I wanted to share a bit more about the end of our day in Nakabango on Tuesday. We had spent a physically exhausting day, especially working with the sponsorship children. As usual, there were several kids who weren’t there, and we always put their packets together in a bag so that they can be handed out when the child returns to school. I was sad to see that the packet for Richard, a boy that is sponsored by my parents, was still lying on the table. I asked Ronald about him and he said that Richard wasn’t there, but we were going to his house as we left to see where he lived and to deliver the bedding kit he was receiving. I was so happy to hear that he was on the list created by Nakabango leadership to be a recipient of these gifts from Messiah Lutheran! When we left, we turned off the main road and bounced along for almost 10 minutes before we stopped in front of a rectangular mud structure that had holes so large, you could see through to the other side. Ronald explained to us that this is where Richard had lived until a few weeks ago when they had relocated to a house next door that was in somewhat better shape. We got off the bus and we were met by Richard’s grandmother. She cares for Richard and his 3 siblings and his mother, who is mentally disabled. Ronald explained that the children each had a different father and the mother was incapable of caring for the children and quite possibly, had been taken advantage of by the men. The story of one of the children’s birth is something to be shared later.
As I attempted to explain to him who these people were, I was flooded with emotions I still can’t explain entirely.
I think a huge part of it was the disparity between that family in the picture and the one standing in front of me at that time. It was a physical hurt that I didn’t understand and I was broken by the small gifts we were giving him that we hoped made him feel loved and noticed. Ronald helped me give Richard his bedding kit as the grandmother continued her “thank you’s”. James, one of the Ugandan pastors, suggested we gather around this family and pray for them. His words were beautiful to me and I know even more beautiful to God’s ears. Surely this family felt the love poured out on them that day. I was again blessed by a reminder of why we do what we do – and that being here DOES make a difference. Grateful for that.
6 Comments
Toni Vogt
2/6/2014 04:34:22 am
Oh My - great story. Tears as I read it. I know they felt your love!
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Jennifer Slead
2/6/2014 05:02:00 am
God Bless You Julie, for everything you do to change the lives of so many children.
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Jana Brackman
2/6/2014 02:50:01 pm
Beautiful story! We will keep praying for the mission team and the people you are with!
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2/7/2014 12:43:57 am
Oh, Julie, thanks so much for sharing your story. It is so wonderful to read about your experiences and see what a difference we can make in one child's life.
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2/13/2014 06:56:31 am
Thank you for sharing. God Bless You and all that you are doing for Orphans and Vulnerable children in Uganda.
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About USHearts & Hope is a nonprofit organization focused on unlocking the potential of people in Uganda through relationships with people in the US. Archives
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