More About Siita and Sponsoring Kids

Let me tell you more about the Siita Nest Mother's Love Home orphanage we partner with and visited during our trip to Uganda.  Siita is located in Jinja, which is a couple of hours East from Kampala.  Jinja is also a major city and it is located on the shores of Lake Victoria.  The orphanage is ran by an amazing woman, Mama Alice.

I don't know exactly how many kids there are at Siita but I know we invited 250 of them to join us at a pool party at the hotel we were staying at.  They have kids of all ages there.  As I mentioned before, the kids are very well cared for.  They are clean, they looked healthy, they are receiving a good education, and they have great manners.  I know they receive a good education because their English is much better than other kids we visited.  In addition, I met Siita graduates who are professionals or are in college, pursuing a degree.

Our church has partnered with Siita for a few years now so we have seen the positive impact Siita has had on the lives of kids.  As we continue to see the benefits of sponsoring kids and gain assurance that whatever funds we send there are being used wisely, others want to contribute.

Over the last two weeks we've been sharing with the congregation at church about our trip and our visit to Siita.  As you know, being a kid in Uganda is rough.  Aids and violence have left many kids orphans.  A place like Siita provides a loving home a loving family, and education to many of these kids.  Last weekend we had a sponsorship drive, to try to get more sponsors for kids at Siita.  So far we know of 50 new people that have made a commitment to sponsor a kid. That's totally awesome!  $35 dollars a month can change the life of a kid.  We will have at least one more drive so we may even get more sponsors.

Mama Alice and her staff will have to open their arms to a few more kids.  I don't think that'll be a problem.  Speaking of Mama Alice, I recently heard she is in the hospital.  Please pray for her.  

If you are interested in learning more about how to help or even sponsor kids, check out this site.  http://kailuacommunitychurch.com/BlessAfrica.php.  Here's a link to Siita's Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/SiitaNestLoveHome?fref=ts and some other info from that page.

A Thank You Letter To Friends and Family

Here is a thank you letter I sent to friends and family who contributed financially to this trip.  Some things I may not have shared here yet.  

Hello again and most importantly, thank you, for joining me through your contribution and prayers, in showing love to kids in Uganda.  I hope you’ve been able to read the blog I started to share with friends and family about this journey.  I’ve been blessed tremendously in so many ways and I trust you have been blessed too, as you’ve read or heard about some of the things that took place during this trip.  I am confident God will continue to bless you, for when you take care of His little ones, He’ll also take care of you. 

Mark 9:36-37 reads: 36 He took a little child whom He placed among them.  Taking the child in His arms He said to them, 37”Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me does not welcome me but the one who sent me."        

You may not realize it but you have certainly welcomed several of these little ones.  We opened our hands to them, we opened our arms to them, and we opened our hearts to them.  Every single time I extended a hand to one of them they reached out and grabbed it.  In fact, often I extended a hand to one of them and two or three others also came to grab my hand.  Every single time I opened my arms to one of them they embraced me, and others also came looking for an embrace.  I was blessed to be there physically but I know I also represented you and your heart towards these little ones. 

As you know, the main purpose of this trip was simply to give love to these kids.  We did this through songs, dancing, plays, holding hands, embracing and lots of smiles and laughter.  (We also had a medical team and a life skills team focused on counseling young adults but it all revolved around giving love).  

Why was this so important?  Many of these kids are orphans or come from broken or dysfunctional families.  Remember Aids has rampaged through Uganda.  In some of the best case scenarios, care givers are often consumed with trying to provide for the basic family necessities and may not be there for the little ones.  We saw some very crude realities too.  I met a little girl with a beautiful smile but with a broken front tooth.  I tried asking her what happened but she backed away as she covered her mouth.  Later I found out that relatives sometimes break the teeth of little girls to protect them from child sacrifices.  I didn’t inquire much, but I understand such things do take place.  I also heard of young women sharing stories of rape and sexual slavery.  I also saw a kid whose face had been cut with a knife. He had a long scare on the right side of his face.  He was likely a victim of the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA).  The LRA is known for killings and ruthless treatment of kids.  I heard some stories that are so horrible I would rather not have heard and I would rather not repeat.

