Sunday, May 19, 2013

In the midst of these...


The earliest hours of my last morning in Africa were spent at the hospital checking in on Trina and the others who have filled the Emergency ward (ICU) while I've been here.  Trina was still there, though its been a full week since I saw her last.  She is conscious now, but the persistent fever etc... has sapped her of any strength.  Her face was pale and eyes staring off at nothing. Her body limp as her mom still waiting for improvement, seemed hopeful.  Two others caught my attention, both suffering with severe continuous blood loss and the doctors have no answers.  I wanted so badly to take them myself to the Private Hospital which is a "pay for care" place.   I knew God would stay close even if could not.  

I headed to Chayah and arrived just as breakfast was being served.  Afterwards Janet asked me to teach one last bible study to the whole group.  So we looked at the story of Dorcas, one single person caring for many others and Peter praying for her after she died.  She was raised from death and we talked about the power of God through one person's actions and prayer.  Praying that they can see themselves with a God big enough to make a difference around them.

After that we set out for the Nile for one last adventure.  I had been telling Janet that dogs can swim.  She wanted so badly to think I was teasing her.   I took a necktie from the store room, fashioned a harness for the little "star" and we all set off for a walk to the river.  Hilu didn't appreciate the leash one bit, but he's not big enough to put up much of a fuss.  When we got there we voted on whether or not he could handle the water.  Then I waded out about 10 feet and for a split second my confidence waned  and I wondered if a dog in Uganda had the same instinctive dog paddle as the dogs I've known or if instead I would traumatize them all by drowning their one and only pet while they watched.  I held him up so his feet barely touched the surface and saw his paws begin the familiar motion, so I put him right in and to 19 cheers he paddled his way to shore... over and over again!  

John and Yoweri wanted to race him from about 15 feet out, and the kids were cheering for their dog like he was a hero with each win.  It was so fun and hysterical to see and hear their surprise and laughter.  Yoweri fell behind this mutt in his race and if you can believe it, he grabbed his back legs and pulled Hilu back a bit to try to catch up.  Once the dog had done his trick a dozen times or so, he wandered into the grass trying to hide I think, so we gave him a break, played in the water a bit, then headed back.

Along the way Janet showed me the small field of beans she has planted, another plot of maize and some mounds growing potatoes.  She works these plots while the kids are in school.

We got home and pulled out the sewing machine trying to finish the last skirts and dress projects.  I am so very proud of Melisa, Judith and Janet as they really took to the projects, start to finish.  

 As the afternoon wore on, Janet and I could hardly talk or look at each other.  The kids seemed unaware, but there was a heaviness that began to set in for the two of us.  I excused myself for a shower and repacking and tried to talk myself out of a good cry.  We all spent the last half hour in the front yard, the kids playing, chasing each other and others brought me notes for their sponsors.  Not everyone can write or write in English, but the ones who can did.  

Sitting in the airport now, I haven't yet gotten the courage to read a personal one given to me.  The worst part of the trip home is the first 4 hours, driving on bumpy roads, through impossible traffic jams, and having second thoughts about the time spent showering.  I think I have a thick layer of diesel exhaust on me that I won't be able to rid myself of for about 36 hours.  

I'm just a little bit tempted to remind Brussels airline about the crazy scare they gave us this time last week just in case they want to bump me up to first class with a promise I won't upset fellow passengers with the story.  But I believe I will attempt to finish strong and sit in the seat that shares my true identity...economy.

When it was time to leave, they all walked me out, sang a song and I couldn't keep my eyes from leaking all over the place.  I was so hoping with all the humidity and perspiration, there would be no moisture left and that my good talking to in the shower would have done its job.  I wasn't the only one,  Mary the cook had to leave, Big John was trying so hard to smile in the midst of the emotion,  Edrine, Judith... maybe the biggest ones who have a sense of time.  Maybe they just realized it could be months before they get back to the swimming pool... Janet sat in the car unable to watch.  And then Olivia...  

