Sunday, August 30, 2015

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


Friday, August 28, 2015

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, 2nd


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.