It is not surprising that these kids loved us back so much.  They are not used to someone simply loving them.  The funny thing is we thought we would be going there to give love but we were the ones receiving.  In the process, my life was changed.  I didn’t know I was capable of pouring out my heart like this and being filled like this.  I realize most of us have not begun to understand how vast love can be and how powerful it is. 

By now, you probably know Rebecca and I will be sponsoring two kids from the Siita orphanage.  As I’ve shared before, this is very different from any sponsorships we’ve been involved in in the past. 

The love God has placed in my heart for these two kids baffles me considering I’ve only spent a few days with them.  I think of them often and I pray for them every day.  Rebecca and I are still discussing this, but I can’t imagine not being part of their life in a somewhat tangible manner.  We don’t know what this means but at a minimum I think it means we’ll be making more trips to Uganda.  Again, I thank you for your prayers.    

So we went to Uganda to love kids.  We did it, it was great, and we’ve been blessed tremendously but that’s not all.  We also loved young adults and adults.  I personally built relationships with a few of them but must importantly, our church strengthened its relationship with many of them.  See, our church has been involved in the lives of many kids in Uganda for a while.  Some of these kids grew up and are now young adults.  It is very rewarding to see how through the Siita Nest orphanage and the partnership with Kailua Community Church (KCC) and people like you, kids that were once orphans now have a huge family.  They have a family with many moms, many dads, many brothers and sisters at Siita and at KCC.  Some of these kids have grown now to be responsible young adults contributing to society and giving back to their family at Siita Nest.  I met several college students that are orphans, grew up at Siita and are actively involved at Siita.  I know of a young man who will graduate as a lawyer in 3 months and intends to go into politics to affect the lives of Ugandan’s in a global manner.  I know of a young woman who is a nurse and continues going to school.  She is currently, by default, the main healthcare provider at Siita, though she has two jobs.  I know of a sharp and eloquent young woman who is studying mass communications and has a promising future.  I know of a young man who started his own business and wants to expand it to the US via the internet.  I know of another young woman who is about to graduate from college, who is also a distance runner.  I don’t know her times, but she is good enough that she has been invited to international competitions.  All of these young people consider the kids and staff at Siita as their family and they are becoming mentors to the little ones. 

Two of the staff at Siita had a calling to start a church.  They did and the church is growing.  This is the Rivers of Life Church.  We spent a few days there too and interacted with some 200+ kids.  These kids are not necessarily orphans but they clearly come from poor or broken families.  The point I want to make is that through partnerships of various sorts, Siita Nest is having a tremendous impact in the community.  

This is also the case at the Gospel of life Church.  This church is in the slums of Kampala.  A few years ago the building was in such bad shape that it actually collapsed during a storm.  KCC partnered with the Gospel of Life Church and financed the construction of a solid and large concrete structure.  This church brings hope to many families in the slums.  We also spent a few days there and we interacted with some 400 kids. 

Finally, I want to close with a quote by Jim Elliot.  “He is no fool, who gives that which he cannot keep, to gain that which he cannot lose.” 

Thank you again and may God bless you richly as you have welcomed His little ones.

How Is It Possible I Care for These Kids So Much?

I drafted this post several days ago but I hesitated to post it.  I've shared much of what God has been doing in me but some things are a little more difficult to share than others.  Most of all, I have to search my heart and find out what my true motives are for sharing.

If you know me, you'd know I am not (or was not) the type of person who reaches out to people to build or establish relationships.  I hardly even keep up with friends.  I am not (or was not) the type of person who would just all of the sudden grow a love for someone whenever or wherever.  In fact, much of my married life, Rebecca has accused me of lacking empathy.  Sadly, I was even proud of this.  I can be calculating and cold.

So what happened?  Well, God happened.  He trully has been working in softening my heart for a while.  First, I have to say the simple messages I've been hearing at church for the last several months began to speak to me more than usual.  I don't know why.  Then I started meeting with a great group of guys who challenged me in the areas God was already working on.  Then God sparked an interest in me for the book "Kisses from Katie."  Just look at the title.  Does that look like the type of book any guy would want to read?  No way!  You'd be surprised to know that I went to the book lady in the house (Rebecca) and told here I wanted to read the book.  God used this book and placed that first seed in my heart for Uganda.

