I don't have time to say very much. The thing that touched my heart was the Ugandan family we visited yesterday. We were just walking down the street on our day off and we ended up visiting a wonderful family. They taught us a couple African songs and we taught them one as well. It really touched my heart and I was so encouraged by the family and their faith. Just hearing the mother's story about how she was abandoned as a child and lived as a street child was super heart breaking and also a reflection of the situation so many other children I've met are in. Despite everything she's been through, she never once complained or asked for anything. They were all sitting on the ground but wanted Alyssa and I to have chairs. OH, and a funny story! I told Alyssa my foot was falling asleep at one point and the mom thought I was saying I was tired and wanted to clear a spot for me to have a nap! It was a challenge trying to explain that expression..haha...I'll have to be more careful with my choice of words next time! They were a very sweet family and we promised we'd come back and visit again. I'm very excited for that!
We find a boy on the sidewalk just lying there and Alyssa was afraid he was dead. We discovered after a lot of asking around that he had been sniffing something. I was so shocked! He was lying on the sidewalk of the main street and there was nothing we could really do except leave him a juice box and cookie.
We also met a whole bunch of beautiful sisters! They were all lying in a ditch...and one by one they all came out! Alyssa and I were amazed by how many could fit down there! We had a lot of fun with those girls!
We've been meeting a lot of great people, and their joy is so encouraging and so contagious! I love Africa!!! I love the JOY!
Much love,
Em
Hi Aly. I am surprised you aren't getting more comments posted; I am sure your friends are reading your blog. Phia read all of it and found it interesting and amusing! Neat about that family that you met; I think the Reeds said they noticed people giving up their seats etc. for them too.What is Lugandan? Do they mostly speak some english? Very funny story about the sleeping foot, Em. So glad you are both healthy. Funny you had a day off mi-week. How often do you get to take them on outings? Do you get to work with the babies much at all? Do they wear the clothes you brought for them? Enough questions...love you. Mom.
ReplyDeleteHi Ruthann,
ReplyDeleteLugandan is the language that everyone speaks here...most speak English as well although it is often hard to understand those who speak it because of their accents and their pronounciation for certain words is not always correct.
We all get different days off during the week to make sure there are enough volunteers to be with the children. Alyssa and I were excited to have the same day off!
I think we take them on outings twice a week, the rest of the time we do activities outside with the whole group of them. It's a lot of fun!
Alyssa and I are usually with the preschoolers and toddlers, but we get to play with Baby Bs and Cs during the afternoon outside activity. We also get to see the baby As every day as they live in a part of the volunteer guest house. We can hold a little baby whenever we want!!
I'm sure you want to hear from Alyssa...I just thought I'd answer your questions since I have a little time on here.