Back in Canada (Partly)

We are back on Canadian soil and were grateful to crawl into our own beds last night after being without one for over 40 hours. 

Now we begin jet lag recovery and all that is involved with readjusting to being first world citizens. All this while a piece of our hearts remain tucked in a little corner of Kampala, Uganda.  A place filled with the laughter, the tears and the singing of children. A place where every day we heard a hundred "ellos". A place where we snuggled, played with and comforted the precious little ones God placed in our path. A place where we were hugged and kissed (and occasionally bitten and spit upon) readily by children, like any other, wanting to be loved and to belong.

We pray for these precious jewels. And for their dear mamas and all the staff at Sanyu Babies Home.  Their faith, their joy and their vision are an inspiration.  

"Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world." (James 1:27)

Farewell Sanyu

Departure day is always emotional and today is no different as we say "so long" to our Sanyu family. 

There have been other emotional events this week. On Monday we were privileged to witness Josephine leave to join her permanent family - the ultimate goal for each baby that is rescued. 

Today we met one-week-old Ethan and Maureen, twins who arrived last evening.  

So farewell until next time, Sanyu. May God continue to use and bless you as you serve Him so faithfully each and every day. 

Humbled

Yesterday, with the help of Joel, the guesthouse manager, we planned an ice cream party for the Sanyu staff. The concept of sundaes seemed new to them, but they enjoyed the treat along with sodas. 

We used this opportunity to express our appreciation for the amazing work these men and women do every day to serve the children and for the way they share God's love with joy. 

We weren't expecting the gathering to also include a lengthy report by Barbara to give an account to the staff of the things we've been able to provide with the donation money. As she spoke in Luganda, her words were interspersed with cheering and clapping by those encircling the large outdoor thatched shelter. We were glad Barbara did speak not in English so we were able to "keep it together" for the most part before we had a chance to express our thanks to them. 

There was a "handover" as some items  were available for staff to see - towels, bed sheets, potties. Then, the uniforms that are completed were given out and the others are aware theirs are coming. 
After that there was praying and singing and drumming. And then there were the individuals who thanked and hugged us. So humbling.

Strange and Unusual

As we are out and about, either by vehicle or on foot, we see many things we've never seen in Canada. Here's a glimpse:

A goat tied around the waist of a boda driver. 

A man carrying five roosters boarding a boda. 

A sign at an intersection that reads, "Do not urinate here." 

Several cattle in the patch of green grass inside a busy roundabout. 

Us cautiously carrying home 10 loose eggs in a plastic bag. 

A street vendor walking along with a rack of about 100 bras.

A flat rat that didn't safely cross the street. 

A pig in a wheelbarrow. 

Our driver purchasing a foot file out the vehicle window from a street vendor while we were stuck in traffic. 

Again, we are reminded every day, we are not in Canada. 

Photo Day

Before we left home, we received several donations of clothing for the children. We delivered most of them soon after our arrival but saved out 18 onsies until today. 

After the youngest babies received their baths this afternoon we dressed them in  new attire for a photo shoot. 

Picture it. One mama undressing them, another mama bathing them and passing the babies off to us and a couple of others who dried and dressed them, fed the youngest ones and laid/sat them all on a large mat. 

By the time that process was complete, some were not so happy.  After getting them consoled (for the most part) we got lots of pictures of them in their new duds. 

As the staff says, they "looked smart."

Before we were done we got some shots of individuals and small groups. This included Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. We can't help but wonder what "fires" God has rescued them from. 

We aren't professional photographers but we hope to have at least a few good pictures to share when we get home to show the results of the days efforts. 

We're Back

We're back online.  We're back in the northern hemisphere. We're back from an amazing safari. 

We took a road trip a few hours away where we went on a safari in Lake Mburo National Park yesterday. 

At the park entrance an armed guide joined us in our van. He gave us lots of information about the park and about the wildlife. 

We saw a variety of animals - cape buffalo, impalas, several other members of the antelope family and monkeys. All fascinating. 