Then God created an opportunity for me to go to Uganda. Then he caused me to have this extraordinary love for kids that I have barely known.  I can't even begin to understand how it is possible to love James and Sarah as much as I do after having spent only a few days with them.

This isn't me.  This isn't what I do.  This is Him and this is what He does.  I have been transformed.  I have tasted what He has given me and I want more.  My desire for more of Him reminds me of Phillipians 3:10

I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death

For whatever reason, He chose to do this work in me.  If anything, what I've done is I have asked Him to use me and to certain extent, I have allowed Him to work in me.  The journey continues because I know He is not done with me.

Please continue praying for the kids in Uganda.  May God bless you richly.

Our Last Day in Uganda

There is so much to say I don't even know where to begin.  I think I'll share about today and perhaps I'll do a separate post about my other thoughts some other day.  Today was a day for all of us to do whatever we wanted to do.  Some wanted to take the opportunity to buy crafts and art for gifts or take home.  A few of us wanted to visit the Christian university where some of the graduates from the Siita Nest Orphanage attend.  We were also hoping to visit a couple of hospitals where some of the Siita graduates work.

We left the hotel shortly after breakfast.  One of our graduate friends from Siita joined us on the trip to the university.  Before we got to the University we visited his apartment, off campus.  It was a nice and clean place, especially considering it is the home of three male college students.

After this we drove to the University, which was a 10 to 15 minute walk away.  We toured some of the facilities.  It so happened that today was a registration day so there was a bit of activity on campus.

This is a Christian university and there was evidence of that throughout.

We also got to see one of the rooms in the dorms.  It was very small and it had four beds (two bunk beds).  The hallway was dark.  The entire dorm was pretty quiet considering it was the boy's dorms and it was a registration day.

The library was awesome!  It is a new building, finished in 2012.  It look very modern, spacious, well equipped, etc.

I was curious about the bathrooms and at first they looked like everything you would expect to see in the U.S.  until I peeked in one of the toilet stalls.  There was no toilet seat.  This type of "toilet" is actually more common than I ever imagined but it works in Uganda.  I think I could get used to it.

After our visit to the University we went to a public hospital.  In fact, I learned this was the only complete hospital in all of Uganda.  We couldn't take pictures there.  I understand why.  The place was very busy.  I saw patients sitting or laying on the ground in certain areas.  Clearly there is a lot of need there.  One thing most people don't realize is that here in Uganda patients are cared for by their family.  Their family will bring food, bed spreads, clothing, etc.  So, not only is the hospital at or near capacity with patients but then there is at least one relative or friend near each bed or patient.  I didn't go to the bathroom there but I could see the hygiene standards are well below what we are used to.

After this we drove by private hospital.  We didn't have time to go in but from the outside it look very modern.  The neighborhood where the private hospital is located is in the same area where some of the various embassies are located.  We also drove past what looked like a nice apartment or condominium complex.  It was a gated complex.  I asked our driver and good friend Timoh and he said the rent there was roughly $2,000 per month for a one bedroom apartment.  This is still shocking to me.  Apparently housing in Kampala is very expensive.

The highlight of my day was spending time with one of the graduates from Siita.  Let's call him Mo.  Mo's story is awesome.  He became an orphan at a young age and found a home and a family at Siita.  He's been sponsored by a friend from Kailua Community Church.  Mo has been given the opportunity to go to the university and he is about to obtain a degree in law.  Mo's aspiration is to help Ugandan's.  He is very involved in the community, he has a few hours in a radio show where he shares his views and hopes for the country, and he is considering a career in politics.  Most importantly, Mo hasn't forgotten where he came from.  He calls the staff and kids at Siita his family.

I love hearing the stories of the young adults that graduated from Siita that are now responsible adults, contributing to society, and helping their brothers and sisters at Siita.  From everything I can see, these young adults are strong Christians who seem to have their priorities right in life.  Without organizations like Siita, many of the orphan kids would never have such opportunities.  I know there are many more orphans out there that haven't been helped but I think it is okay to celebrate success where we see it.  This also gives me hope that one day my little James and Sarah will grow to experience a fulfilled life and eventually be able to give back to their family at Siita.

