The last evening of camp was great - we just had to dance! Tim stepped up as our team's candidate in the Aunties 'n' Uncles vs the children dance fight....And the winner was?
The children.
By a long way and not after a fair few hoots from the children at Tim's "rhythmical" shape throwing...
But the day had a more serious side.
The morning comprised a visit to Mercy Ministries where Moses, the assistant manager introduced us to the project where they look after 120 children in what is comparably a nice compound. Many of the children of secondary school age board during school terms and travel to their relatives (if they have them) during school breaks.
There were fewer children here today - approx. 25 who don't have sany relatives alive. The morning was really quite relaxed and the whole team went, children and all, with no problems.
Nicole and Tim spent some time with Mama Margaret the house mother who sleeps in quite a large room with the younger children. She was very grateful we came and listened. It has really struck all of us that everyone we meet, young and old just want to talk and spend time with us - to be listened to and understood and to ask questions of us. Margaret soaked up a lingering embrace from Nicole as Tim held her hand - she really needed someone to share her struggles with - who else is there for her to do this with?
Ellie highlighted at least one child who was low on the height to weight ratio and Moses was intrigued and is going to keep an eye on this child - but I learned that teenagers often have growth spurts without gaining the weight to balance this.
Each of the projects we've been to have been left with the height record of the children - like the ones we have on our door frames as children growing up - but this was a roll of paper together with a measuring tape attached to the wall that they can store and use 6 months later.
Their weight and temperature were measured and marked on their individual record sheet that Viva provided.
Norbert from Viva is one amazing gentleman. I hope to have a post about him but we'll see if we have time...He has been our VIVA host - he has a wonderful heart for the children and has some incredibly innovative ideas that would be a great benefit to Africa (sorry - if I told you about them here I'd have to kill you).
We had 4 medical stations:
1. Norbert manned the registration as he was the best placed to obtain names spelt correctly and to ask the children if they knew their DOB or if not what their ages were.
2. A weighing station
3. A height station and
4. A temperature station.
5. Sticker and lollipop station.
After all the children were tested we stickered them so we knew we'd seen them (good in principle and worked but for a few instances in the MYDEL project where dominant males chose to "collect" stickers from others and stick them on the inside of their shirts - children are the same everywhere!)
On Wednesday when we first went to the Viva offices in Namirembe, right opposite the Cathedral, we were met by Mim Friday. She came to Uganda for a 6 month stay and is still here 4 years later. This is Viva Africa's office from where they co-ordinate 6 networks for Harare (Zimbabwe), Cape Town (SA), Kisumu (Kenya) and another I missed during the meeting!
First the team were introduced to the power of the network. Viva forms 2 networks in Uganda - the CARNAC network which pulls together the large international NGOs like World Vision, Compassion, UNICEF etc and CRaNe which is a more local network for smaller NGOs and Community-Based Organisations. There are 190 projects in the CRaNe network - of which 70 however are committed and engage with Viva on a monthly basis.
Our team have discovered first hand that amongst the poverty and desperate need there are passionate, dedicated men and women (with a strength of character I can't begin to describe) rescuing, housing and tending to children at risk - there is such beauty amongst the ashes. Viva works to map where these projects are, create a network and then disseminate support, training, quality improvement and more to equip these projects with the knowledge, planning, strategies they need to reach their dreams. Emotive language I know - but that's exactly what I've discovered on each visited to these projects, speaking to those who started and continue to run them.
More can be said of the first 2 projects we visited...tomorrow or Sunday but...
There was another incident Friday that's worth mentioning. The 2 American's we're travelling with sponsor a child in Watoto and today there were many tears as the girl discovered this week, after being ill, that she is HIV+. As a group we embraced and prayed for her with many tears. I don't know what her future is going to be like as there is still such stigma connected with it - I hope she can continue to be cared for within Watoto.
It came a s a bit of a shock to us all, especially as it came directly after Mama Myriam had presented us with gifts.
We have spent a great deal of time with here again this year. As I said in a previous post we wanted to invest in the relationships we started last year. She has welcomed us daily as have spent the days at Suubi - we've really cherished lunch and supper times with our children playing freely outside.