But we have to admit we had a couple of favourites, the first being the zebras. Their elegant stripes are striking in the midst green landscape and red Ugandan soil. They are a bit shy but one mama actually allowed us to watch while her baby nursed for several minutes. So cute. 

In June of last year 15 giraffes were transported to this park from another one further north. For much of the day our driver, Bosco, and the guide (who never did have to use his gun :) scanned the bushes and hillsides in the hope of catching a glimpse of them. Much of the time we had to drive with the windows closed due to swarms of tse tse flies (which can carry disease). 

After covering all the areas of the park but one, we drove down one more road and were amazed to discover the entire herd in an open area. As we sat awestruck and with cameras clicking, Bosco asked if we'd like to get out and have our pictures taken with them. Yes indeed! 

It was incredible to stand within feet of these majestic creatures as they curiously watched us trying to contain our excitement over this unbelievable opportunity. So blessed. 

"For the beauty of the earth, 
for the glory of the skies, 
for the love which from our birth 
over and around us lies; 
Lord of all, to thee we raise 
this our hymn of grateful praise."

Stay Tuned

Limited WiFi tonight. Stay tuned for the next post. 

Fun and Fatigue

27 children (aged 17 months - 4 years) + 1 kids play park for over six hours = 2 tired old girls. 

Goodnight. 

Projects

Today, Emma, the hand wash specialist, and her installation technician came and installed five hand sanitizer dispensers throughout the home and office. We, along with Nurse Lydia worked with them regarding placement. The maintenance man, Robert, was taught how to fill them with the alcohol solution. 

On Friday, Harriet, another hand wash specialist from the company, will come to teach the staff about the product and it's use. YAHOO!

Also today, the tile guys came to get started on the walls of the potty room. They worked all morning preparing the walls and then started the tile work around noon. 

Once again, we say thank you to all the donors who made these projects possible. 

Not Our Problem

Some of the needs and practises at the babies home continue to trouble us. Though they are difficult to overlook, we are slowly learning that the battle is not our's but God's. He sees the needs and practises in far more detail than we do. 

He also sees how hard the staff works. We are amazed by their energy and patience in spite of their fatigue. Their labour of love was especially clear today as there were no other volunteers for much of the day and there are fewer staff on weekends. Also, the teachers are off on weekends so there is no class time to occupy the children. 

This past week God pointed out these words to us from 2 Chronicles 29:15, "Do  not be afraid or discouraged...For the battle is not yours, but God's." The same message was delivered in other unique and amusing ways. 

So, we continue to do what is placed before us to help meet needs we are aware of each day, but are realizing it is not our job to fix all the problems. 

"Our" Girls

We have enjoyed spending tidbits of time with the babies we became attached to when we were here last year. As strange as it may seem, they appear to gravitate toward us as well, when given the opportunity, even when there are others free to give them attention. 

Florence (written by Muriel):

It is a delight to see what a happy little girl Florence is, and to have her run toward me when she sees me. She loves to be held and cuddled but is also content to go for walks on the Sanyu property. 

She has a sweet personality with a bit of mischief and always appears to be thinking as she often has her tongue out, licking her bottom lip. 

Several nights I've settled her in her crib for the night. Before I do I carry her to the doorway where we look over the city. The first night I did this I waved and said "Goodnight Kampala". Florence waved as well. Now, when I walk to the doorway with her in my arms she automatically begins waving. 

Once I take her to her bed she is happy to nestle in. After a little game of peek-a-boo and a kiss goodnight, she begins rocking herself to sleep as I lower her mosquito net. Night, night. Pleasant dreams, sweet girl. 

Joselyn (written by Cheryl):

My beautiful girl is now 15 months old. 

When we first got here Joselyn was only crawling. She did stand on her feet for me one day while supporting herself with a railing. This past week I watched her stand and move along while holding onto a railing by herself. Yay Joselyn! She is getting the hang of it and now also stands up in her crib. She likes to swing in the baby swing and smiles when the swing is pushed.

