Uganda HIGHLIGHTS
From Thursday Feb. 23
A MOST AMAZING DAY!
We arrived to 'Papa Joy's' home at 12:00pm today. (My friend Joy is the founder of Hope Institute)
He was expecting us to come and talk to some village alcoholics which included his children and relatives.
We sat in a circle under a tree, on furniture carried out from the house.
I shared my story of growing up in an alcoholic home and then
shared encouragement from God's word and the 12 steps on how they can begin the journey of recovery.
It is VERY difficult in this environment. Addiction recovery is difficult for anyone but these people have additional obstacles to overcome.
They have more idle time since many do not have jobs. They listened intently and even asked questions and expressed their appreciation afterward.
You could see in their eyes the longing to be free like their relative Ben who translated for me. We discussed the possiblity of microfinance loans and invited them to join the 12 step group. 'God will make a way when there seems to be no way' ... These words ring in my mind. Please pray for them.
At 2 pm we went on Buluba hospital where the other part of our team is working this week. After eating lunch and walking around and taking in the beauty we visited with Sister Filamina and several leprosy victims. She takes care of 8 women and several men who have leprosy. The ladies are OLD. They have lived at the hospital all their lives. We sat with them for an hour and listened to their stories. Then we prayed for them and shook their fingerless hands and gave them each a small white polar bear with a red shirt (beanie baby). They were filled with Joy. More excited than little children. Thank you Gina Kester for sending the bears! Sister Filamina was posted there 4 months ago. She is so sweet, kind, and patient and happy to be there. The following quote reminds me of Sister Filamina: " Things may be thrust upon you that you see as a burden to bear, but if you can see past yourself, and see it as an opportunity to help someone in need, you will not only lift someone elses spirit, but your own as well.
Other things we did:
We walked down to the lake Victoria passing through a small fishing village. The children ran to us shouting 'Muzoongu' (I spelled it the way it sounds when they say it). It means 'white person'. They were expecting 'sweets'. We didn't bring candy this time but they are getting plenty from the medical team. Lisa was in heaven! She wants to take them all home. These children were dressed in what we consider rags, but are among the healthier children in Uganda because they eat protein rich fish everyday.
We learned how bark cloth is made and we got on education on termites. Huge hills can be seen everywhere. Some are taller than me. The ants from the hills are fried and eaten with much enjoyment. (Not by me) :)
That's all for now.
Thanks for ignoring the typos.
K
Kim speaks at Papa Joy's home.
Giving bears to the ladies
Lisa is in heaven.