My own words from yesterday's post remind me that God planned it this way.  A few people from far away, coming to Africa to be apart of the lives of this little tribe.  We don't need to stay, they are fine, thriving and happy.  It's just a heart thing.  God created us to love and has a plan that will allow us to spend an eternity together.  If we can survive the meantime by living on memories, letters, an occasional skype session and praying for one another.  I am so grateful for the time our team has had here, so grateful for the growth of Chayah's kids.  Each one is so unique and adds something wonderful to this family.  Why God gave us the opportunity to be involved and see it up close is something only He understands, but I will thank Him forever for His work in the hearts and lives of all of them.  Though the blog posts for this trip come to an end, I am mindful that our prayer for them cannot.  You're a faithful bunch and I pray the Lord's greatest blessing on you for standing in the gap for them.

The Lord thy God in the midst of these 
He's mighty, so mighty,
  The Lord thy God, He's in the midst of these 
He's mighty, so mighty,
And I saw Him,   
     High and lift up, 
With power and grace and authority 
And He shall reign in the midst of these 
Forever and ever Amen.







Friday, May 17, 2013

Last Full Day


I spent most of last evening on the phone with the airlines trying to secure my seat to fly home.  My prepaid phone kept running out of credits, cutting me off and after buying all that the hotel had to sell, it still wasn't enough.  I stopped and bought more time this morning, but realized later it was for the wrong network. So again this afternoon I got what I needed and got the call through, got a place on the plane and I'll be home Sunday evening.  Thank you so much for praying my way through that adventure.

I landed at the house this morning about 9am and made a list of conversations that Janet asked me to have.  We finished the big girls bible study this morning and then I talked to them about what we hope and what we pray and plan for them.  Janet wanted me to talk to them about new temptations as they get older and about letting Satan steal their blessings because of poor choices.  They did a lot of listening and nodding and I realized that they are young girls just like any other.  All of our hearts just want the "new, fun, exciting" thing that is dangled in front of us, ignore the consequences and believe what is done in secret is unknown and has no power over us.  We all want the same thing, to be loved to belong and to be valued. Satan would love to divide these girls from God's plan for them, would love to take what God has done and lure them to cast it aside now that they have their needs met.  Janet seemed grateful to have someone else speak to them, encourage them and support her in this way.  I felt sorely inadequate getting those things across with my own three in a way that made sense, now I'm another generation apart so I am praying God covers whatever was missing with his grace and speak to their heart directly.

Next on the list was speaking to our two cooks as their employer.  I had a long list of all that I appreciate about their work and some very very minor changes that would be good.  Again, supporting Janet in her leadership.  Then I asked them what we could do to help them in their jobs and they both said they were so very happy working at Chayah.

Janet and I sat down to go over the budget and bookkeeping.  She has so so risen to this task with detail and record keeping that answered my every question.  I respect her so much and all the work she puts in.  It's a 24/7 job, and no regular days off.  I don't know many in the US that would be prepared for that kind of work schedule, especially without all the conveniences we enjoy.  

More headband dresses were made...and again worn on their heads like a HUGE head of hair.  Lunch was served and we packed up to go swimming.  Janet drove all 22 of us to the hotel pool for 2 hours of fun.  Everyone is getting so much more comfortable in the water that I was like a bobble head counting them to make sure they were all right side up.  I caught Regina smiling at me a couple of times today...her toothless grin melting my heart.  
After everyone dried off, they spotted some playground equipment and asked with their eyes, if they could go play.  Well, YES!  Get going!  

Janet doesn't want to drive in the dark, so she starts getting a little antsy about an hour before the sun goes down.  After a little time to swing and slide, everybody packed up and I sent them off for home, then I walked up the uneven stairs for my last night under the Ugandan stars. 