She had thought of everyone.
And as last year it was very difficult to say good bye to Myriam and her family - we got on the bus after some fun at the dance night. One of the younger girls called Fortunate found it very hard and I just held her. We count ourselves VERY blessed to know this family and each individual. Each member has such a past and yet are so loving and generous. Mercy and Shamim helped me to learn the Ugandan songs for the worship on Thursday evening - I hope we'll see them on Sunday for the Festival of Hope at Watoto West - after which we'll be on our way home on Monday. James, as he did last year, knelt before me as I was sitting in a lounge chair as is customary when children enter the room, honouring their parents. the whole team have fallen in love with them.
Saturday, August 27, 2011
Thursday, August 25, 2011
Update - at last!
Apologies for the silence..but it has been really hectic here.
Camp has started.
As weren't going to be a part of it owing to the time and our children we have had to balance expectations and interests of a few parties. We have now managed to find a good place as a team.
Thankfully we've met a (wonderful) Canadian team who are helping us out with the Bbira location and are also experienced at Summer Camps - they're from Relate Church Surrey, Vancouver and Ashley, their team leader is a full-time children's pastor and together with her we've shared ideas for the layout.
We start with praise and worship, followed by Uncle Brian (Ugandan fiancé of Manuella, the artistic director of the camp) doing some warm-up ;-). This includes asking a child from the group of 600 to come to the front and sing the Theme song. This camp is themed "godliness with contentment" (1 Tim 6.6) and the chorus of the song is:
Hey ev'rybody take a look at me,
I'm like a bird in the sky I'm so happy and free
No worries what today or tomorrow will bring
Cos I know my father in heaven
Watches over me
He is enough,
He is enough,
He is enough,
God is enough for me.
One thing that the children have really absorbed from us is the memory verse that we have been presenting to them in actions - they learn it by rote during the day and we make it really fun for the evening.
We follow this with various items: a testimony about how God has been there for us in times of trouble, skits and object sermons (though things don't always go to plan - I suggest you ask team members when you next see them!)
We've ended the session with a summary of the key points, ending in prayer and asking for a decision which has been wonderful - they respond very well.
All this takes (usually) about 1 hour and then the children (who've had a siesta during the day) enjoy a film.
Monday's evening was tough - there was little time discipline throughout the day's activities which meant that the evening session started 2 hours late :-( so the children were unhappy and clingy when we were trying to lead our services.
On the plus side, everything since then has worked better and better - in how we lead the session - and with times getting earlier and earlier - that first evening we arrived back at our guesthouse at 10.40pm - not good.
During the days some of our team have been playing sports and hanging out with the children on their way back for lunch and siesta - many, especially those from Gulu who are staying in dorms rather than with their house mothers, don't seem to be on time for very much (!) though the facilitators, who take small groups of children through lessons during the day are wonderful and dedicated.
Late afternoon I've been rehearsing with the band of high school children who play brilliantly - with drum fills and lead guitar parts from Hillsongs down to a tee! So far I've worshipped in 4 languages - English, Lugandan, Assotot (from NE Uganda) and Swahili (and actually got the words and timings right in some places too!)
And these children can WORSHIP! If you don't want to dance - don't come!
In the midst of this week we've had a traditional meal with families in Suubi village - the team split into 3 homes (4 if you include the Americans who've joined our team) and each had a wonderful time.
I've noticed that I've been speaking to a number of older children about to leave Watoto. They're well educated and yet they're anxious about the next step of their life where they're on their own. With few opportunities still for those with degrees we've found a well educated class unable to work out their academic training in practical situations.
We've also bumped into Jane Penry, who's here full time working for Watoto - we ate with her husband Alan last year - he's the CEO of Watoto Childcare Ministries. We really enjoyed our chat with her and hope to catch up with Alan at the Festival of Hope at Watoto West campus - the culmination of the Summer Camp - imagine 900+ children, worship, church, activities. A great way to end our time here (has it come this close now?!)
