Uganda- Part 1

Child Sponsorship Day


On August 1st, we arrived from London into Entebbe, Uganda.  The first part of our trip was spent at the World Vision National Office in Kampala.  We had a briefing and orientation by the National staff there, which was fabulous!  Then headed to our hotel near the village.  The next morning bright and early, we headed out to meet our sponsored children- it was such a joy to get to spend time with them and their families!

This is 6 year-old Jonas.  He was such a little love.  Played non-stop with Faith Anna and just wanted to be near us.  He came with his dad, pictured below.  The sweet lady standing next to me is Cissy, his World Vision Child Monitor.  She interpreted for us that day....and is also the one who checks in on Jonas and his family each month.  It was wonderful to meet the person who writes us letters giving us updates on Jonas and his family!

His very own soccer ball!

Jonas loved this nerf rocket toy that Logan picked out for him.

Everyone loves bubbles.

Faith Anna was showing him where he lives...and where we live all the way around the world!

This precious girl is Viola.  Our Beloved Women's group in south Dallas have collectively sponsored her.  It is an amazing blessing to watch women who either are or have been homeless at some point in their lives....women who live in shelters....women who barely have enough to buy groceries or pay rent....scrape their spare change together each month to find $35 to sponsor Viola and her family.  I love to see them looking beyond the needs of themselves, and reaching out to someone else in need!  It's a beautiful thing.

Viola loved her new baby doll....and her sweet mama loved this potholder weaving kit.

Beverly Brown is my dear friend, mentor, and one of the leaders of the Beloved Women's group.

This is Josephat.  He is 8 years old and lives with his grandmother.  He was all smiles and so excited to play with Faith Anna!

Showing a picture book of our family to Josephat, his grandmother, and Maureen- his Child Monitor.

He loved the rockets too!  Logan really knows what little boys like....

Grandma loved the necklace we brought for her.

World Vision has provided Josephat and Jonas' community with so many things- from school uniforms and supplies, to clean water wells and a new health clinic where children can receive immunizations.  It is amazing to see how the Lord is working through World Vision to empower the local people to use the resources provided to make a better life for themselves, fight disease, and come to know a Saviour that created them and cares so much about each one.

Grandma in her new rain poncho!

Faith Anna never missed a beat with these kids.  She ran right in and became one of them- regardless of race, culture, socioeconomic status.....all she saw was love.  Oh how I wish we could view life and others through the eyes of a child!  That's why Jesus said for us to come to him as a little child- with that same child-like faith that our crazy society tries to take from us.

Viola's family with an extension of the Beloved family- Shelley, Bev, and I.

Faith and Viola

Josephat loved his "motor car".

I love these boys and their families.  After all these years of exchanging letters with them- sending them photos, stickers, and the kids' drawn pictures- to finally get to put my arms around them and tell them how much we love them and pray for them!  Amazing.  Priceless.  So grateful.

If you've ever thought about sponsoring a child- please do!  Go to World Visions's website...

www.worldvision.org

And remember, you are not just sending money to a child- you are empowering a community!  You are taking the good news to the nations....