Tomorrow will be unimaginably difficult.  The separation will be painful and the last thing I want to be is another person in their lives who leaves them.  The difference I guess is that we will be back, at predictable times and we have hearts wide open while are here.  All I know to do is pray they understand that we love them even when we are far away and that God loves them the same regardless of anybody else.  It will help them if I can be really strong, not shed any tears all the while feeling like I'm lying to them...my heart will be breaking at missing them so much.   But this is the way it is, the way God ordained it, called us to this place while living in another.  I wonder if the Apostle Paul suffered this type of separation after serving in an area for a time or revisiting some he had previously spent time with.   I wish every part of ministry and loving was without pain... but the truth is it's just not that way on this earth.  So if you could indulge me one last prayer request, that both sides of tomorrow's goodbye would survive and cling once again to the One who brought us together.  He's the only one that never ever leaves.




Thursday, May 16, 2013

Official Business


Oh Uganda... Attorney and paperwork, budgeting etc...all out the window when we woke up to 8 sick children.  One with the stomach flu, 6 with Malaria treatable with tablets, but Sarah is having IV two treatments today.

The electricity went out at the clinic just after 8 blood draws.  We were reassured though that the lab guy knows how to use the "mirror way" too look at the slides.  Each child was ushered in to to see the doctor, standing next to his desk for an exam.  Two hours later, Sarah's IV had been started, but no prescriptions had been filled, so 7 miserable children were trying to get by squeezed on to the benches in the hall.  

One nurse attends to every patient that comes in and is the receptionist, nurse, pharmacist and bill collector...and today its been busy, so we will wait.   Each tablet is counted out and she simply writes the directions on the envelope.  i.e. 1 x 3.  

Once we got 7 sets of medications, I was sent home with those children to administer the first dose, get them settled in to rest with a bunch of books and went back to pick up Sarah and Janet.  I've been driving our van the last two days...the driver's seat is on the right and we drive on the left side of the road.  It works out ok, until I have to make a left or right turn.  Which lane do I turn from, which lane do I turn into, where are the cars coming from and then the Boda Boda's...they kind of do their own thing so I'm always on high alert and with some very precious cargo on board, well you can imagine.  Just a head's up So Ca...when I get home you might want to keep a very safe distance from me until I get reacquainted  to western driving manners.

 We are thinking about going into Jinja and just stocking up on the three things that are routinely given for Malaria, saving at least the time at the clinic for this routine and pretty obvious condition.  I think this is the worst time of year for Malaria and it's not always so severe or frequent.  With the rain comes the mosquitos and even with working very hard to keep everything clean and drain or sweep standing water, they just come and they come hungry.   I really think my net last night just provided a private party to the ones that were lucky enough to be inside the net when it was secured.  My face, arms,  back of legs and even the palm of my hand was bitten up over the last three nights.  

About 3pm Janet and I left the house and headed into town to meet with the lawyer.  NGO vs CBO, purchasing property vs leasing.  Terms of lease, property taxes, land improvements, types of ownership of property... information that will help us determine the best way to proceed in the future.
Janet asked me to drive into town, she is pretty nervous yet with all the crazy traffic.  I count it a successful trip, when I don't kill anybody inside or outside the van, I'm not thrown in jail for any reason and nothing falls off from underneath after hitting unseen potholes.  


 We left the lawyer and came back to the hotel, where I checked back in for the next two nights.  We sat outside the dining room and discussed, child protection policies, intake policies, employee reviews and discussed many other things that fall under no specific category.  We made a plan for my last 48 hours here and no matter how much time there is...it's never quite enough.  

She was willing to brave the traffic and head back to the house alone.  There are three at the clinic with Sarah who will be done with her treatment about 6pm, so she had a pretty compelling reason to muster up the courage.  Like a mother, I'll wait for her call that she got home safely.   I'm praising God tonight that we got so much done, and so many children on their way to feeling better.  If you have a spare minute, you wouldn't waste it in trying to come up with some solution to mosquitos that carry that darned Malaria.  Our kids get treatment, they still are so sick so quickly with it...I can't help but think and pray about all of the ones who suffer without any relief from the painful symptoms.  