The other day Mama Maureen(Muriel) was holding Joselyn and when she saw me she held out her arms and wanted to come to me. She snuggled in for some nice hugs.

Joselyn has a beautiful smile that she readily gives when approached. She has a gentle way about her. I have heard her say "allo" when someone says "allo" around her.

It is nice to hold her again, to tickle her and see her smile and laugh and shower her with hugs and kisses on her forehead. 

Orphanage Shopping Kampala Style

A representative for a company that supplies hand sanitizer used at the hospitals made an unannounced visit to the home this morning. We had researched this company last weekend and discussed it with Barbara. We felt encouraged because the product is made here locally. 

Barbara came looking for us to see if we could help out financially. This afternoon 20 litres of the product was delivered by boda boda. Next week the dispensers will be installed and an infection-control specialist will come and teach a hand-hygiene session. 

Today was also the day we had previously arranged with Barbara to have her accompany us on a shopping expedition to make purchases of some needs at the home with donation money. 

We had no idea what an experience we were in for at the Kampala Market. We felt like we were in a movie.  We were the only mzungus amongst thousands of people, bodas, matatus, delivery trucks and cars as we were led on foot on the rough, dirt streets by Barbara and our driver Ronald. 

Many people were carrying heavy loads on their heads - huge bags of flour, suitcases stacked 5 deep, multiple bundles and boxes of various products, mattresses piled 5 high...

The scene is really impossible to describe but it was more people than we have ever seen in one place at one time - and each one going somewhere and carrying something. 

After more than four hours of walking from shop to shop we came home with two garbage cans, four large laundry bins, 75 large bath towels (that will become 150), 168 face cloths, 35 packages of Milton Sterilizing Tablets (enough to sterilize bottles and nipples for 2-1/2 months), 36 packages of baby wipes, five bottles of liquid oral antibiotic, five tubes of antibiotic cream, 33 tubes of anti-fungal ointment, one pair of rubber boots (for one of the mamas who doubles as a gardener) and six cases of bleach that was later delivered by boda boda. 

Barbara is a great negotiator and can always get the most out of every shilling. 

The Sanyu truck is in the garage so our purchases were stuffed into the trunk and back seat of a car the size of a Toyota Corolla. And then the two of us stuffed ourselves into one side of the back seat with one of us sitting side saddle on the edge of the seat. 

We were all excited (including the staff on our return) about all that we were able to supply using the money given by so many donors. 

It is an incredible privilege to represent you here. Thanks for being part of this amazing journey. 

He Who Seeks Finds

After two weeks in the constant noise of Kampala and our minds focusing on the immense need around us, we decided to take a 24-hour vacation. So yesterday we headed to Red Chilli Hideaway, an upscale hostel-type facility on the outskirts of the city. 

Even on "vacation" God places people in our path who are in search of Him. As we waited for our shuttle to pick us up at a mall we had lunch at a small restaurant. Our waiter, Ronnie, began to ask us about our religion. We told him we were Christians. 

He asked if we were born again and indicated he felt that wasn't possible for him because of his denomination. 

We shared with Ronnie that God's love is for everyone, including him. We encouraged him to continue to seek God and were able to leave him with an Our Daily Bread devotional booklet and write the reference John 3:16 on it. He was familiar with the verse. 

"And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him." (Hebrews 11:6)

Worship Leader

This morning I went to 7:30 devotions at the babies home. Although it is in the Luganda language, it's nice to join with the staff and children for this 1/2 hour at the beginning of the day. 

Also, they sing some English songs and choruses. This morning 3-year-old Rodney led the singing. He's the same boy Cheryl heard singing in his crib a few days ago. 

Today, he started one song after another and the rest of us joined in after the first few words. It's amazing to see the personalities and gifts of the children shine. Rodney is a natural worship leader. 