More info will come - specifically the 2 Viva projects we've visited so far - where we've carried out basic health checks for 148 children. These have been very moving experiences and I'm going to ask others for contributions.
Camp has started.
As weren't going to be a part of it owing to the time and our children we have had to balance expectations and interests of a few parties. We have now managed to find a good place as a team.
Thankfully we've met a (wonderful) Canadian team who are helping us out with the Bbira location and are also experienced at Summer Camps - they're from Relate Church Surrey, Vancouver and Ashley, their team leader is a full-time children's pastor and together with her we've shared ideas for the layout.
We start with praise and worship, followed by Uncle Brian (Ugandan fiancé of Manuella, the artistic director of the camp) doing some warm-up ;-). This includes asking a child from the group of 600 to come to the front and sing the Theme song. This camp is themed "godliness with contentment" (1 Tim 6.6) and the chorus of the song is:
Hey ev'rybody take a look at me,
I'm like a bird in the sky I'm so happy and free
No worries what today or tomorrow will bring
Cos I know my father in heaven
Watches over me
He is enough,
He is enough,
He is enough,
God is enough for me.
One thing that the children have really absorbed from us is the memory verse that we have been presenting to them in actions - they learn it by rote during the day and we make it really fun for the evening.
We follow this with various items: a testimony about how God has been there for us in times of trouble, skits and object sermons (though things don't always go to plan - I suggest you ask team members when you next see them!)
We've ended the session with a summary of the key points, ending in prayer and asking for a decision which has been wonderful - they respond very well.
All this takes (usually) about 1 hour and then the children (who've had a siesta during the day) enjoy a film.
Monday's evening was tough - there was little time discipline throughout the day's activities which meant that the evening session started 2 hours late :-( so the children were unhappy and clingy when we were trying to lead our services.
On the plus side, everything since then has worked better and better - in how we lead the session - and with times getting earlier and earlier - that first evening we arrived back at our guesthouse at 10.40pm - not good.
During the days some of our team have been playing sports and hanging out with the children on their way back for lunch and siesta - many, especially those from Gulu who are staying in dorms rather than with their house mothers, don't seem to be on time for very much (!) though the facilitators, who take small groups of children through lessons during the day are wonderful and dedicated.
Late afternoon I've been rehearsing with the band of high school children who play brilliantly - with drum fills and lead guitar parts from Hillsongs down to a tee! So far I've worshipped in 4 languages - English, Lugandan, Assotot (from NE Uganda) and Swahili (and actually got the words and timings right in some places too!)
And these children can WORSHIP! If you don't want to dance - don't come!
In the midst of this week we've had a traditional meal with families in Suubi village - the team split into 3 homes (4 if you include the Americans who've joined our team) and each had a wonderful time.
I've noticed that I've been speaking to a number of older children about to leave Watoto. They're well educated and yet they're anxious about the next step of their life where they're on their own. With few opportunities still for those with degrees we've found a well educated class unable to work out their academic training in practical situations.
We've also bumped into Jane Penry, who's here full time working for Watoto - we ate with her husband Alan last year - he's the CEO of Watoto Childcare Ministries. We really enjoyed our chat with her and hope to catch up with Alan at the Festival of Hope at Watoto West campus - the culmination of the Summer Camp - imagine 900+ children, worship, church, activities. A great way to end our time here (has it come this close now?!)
More info will come - specifically the 2 Viva projects we've visited so far - where we've carried out basic health checks for 148 children. These have been very moving experiences and I'm going to ask others for contributions.
Ode to Team Uganda
Ode to Team Uganda
The Clarkie Clan led us to Uganda,
On this awesome Christian Mission,
Because we are the team God chose,
We all share in the same vision.
Jules started off the mission,
By trapping his head in the car door,
It didn't really bode well,
For what we had in store.
We were met at Entebbe Airport,
By Moses, our crazy host,
We figured it best to stick with him,
As he knew Uganda the most.
Nikki led us forward, bold, brave
And rather silly,
Although she was rather traumatised,
When she saw Tim's w****. (see note below!)
Sonia 'Powerhouse' Pottage,
Really stepped up the the plate,
It seems her ability to lead,
Has always been innate.
