A special day in many ways...

Today the team all went different directions. It was a day with nothing in particular originally on the schedule but as the week progressed team members found things they either wanted to revisit or felt they needed to do. As for me, it was a chance to visit with Phil and see the kids! He picked me up from the Mum Hotel a little after 10:00 and we headed to the Kid’s house. On the way we stopped in town for something and as I looked across the street I thought I saw a woman I recognized. Now we are in Iganga and really, what are the chances?  But then our eyes met and it was Mama Jonah. I jumped out of the car and we ran into each other’s arms and stayed that way for a good couple of minutes. It was SO good to see her smiling face. Liz, I immediately asked her if she wanted to play a game of charades. Her response was only if she could act out dodge ball! Some things are just too good to be forgotten. Oma (the young lady who is visiting from the States was with us as well) so I had a chance to meet her. When we arrived at the kid’s house the children were not there as they were all in school so I had a chance to visit a little with Esther and see the changes to the places. Phil walked me around the perimeter and showed me the new land and explained what they hoped to do. I met the new couple working there, As we drove into the property I said hello to Moses and he said hello back. Then he took a second look. Then a third look (getting much closer to my face this time as he can hardly see). When he finally realized it was me, a smile spread across his face and he welcomed me with open arms. His expression was priceless when he finally could see it was me! Within 30 minutes the younger kids and a few of the older ones came back. They must have had no idea I would be there, but when they saw me standing there they broke into a run. They all wanted hugs and I just relished the moment. The kids have all grown in the past year but they are still a sweet and loving bunch. I wish I had had letters for all of them, as I hated handing them to some but not all.  Those that received letters or gifts were so appreciative and wanted me to express their gratitude to their sponsors.

As the kids came in today I hugged them all. Some of course I know better than others and some have a very special place in my heart. I’m happy and proud to report that Emma is back in school. He decided not to stop after P-7 but is not in S1. He gave me a big hug (he is like a son to me) and then before I knew what hit me my camera was off my shoulders and in his hand. He has always loved taking pictures since my first trip when I showed him how. Jeri he loved getting your letter; he is such a special young man. Okere Moses was next. I gave him the soccer shoes from you, Jen and Blake, the note and the picture. He loved the picture and was so proud of the shoes. I am so glad you answered the phone because he just loves talking to you. He could talk for hours if I didn’t eventually say hang up. He paces the ground as he talks and just grins from ear to ear. You guys mean the world to him and it is written all over his face. You are a true blessing to him. Sorry it was so early but I was leaving for the hotel at 2 our time and I didn’t want to miss the chance for the two of you to talk. Courtney and Brian, sadly I did not see Amei. He is the first student in the group to go to Senior 5 and he goes to a different school. Peter’s school only goes through S4. I did give the backpack to Phil and asked him to give it to Amei and to pray over him. I’m sorry he wasn’t there because he, too, holds a special place in my heart. I did get to see Caroline, Rehema, Angela and Sylivia. All four girls are doing great. They look great and I have enough hugs to share with both Liz and Amanda. All asked about you Liz and said to tell you they miss you terribly. Sylivia was very thankful for the Bible and very, very happy that she got to hear your voice and talk with you. Sorry for the wake up call. However, you sounded quite awake!!! I spent a lot of time hugging on them and still could use some more! I saw Phiona and am amazed at how tall she is getting. She still has her trademark beautiful smile. I also saw Adrian. His smile continues to melt my heart and his energy level has not decreased, nope not one single bit!! He remains as precious as ever and he gave out good hugs and lots of smiles for pictures. I told him, Debbie and Greg, that you send your love and that you couldn’t wait for him to come home! He just grinned. I had brought him three little matchbox cars, one being a dump truck. As we were sitting in a circle today he scooped up dirt, filled the truck up and zoomed it around and around and around.  Eventually the kids returned to school but came back for lunch around 1 pm. I stayed and talked with them during lunch (taking more pictures) and just had a chance to see how they were doing. When it came time for them to leave, and I realized I wouldn’t see them again for a while it was really hard. They are a great bunch of kids and I love them so very much. We hugged and said our goodbyes. I then turned around and realized Susan had arrived while I was playing with the kids. She looks great; better than she’s looked in a long time. I gave her a huge hug and we had a chance to talk a little. Her babies are now three and one. Hard to believe they are growing up so fast. She was hoping I had the whole day to spend there so I would get to see them and Scovia but I had to be by three as we were taking off for another school. I was deeply sorry I didn’t get to coddle her children or give Scovia a hug but it was great to see Susan. She still has that wonderful impish smile. Gotta love that! It was a great visit with the kids and I am so thankful I got the chance to see them.

This afternoon we went to see another school that has been started by three American girls (two sisters and a friend). The sisters now live here (I hope I have this story right) and the third is involved in the fundraising end from Colorado. They have 80 students that board but educate 200 in all. The facility was bright and cheerful and they are currently building housing for the staff on site. The dorms are like bunkrooms; very spacious. They have vegetable gardens that the children help maintain; a computer lab, a clinic on site, and all the buildings are painted different bright colors. It was impressive to say the least!

We came home and tonight was our farewell dinner with the pastors and those who have helped make our trip what it’s been. We started by the Americans telling what was our blessings had been in regard to what the pastors had done for us and with us. For me this was really easy. They have been a great group to work with. Their hearts are amazing and they truly have partnered with us the entire time. Then they spoke and hearing what they had to say was really touching. They feel equally as blessed to have worked with us. There is such a mutual respect and such a love for one another; it is great to experience and to see. Steven, who was the main speaker for the Pastors, said he was glad I had come. He then proceeded to talk about how I had climbed this rock when we had gone to the farm. That was all nice and friendly until…he said it wasn’t bad for a 70 or 80 year old! Now I’m back to being Grandma! The team thought that was SO funny. I’m still looking for the humor!!! It was a great ending to a great trip. The pastors here are amazing people. I am so touched by each and every one of them. They have great hearts and great senses of humor. They love God and shows in everything they do. They smile every time I see them and constantly remind that life is a joy.

Tomorrow we leave for Kampala and begin our journey home. We will stop in Jinja for a little shopping and then head to Trevor’s house (a gentleman they have worked with in the past) for a little Texas bar-b-que. When he invited us earlier in the week we all looked like kids in a candy store. Not a one of us can wait for dinner tomorrow night! Then on Saturday we head to the Paara Lodge for our Safari (a photographer’s dream). I will try to promise to stay in the car!

I have blessed in ways I didn’t know were possible. God has worked in amazing ways and I see him everywhere I turn. I love you all and am looking forward to sharing my stories in person.