I'm told that "mizungu" stands for "white person." There's very few of them here, so they stand out. Many small children will say that word and point to us. It's kind of funny.
Okay, after the Compassion Headquarters visit, we trecked over to another Project. It's weird for me to use that word, which all the staffers do, because it sometimes sounds contrived. It's really a church or a program of a local church. So, we went to another church today in a remote location. I'm told that the locals who take part in this service refer to the church/project as the "program." This was just an awesome visit. We stayed for several hours. After meeting lots of the people there, we split up and went to homes that were getting help from the CSP (Child Survival Program). A really nice young mother invited us into her small house. We sat on a mat and visited with her, and we actually sat in on an actual routine CSP visit, where the worker followed-up with the mother and child, updating the records on both of their health. A short Bible study (covering one verse, from Psalm 1) was followed by simple questions about health, the baby, and whatnot. The beautiful little girl sat with Charlotta pretty much the whole time. It was neat finding out a little bit about this woman. Her husband worked in a nearby vanilla factory, and she asked us to pray for some Income Generating Activity (IGA), as she mostly did garden work and took care of her child and home each day. She graciously allowed me to photograph her and her small house.
When we went back to the church, we got to spend a lot of carefree and unstructured time with the kids. It was a beautiful day, wonderfully warm weather with a nice cool breeze. The church complex and school (St. Thomas Primary School) sits on a beautiful green hill, with a fantastic view. Many of us had gifts for the children, which they got really excited about. We had a meal and then saw a short performance from the school kids, who sang. The best part was when several of the ladies sang and danced in the church.
I gave several Worship at Full Volume stickers out to the young boys playing in the fields after dinner, and they swarmed me grasping for them. It was so funny. I'm sure there's lessons they can talk about regarding sharing and taking turns and whatnot, but this is just pounds and pounds of sheer joy that no moral concerns should ever mess with when it's happening. It's so fun. Today was like one of those days that infused hope in your heart. I remember feeling a similar sensation inside when watching that U23D movie a few weeks ago: 'Maybe, just maybe, we can really change the world. Maybe we're on the right path and/or headed in the right direction.' It's really exciting and empowering to think that you might be helping bring the kingdom of God to earth.
It is possible. Everything's about to change. (Thanks, Crowder)
PS We had a scare tonight with a fall that sent one of us to the hospital. This was definitely one of all of our not-want-to-happen-here things (going to a local hospital, where the blood might not be safe, etc). Fortunately, all ended up well. It was so cool to see my wife go with this person, since she is a nurse and can really help out in some practical and major ways. We're so glad this person is doing great. We were sure praying for the folks that went to the hospital. And it was a major relief about an hour ago to see them walking back into the hotel lobby.
PSS Please be sure to check out all the blogger's blogs here.
Posted by Doug Van Pelt at February 13, 2008 01:34 PMDoug,
Your comments were isightful. I'm sure how you found the time to write so much. But you are a writer, and that's what writers do, "write".
I went on a compassion sponsor trip in 2006 and visited by compassion child, Naome koconco. She lives near Mbarara. since then, my husband and I have picked up two more chidren, Benson, 12, who also lives in the reagion of Mbarar, and Andrew 8, who lives up north. I'm away from home at the present and don't have all that exact information cataloged in my brain.
The comments I've read expressed the same feeling and wonder at how these compassion project workers were able to provide such good care with so little resources. And the difference it makes is remarkable in contrast to the children we saw in the slums who were not a part of the projects.
It would be helpful to us who have been there and have children there, for you to tell us where you are, the city and project number, perhaps we will get a glimpse of our child.
I loved the songs they sang to us, welcoming us to Uganda. I fell in love with the people and the deep culture that is part of their heritage.
We plan to visit again this October, Lord willing, with another mission project, "Living Waters" they drill wells, the precious live blood for those without it.
I've yapped enough, will be praying for you all, and especially for the one who fell. We had a similar experience, one of our gals broke her arm falling out of the shower. I hope this injury was not so severe.
God Bless you all,
Kate
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Doug, I am glad all things are working out an that even the unexpected (the fall/injury) are being used to show God's provision. It looks like alot of new insights and corners to your faith are being expanded, I think Compassion knows that this growth will fuel a contagious event on your blog where all your loving and adoring fans come alive and understanding viragolously through you.
Posted by: Jeff McLain at February 14, 2008 09:55 AMGod's Love, Blessings and Mercy to one and all.