Tim, a football crazy man,
Always a camera in his hand,
He really was taking photos
As soon as we stepped on land.
Grace got excited at everything,
She is a mustard seed,
But water and soil weren't her growing tool,
Chocolate is all she'd need.
Danielle turned as red as a tomato,
When we just said the word 'sun,'
Despite struggling with the heat,
She really had lots of fun.
Ellie is the last student nurse
Of the three,
She made lots of jokes,
And was tricky to take seriously.
Samuel and Sienna were two little love birds,
And Josh and Ruby were getting near,
A joint wedding in the future,
Of this we are quite clear
Livvy asked loads of questions,
And showed such compassion for the poor,
Hope loved everyone she met,
And still wanted to love them more.
We were joined by two Americans,
We'll call them Linda and Teresa,
They have their weird American ways,
They put their water in the freezer.
So this is our Ugandan Team,
Doing the mission God has put on our hearts,
And our love will stay for this country,
Long after we depart.
By Ellie Galliene
------------------------------------------------------------------
Footnote:
***Let the reader be reassured - this was by mistake, through a door into the Gents and via a reflection in a wall mirror - everything is very much above board!
The Clarkie Clan led us to Uganda,
On this awesome Christian Mission,
Because we are the team God chose,
We all share in the same vision.
Jules started off the mission,
By trapping his head in the car door,
It didn't really bode well,
For what we had in store.
We were met at Entebbe Airport,
By Moses, our crazy host,
We figured it best to stick with him,
As he knew Uganda the most.
Nikki led us forward, bold, brave
And rather silly,
Although she was rather traumatised,
When she saw Tim's w****. (see note below!)
Sonia 'Powerhouse' Pottage,
Really stepped up the the plate,
It seems her ability to lead,
Has always been innate.
Tim, a football crazy man,
Always a camera in his hand,
He really was taking photos
As soon as we stepped on land.
Grace got excited at everything,
She is a mustard seed,
But water and soil weren't her growing tool,
Chocolate is all she'd need.
Danielle turned as red as a tomato,
When we just said the word 'sun,'
Despite struggling with the heat,
She really had lots of fun.
Ellie is the last student nurse
Of the three,
She made lots of jokes,
And was tricky to take seriously.
Samuel and Sienna were two little love birds,
And Josh and Ruby were getting near,
A joint wedding in the future,
Of this we are quite clear
Livvy asked loads of questions,
And showed such compassion for the poor,
Hope loved everyone she met,
And still wanted to love them more.
We were joined by two Americans,
We'll call them Linda and Teresa,
They have their weird American ways,
They put their water in the freezer.
So this is our Ugandan Team,
Doing the mission God has put on our hearts,
And our love will stay for this country,
Long after we depart.
By Ellie Galliene
------------------------------------------------------------------
Footnote:
***Let the reader be reassured - this was by mistake, through a door into the Gents and via a reflection in a wall mirror - everything is very much above board!
Monday, August 22, 2011
Camp Preparation
We agonised.
When we were preparing trip we were going to help with the summer camp but when we found out they wanted us for the evening session we knew it would be difficult for the children.
When we arrived however we knew there was a need and with much discussion, managing the boundaries for the team and balancing expectations of the Summer Camp management and our American team mates we agreed to do both sides - Bbira and Suubi villages.
However, we realised that this was not ideal.
BUT!
Thankfully we've been joined by a great Canadian team who are experienced in Summer Camp stuff so we're partnering with them to deliver the sessions which will include:
Praise and Worship
Memory Verse re-cap using memorable actions
Skits and object sermons
Final prayer and alter call.
This has taken some serious preparation including learning new songs by heart.
Tonight we're being chickens! The main lesson today being "Put God First" - and that listening and obeying God is putting Him first.
We hope they'll find these crazy Muzungus fun - if we don't make them laugh we'll be dissappointed.
When we were preparing trip we were going to help with the summer camp but when we found out they wanted us for the evening session we knew it would be difficult for the children.