Forgive me if I end abruptly and soak in a warm shower, get comfortable and prepare for tomorrow.  I appreciate you all for speaking to God on my behalf while I've been here... what ever official business we got done today is nothing compared to what has been accomplished because of the prayer that has covered our trip.

She Came Back!


Praise God Regina is so much better this morning.  Fever was down throughout the night and though we had to take her back to the clinic for two more IV treatments, she seems great tonight, Malaria-wise anyway.  She has had two big ear issues today that indicate her infection is not better.  There is a specialist in town and we are hoping to get her there on Friday.

6:30am was the first noises I heard today as the children began singing again first thing.  Its hard to complain about being awakened early when that is the alarm and the sound that began my day.  By 7:30 am they were off doing their chores and since I had volunteered to make breakfast for the 23 of us, I got to work.  Eggs in a basket.  It was tough when the bread was still in the freezer and John had to go down the road to purchase the eggs, but we had enough to eat and I wouldn't know really if they liked it or not.  They are too polite to say otherwise, at least in a language I would understand.  We did a little video taping for sponsors and off we went with Regina.  

I snuck off to town, leaving Olivia with Regina in order to get a few minutes of internet time and post the blog entries that verify I survived 48 hours as house grandmother.  I took one of the older girls with me and watched her face as she got a taste of her first milkshake at the "American" coffee house.  We looked around just a bit and talked about how different people had made things that could be sold.  Checked the quality of some sewn items, smelled soaps and saw wood carvings.  

We were supposed to have an appointment with an attorney today via Solomon, but it sounds like may be tomorrow.  It is such an answer to prayer though that Pastor Roman was here at the house when we got back this afternoon.  He has decided that every Wednesday he will come and meet with them about "man things", bible study and some mentoring.  Man, have we been praying about that.  Five boys and 14 girls + 3 adult women and this small group is far outnumbered, I know they will love it.  Pastor Roman is the head of Abundant Life churches in Central Uganda.  He is so fun and energetic, loves children and has such a heart for God.  It's a perfect fit really.

Janet returned home today about 3pm to smiles and hugs.  She said she really enjoyed her time away and was able to spend some time with her grandmother in Kenya.   Next time she said she would take more days if I am up to it.   

Bubble baths again tonight, prayer, bible study and singing...dinner was about 8:30pm along with handing out prescription tablets to the ones that need them.   I thought I'd go back to the hotel tonight, but decided to stay one more here at Chayah.  The mosquitos left very little untouched territory, but tonight I'm going to use the net and the fan.  We'll see how it goes.  I'm out of Deet now, so this will definately be the last night in the house.  

Tomorrow will be paperwork, budgeting, the attorney (hopefully) and maybe I can talk Janet into getting into the pool.  I was hoping for one more swim day with the kids on Friday, so if she wants to participate, she's going to have to put on her "big girl" bathing suit tomorrow and see how it goes.  For both our sakes she needs to survive.  What on earth would I do with 19 children to care for?  There isn't enough Bubble Bath or cookies to make it work nearly as well as she does.  What a blessing to these children she is.  Heading to sleep now, grateful she's back, safe and sound and I know I'm not the only one.


Wednesday, May 15, 2013

Malaria takes over the day...

It's Tuesday and I realized that away from the internet to post right away may leave you guessing if I survived the night.  YES!  I Americanized Janet's room with a fan because I can deal with the heat and humidity during the day, but nights are more fitful without it and I'm imagining a mosquito trying to land for a snack and instead plastered against the wall in the wind.

I was awakened at 6am by the rustling of Mary and Jennifer, Chayah's cooks, sweeping outside.  The kids were waking and brushing their teeth then gathering in the sitting room.  Prayer and praise began soon thereafter and was a wonderful way to start the day.  Scratchy voices singing worship songs while they are rubbing their eyes and then sitting for the early morning chores assignment.  