"Jesus said, 'Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.' "

God's Math

Today God showed us, once again, how He is continuing to stretch the donation dollars He has entrusted us with. It seems He is able to multiply them beyond our imagination and continues to show us the things to spend them on. 

The older children wear cloth diapers covered with plastic pants that fasten with Velcro on the sides. Except the Velcro is no longer functional on the ones they have.  You can imagine the problem this creates.  At our request Barbara had obtained a price to purchase new ones and we discussed the number of diaper changes per day. We were able to purchase the 200 pairs of plastic pants required for a day's worth of diaper changes which were delivered later in the day. 

Another need is new sheets.  Since the the cribs are a variety of sizes the most practical way to meet the need is to purchase fabric and have them made. And so, another need was met today as four bolts of fabric were also delivered. 

"And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased." Hebrews 13:16 (NIV) 

It is a joy to see God use and multiply what so many have shared. 

Wonky Weekend

Sanyu internet has come back to life so we'll share a few lighter moments we experienced over the weekend when we weren't able to post. 

On Saturday afternoon we heard a great commotion behind the guest house. Some of the guys who live just a few yards up the bank were laughing and yelling. We went out to investigate and discovered that Robert had climbed into the upper branches of the huge avocado tree with a long wooden rod and was sending down one avocado after another to the guys below who were trying to catch them. More landed with a thunk on the ground than into their waiting hands. They are the size of a small squash (and delicious by the way) so we were glad no one, including us, got hit on the head. 

Yesterday morning we decided to go to Kampala Baptist Church. Cheryl called John, a driver we have used a few times, to arrange to take us there. He arrived punctually at 10:30 and off we went. After a couple of turns onto a couple of streets he asked if we knew how to get to Kampala Baptist. Ahh. No. We called our friend, Laura, who spoke to John and was able to point him in the right direction. No problem. 

One of our funniest experiences happened on our way home from Javas, the coffee shop/restaurant we walk to from time to time. We made it back up the hill and picked our spot where we like to cross the street - within sight of Sanyu but away from the intersection. Remember, there is no crossing light or stop light or crosswalk. It's a matter of finding a gap in traffic (cars, trucks, buses, matatus, bodas, bicycles) long enough to make a mad dash. Well, traffic was especially busy Saturday afternoon and we are not big risk takers in these situations so ended up standing with our heads on a swivel for 15 minutes. Eventually a kind young Ugandan man approached us from somewhere and asked if we'd like his help. Oh. Yes please. He stepped onto the street, held up his hand and accompanied us to the other side. When we offered him a bag of chips in appreciation of his assistance, he grinned and politely accepted. 

God continues meet our every need!  And provide some light moments in the midst of all the troubling needs we see around us. 

WiFi Shortage

There is no WiFi at Sanyu today so unless it is restored later there will be no blog update except for this quick entry posted from a local restaurant where we have temporary internet access. Stay tuned. :)

Out of the Mouth of Babes

Yesterday during nap time my baby Joselyn was awake when I went to check on her. She needed a diaper change so I took her into the toddler change area. While there I heard some children who had awoken from their nap singing in the adjacent room. As I listened I heard a familiar tune but couldn't make out the words. The singing was beautiful and full of joy. They sounded like a choir.  A lady named Grace walked by and I commented on the 'choir'. She agreed. Suddenly there was only one child singing and I turned my head to see a boy sitting in the middle of his crib clapping and singing these words "What a Mighty God We Serve". It was like he was the choir director and then some of the others joined in. I asked a volunteer what the boy's name is and he said "that's Rodney". 

Thank you Rodney for making my heart smile and for reminding us that the God that we serve IS mighty and in control.

Wish I could have recorded "the choir" but my hands were busy.

Progress?

If you were following our journey last year, you may recall that we were very concerned about infection control issues. Well...we continue to have the same concerns again. 

We are again observing a lack of hand washing, multiple children being washed with the same cloth and dried with the same towel. These, and other practises, have resulted in a nasty outbreak of impetigo. 