When we arrived however we knew there was a need and with much discussion, managing the boundaries for the team and balancing expectations of the Summer Camp management and our American team mates we agreed to do both sides - Bbira and Suubi villages.
However, we realised that this was not ideal.
BUT!
Thankfully we've been joined by a great Canadian team who are experienced in Summer Camp stuff so we're partnering with them to deliver the sessions which will include:
Praise and Worship
Memory Verse re-cap using memorable actions
Skits and object sermons
Final prayer and alter call.
This has taken some serious preparation including learning new songs by heart.
Tonight we're being chickens! The main lesson today being "Put God First" - and that listening and obeying God is putting Him first.
We hope they'll find these crazy Muzungus fun - if we don't make them laugh we'll be dissappointed.
Saturday, August 20, 2011
A reflection from Ellie.
My turn to talk!
I am falling in love with this country, it is beautiful, the people, the scenery, the love. Just the drive from the airport to the guest house blew me away, driving past enormous Lake Victoria gave me a new perspective of how incredible our God truly is, that he created this beautiful place.
As we travelled in to the heart of Kampala I was amazed by the shocking poverty coupled with a real sense of community, in this predominantly Christian country, despite years of man's corruption and sin, God's love is truly present. This I felt and saw equally in the villages, interacting with the kids and the mama's, this overwhelming sense of love was so obvious and looked past any poverty and past trauma, these children were truly loved by women who had taken them in from the sheer kindness of their hearts.
God has broken my heart for this country, for these people, and I know we are here for a reason, I look forward to every minute I get to spend with these children, being able to cuddle them, to show them that there are people outside of their villages who love them and who want to invest time in them, these children are awesome examples of doing life with God and I am learning so much more than I ever dreamed, here I feel a real sense of peace, I am so excited to see what God has in store for us for the rest of our time here and how He is going to use us!
I am falling in love with this country, it is beautiful, the people, the scenery, the love. Just the drive from the airport to the guest house blew me away, driving past enormous Lake Victoria gave me a new perspective of how incredible our God truly is, that he created this beautiful place.
As we travelled in to the heart of Kampala I was amazed by the shocking poverty coupled with a real sense of community, in this predominantly Christian country, despite years of man's corruption and sin, God's love is truly present. This I felt and saw equally in the villages, interacting with the kids and the mama's, this overwhelming sense of love was so obvious and looked past any poverty and past trauma, these children were truly loved by women who had taken them in from the sheer kindness of their hearts.
God has broken my heart for this country, for these people, and I know we are here for a reason, I look forward to every minute I get to spend with these children, being able to cuddle them, to show them that there are people outside of their villages who love them and who want to invest time in them, these children are awesome examples of doing life with God and I am learning so much more than I ever dreamed, here I feel a real sense of peace, I am so excited to see what God has in store for us for the rest of our time here and how He is going to use us!
Friday, August 19, 2011
A Day of Birds...
A little change to the blog today, instead of being written by Jules, Danielle is taking over for this post...
Thursday. We decided to have a day of rest and stay at the guest house for the day as a team. Therefore, the day started off with a wonderful lie in!! Although Grace and I woke up 5 minutes before breakfast, so we were almost late for our latest ever breakfast at 9.00 :s
We then had a team meeting to work out the plan for next week, working in the children's camp and the day soon began.
Then the fun began . . . we had a mission to make 380 origami birds! The birds are going to be used for the children's camp next week and we had been given the task of making hundreds. Karen and Lauren (the American's in our team) spent all of Wednesday making them, so had the challenge of teaching all of us. This was a struggle but after completing a few birds (some ending up in the bin) we got the hang of it and our pace picked up. As the day progressed, we ended up creating a production line, swapping seats and trying loads of different American sweets. All we started to think about was folding paper, birds in general and how much longer we had to go. Lunch was a great break and the afternoon session of bird making began. We made blue and green coloured paper birds, changing colours gave some relief but overall it was a tiring job! Towards the end of the day it was becoming intense but the end was in sight. We were counting down in tens and finally we had finished!! :) and just in time for dinner.
