This week was by far my favorite week so far! It’s been packed with playing with street kids, going to the orphanage and hospital, cooking, cleaning, etc. And it’s been so great. If you know me at all, I’m most definitely not a morning person…especially 5:30 in the morning. But I’ve started loving mornings here. The walk to church in the dark, the beautiful African sunrise, and the precious time with Jesus… The joy of the Lord strengthens me and I soak up the time spent praying and seeking the Lord. I know I will need those moments throughout the day to strengthen and encourage me as our team goes out for ministry.
This week we all prayed asking God where we were supposed to be. I saw a picture of a long wooden table of kids in rags feasting, laughing and being loved on—kids who had no clue what it meant to be loved, because the world had completely abandoned them. So a few of us decided to cook for the street kids and in a small way show how much the Lord loves them. We spent the next day making many mandazi’s (kind of like a sweet roll) and hot chai for the kids. Many kids didn’t believe there would be free food for them so only about 15 showed up, but it was great. We told Bible stories and they ate and drank. They were so full they were rubbing their stomachs—what a great sight!
We also went to the orphanage several times this week which was heartbreaking and eye opening. The highlight of it was mopping the girl’s dormitory with baby George. I’ve never held a more precious baby. When we arrived the owner told us why she started it. Mama (the owner) had taken in a few children from the street to live with her. She became pregnant and when she was in labor she had complications and died. She met Jesus and He told her this was not her time to die, that His children needed to be cared for. Years later she now owns an orphanage and provides for 134 children. She has sold everything she has and lives day to day somehow coming up with enough money to feed 134 hungry bellies. They don’t have diapers most of the time, and they bathe in water because they can’t afford soap, but they will tell you over and over “The Lord has blessed us.” They understand what true and good gifts are.
I'm learning so much here and I can't wait to share more in detail and in person when I get home. I'm so thankful for all that God has been teaching and doing here in Busia. Please continue to pray for the next 3 weeks- that we don't check out early and that we make the most of every opportunity bringing glory to Our King!
Much love!
