ANOTHER DAY’S USEFUL ENERGY SPENT

This morning we slept in. Breakfast didn’t start until eight and I think we all used the extra 30 minutes wisely. At least I know I did. I think it was the first night I actually got a full eight hours of sleep! Our day started at the Women’s Ministry where Irene’s husband Patrick measured us all so he could make dresses, skirts or shirts for us all. We had gone into the market yesterday to buy fabric and are all so excited to see the final product. We bought Haji and Kyemba (Chimba) who is a close friend of Josh’s, fabric so that Patrick can make them each a suit. I really was kind of hoping that Haji would pick out a pink floral print but he disappointed me and picked out something manly instead. After that the men went on the Bulubandi to finish up the desks and the other carpentry they had to do and us women stayed to make beads. I have to say they have it down pat. As for me, not so much. It is a simple process but it does take dexterity. It took my full concentration. The woman next to me was rolling a bead, nursing her baby and taking care of her three year old. It took all my concentration just to roll. They said they make about 200 a day. After day one, my fingers would be rebelling big time. So within the hour, everyone hitched a ride back to the school except Paige, Emily and me. We stayed behind and worked with the women awhile longer. Emily was determined to make more beads than Jen who was rocking! Paige had brought some different beads from the US and was showing them a new style of necklace to make. We had a really good time sitting under the mango tree making jewelry. We then walked back to the school with a gaggle of kids both holding our hands and trailing behind!

Bridget, a teacher at the school, (the one who yesterday told me she is looking for an American husband) set the photography team up in a beautiful spot with the added benefit of being shady. I have absolutely loved not being responsible for that aspect of this trip. It has allowed me to look at things through my heart instead of through the lens of a camera. They took pictures of all the classes except the nursery students so we now have only one class from each school to take after the team leaves. Meanwhile, both Judy’s were working on the Ambassador program, interviewing the kids and making new friends. Paige and Jaimie were busy helping in all areas and loving on the kids. When lunch time came around a little boy that Jen has come to love had no cup for the posha. Without a cup there would be NO lunch. So we went up to the little store and bought him a cup… $600 shillings, less than $.50 and a child got to eat. He was so thankful. One little girl, Gloria drew Jen a picture yesterday. Today she drew me one. As she handed it to me I asked her if she had a Bible. She answered no, so I asked if she would like one. I then pulled one out and gave it to her. She just smiled from ear to ear. This team has amazed me from day one. Their hearts are so good. We have had a plan, but it has changed by the minute and everyone has just gone with the flow. We have tried to see that everyone’s heart has been given the chance to do what they wanted to do. So today after lunch we distributed the goats and chickens to the kids who sponsors had provided the funds to do so. In Top Hills this was done as a ceremony. The goats and chickens were presented to the kids in front of everyone. Though we were thrilled for the kids who received them we were all uncomfortable for those who got nothing. So today we took the kids getting the livestock far away from the others and distributed them quietly. It was SO much better. We still experienced their joy but did not see the sadness on the faces of the others. Another lesson learned and implemented with great results. I do have to say, I am so glad I am not a chicken in this culture!!

Once the livestock was distributed we went back out to Kokombo. This was not in the plans but it was in everyone’s heart to go back. John had to build some shelves out there and everyone else just wanted to revisit with the community. John has done an amazing job. He is so talented and of course his “workforce” has followed his lead in perfection. So all the projects he had on his list are completed. And I am here to tell you they all turned out beautifully. It was such a nice picture to see our team and the men here working together as a unit to build. Even sweeter was all the kids peeking in to see the progress and just watch in awe as the pieces of the puzzle fit together to form a desk. While at Kokombo Glenn got to wander into the countryside and see where his guitar student Richard lived and Josh got to do the same with his new sponsored child. Richard had never touched a guitar before earlier this week. Glenn has been working with him this week and today he serenaded us with his new found talent. Amazing what one can learn in a week! For the last hour Glenn just played and sang. The kids and us just sat on the ground and listened and joined in song. I think it was the first time I sat down all trip. One of the women at Kokombo (Jackie) has a little girl named Favor. She is just under two and the sweetest little girl ever (except of course for my own)… She was running around like crazy with this huge grin on her face. Then she ran toward me with her arms outstretched. I picked her up leaned her head against my chest and she was out like a light. So I sat in the grass and rocked her while Glenn played and sang. There is something about these Ugandan babies that I just fall in love with. If I could pack her in my suitcase I would bring her home for all of you to meet!

 

So tomorrow we are going to a prison to start a prison ministry. Don’t have a clue what that will involve but Boss Sleepy Stephen has asked us to go and we have all agreed. We are putting together some things he thinks the prison needs (sharp knives, scissors, etc) that we will take with us. Ok, we are really taking soap, blankets, sugar, and other non-dangerous stuff. Can’t wait to see what this looks like as I’ve never done this kind of ministry anywhere. Then we are headed into town to do some shopping (the team still has some things to purchase for their sponsored children at Phils). After that we have all been invited to Kyemba’s house for lunch and everyone is so excited to go. Tonight we stopped by there, a surprise to everyone, and his wife had cut up some jack fruit for us to experience. He is such a good guy and though he is not tied to Tree of Life he has helped at every turn. He has been a huge help on the construction team and now he wants to provide US a meal. We have invited him to join us tomorrow night for dinner when all the Pastors come. Once lunch is over a few will return to Top Hills as John and Paige want to talk with the kids they have decided to sponsor and the rest will go to say goodbye to their kids at Phils. The evening will wrap up with our dinner here with the whole gang. I can’t believe the time is so rapidly coming to a close. Personally, I wish the entire team were staying for the full time. I’m sure the four of us will be running like crazy the last two weeks but we are going to miss our peeps a whole, whole, bunch.

I am now signing off and going to bed! Another day is over and the Lord has been so good to us. He has led us places and to people we never expected and HE said, “It is good!”