Everyone jumped up and got right to work.  Sweeping, picking up trash, scrubbing the floors inside and out, washing clothes and everyone bathing again.   In about 45 minutes every bed was made and everyone was dressed and ready for breakfast; Chai tea, a thick slice of bread and a square type of donut.  Olivia, Big Sharon and I sat and had some good long conversation, sharing our hearts and pasts.  God is so very faithful and they confirmed again that God has been using Chayah in the lives of each of these children.  

It wasn't long before we realized that Regina was getting sicker instead of better.  A week of antibiotics for her ear  hasn't resolved the infection.  Two days of Malaria treatment hasn't improved her condition.  This morning she had such a high fever and two nosebleeds.  She refused any food and barely got her tea and fever tablet down.  She was so very lethargic.  Add that to a very quiet reserved child anyway and it was difficult to tell where her emotional silence stopped and Malaria took over.   It didn't take long to call the boda boda and head to the clinic.  They admitted her right away, started an IV and gave her several medications.  Olivia and I stayed and it wasn't long until all three of us were fast asleep in the bed with Regina.  Three hours later, food came from the house and Sharon and Jennifer served us a plate of rice, greens and beans.  Regina was no more alert or responding than she had been.  

I think she might have been more mad than weak with all the pokes... until I pulled out my IPAD and showed her a couple of children's puzzle games.  Her greatest expression of any energy at all was slowing allowing Olivia to move her finger on the screen, no facial change, no lighting up, just allowing someone else to move her hand.  Then finally... after a long time, slowly she tried  it herself.  For her to show interest in anything was encouraging.  She barely makes eye contact with me or anyone outside the house, let alone be interested in anything I offer.  This morning I gave her a plastic giraffe, she gently shook her head "no".  I offered her a small pocket sized doll, "no".  A small fabric elephant...no interest.  A paper house for the elephant to sleep in "no".  An elephant gently walking up her leg or arm... one slight head movement, "no".  Its always the slightest movement of her head, never a word.  

When we were told she should rest, all went back to the house except Olivia.  I had told the girls we would sew today, so we got some pieces cut out to make two skirts and the first few seams sewn before the power converter got fussy and it was time to head back to the clinic for the 2nd IV of the day.  I expect we'll be out long after the mosquitos begin their evening meal so I'm like a sitting duck here and I'm sure a few that hit the wall in the fan last night are waiting up for me and salivating.  

We ate dinner, I got to teach the evening devotion and then several attempted to braid my hair.  It was a pretty safe arrangement since I knew they'd end up just combing their fingers through it over and over.  So different from their own.  "Mommy Jodi, why is your hair white and brown?"  Yep...time to get back 3 weeks is just a bit over my hair color limit I guess.

Maureen is feverish tonight and Regina will go back tomorrow morning for another IV treatment.   I'm going to make "eggs in a basket" for everyone for breakfast and somewhere along the way we're going to make ground G-nut & jam sandwiches...aka PBJ.  The concept of sandwich is a new one too.  I have a meeting with a lawyer at noon time and hopefully find my way to some WIFI somewhere along the way.  

I feel it coming to an end and my heart is really divided over which way to go.  But my plane ticket says it will be Saturday and I'll head West.  Until then, I'm holding every one of them that will let me and playing UNO and hair salon with the rest!


House "Grandmom"

Well today was the day.  Accompanied by just a small dose of fear and trepidation, I checked out of the hotel and headed for Chayah.  I bought a few supplies, like cookies, a soccer ball and bubble bath;  those will be my tools for surviving the next 48 hours.  I decided my best plan of attack would be as a grandparent rather than all the serious responsibility of a mom.   I am much more practiced at that these days.   I may never be asked to babysit again, but Janet left with a big smile on her face and her bible in her backpack. I tucked some chocolate in her hand before she left for good measure.  It looked like she was totally prepared for her time away.

I have her cell phone number, instructions for the medications, and the number for a boda boda driver who is trustworthy.   Since I can't imagine a motorcycle taking all 20 of us somewhere, it must be in case I need to escape.  

