Another day in the village

Another sunny day in Uganda with lots to do and see. We spent some of the day doing "business" with the director. We got to tour the facilities with Mike, hearing the stories of growth and training of the students. For those of you who purchased some items at the Rafiki presentation, we got to see how the purses were made, how the shawls were made, as well as the coasters and rag-style rugs. Some were done on a hand loom, the other pieces were made on a very large loom. The "recipe" for the shawls required quick thinking, the art of counting..I say that with all seriousness, if I were making the shawl my mind would wander and I would wonder which number I was on and my shawl would be very crooked! We got to play African Dodge Ball with Mama Anna and her 10 children. I got to have lunch and dinner with the them also! After dinner we walked back to their home so that I could read them stories...so fun! As we made our way to the house a monkey decided to show off as he jumped from branch to branch, did some scratching and he kept a very close eye on us. We also got to see some videos of the kids when they arrived to the village and then the pictures of today with a joyful, healthy child. It was so exciting to see familiar faces and say, "Hey, that is Phiona, I met her today." We also met three children whose families were killed during the Uganda mudslides about 5 months ago. The twins are 3 years old twins and a sibling who is 7. They have not been here very long but seem to be adjusting well. They love to hold our hands and look up at with those big brown eyes...just wonderful. Tomorrow we are going with the children's director to a medical facility to have some of the children immunized. We saw inside the door of one medical office and it was scary!!! What an experience that will be. Thanks for checking up on us and for your continued prayers, we feel them! We will try to post some pictures tomorrow.

Blessings,
Michelle

We have been here just two days and it feels like we have been here for a longer period of time. It feels comfortable, safe...I am right where I am supposed to be. That very thought was confirmed today when I looked at the bright blue sky ( and I mean bright) and I saw a cloud formed in the shape of Africa. Yes, it's true! I was trying to think of one word to define my day and the word that keeps re-visiting my mind is "contentment." I am 40 years old and I thought I was content. But today it had new meaning. It was simple, pure, unsolicited and real. I realized that being content means being joyful where you are, with what you have and with who you are, if that makes sense. It means appreciating the finer things. Finer things meaning love, patience, kindnes, faithfulness, gentleness and even self control. Yes, I have been content in God's love, but today it was a deeper, more emotional growth. I learned a different type of contentment through the little children. The fruit of the Spirit will prevail in all things here. I can't really explain it because right now I am overwhelmed in thought, and short on words. It has been like that for two days. I was able to spend time with a 3 year old named Timothy. My heart melted before I met him. I had seen him from afar. He does not speak much but his non-verbals were indelible. When it was time to depart, he cried. The power of holding a hand and loving on a child is something that has new meaning to me as well. I pray my spirit will continue to remain soft not just here, but for always. I have been changed...I have been blessed so I'm going to be a blessing. On a lighter note, I have never seen bigger bugs than I have here. I saw the largest black lizard scurry across the floor and I screamed so loud!!! Another black furry crawled on my leg and the day ended with the largest wasp buzzing by! It was about the size of my fist, NO LIE! I did just grab a spider because I seem to have no fear now, HA! HA! I miss you all so much. It's hard to believe I am 8000 miles away, but close at heart no doubt.

Love and blessings,
Robin