The first day of work for the orphanage meant unpacking all those trunks from the generous people in America. We woke up on Africa time, with everything sort of laid back and no strict time schedule. I love this way of living. It reflects the way I homeschool and operate with my writing. I must be Ugandan. Chuck is having a terrible time with this laid back lifestyle. He thinks that when someone makes plans to do something at 1:00 p.m. then 1:59 is too late. But in Ugandan time, that is still 1:00 p.m. Time is more of a guideline not an appointment. Chuck even tweeted that he wanted to send all of Uganda to the Steven Covey course on time management.
We had the best breakfast ever. Scrambled eggs with minced pepper, onion, carrots and cheese. We also had African tea, fresh squeezed papaya juice and this unique wonderful toast. They use a lot of ginger and cloves in cooking.
Unpacking Trunks
Trunks for the Orphans
We unpacked the trunks and sorted all morning. We have so many wonderful sheets and socks for the children. Balls, school supplies, etc.
After the morning’s work we had lunch and a real ginger ale made with real ginger and real sugar cane. Have I told you that the food here is real? The taste is out of this world.
During lunch a huge rain storm blew in. We waited until it was over to go to the kids house. We loaded up in the van and drove to the orphanage, the kid’s house. I cried when I saw it. But in another way, I was so encouraged. The children’s way of life is so much better than if they were on the streets and being taken advantage of, raped, murdered or stolen.
Orphanage Fence and Guarded Gate
Orphanage Fence and Guarded Gate
The house felt more like a compound where the kids were trapped. Look at the fence they are in. The razor wire on top is facing outward to keep people from getting in. They are locked up in side unless they are at school or escorted safely to different places. A patron and two matrons live with the children to give them protection, guard the gate, and do the cooking. They are very thankful for protection from the streets and place to sleep and eat where they were cared for. These children were so respectful, grateful and glad to have us for a visit.
Girls Wing of Compound
Girls wing of the Compound
The rain left the kids courtyard a mud/water hole. The bedroom doors enter this courtyard and each small room sleeps 6 to 10 in bunk beds. Susan gave us a tour and Cameron videoed. After a tour of the house, we visited and then handed letters to the children that were written in San Antonio, TX. The kids were excited to get a letter. I don’t know how the letter writing was done, but the look on the children’s faces when we ran out of envelopes and had not called their name was crushing.
Then we separated into groups to teach a short Bible lesson and get further acquainted. I took the older girls back into the girls wing of the house and they took me into one of their rooms. They all took off their muddy sandals, went in and sat on the concrete floor. The room was dark without light except for what the sun allowed into the door. No windows. I stepped just inside the door and sat on the floor with them. We opened the Bible and talked about having a personal prayer relationship with God and the importance of hearing him speak and obeying. These girls are so teachable, quiet and respective. Education is highly valued and they want to learn at all times.
Afterward we played a little with them and walked back home with Ken. It’s like we are on parade as we walk through the village. People wave and the children laugh. This lady walked with us for a while.
Woman on the Street of Iganga
More pictures are uploaded on Facebook. Check them out.
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Please comment below. I’d love to hear your reaction to the amount of respect the children show, or the gratefulness they display in our coming to them.
This post is part of the Living and Working on Mission Blog Series and you can read more about our trip in the previous Uganda posts. If you enjoyed it you may also like the Insights into Ministry & Leadership Series, the Spiritual Journey’s Gentle Nudges Series or the otherBlog Series.
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