She told me where the money was for food and where to walk to purchase it...can't you just picture me walking down a path to buy greens and matoke?  It will be a stretch and if I could have found a Costco on the way here, I would have stocked up. This ground is so foreign they don't even attempt to cater to foreigners.  No good way to store food and no preservatives to keep what you buy means daily walks to the market place for fresh everything.  

I wish I could tell you a good amount of challenge and adventure; it would be far more interesting.  The truth is, these children are amazingly well behaved, they know their routine and we haven't had an incident.  We played cards before lunch, "Go Fish" "War" and "Uno".   Rice and cow peas (my favorite) were served and I think it might have been a bribe to forget her cell number for the next two days.  

After lunch, the boys headed out front to play "football" while nearly everyone else found a place and fell asleep.  Judith & Melisa learned to make a headband dress out of tulle and have been wearing it around their heads like a huge head of hair ever since.  Edrine experimented with the keyboard until he figured out how to play Happy Birthday.  I might have listened to about 1,000 ways not to play it before he found the notes, but he's ready when the next celebration takes place.

 I pulled out the cookies about 4:30 and praise time started about 5:30 on the front porch.  After about an hour of singing the young ones headed in for baths.  When I invited them into the bathroom for a bubble bath, they had no idea what I was talking about.  It took about 1/2 a bottle of the solution to create a thin layer of froth, and my intentions to bathe 3 at a time and change the water between went by the wayside when they saw the bubbles.  First one, then two then three at a time were all smiles in the cool water.  As soon as one got out, the next one was getting in.  I'm not at all sure the last few got squeaky clean,  and I'm not sure how to put a positive spin on the color of the water as it drained, but what fun!

I found Kwagala walking around outside in her night gown about 15 minutes later with puffs of bath bubbles she had scooped from the tub on the tops of her feet and laughing hysterically.

The energy in the house goes way up after a nap, singing and baths, so there is a symphony of screeching, laughing, bossy voices and games of all sorts.  I have no idea what is going on, but everyone is happy and seem completely content and unaware that their Mama is away.  

Bible study will begin in a few minutes followed by prayer time, then dinner was served the older girls cleaned up even sweeping and mopping the floor and off to bed they went.  Regina was pretty feverish this evening even with the Panadol.  Big Sharon is sleeping in that room tonight just incase.  In an emergency I would be torn between a boda boda in the dark and attempting to drive the diesel van.  I think it has a whole menu of things it needs to do before the engine starts, so I'm praying we get to hang tight.  

I walked into each room tonight and saw sleeping peaceful faces under mosquito nets either fast asleep or with pretty dreamy eyes.  Some were reading their bibles, others giggling.  To bless them doesn't seem like enough.  All children are precious when they are sleeping...but these...tucked in, tummies full, safe and loved, no fears in the middle of the night, no concerns about tomorrow.  God is pretty good here on the other side of the globe and I'm just so grateful for it all.  'night.

Sunday, May 12, 2013

Mother's Day


It's Mother's Day and to my surprise, even in Uganda.  I don't know a more committed mom than this beauty and her heart has grown to love all of Chayah's children so well.  Janet Limitho, we adore you.

Today began with checking email and as social media has already gotten wind of, the three that left last night,  boarded a plane headed for devastation.   The enemy intended some real harm to several hundred passengers when an engine exploded in flames about 25 minutes into the flight.  Smoke was coming in through the vents and another fire broke out in the cabin.  The pilot and flight attendants were silent, but God's people had been praying for them and so He scooped them up in the palm of his hand and set that plane back on the runway at Entebbe.  They were given a hotel room, rebooked on another flight and are in the air as I write this.  The courage it must have taken to walk on board again...  But God.   Janet and I spent a good number of times today replaying the event and the pastor asked me to share about God's mercy in this morning's service.  As is their style, they immediately rang out praises, shouts of "hallelujah" and clapping for this amazing demonstration of God's love and protection.   This  audible gratitude could probably only be topped by the reaction of the passengers on the plane when it was safely on the ground.  