We have once again gotten on the infection control rant and have taken some practical measures to promote implementation. 

A hand washing station (a container with a spout full of water containing Detol) at the entrance to the home had a leak so was always empty. Yesterday we purchased a new one which the driver picked up and the grounds keeper installed. 

This morning we posted laminated signs throughout the home that demonstrate proper hand washing and when it should be performed. 

As arranged by Barbara (the director) and at her request, Dr. Alex, the visiting doctor came today to meet with us as well as the two nurses on staff. He has all the same concerns we have and infused us with hope that, over time, there may be  permanent improvement. 

We discussed changes that need to be made and possible ways to implement them. 

Although all of this sounds easy to fix, putting proper measures in place is not as simple as it may seem. 

Soap is a precious commodity and following a long dry season, water is in short supply.  Funds and manpower are the biggest barriers to overcome. 

On a positive note, alcohol-based hand sanitizers were discussed and seem like an achievable possibility. 

Also, tomorrow Dr. Alex will return to join the nurses in a training session with the staff. We have been "told" that we are to also be prepared to participate. :)

As Dr. Alex said, "people need to feel empowered."  Please pray that as we gather tomorrow we not just teach with instructions and demonstrations. May we also encourage each staff member to realize they are the ones who can truly make a difference in the health and well-being of the children. 

New Experience For Experienced Nurses

As nurses with several years of pediatric experience we were not only pleased to visit Abel and Rachel at the hospital but also to get a glimpse into the Ugandan medical system. 

Abel was in one of 30 cribs (3 rows of 10) in the "Giraffe Room" which is next to the "Zebra Room". It was very large (approx. 24' x 40' ?) with decorative painting/decals on the walls. There was room between the cribs to place one patio chair for the care giver of each child.  

There was a stretcher in one corner for performing procedures such as starting IVs.  At one end of the room there was a small open area with a few benches against the wall where caregivers can go for a change of location as they are able.  

Sanyu supplies Rachel with a mat to sleep on at night though she admits she actually gets little sleep. Some of her meals are supplied by the hospital and Sanyu provides her with some supplementary snacks. 

The cribs were metal, similar to what we used at Saint John Regional about 20 years ago.  Although they're not up to Canadian standards, they were in good condition. Each crib is supplied with a mosquito net. 

In Uganda a family member, in Abel's case Mama Rachel, stays with the patient 24 hours a day to provide care - bathing, feeding, and all other general care. We noted that some mothers also brought other small children as there was no one else available to care for them. 

The hospital does not supply linens or laundry services. Again, that is the responsibility of the caregiver. Mama Rachel told us she does the laundry (by hand of course) each morning before Abel wakes and then she places it on the grass outside to dry. 

We were amazed at how quiet and orderly everything was around us in spite of the number of people in the room - babies, toddlers, caregivers, visitors, nurses, several doctors doing rounds. However, every 2 hours a large, loud handbell was rung to signal those caring for the children it was time to go to a central location at one end of the room to collect formula for the patient. 

We felt pleased that while we were there Rachel was willing to take a bit of a break and leave Abel in our care. And of course, we enjoyed the time spent with him.  

We were surprised though, when a diaper peddler appeared. We weren't quite sure what to do about that. Sanyu is required to supply Abel's diapers and diapers are on our shopping list for Sanyu but this seemed like a strange way to do our shopping. After some negotiation regarding the correct size and  with Rachel's help when she returned we ended up ordering 40 diapers (with a bonus package of wipes) at Abel's bedside. 

Barbara returned for us at about 1pm. Rachel gratefully thanked us for coming and we were on our way back "home". As we stepped out of the truck back at Sanyu we heard the words from a Chris Tomlin song being played somewhere: "Where you go I'll go. Where you stay I'll stay."

We're learning that God will show us each day where we are to go...but not always with a lot of advance notice. 