Time for me to take a shower, pack, and perhaps take a nap.  We leave to the airport shortly after midnight.  I'll probably update this post to include pictures before I leave.  

  

 

Last Day at Nateete

Today was our last day at Nateete.  Today is also the medical team's last day at the Siita Nest orphanage.  They will be joining us later for dinner.  It will be nice to see them again and to exchange experiences.

Our last day at the Gospel of Life Church was a little different.  Normally we split the kids in two or three groups.  This time we didn't.  It was challenging dealing with so many kids but it was fun.  I am still bothered by some throat soreness and I had to raise my voice during the Daniel performance.  I still have a voice but my throat hurts more a lot more today.  It is all worth it though.

Before I left Hawaii I asked my two daughters for any bracelets or kids jewlry they were willing to give away to kids in Uganda.  I had misplaced the bag with the jewlry but I found it last night.  So I decided to bring the jewlry to give it away today.  I also decided to give away the last few pieces of candy one of my sisters in law had sent all they way from Minnesota.  When giving things away to kids here you have to be careful because you'll bet swarmed and maybe overwhelmed.  So I was careful to only hand things out when I wasn't surrounded by too many kids.

One thing I wanted to do was to give the pretiest necklace to  my little climbing friend.  She was as full of energy today as ever.  She found me quickly and was pleased when I picked her up.  Needles to say, she was happy with her new present.  A few other kids noticed and asked for a necklace too.

  

After we were done with the kids, something was announced in Ugandan.  Then I saw kids running out the door.  I was confused.  It seemed kids were happy to be done.  I followed a few of them and then asked someone where the kids were going.  That person told me they were going to get food.  I think they said porridge but I am not sure.  I kept walking, following the kids and finally found them lined up waiting to get some food.  I didn't know, but the church had a kitchen/eating area way in the back in what seemed a completely different property.

 

I had to rush back to the van because our team was leaving.  Kids were coming to give me hugs and say goodbye.  The staff was very grateful that we came.  We kept on telling them what a great blessing this was to us.  As we were driving off, the kids were saying goodbye mizungu!  Mizungu is the term they use generally for white people, I keep telling locals that I am not white but they still call me Mizungu.  We know the kids mean well so we don't mind the term, although I bought a tee-shirt that says "My name is not mizungu."

We are going to miss our little friends.  I think they will miss us too.  In fact, they know we are not going to the church tomorrow but one of the pastors told us that some of the kids will show up anyway, expecting to see us.  We begin the long journey back home tomorrow.  

Our First Day at Nateete, Near Kampala

Today was our first day of actually spending time with kids at the Gospel of Life Church.  This church is located in a slum area near Kampala called Nateete.  We showed up expecting to see some 30 kids and maybe maxing out at over 100.  We were surprised to see only a handful of them in church.  So my roommate and good friend Doug and I went to the street and started calling on kids to come and join us for some singing and dancing.  It occurred to me to put on my Daniel (from the book of Daniel) costume and Doug did the same.  We went to the street and started telling kids we would be performing a play and told them to go get their friends and pass the word.

This pic was shot during our early session of the Daniel play.  We didn't have a room large enough for the play so we performed next to the church building.

Soon we had some 20 kids following us and we started walking up and down the muddy streets inviting anyone who would listen to join us at the church.  Kids were immediately excited to see two mizungos (white people.  Yes, I am considered white by Ugandans) dressed in funny costumes calling on them to sing and dance along.  Adults were curious too.   By the time we got back to the church we had some 30 kids there.  Our team members in charge of music and dancing began playing music and started dancing, which attracted more kids.  I stayed outside of the church and joined the dancing while remaining outside trying to encourage kids to come in.  As it turns out, our effort to attract more kids was probably unnecessary.  By the end of the day we had well over 300 kids, probably even close to 400.

At the time I shot this picture we had another group of kids doing arts and crafts.

