hello mzungus.
yesterday was the longest day yet. as americans remembered the anniversary of 9/11, the 10 of us embarked upon a bumpy trip to the district of kamuli to visit child-headed households and widows and orphans. it was the first time the team was able to experience the real uganda together. in contrast to the lushness of the c0untryside, the ripening bananas and jackfruit, and the glorious hues of the sunrise and sunset, we saw a country devastated by poverty and disease. it is absolutely sobering to stand in the presence of a 15-year-old boy sifting beans on the ground and realizing he is running the family and all his siblings depend on him. on top of that, he carries the burden of rummaging for school fees. no 15-year-old should ever have to endure the hardships he endures each day, but that is the reality for him and many, many others.
the home visits were facilitated by a jovial and compassionate man named Robert, who heads the organization The Aids Generation (TAG)–an organization that oversees foster kids and widows groups. a friend of Pastor Nelson and David, Robert introduced us to 18 families headed either by children or widows. we brought along bags of sugar, soap, notebooks and pencils. however not enough, they were accepted with much appreciation and thanks. it continues to baffle us just how friendly and welcoming the people of uganda are. there is no sense of inconvenience or obligated hospitality. they truly enjoy others’ presence and make it known through the smiles on their faces and the light in their eyes. an elderly lady even sang a song when we were leaving, translating something to the sort of…”i feel like a drunkard just given a bar.” how does that not put a smile on your face?
today, thursday and friday will be spent at STAO playing with the kids, getting testimonies, and hopefully furnishing the new building with sewing machines. shawna and i remarked yesterday on how different our attitudes toward STAO has become since the first day. drained, weary and completely sapped of energy after our first day at STAO has become excitement, joy and happiness in knowing we will spend time with the kids.
after a long and tiring day, it’s good to know someone loves you and cares about your well-being. i only hope and pray the children, orphans and widows of uganda feel that overwhelming sense of love.
see you all soon. continue to pray for health and safety.
God bless. webaleh Yesu.
–victor
Comments
Victor, we are glad to hear from you. We can not imagine the hardship these young people endure. We are really blessed in this country, but we do remember them in our prayer especially the girl Sofia. See you soon.