Monday, June 15, 2009

Expect the Unexpected


We started our day loading slides, toys, baby blankets, and lots of love into our vans for the children of St. Kizito Baby’s Home. Our first stop was at a local market in Mbale where we purchased 200 kilos of food supplies for the children. This included flour, sugar, oil, salt, rice, and beans. Upon our arrival at the baby’s home, Sister Mary met us and gave us a brief history and tour of the house. Currently, there are 45 babies residing in the home from the ages of 1 day to 4 years old. We know the babies had not yet been tested for HIV; we were briefed on how to handle the babies safely. Each and every baby we met had an incredible impact on us. Today was the first time Nathan and Phillip had ever held a baby! After we had a chance to love on them, we surprised them with toys, rattles, mini-bikes, and three swings. It was a blessing to watch these children come alive when they saw their new toys being unwrapped. It was incredible to share in the lives of these babies even if it was just for a moment.

After arriving at Lulwanda, we were all physically and emotionally exhausted and it was exhilarating to have a lovely lunch waiting for us (guacamole was our favorite!). The children were so excited for their first day of Vacation Bible School. We started with worship led by Smith, Heather, and Sarah H. We broke into groups and the children were led to different stations to rotate through. The crafts station was led by Kelly E. and Maureen. The kids really enjoyed decorating and putting together their “name-a-rangs”. The music/games station was led by Smith, Heather, and Sarah H. We played follow the leader, musical bean bags, and were taught a new song. In the Bible stories station, led by Helen, Heidi, Phillip, and Nathan, the children heard the story of “Peter’s Invitation”. They were taught the importance of following Jesus by listening to a story and watching a skit. It was fun and relaxing for everyone. We were amazed to see how knowledgeable the children are with stories from the Bible. We know they even taught us a thing or two!

On a sad note, we ask for your prayers for Diana Solheim (from Katy), who has been the nurse at Lulwanda for the past 4 months. Today she received word that her brother passed away unexpectedly. She will be flying home tomorrow with another team who is leaving Uganda.

Connie, Cheryl, and Sarah M.

1 comment:

  1. It sounds like you all are having fun and doing great things out there. Keep safe and stay healthy! I will continue to keep you in my prayers.

    ReplyDelete