What's In a Name

Since returning to Sanyu we have also returned to our African names - Sherry and Maureen. For the most part, those are the names we use when we introduce ourselves. 

On our two previous trips the children have mostly just referred to us as "Mama".  Soon after we arrived this time, though, Allan asked what our names were. I (Muriel) told him we were Sherry and Maureen. He is now very proud to call us by name almost every time he sees us. Others have caught on too. If the children  are standing at the fence when we leave Sanyu on an errand, we hear several voices calling to us as we walk toward the gate, "Goodbye, Sherry. Goodbye, Maureen". Sometimes "mama" or "teacher" may precede our names.

There is one little girl, Daniella, who usually likes to be with me whenever she sees me and often cries when I have to leave her. She's just over 2 and has very little to say.

On Friday she sat with me during morning devotions. Then, hand in hand, I walked her to class, expecting the usual tears when I left. On the steps to the classroom I gave her a kiss and told her to have a good morning. She smiled at me, waved and said, "Goodbye, Mama Maureen." My heart melted.  

Clothes, Clothes and More Clothes

During our visits to Sanyu we have noticed that people are very generous with clothing donations and there are more than enough.

Today we tried to help organize some of them into storage cupboards that were already full and needed to be cleaned out before we could get started. 

After about 4 hours of cleaning and sorting we were feeling overwhelmed. The clothes seemed to multiply. We stopped for lunch and worked at it for a couple more hours. 

There are times during rainy season when they are unable to get clothes dry and it is too costly to use the dryer. For this reason they have lots of extra clothes to keep them going until the sun comes out again. It seems there are enough for 200 children.

We still have about 10 large totes full of clothes to organize.  We'll be at it for a few more days.

Spreading Our Wings

Over the three times we've been to Kampala we've learned a little more and become a little more confident about how to get to a few places in the Sanyu neighbourhood on foot.  It may seem pretty elementary to walk to a restaurant, a convenience store, an ATM and a small supermarket all within a 1km radius of our guesthouse.  But that's been about the extent of our independent expeditions to this point. 

Let us remind you what Kampala streets are like. Buses, cars, trucks, matatus, bodas and even a few tuk-tuks are all trying to get where they need to be at the same time with no obvious rules or order, other than the apparent standard that the biggest and boldest has the right of way. That leaves the pedestrian at the bottom of the totem pole, which means as always, any outing that involves crossing the street is an adventure. 

Well, today we set out into unknown territory as we ventured on foot to do some errands a bit further afield.  

First stop was to a pharmacy we discovered a few days ago to price some tablets needed at the home. 

Next it was off to the Uganda Protestant Medical Bureau. Both previous trips here we have ended up visiting the optical unit there, once to deliver donated glasses and once for a repair job of our own. Both times we were driven to the site. This trip, we had several pairs of glasses donated which today, we placed in a small back pack and set out on our own to the facility which is about a kilometer away in a direction outside our zone of familiarity. We only had to ask for directions once when we came to a Y in the road. Mission accomplished!

We then made some of our usual stops on the way back. A short stop at the guesthouse to cool off in front of our fans and then it was off to a new place for lunch. 

Although we had had been to the locacation of the Namirembe guesthouse before we hadn't had the opportunity to enjoy their recommended lunch buffet. This is directly behind Sanyu but since a fence separates the two properties, it involves a short walk up the street and then up the hill via some rather steep and uneven steps. 

We understand why it was recommended. Our "lunch" included beef, chicken, matoke (a type of green bananas, boiled and served with a peanut sauce), green beans, carrots, rice, potatoes,squash (although they called it pumpkin), coleslaw and fresh fruit. 

We returned "home" feeling quite satisfied, not only because of the delicious food. We now have two places we can get to on our own to get a meal, and we've spread our wings a little further in getting around the neighbourhood...and we only had to rely on a Ugandan once to get across the street. 

Stay Tuned!

Today we caught wind of a reunion in the making.

Stay tuned for further updates.

For those of you in NB enjoy the snow.

Unsung Heroes

What is your definition of a hero?

There probably is no right or wrong answer to this question. 

It could be the guy who hits a home run to win the World Series. It could be the researcher who discovers a breakthrough treatment for a previously-fatal disease. It could be the fire fighter who puts their life on the line to rescue a family from a burning building. In one way or another, each of these people is a hero. 

