Amazed

I'm not really sure where to start. So much has happened in the past couple of days that I could spend hours talking about it. My trip went fairly smooth, a couple of bumps in the road but nothing major until I arrived in Uganda. Once we landed in Entebbe I got my visa, my suitcase, and headed out to look for the driver from Ekisa to take me to Jinja. I looked and looked but never saw someone. I didn't panic but in the back of my mind I knew something wasn't right. I called my mom and woke her up (since it was midnight back in Collierville). I told her that no one was here to pick me up and I wasn’t sure what to do. I ended up on the phone with Lindsay and within the hour I had a plan to get to Jinja. I was so thankful for everyone who woke up in the middle of the night to help me! That whole situation really proved to me how God is in control of this whole trip and He is always faithful.

In the 2 days I’ve been at Ekisa, my heart has been completely stolen by these children. They are filled with such joy and love for everyone. I’ve become especially fond of Rachel. She is so patient, kind, loving, smart, and just a beautiful person on the inside as much as the outside. I'm not really sure where to start. So much has happened in the past couple of days that I could spend hours talking about it. My trip went fairly smooth, a couple of bumps in the road but nothing major until I arrived in Uganda. Once we landed in Entebbe I got my visa, my suitcase, and headed out to look for the driver from Ekisa to take me to Jinja. I looked and looked but never saw someone. I didn't panic but in the back of my mind I knew something wasn't right. I called my mom and woke her up (since it was midnight back in Collierville). I told her that no one was here to pick me up and I wasn’t sure what to do. I ended up on the phone with Lindsay and within the hour I had a plan to get to Jinja. I was so thankful for everyone who woke up in the middle of the night to help me! That whole situation really proved to me how God is in control of this whole trip and He is always faithful.

Once I got to Ekisa I met the other volunteers and children. We took bodas (motorcycles) into town so I could get local currency out of the ATM. Bodas can be scary, but so much fun! It rained that afternoon so the kids stayed inside and watched Up on the computer. Once the kids went to bed we all out went out for dinner at The Keep, a restaurant owned by missionaries. My first meal in Uganda was a meatball sub and fries, and it was delicious. I never thought I'd be eating so well here! Tuesday morning I woke up and took a shower (which took forever because there is next to no water pressure, but it was hot so I enjoyed it) then went to breakfast with Erica at the Source Cafe. On the way into town we stopped at the Orange store (like AT&T) to get me a phone (which ended up costing about $22). At breakfast I had an iced coffee and waffle, and that coffee was better than any American coffee I have ever had. Starbucks needs to come take some lessons from them. That afternoon I played outside with the kids and had many people ask me about my freckles. They thought it was a skin reaction to the sun, since it's so harsh here. I explained what they were and one of them asked if he could touch my arm (I guess he thought they would raised up or feel weird). Most of the kids, mainly Zuena, point to the rock on my nose ALL the time. No one at home seems to notice, but here they are fascinated! Later in the afternoon while the kids were napping, we put on a talent show for the mama’s. I wish I could describe how amazing it was, but I can’t. It’s captured on my iPhone and in my heart, but no amount of words can tell you how much love was shared in those few hours. Erica left for the States after the talent show, and even though I was only with her for a day, I was sad to see her go. I can’t imagine leaving this place or these people.

As I helped the mama’s feed the kids dinner last night, my heart broke and it took everything I had not to bust out in tears. The children just lie on a mat, most of them not moving and covered in flies. I want to cradle each of them, protect them from even the flies on their body, but I know someone better who has them. The Lord cradles each one of them, day in and day out, and He will never let them go.

We all went over to Pastor Terry’s house last night for dinner. He made us burritos with all the toppings you can imagine. What a feast we had! We ended up leaving early because baby Grace needed to go to the hospital. Currently, 6 kids have malaria and 2 are HIV+. I’m steadily praying that the Lord heals them in any way He chooses.

Most of you are probably wondering how I’m dealing with the bug situation. So far, I’ve been good with it. I killed about 5 spiders my first night. I moved to Erica’s bed after she left and last night I discovered a trail of ants running along the footboard. At first I wanted to move back to my other bed but then I realized that I need to stop being afraid of such trivial things. I mean, they’re just ants, they can’t hurt me.

This morning Angelica and I woke up early to walk to the Nile. It took about 20 minutes to get there but was so worth it! God really has created wonders. As I sat on a brick wall reading my Bible and overlooking the river, it hit me that nothing in America compares to what I have seen here in 3 days. I can constantly feel the Lord’s presence, something that doesn’t happen much back home because of our materialistic ways. I can’t imagine leaving this place.

Here are some pictures of the orphanage and kids from the past 3 days. This is just a glimpse into what I live with every day, and I couldn't be happier. These children have completely stolen my heart and I'm sure you will see why.

The one on the left is Rachel (my personal favorite) and I'm holding Zuena (little diva).

Paul and I in front of the Ekisa car. He has CP and drools, drools, drools (why his shirt is soaking wet). But I love him so much!

Zeke is on the left and Paul is on the right. Both of them are hysterical!

Us just goofing around the house!

Rachel on her swing. She LOVES to swing. I think she was on it for at least an hour when I took this picture. She is so funny, smart, patient, kind, loving, and always willing to share. 

The ramp leading to the front porch.

This is my shelf with all of my belongings. Well, not all. Some stuff stays in my suitcase because I don't want bugs all over it (like my treasured pop tarts and chocolate).

My bed. I'm on the bottom.

The bathroom. You literally shower with the toilet. But it's a shower nonetheless so I'm happy!

Paul and I jamming to some African Children's Choir on Angelica's iPod.

Please keep praying for all of the children and mama's here, as well as the staff and volunteers. Pray that the children heal from any sickness they may have. Pray that the Lord gives the mama's strength to carry on and raise these children. Pray that He gives Ekisa's staff everything they may need to continue supporting special needs children. Pray that the Lord blesses every volunteer with a passion for Him and His children and to love them like they deserve to be loved. Love y'all!