Friday

I titled yesterday’s blog post “Wow” and realized today I may have wasted my title on the wrong day!  Truth be told we felt pretty overwhelmed yesterday and weren’t completely comfortable with the craziness that worked its way into the feeding time.  We made some adjustments today which included closing doors, sitting everybody down, dividing the group into 6 sections and being much more methodical. 

 

God’s favor clearly showed when we were able to look each child in the face as they left the building for the last time today, a candy in one hand and a bag of water in the other.  A few of the tiniest ones were crying when they had to get close to our pale faces, but most tears were resolved with the tiny piece of candy tucked into their hand.

 

From the minute the van turns a corner and comes into their sight, they begin running and yelling and smiling and chasing.  It was bitter sweet knowing this would be our last day with this mass of beautiful ebony skin showcasing amazing smiles.  Joey got right to work with the skit crew to rehearse the resurrection of Jesus.  We pulled together both teams of volunteers and clarified and fortified for the morning ahead.  Jeff was our food runner, driving back and forth with HUGE pots of beans and rice, plates and people to serve.  1000 bags of water...driving on the wrong side of the car on the wrong side of the road with ditches and potholes that were deep and frequent.

 

Morgan told the story, Janet translated and Joey offered a chance to commit their lives to Christ.  Probably about 200 or so raised their hands.  What their commitment was, or understanding is in God’s hands.  We do know they heard the truth of Jesus' saving love, punctuated with drama and music.  We gave the best we could and trust Him with the finishing. 

 

Karen explained the craft, 1000+ blobs of glue on construction paper became a flower as a reminder to stay planted and share what you’ve been given.  Cotton balls they called “sponges” q-tips for petals and a pipe cleaner as a stem were passed out with what can only be considered an aerobic style of activity.

 

Marc’s game activities were a hit again today, though it looked like he took his life in his hands when we thought taking 4 small bottles of bubbles outside and was alone!  Nearly trampled by their grabbing and reaching he came up with some 007 move that to the rest of looked like he was running for his life. 

 

Dann, Micah and Olivia led music together again and to see Micah and Olivia together was priceless for at least one Grandmother in this crew.  The food was served with better efficiency and we excused the masses for the last time.  Many did not leave the premises but continued peering into the windows as we expressed our appreciation to our Ugandan volunteers and to God for bringing us together.  We couldn’t have done it without them.  We prayed for each other, said some goodbyes, packed up, then did some clean up.  We left only to later find out that our Kakira counter parts stayed until 5pm mopping the floor and cleaning up.  Ahhh I wish we had known and stayed to finish that part.

 

A couple of us headed to town to the bank and then to trade a current OB/GYN text book with the hospital administrator in exchange for a letter permitting us to visit the children’s hospital while we are here.  It’s a formality really, but we settled into the office and waited for about 90 minutes all the while being told “He’s coming”.  A rain and then hail storm hit and serenaded our waiting time.  The rest of the group spent the rainstorm back at the hotel, but enjoyed the dramatic change in whether. 

 

Dinner and then a visit to our friends right behind the hotel for a bit.  I think there is an animated game of spoons going on a few floors down from us...a little friendly competition to end the week.  Tomorrow will be a free morning followed by a little sight seeing and floating down the Nile river.  A day of rest before part two of Mission Trip 2014-1...a week with our Chayah kids. 

 

God has been good to us this week.  Gently pushing us out of our comfort zones in the village and then pulling us back into His arms during our morning worship and evening fellowship.  We’re grateful for every face we took in this week and praying they were able to see God in our offering.  He has saved every one of us, given us purpose and allowed us to participate in his plan.  Kakira and the children...what a wonderful blessing to us.  We’re humbled and grateful for every opportunity to love knowing that it is just a shadow of depth of His love.  We’re grateful for your prayers and encouraging comments...until tomorrow.