Every evening as we discuss the following day, we realize we need to capitalize on every moment. The hardest part is that the kitchen doesn't start brewing the coffee until they see us gathered round the table. I'm spoiled at home with a pot with a timer that makes sure the coffee is done long before I stumble downstairs.
I confessing my weakness...first world issues in a developing country. The first trip this way offered instant coffee, so I will repent and be grateful for the daily brew.
We gathered this morning for prayer, reading an email from home that was so encouraging and of the Lord...what we needed to hear and to be reminded of the big picture, while our noses are mired in the details.
Then like an efficient team, we each set out in separate directions. And like a rodeo bull ride, I tried to navigate the road between the hotel and the first meeting of the day for the men, following copious notes of landmarks along the way. I'm sure streets have names, but very few are posted anywhere.
Leaving the three to meet with a local builder, I prayed my internal GPS would kick in and deliver my in the direction of town. Banking, and some welding for the van led us to the Source Cafe where we crossed paths with another ministry pair. We hopped in the car and took them to meet our small tribe.
Olivia and Melissa gave them the grand tour and we talked for a bit about all things Uganda children's ministry related with Janet.
The kids were scattered about doing puzzles, helping the cooks and playing with Legos.
Lunch was
served and our men came by to pick up the Chayah boys to head to the
land and see the progress of both the builders and to check the
markstones the surveyor set Saturday.Only he didn't and that will be the end of Robert the surveyor...oh, not his life, though there are a few among us that might have thought about it
We'll see because if we have to look at another sunset over an ambiguous property line...well let's just say we are sick and stinkin' tired of "and again with the survey"!
Janet took Kristen and I back to Kakira today. Some near-riot was taking place around an arrest and it wasn't clear which side of the cheering or jeering anybody was on. We parked and went to check in on Rachel.
We have shared about Rachel on our FB posts and some of the formula that has been donated for our trips has been given to her. I could explain her condition, but in this case a picture does it better.
Rachel was born healthy and fine. At the age of three, some sort of illness caused her to have symptoms resembling cerebral palsy. Soon after that her parents just sort of shut her away in a room. Seven years past as she wasted away, never leaving the dark room. Some local office made a shallow attempt in the past year by telling her mother that Rachel should be allowed to sit in the open doorway.
In October, Janet was driving through the area and was stopped by a woman she didn't know. "You are the woman who cares. Please there is a girl you must see. She has been shut away in a room for 7 years and she will die very soon."
Later that day Janet explained what she had seen and said she wanted to help her. The next day she picked Rachel and mother up and visited three hospitals before anyone would take her. It was impossible to find a vein for an IV, but a feeding tube was started and the formula was the prescription. Three weeks later she was sent home, mother warned to care for the girl or be arrested. Rachel could not stand and though she had gained some weight, she was still very fragile. Janet has tried to follow up, bringing small amounts of formula at a time.
But today, from a distance, Janet cried out with excitement and amazement to Rachel. She was standing alone. I doubt she is three feet tall, still doesn't speak, but miraculously she is strong, healthy and when she saw Janet she couldn't stop smiling, bouncing and nearly dancing. None of us could believe it was the same child.
Its been 4 months and God has restored this skeleton of a child to health and she showered us with smiles, hand-holding and laid across Janet's lap.
Psalm 118:17-18 "The Lord's right hand has done mighty things. I will not die but live and proclaim what the LORD has done". He is mighty and we will proclaim his mercy and goodness.
Rachel's life testifies to His power and glory and again he has shown his faithfulness.
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