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.
No comments:
Post a Comment