This became a challenge but the type of challenge we would welcome any day.  In fact, we asked the kids to make sure to come back tomorrow and to bring a friend.  Rebecca my wife was surprised we could get so many kids.  The reality is the population in the slums is very dense.

We did our thing, a play, arts and crafts, singing, dancing, and above all, loving the kids.  It was great fun!  I have to tell you about this little girl who reminded me of my oldest daughter.  I was up there dancing when I noticed a little girl attached to my leg.  I was able to move around while she clinged on.  Then I decided to pick her up.  I held her with one arm as I kept dancing and making motions with my other arm.  She was comfortable there and had no problem doing her dancing motions with her arms.  Eventually my arm got tired and I tried putting her down, except I couldn't.  I picked her up from under her arms and lowered to the ground but she stretched her little legs towards me, making it very difficult to make her stand on the ground.  Somehow I managed to put her feet on the ground and she quickly proceeded to climb up on my leg again.  I didn't mind one bit.  She's a beautiful girl and she is full of life.

My little climbing friend -  She is much more beautiful than what the lens captured

Eventually a lady from the church asked me if she could take her.  I said yes not realizing she felt the little girl was bugging me.  Had I known I would have made it clear that I was enjoying every minute of it.  This stopped the little girl.  A few minutes later she found me and held my hand.

I am excited about the possibility of seeing over 400 kids tomorrow, perhaps even 500.  We can definitely use your prayers.  We are so blessed to be here, the kids love the plays, the singing, and the music.  My roommate, who plays the part of Aspenaz, the king's high ranking officer, is a huge hit with the kids.   

The older kids displaying their dancing skills

 

Those Who Provide Are No Better Than Those Who Receive

We switched locations with the medical team yesterday.  We will be working in Nateete, a slum area near Kampala.  The medical team will be working at the Siita Nest orphanage.  Our first stop was church service at the Gospel of Life Church.  We enjoyed African worship, but the highlight was our pastor's message.

He preached on the book of Philipians.  One thing that stuck with me is that we are called to partner with others.  Some people are blessed with abundance while others are not.  As we partner with those in need we out to remember that those that provide are no better than those who receive.  Simply, we are both partners.

Our pastor told us the story about how the partnership between our church in Kailua (Kailua Community Church) and the church in Nateete (Gospel of Life Church) has flourished.  The first time our pastor visited Gospel of Life Church the conditions were very bad.  In fact, shortly after his visit, he received an email telling him the roof of the church had fallen during a heavy rain.  Our pastor asked what it would take to build a new and larger structure.  The answer was $60,000.  Although our pastor and Kailua Community Church (KCC) wanted to help, $60,000 was just too much.  This didn't discourage the Gospel of Life staff and they kept praying to get help to re-build the church.  The amount was never shared with the congregation. 

A few days or weeks later our pastor received a letter from a couple who had sold their home in Kailua.  The letter said they felt the program in Uganda was important and wanted to contribute.  Attached was a check for $61,000, enough for construction of the new church and necessary permits.  Sitting in that church, with the congregation from Natete, while hearing that message was something else.  The congregation cheered and applauded.  The church is simple but solid and large.  Most importantly, the church is clearly having an impact in the local community.  Our pastor highlighted that this was the result of God working thru a partnership and that those providing the resources were no better than those receiving.

My roommate pointed out that when you think about it, those of us, whom up to this point, have been thinking that we are providing, we are actually receiving.  It is so true!  We thought we came here to give but we've been given more than we could have ever expected.  We've been given more of the things that matter most, love and relationships.  This reminds me of a quote by a missionary called Jim Elliot. 

"He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain that which cannot lose." 

So true!  In fact, I would change the quote to say "He is wise who gives what he cannot keep to gain that which can not lose."



  

Poured Out Like a Drink Offering

Our verses of the day, yesterday included Philipians 2:16-18:

16 as you hold out the word of life--in order that I may boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor for nothing. 17 But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you. 18 So you too should be glad and rejoice with me.

It is amazing how God has been at work in our team and speaking to us thru the bible and circumstances. We discussed these verses and others that basically told us not only we should be content when we have little and content when we have much but actually that we should rejoice. We should rejoice even if we are being poured out. These words seemed very fitting considering this would be a day of celebration with the kids. By the end of the day we would be poured out, like a drink offering, and yet we were called to rejoice.

