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."