money are not wasted. God has plans for Desana Uganda and despite any and all obstacles that come our way....we are looking forward! YAY GOD!
y'all know i have had my share of difficulties...best not to go into them though, no reason to...this is all about growing and making friends and sharing God's provisions with the people who need it most....the children of poverty. when i say i love these kids, i mean I LOVE THESE KIDS! today some little ones said "hi sweetie" when they saw me. i guess i always greet kids with those words and now they were greeting me with them. i have arrived. how very fortunate i am to know these children and this country. it is not always easy...actually it can be so difficult, but oh so rewarding. yes, time flies...what seemed like forever has gone by so quickly and i am wondering how i will say 'see you later' to my world here. i do so look forward to seeing my tennessee family and friends...Halloween candy and decorations, boot shopping in texas with kaleigh, thanksgiving dinner (lucky me, one of my sons is a chef), a dental mission in peru, Christmas in nashville, new year's eve at perfecting faith ministries and lots of laughing and shopping and eating mexican food...someone pass the salsa verde por favor!
i also know that the 2 or so months i am in nashville will fly by...why does time go by so quickly when good things are happening? we are always looking forward to things and are sad when they are over. the great thing is when you always have something amazing to look forward to. yep, time flies.....unless you are sitting in a kampala traffic jam, then it is at a standstill. love y'all.