Let us tell you about some heroes at Sanyu Babies' Home. 

They are the people who make up the team that cares for some of the most vulnerable children in the world. Defenceless children who have been discarded like trash, abandoned in hospitals, on buses or on the street. Children who have been rescued from neglect and violence. 

The heroes we speak of are the mamas who wipe noses, change diapers and bathe babies day in and day out - morning, noon and night. These are the same mamas who are quick to notify the nurse if a baby is feeding poorly or has a fever or a new rash. And they are the same mamas who provide a gentle touch or sympathetic "sorry" for the toddler who has taken a tumble or been the recipient of a swat from another child. 

There are many other heroes here at Sanyu - the staff who do endless loads of laundry and others who cook meals over charcoal fires, the nurses who look after the medical needs of the children, the maintenance/grounds keeping staff, the social workers who work on behalf of each child to find a safe and loving home. 

And then there's Barbara, the director. We have no idea how she accomplishes all that she does in the run of a day as she tends to her many, many responsibilities - from knowing the special needs of each child to answering endless questions from a couple of Canadian volunteers. 

Each of these heroes has the same goal: "To provide Christ-like love to babies and children deprived of parental love and reintegrating them into the community through reuniting them with their families, fostering or adoption."  These are the heroes we admire and are inspired by every day. 

"But Jesus called the children to him and said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these." (Luke18:16)

Plenty of Lack

The past couple of days as we went about helping the overworked nurse, we have noticed some definite lack.

The medical scale she used to weigh the older children is similar to what we would use in our homes in Canada but it needs to be replaced. There is nothing covering the face of the scale and a bunch of children gather round and spin the needle gauge while the nurse tries to get the weights.

After the infants had been weighed, on the baby scale, one of the toddlers sat on that scale and broke it.

The nurse also lacked bandage scissors and used a scalpel blade with her fingers to cut a piece of bandage off of a roll.

We met with Barbara today and with a smile said "could you help us with a couple small projects?" No doubt she will get on with quotes for those tomorrow.

A different lack we noted last evening before dark was 2 children sitting alone in different spots along the side of the street, without apparent adult supervision. One of the children looked to be about 3 years old. He or she waved to us. We found this to be disturbing and decided to go back and talk with staff at the restaurant we had just exited. Before we got there we saw the second somewhat older child lying down on the sidewalk. People were walking past them like this is normal.

The greeter at the restaurant told us this is not unusual and that there would be a mother watching somewhere.  She said sometimes people give the children money or food, or take them in to the restaurant for a meal. She reassured us that they were being cared for. Then we wondered if we should have given them some food.

There is plenty of financial lack for most of the staff we talk to.  School fees, transportation and housing are common concerns.

It is hard to know how to help, and we know we can't fix all the problems.
But we can rely on the One who can and let Him show us what to do.

Jeremiah 33:3 " Call to Me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know. "

Strangely Normal

Life is full of oxymorons. We speak of deafening silence (not here) or old news. 

We find ourselves living an oxymoron here in Uganda as we often remark that things seem strangely normal. 

We are reminded every day that we are in a strange place as we strain to understand the thick Ugandan accents and never quite adjust to the high temperatures. 

Over all, though, our days are strangely normal as all five senses are bombarded by things we experience only in Uganda. 

Early each morning we hear the crowing of the roosters blending with the busy city traffic in the street below the guesthouse.

We see women walking down the street with babies tied onto their backs or confidently carrying items on their heads. 

We smell the diesel fumes mingled with the smoke from wood and charcoal fires.

We taste the delicious food at Cafe Java's, our favourite restaurant (really, it's the only restaurant we know how to get to on our own :). 

And then there is our favourite thing that feels strangely normal - the many children we touch and who touch us each day as we walk with them hand-in-hand, caress their curly heads or feel the weight of a sleepy head on our shoulder. 

Of course, they also touch us in a much deeper way as we realize each child is at Sanyu because of some unfortunate circumstance. In spite of that, we are touched by their smiles, their laughter, their singing, their longing to be loved and cared for.  This too has come to feel strangely normal and reminds us of what an amazing privilege God has given us to be in this place. 

Relay

During our layover in Montreal we noticed several Relay shops throughout the airport. They sold items a traveller may need or want.

