Through Young Eyes...

My first day in Uganda was very overwhelming. I am a seventeen year old girl and this is my first time in another country, without my friends, and with a cellphone that could not get a signal. I was feeling all kinds of emotions, but the one I noticed the most was regret. Throughout my stay, I knew I would be missing seven days of school and the thought of all of the make up work terrified me. Now that I am finishing my last day here, I realize that no amount of schoolwork could possibly compare to the amazing experiences I have been so blessed to have.

The first day that I was here, I was sitting in the Bweya Community Church and I saw a little boy peep his head around the corner. I waved at him and without hesitation he walked over to me and sat in my lap. Within a few minutes he was snoring with his head rested on my chest. I don’t think that I will ever forget that moment. I am so happy that I was able to give someone so much comfort that they have been lacking so early on in the trip.

One of the main things that I have learned here is that teenager’s lives are so much different than the life that I and other people around me live. The kids here walk miles for water, to go to church, to go to school, to go anywhere, and they are truly happy about it. Abbey’s ten boys, young and old, could receive something as small as gum and find a way to share it with ALL of their brothers. Just today I gave Edrine a few pieces of caramel candies and he handed them out to everyone around him before taking one for himself. Without any shred of a doubt, I can say that that is something I have never seen a child do in the United States. Everyone is more focused on others around them receiving before receiving something for themselves.

In America kids my age care so much about how things look and if they can have more, but I have not seen that once here. They honestly appreciate anything and everything you give them. Not just material things, but also hugs, and kisses, and maybe a few, or a lot of laughs. There is no judgment here, and there are no standards to live up to. I am in a place where I can’t walk around by myself, I have to use bug spray every time I go outside, and I cannot drink the water yet....

                      I have never felt so carefree.

-Charlie

This is what "Our Charlie" looked like most of the trip. It was amazing for the four of us with her to watch her love unconditionally, uninhibited and purely. We believe this experience will forever impact the rest of her life!

Were proud of you "punkin"!

Precious Few

Her chocolate ear was crusted with dried blood and puss, as she waited silently for her bowl of rice - special today, because it was served with a small piece of beef. She was the last in the line of dozens of children, hoping another child would finish eating and let her use their empty bowl, before the rice ran out.

Finally her turn came, and she sat down among the others with her bowl. No sounds, only tiny fingers reaching into the dish again and again in the loose dirt of the Ekissa land.  

We noticed her and were concerned by an obvious infection. Her skin was fiery, but she didn't whine; she didn't cry. The three year old had walked 1/2 mile, burning with fever,cysts covering her body,to receive what she rarely gets.

Sometimes, when you only have a little bit, it is very precious.

Due to the state of her condition we felt it necessary for Donella age 3, to be seen by a physician. We carried her to a local private clinic where it was determined the girl was neglected, malnourished and has a skin infection so severe that it had advanced into her bloodstream. She is being treated with a series of intravenous antibiotics over the next few days as well as oral antibiotics. The little girl showed bravery beyond words but unfortunately a neglected child quickly learns to stop crying because of a lack of response. Hopefully through the love shown to her through ekissa Donella will learn she is one of God's precious few.

-Betty

First Full Day

Just waking up from our first full day in Uganda. The air is crisp and almost cool this morning. We are thankful for this short respite from the heat. Did I say full day? We left the house around 10:00am and returned around 9:30pm. The day started by giving our two new team members, Betty and Charlie, their first glimpse into the lives of the people in Bweya. While Betty has been in many countries Charlie (age 17) had her first experience in an airplane. Walking over our property in Bweya with fresh eyes is always reminiscent of our first trip. 
  Fresh water is at the top of our next working projects. There are only two clean water sources in a village of more than 2000 people. It is hard to imagine that "fetching" water is such a costly experience that happens all through the day. I don't think I have ever been afraid that my children would either get sick, kidnapped or killed while walking to the sink for a glass of water. We watched a seven year old boy feeding an infant a bottle of murky tan colored water. Dirty clothes are washed in dirty water. When we are able to provide a clean water source to the villagers on our property both of these things could be alleviated. And the many young children we watched walking to get water would be in a safer situation in many respects. The walking distance would be greatly shortened and the water they are drinking would be clean. 

While we visited with other friends in the afternoon, the highlight of our day was going to the children's home to visit Abbey (caregiver) and the boys.  While it's only August and this is my (Sarah's) third trip to Uganda this year, it looks as though they have all grown 2 feet!  The love and care they receive from Abbey is more than obvious.  

I was reflecting back, only to realize just how much they had changed over the past 6 years.  While once malnourished, uneducated, hopeless orphans, this is a mere memory of the past. 