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=1ohvhmGSfxI

Baby Abel

The day got off to a slow start. It was pouring rain. Space is limited at the guest house so we couldn't get our breakfast until the large team of volunteers had completed theirs and gone to the babies' home. As we rested on our beds I said to Cheryl, "Do you feel like we're waiting for something?" (Meaning something more than breakfast.)

Eventually, it was our turn to use the kitchen. Just as we finished spreading the peanut butter on our toast, Barbara (the Sanyu director) appeared in the kitchen to invite us to accompany her to visit Mulago Hospital where one of the babies has been admitted for Severe Acute Malnutrition. 

So this is what we had been waiting for. 

We had 10 minutes to get that toast down and prepare ourselves for departure and off we went. 

Mulago is the national referral hospital for the entire country and consists of multiple buildings housing different specialties on a large property. Baby Abel is in the area where children with nutrition problems are cared for. And staying with him is dear Rachel, the mama we visited at another hospital last year. 

Abel was admitted to Sanyu after being abandoned. He was severely malnourished and became very ill and failed to gain weight in spite of the care he received so required hospital admission. 

The past few days he has shown improvement. However, the precious 6-month-old boy we met today weighs less than 8 lbs. He is tolerating frequent small amounts of special formula that he takes eagerly (and which I fed him by cup) as well as small amounts of solids - a peanut-based paste which he loves. His weight is slowly increasing and he entertained us with his variety of facial expressions and happy smiles. 

We had a 3-hour visit while Barbara left to do some other errands. That gave us a glimpse of the activities inside a large room accommodating 30 cribs for malnourished babies. 

More on those observations tomorrow. 

To be continued...

Time Well Spent

We provided general help with baby care, dish washing and folding laundry today. 

Spending time with the babies also gives us opportunity to spend time to with the staff. We enjoy hearing them brag about the accomplishments and milestones the babies have achieved. "Florence can walk." "Joann used to be very sad.  Now she smiles all the time." They not only invest time and energy into these children  but much love as well 

The time we spend together also gives us an opportunity to learn about the staff's families, their interests and some of their struggles. 

Today they taught us a song which we all sang together while the Nurse Lydia played a drum. "Yesu wange. Yesu wange. Hallelujah. Amen."  (Jesus is mine. Jesus us mine.  Hallelujah. Amen.)

All this while sitting on the floor outside the home snuggling babies, helping them gain strength to sit on their own and tickling their tummies. These are the moments we treasure. 

Mamas and Babies

The staff at Sanyu are very dedicated to the babies who have been placed in their care. After spending just a few hours at a time with the children, we gain more and more respect for the energy and commitment that's required. 

The responsibility on the shoulders of these amazing women is tremendous. 

Though many of the children are generally healthy, several have serious health concerns and developmental delays. For example, there are two babies estimated to be approximately 8 months old but weigh less than 12 lbs.  Another little girl was born with the lower half of her arms missing. 

So please remember in your prayers these little ones who face, not only the injustice of being orphaned but significant additional challenges and also remember the caregivers who provide for their daily needs. 

Not Quite Like Home

Although we feel like we're able to manage on our own in this culture a little better than when we were here last year we are continuously reminded that we are no longer in Canada. 

Cell phones are very affordable here so we removed the SIM cards from our phones from home to avoid massive roaming charges and purchased a phone here to use locally. Today the phone was getting low on minutes so we went to a street-side stall/shop (not really sure what to call the opening in the wall next to the butcher) where they sell air time. Our understanding was that we were purchasing 80 minutes. With help from the guesthouse manager we successfully "topped up" the mobile minutes. Great! Then a minute later a text was received offering congratulations on successfully adding 8 minutes to our air time. Great!

There was an over-abundance of volunteers at the babies' home so we took the opportunity to explore on foot by walking up Namirembe Hill to St. Paul's Cathedral. On a notice board outside there was information about the cost of a wedding and what was included - cleaning, counselling, registration and a refund of 10,000 shillings if the bride and groom arrive on time. 

No. We are not in Canada. 

Phew!