Unfortunately, bad news was soon to follow . . . we had a call to say we had to make more birds as we had made such good progress. NO! Bird making hadn't finished - Watoto's creative department called and we were going to have to restart in the morning.
The evening was relaxing, having an evening of fun and some interesting discussions, with not a bird in sight. What a relief! Overall, it was nice to have a day off and chill out as a team. It ended up with us going to bed at midnight (even though we had to be up at 6 the next morning) with a surprise on our pillows . . . an origami bird! We couldn't even go to bed without having to see another paper bird.
[Editors note: Nikki made and placed the birds on the pillows!]
Thursday. We decided to have a day of rest and stay at the guest house for the day as a team. Therefore, the day started off with a wonderful lie in!! Although Grace and I woke up 5 minutes before breakfast, so we were almost late for our latest ever breakfast at 9.00 :s
We then had a team meeting to work out the plan for next week, working in the children's camp and the day soon began.
Then the fun began . . . we had a mission to make 380 origami birds! The birds are going to be used for the children's camp next week and we had been given the task of making hundreds. Karen and Lauren (the American's in our team) spent all of Wednesday making them, so had the challenge of teaching all of us. This was a struggle but after completing a few birds (some ending up in the bin) we got the hang of it and our pace picked up. As the day progressed, we ended up creating a production line, swapping seats and trying loads of different American sweets. All we started to think about was folding paper, birds in general and how much longer we had to go. Lunch was a great break and the afternoon session of bird making began. We made blue and green coloured paper birds, changing colours gave some relief but overall it was a tiring job! Towards the end of the day it was becoming intense but the end was in sight. We were counting down in tens and finally we had finished!! :) and just in time for dinner.
Unfortunately, bad news was soon to follow . . . we had a call to say we had to make more birds as we had made such good progress. NO! Bird making hadn't finished - Watoto's creative department called and we were going to have to restart in the morning.
The evening was relaxing, having an evening of fun and some interesting discussions, with not a bird in sight. What a relief! Overall, it was nice to have a day off and chill out as a team. It ended up with us going to bed at midnight (even though we had to be up at 6 the next morning) with a surprise on our pillows . . . an origami bird! We couldn't even go to bed without having to see another paper bird.
[Editors note: Nikki made and placed the birds on the pillows!]
Thursday, August 18, 2011
Fun and Pamper Day in Bbira
Wednesday we travelled through Kampala out to Watoto's Bbira orphan's village where, last year, we face-painted about 70 children in cluster 15. Watoto organise their orphan's villages into groups of 9 houses, one of which is lived in by a senior mother along with her 8 children.
The senior mother in cluster 15 Evelyn and her family welcomed us so much we wanted to come back. For us that relationship is really important. So many teams arrive at Watoto to serve (I know there were 72 last year alone), build homes and infrastructure, on medical missions etc. - and then go home mostly never to return.
We reckon it's important to invest our time into the same relationships and the same group of people - the 72+ children (72 children in the cluster but others were drawn in!) know there are people from Europe who remember them and want to be with them again. We think that speaks more of God's love than going to meet other familys for a brief time.
We arrived and Evelyn came to meet us off the bus to tell us that the mothers were ready. We were there to give the mothers in cluster 15 a break from their chores...and more.
Sonia and Nicole (my wife and team co-leader), both being mothers, were to lead the ladies in a devotion (The Pathway to Peace, R Hickson), wash their feet, give them pedicures and manicures, foot and hand massages etc. We wanted to honour them and their dedication. This was rounded off with the gift of a Pamper Pack containing items listed on a previous post (and I think more items have been added too!). As one mother was not as proficient in English a mother translated into Luganda, the tongue of the Ganda, the largest tribe in the Kampala area.
Meanwhile, their children followed the rest of us to the football pitch, sodden in places with the previous nights rain which is next to an all purpose hall open with 2 arches on either side.
It was here we set up the chairs for face-painting, under a tree overlooking the field. Footballs were pumped up and parachute unpacked. The children love to have their picture taken so they can see their painted faces. Enjoying attention they were constantly tugging our arms leading us to somewhere, wanting to be picked up.