All money saving rules are off for international cell phone calls when planes catch fire, and I'm sure we did our share of raising the value of AT & T today.
And of course in quick time, I did exactly the thing I hate to do.  When I heard there were some problems with rebooking I was  immediately frustrated and began fretting about that inconvenience.   Never mind that three precious lives had just been saved...you know I was already on the next thing to complain about... if I could somehow learn a lesson every once in a while, it would be refreshing to all of us!

So today at Chayah:  When I got to the house, the skirts were being ironed, the tie-dyed tops were next and everyone was hanging around waiting for the name to be called to get dressed.  Janet sent Chris our driver on his way to a family function and decided to take over the wheel of the van herself.  She has been driving, but not out of the "neighborhood", so not on any paved streets with other traffic, motorcycles and pedestrians.   Twenty three of us loaded into the 7 passenger van, and we've discovered they need to go in in a very specific order to a very specific place, or everybody doesn't fit.  Never mind a weight limit, axle strength combined with potholes in the roads or the sauna inside.  Nobody complains, nobody.  Now it was Mother's Day, so I don't really want to give anything but glowing reports about our Mom, but let's just say she'll never get a speeding ticket and we surely could have walked as least as fast as she drives.  But I have learned she is very cautious about things...remember the swimming pool challenge?  We drove about 2 miles and stopped to clarify directions 3 times.  But the destination was worth it.  Four Abundant Life churches met all together today for a kind of family service, corporate worship, lunch and games.  And the choirs from each church were going to compete.  But there is the whole time thing in Uganda...so the day wore on and nobody really seemed too concerned about the clock, so when the day was over, I can tell you that the skirts were done and pretty cute, but nobody performed.  I was disappointed, and I expected the kids to protest at least a little, but not a word.  It makes me think we could learn a thing or two about our tight schedules and agendas.  

The Chayah praise group "Shalom" did do a song/dance in church, and another while we waited for lunch to arrive, you know about oh, 3ish.  We enjoyed every single other bit of the church service and afternoon entertainment including tug of war between "older men" and "young men".    It really felt like a family day as we enjoyed ourselves at a park like place overlooking the Nile.  

Regina started feeling sick and her fever shot up mid day.  She slept most of the afternoon on a piece of fabric on the grass.  We took her straight to the clinic where she tested positive for Malaria, at a high level.  That poor thing is still battling the ear infection, though it is improved, and today had two shots, one to reduce her fever the other to begin battling the Malaria.   She'll be back now every morning and evening for 5 days for injections.   Our next staff member might just need to be a nurse that can really devote her days to caring for the ones that are sick; its always several and Malaria symptoms come on so fast.

We made it back to the house about 5:30 and the kids settled in on the back porch to play cards... they learned "go fish" today and got a kick out of just saying it.  I greeted the new chickens today and an insensitive Janet talked about their life expectancy right in front of them.  Gratefully, they have more days at Chayah than I have left, so I'll be hearing how it went rather than reporting on it.  

Tomorrow I move to a bed at Chayah.  Me, two cooks who are sweet as can be, but don't understand one thing I try to say.  14 of the children and I share that same communication gap so if you could pray for us not to blow up the place while Janet has a couple of days off, I'd appreciate it so much.   I feel completely unprepared, but that doesn't stop God so I'm just going to jump in with both feet and pray everyone does ok.   I'm wondering if this is going to be like having a substitute teacher where they pull all kinds of shenanigans or just take notes for late night giggles about my attempts at mothering, Uganda style.    The most sure thing is that you will get a report, and if you're lucky I might even tell the whole truth!