As I mentioned before, the plan was too have the kids from Sita come to the hotel for a pool party. That's what took place and it was such a blast. I am still sore from yesterday. Four of us ran to town early in the morning to buy a few things, soccer balls, bottle water, bibles, etc. As we drove out we saw the first van of kids driving towards the hotel. We were excited and rushed to get back.

When we got back, many of the kids ran to us when they realize we had brought soccer balls. It didn't take me long to find James, the boy I now sponsor. We quickly organized a game of soccer. James played on my team and did a great job for a kid of his size (one of the smallest ones in the team). However, I wanted to find Sarah so I told the kids to continue to play without me. When James saw I was leaving he decided to follow me. I thought he would stay and continue to play soccer.

We found Sarah playing on the teeter-totter with a bunch of other kids. I joined them. For an engineer, or a person with any common sense, I did a terrible job at organizing the kids on the teeter-totter. It seems we could never get enough kids on the other side of the teeter-totter and I was constantly having to push hard to get the thing to move. If you ever want a leg workout, this is an effective way, but most of all, a very fun one.

I wanted to spend as much time with James and Sarah as possible but I had to work a bit harder with Sarah. See James already wants to be with me. Sarah may have wanted to be with me but she is a bit shy and wouldn't just come to me like James did. We fed the kids and our team lunch in the grassy area of the hotel. We must have had some 250 people. After lunch, the kids went to the pool. I joined them and played most of the time with James and Sarah. There was laughter all over the place, it was wonderful. Most of us who had been working with the kids were swarmed by little brown bodies and smiley faces.

After lots of fun at the pool we had a few water baptisms. We didn't really have a list of people who were to be baptized, simply, kids came up one after another to be baptized. A total of 33 people were baptized. My little James and Sarah were some of the first. I was blessed to assist our pastor in baptizing them. Our van driver Abdul accepted Christ just this week and also got baptized yesterday.

After the baptisms it was time to say goodbye. I had been trying to not think about this moment. The thought of leaving these kids, especially James and Sarah, after having built such strong bonds was too much. I don't know when I'll get to see them again. Most of all, I wonder how they feel that yet, another person leaves them behind. I still don't know how to deal with that feeling but writing helps.

 Someone from the orphanage approached the kids and told them something in Ugandan, but I understood enough. It was something like say goodbye to your dad. She must have said goodby and dad in English. I still don't know enough about the sponsorship program but I've heard sponsors refer to their kids as my son or my daughter and I've heard kids refer to their sponsors as my mom or my dad. Clearly this is different from any other program Rebecca and I are involved with. 

Rebecca and I have been blessed to be able to sponsor kids thru Compassion International, and most recently thru Amazima. However, these programs are definitely more hands off than the program at Sita Nest. I played with James and Sarah, I sang and danced with them, I got to know them, and love them before I even realized they needed a sponsor. Now that I am their sponsor, it seems the word sponsor is unfitting, it is clear that what they need and long for really is a dad and a mom. It is too much to process. 

The kids were loaded on several buses. I walked around the bus and found James and Sarah, they were sitting close to each other. I went to the closest window and extended my hand thru the window. They reached out and grabbed it. James was weeping, he didn't hide it. Sarah wasn't, she was just happy to see me again. I spent a few minutes saying goodbye to other kids as I walked around the bus. I came back to James and Sarah, this time I saw tears in Sarah's eyes. She didn't want me to see her cry. She covered her face with a scarf I had given to her earlier, but was peeking. It was clear she wanted to see me but didn't want me to see her cry. Eventually the bus left and I stood there trying to hold back tears. That's when I thought about rejoicing even when were were poured out like a drink offering. That's where I was. I was poured out. 

A few seconds later, teenagers and graduates from Siita came to talk to me. I realized I wasn't done, there was more to share and rejoice in. I actually had a great time talking to new friends. They helped me thru... 

We all wish we could stay longer but we have other locations to visit. Also, we are swapping places with our medical team. My team is going to Natete, near Kampala, and the medical team is going to Siita Nest. 

