1
Sep
2007
Sep
2007
Of Orange Soda, Hopscotch, and Little Miracles
September 1st, 2007 at 14:13 pm by Melissa in STAO
It’s a lazy Saturday here in Jinja. Laundry is hanging out to dry (please don’t rain, please don’t rain), the market is bustling, the sun is out, and orange soda sits in cool refrigerators tempting passers-by. After a week of working, playing, planning, praying, this lazy afternoon is a welcome reprieve.
It seems as though we’ve been on a rollercoaster ride (or maybe more appropriately, a boda-boda ride!) of emotions. Much has happened this week that has hung heavy on our hearts: We have met widows who could easily have been our peers; we have met children who know unbearable pain and unspeakable tragedy; we’ve met education and healthcare systems that are nothing less than infuriating; we’ve come face to face with how small we are in the seemingly endless problems of a country and a people who live on next to nothing.
Yet more than anything, I’ve been met with an overwhelming joy and a boundless hope in the people I’ve come to know. Yesterday, I spent an entire day with the kids at STAO. Being left alone and defenseless with 30 rambunctious 3 – 12 year olds was an intimidating thought, but with pressing matters to attend to, the rest of the team left me to entertain our favourite little mob!
What an incredible blessing it was! All we did was play all day. We read bible stories, sang songs, played hopscotch (I lost a lot despite the fact that my legs are longer than theirs! Sigh..), and just rolled around and giggled a lot. More than anyone I know, these kids know what it means to have an untouchable joy and to be loved by a God who cares for them. We read about Jesus turning the 5 loaves and 2 fish into food for a multitude, and these precious ones, who know what it means to be hungry, were just absolutely amazed and so excited to hear about their provider Jesus. Their wide eyes and huge smiles were such a sight as I reminded them that the Jesus who provided that miracle was the very same One who loved and cared for each and every one of them. Their individual stories are heartbreaking, yet their hope abounds.
On a lazy Saturday like today, I thank God for the ways He brings joy when all around seems tragic. He comforts the mourning, feeds the hungry, gives power to the weak, and loves those who have never known love.
Webaleh, Yesu. Webaleh, Yesu.
Comments
Hey Tusubira team,
Thanks for these beautiful entries. Thanks for being there to let Jesus love these people through you. You are his witnesses, bringing the Gospel (Good News). “The Gospel says you are more sinful and flawed than you ever dared believe, yet you are more accepted and loved than you ever dared hope because Jesus lived and died in your place.” (Peter Scazzero)
I hope you all were refreshed by your well-deserved day off. Have a joyful worship celebration on Sunday.
Hi Melissa! Your playday with the children sounds amazing–and yes you were brave! You have obviously touched their hearts the way I know they have touched yours. Thank you for sharing some of your special moments that were so neat to picture in my mind
Hi Sa!!! It’s good to hear from you. I don’t know how I would have survived the onslaught of 30 little ones :-p But I’m sure whatever you did God has been using you and the team to bring joy and comfort as you share your lives with these little kids. Can’t help but think of Paul’ words in 1 Thessalonians 2:8
” We loved you so much that we were delighted to share withyou not only the gospel of God but our lieves as well, because you had become dear to us.”
Trully these little ones have become dear to you. We’ve been praying for you and the team and lots of people at church have come up to mom, dad and I to ask about how things are going over there. Thanks for the updates. Take care Sa. We’re thinking of you often.
2 Thessalonians 2:16-17
Hey Sa, we are amazed everday reading about what you and the team are doing and the way you are individually and collectively impacting the lives of these children. Thank you for giving them a glimpse of God’s heart for them. Praying constantly for joy, strength and protection over each one of you. We love you and miss you.
Hi Melissa,
It’s inspiring to me to hear of all the joy you are witnessing in the lives of these children. I’m thinking and rethinking the Scripture, “The joy of the Lord is your strength….” There’s something more there for me to learn…
you are one brave girl! (or full of faith, is it the same thing?) God bless you for blessing all those little ones with a day of play. I’ll bet you slept good that night!
hey you,
amazing to hear all that has been happening over there. continue keeping the faith and bringing joy to all those kiddies! mum, dad, lauren and ah mah send much much love!
*hugs*
i only just chanced upon this website but it’s been so inspiring to read about what you guys have been up to. i cannot imagine how much joy y’all must bring to the hearts of especially the young ones there. keep it going y’all!
all glory to God!