The parachute was not new to them - the older children helped me to keep the younger ones from getting overexcited (the small soft balls intended for parachute games were being thrown between children with some force!) and we had some great fun.
From time to time older children would ask us where we're from and said they'd visited England, Scotland and Sweden on their tours when they were younger. The choirs are an important part of the Watoto model. Not only do they want their orphanage model to be as far removed from an institution as possible by creating families where children can learn to interact with siblings, they also use the phrase "Rescue a child, Raise a leader, Rebuild a nation" - they want their children to have opportunities for travel, experience and be culturally aware - of course it also serves to fundraise the necessary resources to recruit sponsors and to mobilise teams like ours.
When we broke for lunch (the older siblings had to strongly encourage the younger ones to go to their homes) we waited outside one of the houses as the mamas came from within Evelyn's house. They were beaming and all had their Pamper Packs over their shoulders. Each bag been hand-painted and personalised.
Evelyn explained that the sessions were VERY welcome - the mamas had been going through some personal issues including bereavement. They had been praying for peace and to have that time of fellowship and relaxation came at the right time.
Sonia and Nikki have left this experience humbled. The mama's prayers and worship left them with the distinct feeling it was they who'd been ministered to!
ALSO - Watch this space for blog posts by some of our team coming up!
The senior mother in cluster 15 Evelyn and her family welcomed us so much we wanted to come back. For us that relationship is really important. So many teams arrive at Watoto to serve (I know there were 72 last year alone), build homes and infrastructure, on medical missions etc. - and then go home mostly never to return.
We reckon it's important to invest our time into the same relationships and the same group of people - the 72+ children (72 children in the cluster but others were drawn in!) know there are people from Europe who remember them and want to be with them again. We think that speaks more of God's love than going to meet other familys for a brief time.
We arrived and Evelyn came to meet us off the bus to tell us that the mothers were ready. We were there to give the mothers in cluster 15 a break from their chores...and more.
Sonia and Nicole (my wife and team co-leader), both being mothers, were to lead the ladies in a devotion (The Pathway to Peace, R Hickson), wash their feet, give them pedicures and manicures, foot and hand massages etc. We wanted to honour them and their dedication. This was rounded off with the gift of a Pamper Pack containing items listed on a previous post (and I think more items have been added too!). As one mother was not as proficient in English a mother translated into Luganda, the tongue of the Ganda, the largest tribe in the Kampala area.
Meanwhile, their children followed the rest of us to the football pitch, sodden in places with the previous nights rain which is next to an all purpose hall open with 2 arches on either side.
It was here we set up the chairs for face-painting, under a tree overlooking the field. Footballs were pumped up and parachute unpacked. The children love to have their picture taken so they can see their painted faces. Enjoying attention they were constantly tugging our arms leading us to somewhere, wanting to be picked up.
The parachute was not new to them - the older children helped me to keep the younger ones from getting overexcited (the small soft balls intended for parachute games were being thrown between children with some force!) and we had some great fun.
From time to time older children would ask us where we're from and said they'd visited England, Scotland and Sweden on their tours when they were younger. The choirs are an important part of the Watoto model. Not only do they want their orphanage model to be as far removed from an institution as possible by creating families where children can learn to interact with siblings, they also use the phrase "Rescue a child, Raise a leader, Rebuild a nation" - they want their children to have opportunities for travel, experience and be culturally aware - of course it also serves to fundraise the necessary resources to recruit sponsors and to mobilise teams like ours.
When we broke for lunch (the older siblings had to strongly encourage the younger ones to go to their homes) we waited outside one of the houses as the mamas came from within Evelyn's house. They were beaming and all had their Pamper Packs over their shoulders. Each bag been hand-painted and personalised.
Evelyn explained that the sessions were VERY welcome - the mamas had been going through some personal issues including bereavement. They had been praying for peace and to have that time of fellowship and relaxation came at the right time.
Sonia and Nikki have left this experience humbled. The mama's prayers and worship left them with the distinct feeling it was they who'd been ministered to!
ALSO - Watch this space for blog posts by some of our team coming up!
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