This feeling I have is like when you fall in love with someone. You want to spend as much time with the other person as you can. That's how I feel about James and Sarah. When I came here I never imagined falling in love. I thought this was a once in a life time trip. Now I can't even imagine not coming back, yet I am called to rejoice. I will.

Visit to Rivers of Life Church and Amazima

This afternoon we visited the Rivers of Life Church, also for our third and last visit. The kids were thrilled to see our van arrive. We spent a few hours with the kids there. We had such a great time. The staff was very grateful and asked us to consider coming back soon.

After this we visited the Amazima location in Jinja. Amazima is the organization founded by Katie Davies (Author of Kisses from Katie). We went there to see their playground structure to see if this is something we may consider for the Siita Nest orphanage. We met two awesome guys who showed us their amazing playground. They shared a little of their stories, Amazima and Katie.

One of them is the operations manager for Amazima. Originally he joined Amazima in a temporary position, building the playground but now he is in a permanent position. Regarding construction of the playground, one of his observations was the importance of understanding local construction methods and materials. He shared that he relied on the knowledge of a local foreman to learn about these. We asked if it would be possible to get in touch with that local foreman. We realized it would be wise to work with the same foreman if possible. He said he could provide the foreman's contact info.

We discussed several other issues, but one that is noteworthy is the fact that the older kids in Amazima want to become professionals. Most want to become doctors, attorneys, etc. People in Uganda believe they can't be successful unless they have a higher degree. In fact, there seems to be a shortage of people with vocational aptitudes. Our new friend explained for instance that Ugandan's view farming as a low class position. People do farming when they can't succeed at something else. Westerners know farming can be a successful vocation. One of the things Amazima is doing is teaching men how to effectively farm the land using proven, biblical, methods.

The conversation shifted to jobs and hiring. One of our hosts mentioned one of his recent tasks was performing interviews for a position of mentor (for the kids).  He said he must have interviewed some 40 people. In what is an amazing turn of events, the person he hired was one of the graduates from Siita Nest. He said this person stood out from the rest. He was looking for a loving person that met certain qualifications. He also said our friend from Siita didn't have the exact qualifications he was looking for but made up for the rest with love.

We mentioned to him one of the things we were doing this very same week at Siita was teach the older kids how to write resumes, how to shake hands, maintain eye contact, etc. Our host was very happy to hear this. He said the people interviewing for jobs clearly needed help in this area. In fact, it crossed his mind to call these people and tell them what they need to do better if they ever go thru an interview again. We were very happy to know the effort our different teams over the last several years are paying off.

We didn't want to cause a burden to our hosts so although we wanted to stay there longer we felt it was time to leave. As we began to say goodbye, our host said if you stay a few minutes longer you'd be able to meet the foreman that worked on the playground, he just called and he is on his way. A few minutes later we met Sam, the foreman. We mentioned to Sam what we had in mind and asked him if that was something he would be interested in. He said yes and reached into his pocket to get us one of his business cards. Frankly, I was surprised he had one. We are really glad we got to meet him. It is important that we extend our network.

If you have read the book "Kisses from Katie" you will recognize this little guy. I guess 13 girls and a monkey were too much. He got a new home at this location.

A Sad but Joyful Day

Today was our third and last day at the Sitta Nest Orphanage. We've become friends with many of the kids and we are going to miss them a ton. I found myself wanting to take pictures, primarily of the kids I've gotten to know.

Some of the team members have decided to sponsor a kid from the orphanage. I hadn't really felt called to do that until today. As I was taking pictures, I kept on wanting to capture a nice shot of a beautiful girl who seemed outgoing enough to be in the front, dancing and singing, but was kind of shy when she looked at me. Let's call her Sarah. Sarah is 7 years old. I was hanging out with Sarah, showing her pictures of my family and asking her questions, when I noticed I had been ignoring the kid to my right. I turned around and the boy was happy to be acknowledged. Let's call him James. James is 9 years old. He is a boy I played games with yesterday. I actually gave him a bracelet. He has a very soft voice and doesn't speak English very well but he asked if I would be his sponsor. I should have known what to do but I didn't. I didn't know what to say. I wanted to ask him questions but he didn't understand. I asked him to stay there and left to find out more about him.

