As part of our ministry this month we were honored and
privileged to serve at two different Compassion International projects. WOW
(they say that a lot in Uganda)!
We were welcomed to the project in Kyere Village with
clapping and dancing and song. The children were extremely excited by our
arrival. According to the Project Director, Leonard, we were the first white
people (mzungu) that most of the children had ever seen. With that in mind, we
thought the children might be a bit bashful. Boy, were we wrong. They were
quick to come to us and were intrigued by our arm hair – so I’ve come
accustomed to people stroking my arm hair – never thought I would say that!
Throughout our time at the project we helped serve the
children breakfast of porridge and bread. We also taught the children songs and
Bible stories. The children taught us some songs too.
Porridge and bread – YUM!
One of the things that impressed me most about the project
was how well they were taking care of the children in their culture. Africans
are not known for their timeliness and yet at the project they had a schedule.
The schedule was a bit loose to make room for the African culture, but the
children were definitely learning time orientation.
The staff at the projects are AMAZING! They know each of the
200-ish children by name. And they
truly love each child as their own. It is evident that each child knows that
they are loved – not only by the staff, but also by the King of Kings.
Organizing for a group picture
Kyere Village Compassion International Project
This past Friday we were able to help at the project in the
Otati village. We were welcomed with open arms both by the children and the
staff members.
These children are cared for in the most possible way. All
of the children wear uniforms with pride. Their health is of top priority and
they even teach the parents on how to better care for their children. They are
served meals and clean water. A new water pump is soon to be installed in the
village.
And most importantly these precious children are learning
about the Lord and his love for each of them. We were able to be part of their
learning process. As a team we were split up between the different age groups.
Ian and I had about 40 minutes with the 6-8 year olds. We taught them songs
like Allelu, Allelu, Allelu, Alleluia and Olele (a Swahili children’s song). We
also told them Bible stories – about David and Jonah. It is amazing what
happens in these children with just a little bit of love.
Our precious 6-8 year olds
Teaching the story of Jonah – experiencing the darkness
in the belly of the whate
In line for lunch – rice and meat
The camera loves her
J
And if there was ever any doubt about Compassion
sponsorships, they have been destroyed. The staff was extremely transparent and
welcoming of our questions. In fact they were most excited when we told them
that three of us team members sponsor children.
Needless
to say I was blown away by our time at the Compassion International projects.
The Lord truly worked in my heart – to see and love each child as He loves
them.