This home is now filled with well-mannered, thought-filled, loving, academically-excelling, budding soccer (--and one basketball) athletes, who live for Christ!----and  it’s through their life with Christ, that their lives are filled with H-O-P-E.  Gone are the days of merely existing.  Isaiah, Ivan, Prosper, Simon, Asher, Edrine, Daniel, Robert, Vincent and Abraham are now one B-I-G family.  They now have the luxury to dream…and man do they have big dreams!!!  They want to be teachers, doctors, computer specialist, pilots, etc…However, while they are now able to consider and make choices to be contributing members of their society, they have not forgotten the importance of, “God 1st, and others, 2^nd”

There are many things that I (Debbie) love about this country but two of the biggest reasons are my sweet Ugandan sons, Usher and Eddie. I am amazed at the similarities that my own children, Edith and Derrick, share with their biological siblings. Not only many physical attributes but the tenderness and sensitivity of Asher is like that of Edith and the playful spirit and sharp mind of Eddie is just like Derrick.

On my last trip in March, Asher, who never requests anything quietly and tentatively asked me for a pair of basketball shoes. He is very tall and basketball seems to be the sport for him. I was so excited to pack his royal blue Nike (size 11) basketball shoes. They went in my carry on along with the other items I wanted to make sure arrived in Uganda with me. I could hardly wait for him to get them and it will be a moment I will not soon forget. His eyes lit up and a smile stretched across his face. It was if I was watching a young child on Christmas morning. I got an amazing hug and “thank you mum.” He was tying his new shoes and looked over at me,  stopped and said-“What about the others Mum?”  I could hardly breath. I explained to him that although I can bring he and Eddie some special items we would never come without items for the entire house. I have noticed this trait in even my own children at times making sure that if one gets a special treat they want to make sure the other does. Where does this come from? What can we learn and can this be bought? I don’t think so….

As a first timer to Uganda with the group, I (Betty) am amazed and touched deeply by what I saw on only my first day.  The people are so warm and welcoming.  Abbey’s family is a true, close knit family with high individual goals and goals as a group. Talking with the various boys, it is so obvious that they have been encouraged and given the opportunities to develop their individual talents and interests.  The boys all go to school, and shared their schoolwork with us.  What struck me most about the school records were the many comments from the teachers about the boys’ characters.  “Respectful, disciplined, hard working. Grades ranged higher and lower, as many of the boys have been delayed in their education by their previous life experiences.  But all the “general comments” by teachers that I saw spoke of boys with the desire and discipline to learn and pursue their dreams.

Abbey is very organized, and keeps a full schedule for the boys, even in the summer.  Studies, worship, prayer, sports, crafts.  On the streets we see kids that apparently have nothing to do.  I worry these street children will eventually find the wrong kind of things to do.  But Abbeys boys are not given time to stray.  They seem to love the structure, as their previous lives must have been very chaotic and uncertain.  And they are being given a strong father, mentor and example to follow in Abbey. They know his commitment and perseverance.

I saw a family that loved each other, and gave each other strength, encouragement, security and love.  I am so very blessed and thankful to have spent a day with them.

I owe a huge thank to Mark, who spent the whole day showing us around.  He took us to the land, which is beautiful and wild.  I was surprised at the number of crops that have been planted.  The land is providing food and work for the people of the village.

Mark introduced me to so many people today, and the hugs and smiles were so humbling.   Great memories were made today.

Praise God for all that he is sharing with us and with these precious people.

Day of many Blessings!

It's difficult to believe tomorrow is our last full day here in Uganda.  Our days have been tremendously full, so it's been difficult to stay up late each evening to blog.

We've been able to visit with "Baby Blessing" and his foster parents, Francois & Sarah.  With each visit to Uganda, I'm continually amazed with how much he's growing & developing.  God truly does restore what the locust have eaten.  Thanks to a faithful monthly donation, ekissa has been able to financially assist this family to care for him. Monthly donations of any size, do so much!  Not only can it change lives...it saves lives!

ekissa would like to thank New Philadelphia Moravian's, Friendship Class, for their unexpected donation prior to our coming to Uganda.  Because of your generous donation, we've been able to repair the backside of a family's home that collapsed in the middle of the night during a horrific rain storm-displacing the family of 4.

We visited Rebecca, a 7 year old little girl in Bweya Village.  She was involved in an accident and was hit by a boda boda (motorcycle).  Rebecca is at home recovering from a broken leg.  We were shown her x-ray, and there is an obvious break in the middle of her femur.  I must admit, it was troubling to me that with such a break, her shin was wrapped with a thin bandage. This young girl was terrified of us because we are white (a muzungu) as well as, she thought we were going to hurt her leg. We were able to provide the family with some simple groceries and we plan to provide Rebecca with some crutches.

So excited to be able to visit our friends, "Daudi" & Maureen.  A week ago they gave birth to their first son, Ron. It was a joy to be in their home and celebrate the blessing of this little life. 

Various Pictures from the Day

Poor Cow!

These two are for you Michelle-please note we had to catch him to pick him up!

                                                   

This is recycling at it's best-At first glance you might think these school papers are for reading! I never cease to be amazed at how resourceful Ugandans are.

Amazing time with amazing friends serving an Amazing God!

Love-Sarah, Debbie and Deana

Freedom!

