Greetings from Africa! Yes, I am taking time from the whirlwind schedule here to spend a little time in communication with YOU!! Last week and the week before I kept thinking about giving and what small prices in dollars or shillings can be used to change a life. Whenever I go anywhere in the world, I always take “things”, things like clothes, “kickers” , books, bags, shoes, toys for those I will see.
This trip to Uganda is no different. My luggage altogether was 200 pounds, with probably no more of that 10% for me personally. A special group of ladies from a small but dynamic church in Cedar Crest, New Mexico made dresses for girls and I carried 49 of them over here. They also generously supplied new t-shirts and shorts for about 16 boys. Can you imagine what a new dress and underwear means to a child who does not have a mother to shop for her or a dad to scoop her up and tell her how pretty she is in her new dress???
Arriving the ending week of August, I discovered that nationwide children were on holidays and that was so exciting. It meant the kids could come and stay with me and not have to skip school. I’ve had groups from 6 at once, two times to 1, or 2, then 3. Wow, three kids are easy!! Six is a stretch, but not wanting to disappoint any of them, I managed, praise God.
Here in Uganda, I have two adult men, 30 years old that I am a mother to, Christopher has not had a mom since he was 10 and he had prayed and prayed for years to have someone to care for him. One year even at his age and size, I grabbed him, put him in my lap and rocked him. Joe, does have biological parents, but my role for him is still one of love, concern, counsel and support.
While here Joe is marrying his love , Mercy. This is such a happy occasion to share in, actually I bought her wedding gown in the states and carried over. Brian and Jesica from Christopher’s children’s home are the “pegboy” and flower girl and in Jesus name, I have seen to it they are suitably outfitted. Jesica’s dress is being made just for her and it will be stunning, orange is the theme, so hard to find on any rack here a child’s size 8 or 10 orange party dress. Yesterday Joe and I went deep into the central market, WHAT A ZOO!! So many people, but we found the cheaper prices and got the kid’s shoes for the joyous celebration.
Last year living here several months, after 2 previous trips I saw and felt what a divided country Uganda is. Tribal lines are drawn from the President on down and even this past week, I witnessed someone trying to abuse a child, because they could. Was I mad, oh yeah!!
Joe and Mercy had promised to marry almost 4 years ago, but a few things stood in the way and one HUGE reason was tribalism. Her father, a supposed Christian , did not want her to marry out of her tribe!! Joe was born in Kenya, but has lived in Uganda many years. They are both professionals with college educations. Months ago, the father finally consented to a marriage, BUT wanted to be paid an enormous amount of money for his daughter!! WHAT? Are you kidding me? 3 to 4 million shillings, he wanted, that is about 1500 US dollars. He was given as much as Joe and his family could possibly afford, but now just days before the wedding, he is demanding more and says he will not attend if he is not paid!! Joe IS a strong Christian man and works for a ministry that is known worldwide, Mercy is an educator, they are so ready to join and be family.
How do you price your child, no matter what age, then say IF demands are not met, you will not even attend the wedding? That is the news this morning, here just days before the 21st of September, their day to be joined one to another. If you have read this whole thing, just pray for this situation, hearts to be soften and greed not be a motivation or condition. THANKS and Blessings to you from Bugolobi, Kampala, Uganda!!