Since we had lots of time on our hands I decided to look the word relay up in an online dictionary.

Relay: (n)- a group of people engaged in a task or activity for a fixed period of time and then replaced by a similar group

(v)- receive and pass on info or a message.

We realized then that our journies to Uganda and specifically Sanyu Babies' Home involve a relay team...it is comprised of people who encourage us to do it, who pray for us, who support us financially and/or donate to Sanyu, those who help us with fundraisers or donate suitcases and our families and employers who release us to serve. 

Along the way we appreciate the people cheering us on, even when they say "Entebbe, Gate T and you need to run."

When we arrived here after that leg of the relay we were given water and snacks by another encourager.

Some message us while we are here through various means of technology...from Canada and Uganda.

There are also those involved in the relay on this side of the world. Missionary friends have taught us how to get along here. Fellow guest house volunteers have shown us the ropes, including how to cross the street. Barbara, the director, patiently hears our numerous questions and ideas. And now Sarah who has a relay team of her own making the cribs and toddler beds. 

We thank God for the many members of this relay team (known and as yet unknown) that He has engaged in this adventure of helping orphaned and abandoned children. 

May God bless each of you for your participation.

Changes

What a joy it has been to be reunited with those children who were here at Sanyu during our visit last year. Many of them we have been able to recognize immediately, others we questioned and have had to ask staff or other volunteers to confirm their identity, and a few look entirely different.  

Even those we quickly recognized have changed, though. For instance, sweet Malaika who is missing both lower arms was just sitting last year. She is now walking, climbing, holding her own cup and feeding herself snacks...and is able to hold her own in what is sometimes a push and shove world. 

Twins Maureen and Ethan, tiny newborns who arrived the day before we left last year, are now able to stand in their cribs and will no doubt soon be walking. 

Change is one of the constants in life and we've seen more since arriving here besides the growing children. 

One of the biggest changes is that 21 of the 48 children who were here last year have, thankfully, have been fostered or reunited with relatives. But 26 others have arrived, meaning Sanyu is now over capacity. 

There have been few changes among the staff, but there is a new nurse (who diligently promotes hand washing) and some of the staff have changed roles. Margaret, the cook, is now a mama and seems happy in her new position.  

The building that houses the children also has a new face. The outside has been freshened up with new paint. Some painting has also been done inside and some of the rooms have new floor tiles. 

The outside thatched hut/shelter has had a makeover. We are also told construction of the new security wall should begin soon. 

These changes are encouraging as it shows that the place these children call home is being cared for. 

And we, too, are changing. We have changed our names back to those which Ugandans find easier to say (Sherry and Maureen) and Sanyu continues to burrow itself deeper and deeper into our hearts. It seems each time we've come our role has changed a bit and the projects have gotten bigger. We can't help but wonder what's next. 

Change is inevitable but we were reminded that we need not fear it when we read this quote on the first page of identical journals we were given at the airport:

"A new path lies before us; we're not sure where it leads; but God goes on before us, providing all out needs."

Father and Son

On this Good Friday as we remember the gift our Heavenly Father gave us through His Son, we share what we witnessed at the babies' home this morning.

We noticed a man come join the crowd of children, staff and visitors that was seated under the hut. He had only one leg and walked with crutches, carrying a pack on his back.

He called out to a little boy who was standing near me. This boy is his son and he looks very much like his dad. The boy went to greet his dad, who took him up onto his lap. His dad took out a bag with a large chunk of pineapple which the boy eagerly licked and chewed on.

This dad spent some time with his son and before leaving stood up to wish everyone a Happy Easter and to say thank you to the brothers and sisters for looking after his boy when he can't be there. As he was leaving he gave his son another gift...a nice bread roll. The boy carried it around taking bites from it.

The gifts this child received today are perishable. The gift Father God gave us, through His Son Jesus, on Good Friday is imperishable. Through Him we find true life... life that is more than we can imagine.

John 3:16 NIV- For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

Thanks be to God for His unspeakable gift... Jesus His Son, who looks like him and who likes to spend time with us and lavish good gifts on us.

An Eventful Day

 This morning we were happily reunited with the luggage that wasn't able to keep up with us on the relay to get to Kampala. Everything was intact and looked pretty much the same as when we hastily stuffed things in nooks and crannies at the check-in counter in the Saint John airport. 

