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.