Going to see all of our children and how they live was one of the greatest experiences of my life. It caused me to take a second look at some of the things we take for granted in the U.S. We Americans have lost a lot of the simple pleasures found in doing things the hard way.
Most of the people of Uganda walk or ride bicycles to get to the places they need to go. They have to carry water to their homes, and gather their daily food. Mothers keep their babies tied to their backs while they work, and children carry loads of supplies much too heavy for them.
On our last evening at the school, I walked outside looking for Membe. I immediately noticed this little boy (who looked about 5) struggling with a heavy load. I wanted to grab his load and carry it for him. I remember how helpless I felt as I looked around and saw 10-20 little bitty children carrying these rolled up mattresses, along with their other belongings, down this hill leaving the school. It was impossible to help everyone of them, and I quickly realized that these babies had hard lives, and this was nothing in comparrison.
At the bottom of the hill was a guarded gate that all the children were passing through. On the other side of the gate was a dark jungle. There were no street lights or porch lights.......just blackness. I had walked down there searching for Membe to hug him goodbye. I could not find him anywhere and I knew that he had to be close, so I asked the guard to let me out. He was surprised and reluctant "are you positive?" On the other side of the gate it was very very dark and difficult to see anything. I quickly changed my mind and popped back through the gate, and Membe found me.....he is such a sweet little man.
Some of these children still had to travel hours to their homes through this jungle in the dark. These mattresses were so important to them. In most homes the families sleep together on one mattress. With out them they have to sleep directly on the ground. These mattresses are very valuable to the entire household.
We are making such a difference to Kanungu. We are bringing Jesus into their lives and changing their world. We are giving them hope for a brighter future. I am so looking forward to jumping on that airplane and getting Hadiji and Membe back in my arms again.
Most of these children, who seem so closed up and reserved in the beginning, end up being so open and receptive, eager to receive our love. I am looking forward to hugging as many as I can. They need us and we need them. We soften each other, and strengthen each other.
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