Our last days in Uganda were spent throwing a party in Kampala and on safari. The party was a great day of food and music. It was a wonderful feeling seeing these kids get a good meal and a soda, which is a huge treat for them. Together, we celebrated God's provisions and our time together. Lots of hugs and goodbyes waved us back into our van as we left. We then took the safari van to Lake Mburo National park. It was absolutely beautiful and so FULL of wildlife. I could not believe the abundance of animals as soon as we entered the national park. My wish of living the Lion King cam true! Zebras ran along side us under that open African sky and I could not contain my excitement! My favorite animals besides the zebras were the hippos. You really can't imagine how big they are until you pull up next to them in a tiny motor boat... so exhilarating!
I don't really have much more to say except that Uganda is beautiful, musical, and full of wonderful people. Coming home I saw so many things I take for granted day to day, my car, running hot water and electricity, a toilet, water I can drink straight from the tap, shoes, clothes, a grocery that I can buy anything I need at any time, education, my independence as a woman, good medical care... and the list goes on. But I also find that prayer and faith are an echo here in the United States compared to what they are in Uganda. I hope that prayer becomes the air I breathe and that in times of struggle and in times of plenty, I turn to prayer. Uganda was an excellent adventure and I would encourage anyone with a heart for missions to go and DO IT. Whether your heart is for Africa, South America, or your own community, just do it! These experiences change and shape you for the better. Until my next adventure, I send my love to you!
Waiting for the party to start
Beaded Doorways made by the ladies at Ray of Hope
Standing in line to get lunch.
So cute! She's happy she's got her soda.
We had some very passionate singers.
Yes the monkey is real!
Ready for the boat tour!
Hippos!
Our boat
Heart Beast
Giraffes that were just recently introduced to Lake Mburo.
"Music, sweet music from the lips of babies. Today was a beautiful, easy day in which God filled my cup." - Journal Entry
Happiness
At the Bukaleba Babies Home we spent our days playing futbol and cuddling with the sweetest children. Little babies sitting in a row, sipping warm milk from their cups will forever be imprinted on my soul. Holding their little hands, kissing their little heads, and just singing was a breath of fresh air from the Hospices. At one point I had two little 2-year olds sitting on my lap Jacob and Jonathan. Jacob was singing quietly and grabbing my hands to make them clap in rhythm with his little song. Jonathan began grunting along to the song. It was so funny! Jacob would sing and pause and then Jonathan would go "hmm, hmmm, hmmm!" and then Jacob would sing his tune again. Back and forth they would go. I probably sat like that, two babies singing and me clapping, for about 20 minutes.
Allie reading to some of the kids.
The books we brought the babies were taken out and we were given the chance to read the many stories to them. What a treat! To top the day off, as the sun set orange across the sky, a vivid rainbow arched all the way across the sky, touching down on the Earth on both sides. A reminder of God's great promises and of the better life these babies will have now that they are being cared for.
The team here does a great job taking care of these children and giving them the care they need. We even watched as one of the children was tested right there for Malaria. She tested positive and so the women there took her into their little clinic to start her on medication. This is amazing to be able to get the treatment so instantly! These little handprints are on my heart forever.
“Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God.15 Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it.”16 And He took them up in His arms, laid His hands on them, and blessed them."
Matthew 14-16
These are orphaned and abandoned babies that need a forever home, but for the time being they are sponsored and have a safe haven to grow up. To sponsor a child please visit 10eighteen's go fund me at https://www.gofundme.com/34d144.
Derrick playing Boda, Boda (Motorcycle) - "Brrrrrrvrrrvrrmmmm!"
Vinnie - Such a photogenic baby :)
Primary School
Working on their chairs
Hannah taking over feeding time!
Jacob
Vinnie, such a hoot!
Beautiful faces
Vinnie and Godfrey
Futbol!
Baby Beds
Allie and the babies!
Rainbow
The team: Jennings, Allie, Hannah, Me, and Derrick