Somewhat uneventful day...as days go when helping to care for and entertain 50 babies and toddlers. We are thankful that temperatures are a bit cooler than the last time we were here. However, it's still hot enough that we were in a lather and pretty weary after spending the afternoon toting babies, pushing swings, twirling merry-go-rounds...  With all that and the servings of mud pies we were blessed with we came home looking (and feeling like) quite a mess...and with hearts overflowing. 

The Blessing of Giving

"It is more blessed to give than to receive." (Acts 20:35)

For all of you who gave in various ways as we prepared to come to Uganda you should feel very blessed. 

When we delivered the items that we carried in our luggage the director and the nurse offered countless "thank yous". We would love to have had each of you join us as each bottle of gummy vitamins, every bottle of Tylenol, each package of spoons, medical supplies, etc. were counted, recorded and received as well as the suitcase full of onsies, sleepers, blankets, etc. 

And the giving isn't done. We received many cash donations before we left home as well and next week the director has agreed to accompany us on a shopping expedition. She will go with us not only to help us shop in this foreign country and culture but also to keep the merchant from giving an inflated price to us Mzungus (white people). 

It truly is blessed to give than to receive. 

Encouraged Encouragers

Things are a bit different here the second time around. We feel we don't look quite as much like "deer in the headlights" as we did last year. 

We are in the same room we had last year (the larger upgraded one) so unpacking and organizing took less thought. 

We navigated our way to the coffee shop and the bank.  And it took a while, but we safely crossed the street both in both directions. 

Registered at the office here and had a wonderful chat and visit with the director. 

And it was another day of joyful greetings as more of the staff welcomed us "home". 

We again feel a big part of our reason for being here is to be encouragers. 

These verses have spoken to us over past couple of days. Verse 9 is the same one Barbara (director) includes in each newsletter:

"Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers." (Galatians 6:9-10)

We Made It

Made it to Sanyu without incident and are somewhat settled into our room. 

Couldn't resist a late night visit to see the mamas and babies and were welcomed with warm hugs and greetings. 

We were even able to have a visit with "our" girls. The mamas insisted! :)

It's now the wee hours of the morning and these weary travellers are about to lower our mosquito nets and get some shut-eye. 

Countdown

T-minus one week.

The push is on now to get all the final details looked after before departure - remember when to start taking the anti-malarial pills, remember all the documents we need, remember to pack Cup-a-Soup (we discovered sometimes salt is a good thing), remember...

So much to remember.  So much to look forward to.

We can hardly wait to be back at Sanyu with the precious children and the wonderful staff who care for them day in and day out.  We look forward to seeing how much the babies have grown that we looked after last year.  We look forward to meeting new little ones and enjoying their snuggles and having them scramble for a place on our laps.  We look forward to reconnecting with the staff we said goodbye to last February.

And we look forward to seeing how God may wish to use us to show His love.  Last January 24th we read this from the Our Daily Bread devotional while we were at Sanyu, "Today people all around us are in need of someone to take action to help them.  It is a high privilege to become the hands of God as we respond on His behalf to cries for help."  A high privilege indeed.

May we be sensitive to their cries.  May we be wise in our response.

We're Heading Back

How can it be that we are being given the privilege of having the opportunity to return to Sanyu Babies' Home?

On April 18th Cheryl and I are booked to fly from Saint John and arrive in Africa about 19-1/2 hours later. 

It has been exciting and mind-boggling to watch God's plan unfold as the odd-shaped pieces of this puzzle are carefully being put in place. 

Although we are the ones who will get to have the red dust of Uganda cover our feet (and our clothes, and our hair,...) God has blessed us with family, friends, acquaintances and strangers who have provided baby supplies, made monetary donations, assisted with fundraising, encouraged and prayed. Each one of you is an important piece of the puzzle and we are extremely grateful. 

Yesterday Geraldine and Kenya Kingston, the crazy Ugandan giraffe oversaw the packing of most of the donated baby items. We can hardly wait to deliver them in just over two weeks.