After spending a bit of time at the home, most of the morning was spent finding new nooks and crannies for the items we unpacked. Many of them are donations which will be going to Sanyu, but the director had a very busy day so we will deliver those next week, after the long weekend. 

The afternoon held an amazing adventure. Many of you have contributed to the project to replace the cribs and toddler beds for the children. Well, today we accompanied Barbara, the director, to the carpentry shop where they are being constructed. On the way, she shared the story of how this particular shop was chosen. 

Originally, she had decided on a shop which offered to do the work for a very good price, and if anyone can dicker for a good price, it's Barbara. However, not wanting to compromise quality and realizing the workmanship was not to the standard she would like, she decided against that shop. 

It turns out that a local woman, who volunteers weekly at Sanyu, owns a carpentry/furniture shop here in the city. Barbara approached her about the project we had in mind. Her prices are significantly higher than the original shop but the quality of work and wood are superior. The lady told Barbara she would pray about the cost. 

When the reply came, she offered to do the work at no profit, just the cost of materials and to pay her workers. That's about 45 pieces of furniture at no profit!

It has become clear to us that we are just one piece of the puzzle in making this dream become a reality and it was exciting to meet some other members of this team God has compiled. 

The owner, Sarah, greeted us when we arrived at the shop and showed us some of the pieces which have been completed already. We then had the opportunity to see the work area where the sawing, planing, sanding, etc. takes place. We are very pleased with the work being done and the quality of the product and we are sure the children will be excited to crawl into their new, fun and colourful beds. 

Most of the staff are not aware that the new cribs/beds are coming. Though it's not a possibility, Barbara wishes she could send all the children and staff away for a day while the old furniture is removed and new is brought in. 

Thank you to those of you who have helped to make this project possible. We feel very privileged to be the link between the team members in Canada and those here in Uganda. 

The Adventure Begins...Again!

Departure Day- Trip #3

The day we have been anticipating, planning and longing for. We are excited.

We started with some suitcase challenges-as I (Cheryl), started to pack on Sunday evening (one should never leave packing to the last day, unless you've been sick), it became clear that one of the suitcases was too small- with donations packed there was no room for my clothes. A text to Muriel and a promise of a larger suitcase in the morning helped the dilemma.

After a short sleep, Monday morning arrived and it was off to the airport. In the parking lot we unloaded, reloaded and weighed 6 suitcases. There that's done, or so we thought.

On arrival there family and friends soon joined to see us off on the journey.

When we checked our luggage in, 3 of the large bags were 2-3lbs heavy. They asked us to redistribute the weight. Oh my! Where to put this? ...that? As we were going through the process I realized this was a test. Finally we got the bags to their satisfaction. We know people were praying.  Thanks!

We took off without delays, arriving in Montreal in time for a delicious cheeseburger and homemade fries at Avenue des Canadiens.

During our 8 hr layover Muriel caught up some in her journal from our 2016 trip...how long does that take you might ask... it's never really fully told or finished.

Our flight for Brussels was delayed because our pilot was held up in Toronto by bad weather.  We boarded and then sat on the tarmac for an hour while a maintenance issue was resolved.

The new 787 Dreamliner was not much of a dream...at least for economy passengers...we didn't get any sleep, no dreams for us.

We arrived in Brussels as they were boarding our flight for Entebbe... we asked about our gate... the man said "Entebbe, Gate T, and you need to run!" And so we did.

The next leg of the journey is likened to what we think a 10 minute marathon would be like. Run, sweat, thirst, cough...run down stairs, check with agent, hop on transfer bus, run up more stairs with Muriel saying "we're going to make it"... arrive at gate parched. Pit stop then hop in line for check in. We made it. Total time in airport about 15 mins.

On arrival in Entebbe our paperwork went well. Next to pick up our luggage..."is this all the luggage from Brussels? there is no more?" Off to fill out missing luggage papers... please list items in detail...ha, we don't know what is in the suitcases anymore..Delivery to Sanyu expected Thurs.
Our luggage couldn't run as fast as we did.

Barbara, Sanyu's director, met us at the airport with snacks and water. We caught up on our ride. She showed us to our room and said "welcome home". It feels normal yet surreal to be back again. We thank the Lord for the opportunity and thank you all for your love, prayers and support.