Saturday, May 11, 2013

I'll Be Standing in the Gap

Picking up a case of water and heading to Chayah, the reality that 3/4's of our group leaving today was sinking in.  The kids greeted us like any other day, all smiles and helping us carry every little thing from the van.  Janet had gone to the market for food so we gathered them for bible studies and I sat down to sew sew sew, just barely finishing up the skirts for tomorrow's competition.  We were missing several yards of elastic for the waste bands, but substituted some ribbon to used as draw strings.  Two skirts were just a little short, so a ruffle was added.  All this sewing, to the sound of joyful voices slippin' and slidin' outside again today.

Half past twelve became the moment to begin gathering the whole group, passing out letters from sponsors, some stickers and a sucker for each one.  Words of encouragement and love were spoken and just as we thought we were handling the good bye with such strength, they all stood on the front porch and sang "We'll be standing in the gap for you".  Even Janet had to walk away and our exuberant cook Mary and tender hearted helper Jennifer were wiping their own tears as they waved good bye.  Micah sat in the front seat with his own rain shower as we drove away.  It just hurts to leave people you love and go far away for months.  

Kristen and I headed to the adult Government run hospital.  We had two bags each with baby clothes and a package of newborn diapers and about 50 bars of soap.  We were able to go to the maternity ward where we were welcomed to be in the delivery area as the one patient silently delivered a healthy baby boy.  We joined the nursing trainees as the midwife caught this tiny guy.  Mother and grandmother welcomed us even as this mama was nearing 8-9 cm.  about 5 minutes later, the wait was over.   

The staff had many questions for us about US delivery practices, prenatal care and training requirements.   We found out that here in Uganda, the last two years of high school, students are asked to indicate their desired area of study and adjust their classes accordingly.  If testing indicates that they are incapable of accomplishing their goal, they are redirected to something else.    I guess that does help them enter their university studies with some sense of confidence.

We spent a few minutes in the neonatal room, and among others we saw one little girl born at 24 weeks named Miracle.   After 2 weeks, her name is proving to be prophetic already.

Packing filled the rest of the afternoon and we waved good bye as Chris pulled away from our hotel took them off to the airport in Entebbe.

Janet is asking that I come stay at the house for this week, allowing her a few days away. This seems like a good plan for next week. The internet will be challenging, and maybe spotty so communication will be tricky, but African tea every morning... wonderful!   

I don't know whether to let it slip that  I'm a bit homesick at this point or not.  I guess the reality is that serving solo isn't really serving alone, but it does feel lonely.   Humility is setting in heavily when I realize how confident I was to carry on another week alone.  You wouldn't be wasting your time if you prayed for me to realize my number one companion is God himself and that I'm about to be taught what it means to lean solely on Him.    I do wonder if the enemy is gonna show up in this wilderness and challenge my commitment.   It wouldn't be the first time.   

Tomorrow 19 precious things will be in new skirts and tie dyed t shirts singing for Abundant Life Church and you know I'll be there with my camera like they are my own!

                                     " everyone missing their two front teeth, smile please :) "

Friday, May 10, 2013

Another Day at Chayah

Today was a day like others... checking in on Trina who is still in a coma, waiting for 30 minutes to be able to cross the bridge at the Nile because of construction, escorting two girls to the clinic first thing. 

The boys thought the chickens would feel more welcome if their coop was painted and we tried to get a family picture. Brenda seemed more concerned with keeping the cotton in Regina's ear than smiling...never mind that it was really fabric batting from an injured Chayah Critter. Lunch, Bible study, sewing and the highlight today was another trip to the Nile for swimming. Thank you dollar store for the inflatables...they are literally life savers!

 I'm going to keep it short tonight and let the pictures show you the day's activities, but tomorrow our group, apart from myself, leaves to head home. Pray them home if you would... I'll be flying solo for another week as I try to accomplish all of the administrative goals we had for this trip, so you might pray for my husband as he lays awake at home thinking I might be hijacked or worse while I finish the work here. Tomorrow's day includes some time at the government run Adult Hospital, saying some goodbyes to the kids and the send off. Thanks for following our first 10 days. More updates to follow.