I learned his father died in a car accident.  His mom left the family long time ago.  Now James lives partially with an aunt and partially at the orphanage. I went to the office where they have pictures of kids who need sponsors to learn more. There I saw his picture. I knew he has a sister and was happy to find out his sister has a sponsor. As I kept asking about other kids I came across a picture of Sarah. I already loved Sarah and was filled with sadness when I learned she didn't have a sponsor. I learned she comes from a broken family with abusive parents who didn't care for her. She has a better life at the orphanage. I knew I needed to sponsor her too.

The staff called the two kids. When James heard that I was going to be his sponsor he dropped on his knees and bowed his head in gratitude. I picked him up and told him he didn't need to do that and I hugged him. I had pictures with me of my wife and two daughters. I showed them to Sarah and James. They loved the pictures. I gave two pictures to Sarah and two to James. When James realized I was giving the pictures to him he dropped to the ground again to say thank you. I hugged him.

I asked the kids to go play while I signed the paperwork. I couldn't stop crying. When I came out of the office people were asking me if I was okay but some already knew what was happening. James and Sarah were showing everyone the two pictures I had given them, showing off their new family. I wanted to spend more time with them but it was time to go. I already miss them. I wish I could stay here longer and show them love. The good news is the team has prepared a pool party for the kids, tomorrow. We'll meet at the hotel where we are staying. It's going to be crazy but I can't wait to hug James and Sarah.

Our First Days in Jinja

We visited the Siita Nest Orphanage for the first time yesterday. When we arrived children jumped up and down and cheered our entrance. We weren't expecting any of these. We were filled with emotion immediately. We spend some time greeting kids, introducing ourselves, and getting to know some of them.

Our team had a music and dancing prepared and we got to it right away. The children followed very well. Most of them speak really good English. In fact, these kids looked so great! They were clean, they look healthy, they are very well educated, but most of all, they seemed full of joy.

After a few songs we were told the children had prepared a few songs for us. They started singing songs in English and were dancing along.  Their songs were clearly about their love for Jesus. I was moved as I began to recognize that these kids, who don't have parents or relatives to care for them and whose only family are the other orphan and the staff at Siita Nest, were full of love and joy and praising God. I believe there wasn't a single person in our team who didn't have to wipe away tears.

Our team separated into various groups. I am with the group doing a play, songs, and dancing. We did our part and the children loved every minute of it. Soon the kids wanted to come to us, hold our hands, sit in our laps, give us hugs, etc. We embraced every opportunity, that's what we came here to do.

After a few hours at the orphanage we went to a church where they have a program for kids from the neighboring communities. The kids here didn't look as clean, healthy, or educated as the ones at the orphanage. This is kind of sad but not surprising. Many of these kids come from families who struggle to care for them. We performed the same play, songs, dancing, and loved the kids. They were also really excited to spend time with us. Both groups were looking forward to us coming back the next day. Our second day has been so much fun so far.

The staff at the orphanage and the church keep on telling us how grateful they are that we came to visit. I keep on telling them that we are the ones who are being blessed. These kids have so little and yet, they are so full of joy. Whereas many people in the US have so much and are unhappy. Pastor Perry put it in perspective. He said that we'll begin to see that we are the ones who are poor. The kids have it right and they are rich on the things that matter.

I've made a few friends. I wanted to share about Joy. She loves dancing and singing. I met her when I asked some of the kids who was the best dancer. They pointed to her. I went to her and introduced myself. She was shy but when I asked here if she liked to dance she said I like dancing and singing. On my second day, I saw her caring for a toddler. They are not related but somehow she was caring for him the entire morning. I spent some time with her again. I removed my necklace and gave it to her. I want her to consider me a friend. Later she asked me if I would take a picture of her and me. I'd say we are friends.

This afternoon we are heading to the church again. The second day is always more fun than the first day because the kids already know us. Please keep us in your prayers. Two of our team members were not able to join us this morning due to illnesses. These are minor but we felt it was best for them to rest. Here's a picture of the streets in Jinja.