Freedom of worship at Bweya Community Church

....such a beautiful thing! Can't say I've ever danced

during Sunday morning worship in the USA!

Deana was deeply humbled with an invitation to 

minister in the children's ministry at BCC.

It's the little things in life we take for granted in 

the US...but a toothbrush is an extremely necessary

"little thing".  Thank you to Dr. Wilkinson!! (Local 

dentist in Winston-Salem)

This was a long drive behind the long horns!

Abbey and the boys are an amazing team!

...& they were loving their bracelets, made by

 Chloe Ledford.

Young Vincent is the newest family member at our

children.  Anyone interested in sponsoring?  He is 7 

years old and was cuddling in Deana's lap within

the first 5 minutes of meeting us.  Poor lil fella needs

an extra dose of TLC.  ---and did I mention he's in 

dire need of a dentist, Dr. Wilkinson???--seriously!!

This "kid" has lost his mind if he thinks

 he'll ever get the keys to this car. HA!

Eddie (our driver) LOVES to invade police escorts

(or ambulance)....always looking for an opportunity

to bend a few rules.

We've had an amazing day--and our cups continue overflowing as we head to bed. We started our day with morning with worship music at Gaba Community Church (the Mother church of Bweya Community Church) and then made our way to Bweya Community Church.  We were warmly greeted by the congregation and offered a permanent bench.  

The freedom of worship as we sang and danced was like an unexpected cool breeze on a hot African day. Interacting, singing, dancing...totally abandoned; uninhibited... I was finally "home" again. We in the West, are missing out on so much by with-holding our worship...our outward expression of praise.  

Pastor Gerald preached today and in his Psalm Sunday message, he encouraged everyone to understand the celebration of Easter.  He said many people are found celebrating, yet lacking understanding of WHAT they were celebrating.  Jesus requested his friend to go and fetch a young colt, untie it and bring it to him.  He instructed, that if anyone questioned  what he was doing, to simply tell them that the Lord has requested it.

People were lining the streets of Jerusalem, laying down their cloaks as Jesus passed by riding on the colt.  They were expecting and celebrating what they assumed to be the Kingdom of God being ushered in. Instead, Jesus knew he was entering Jerusalem to be sacrificed.  Rather than focusing on the "Kingdom of God", as the people assumed, Jesus was focusing on the freedom (the untying) of the young colt...He was focused on "freedom".  Christ came to offer freedom!  Freedom from our sin, our shame, our past, our failures...FREEDOM!  The people who lined the streets of Jerusalem, completely misunderstood what they were celebrating!

So...today, we celebrated...F-R-E-E-L-Y celebrated!

Sarah-

Deana's first........

1. The longest plane ride ever-

2. Riding in the car with Eddie (our driver) who puts any New York cabbie to shame. Even driving alongside animals, people walking and boda boda's.

Eddie-and yes he is actually this cool!

3. Eating a Somosa- fried pocket with either veggie or beef-well we think it's beef.

4. Meeting Abbey and the boys and witnessing "family" in a whole new way.

 5. Well...this one could almost speak for itself except (with permission from Deana) this is how our conversation went. "Deana-make sure to aim or you will get your ankles wet." Deana replies "You mean there isn't a toilet in here"? She didn't realize when she got dressed this morning that her shirt would be her mantra for the day.

Make sure to take note of the hole in the floor. See why aiming is so important!!

6. Freedom of Worship!

 To stand in a land so far from home and to hear them pray in our language and theirs-knowing God understands all of it is so humbling. 

More updates tomorrow-

Humbled

January 2015

As we arrived to Bweya Community Church (BCC), one could hear the praise and worship coming from inside as it flowed out of the open doors. We joined them and continued in praise and worship. How freeing the experience is to praise God for His blessings.  We were free to worship in our own way without fear of offending anyone.  It's such a shame that in the states, we possess such fear. What would happen if we let go and really worshiped and praised our father as He deserves. 

During this time, some of the children danced and praised God.  How awesome that at such an early age they are already loving and thanking their Lord. 

As the pastor was beginning to speak, I was asked to join the children in the shade of a mango tree. There were about 70 children of varying ages.  I nervously shared with them as God gave me the words. I was trusting Him and my fear was gone.  I felt so blessed that I could share His words and that He had invited me to be His instrument.  Humble...it's truly what you feel.  It is comforting that He alone offers such peace.

Talk about "humble", my next experience was that I was asked to feed the children because I am a Jajja (Grandmother).  Several of the church ladies prepared rice in a large way. The children all lined up in an orderly fashion, with the youngest in front.  Some were so small, they were hardly walking, but they sure held onto their bowl of rice. I knew that for some, this bowl of rice would be the only meal they received today.  It was rather like feeding the 5,000.

We must meet their needs and share God's love as they come to know Him.  I was amazed at how so many of them had already come to know and love Him. These children are God's seeds for the future of Bweya village. Investment in them is top of the list as this community grows and spreads God's love.

Jajja Mary