I can't believe that I've been here only a week! I feel like I haven't left since my last trip this past February. I am feeling quite a home and am happy to see so many familiar faces.
This past week I have been staying at New Creation Family Home. I will be staying here for the next few months. Its an AMAZING ministry by Loving One By One Ministries. There are 16 children in this home and each one has their own story. These children are from a variety of backgrounds - some are orphans and some are not. Each one is absolutely beautiful!
Sherry (the director of Loving One By One Ministries) is here in Uganda as well. I'm so glad I was able to get here while she is still here. She's been a wealth of information. She has such a heart for the children of this nation.
Yesterday I had the privilege of ministering on Nakalaka Island. Its an island on Lake Victoria. It reminded me so much of rural Africa. Much more peaceful and restful compared to the bustle of Kampala where it seems there are SO many people everywhere. The island reminded me yet again of the cry of justice that the Lord has placed within me. One of the residents of the village we were visiting took us on the path that a local resident would have to walk should they need water. We began at a home walked a long path down a hill. It seemed to go on for about a mile. It took us about 20mins to reach the "spring." As I looked at the water source I was saddened at how filthy the water was. We saw many coming and filling their jerry cans of this cloudy water and then begin the journey back up the hill. As I walked back to the home where we began I was feeling tired... and I was not carrying jerry cans full of water!! I cannot fathom how so many in this nation do this daily. Most family use at least 6 jerry cans of water per day... how many times would I have to walk back and forth to get this water? How much time of my day would be spent just on getting the water?
I recognize that "This is Africa" and that for many this is the norm. I do not desire Africa to become like the western nations. There is a wealth of faith and hope found in these nations. I wonder where the middle ground is? In my time on the island I was surrounded by children all wanting to see the mzungu (white) up close. Many asked me if I had something in my bag for them. This again saddened and frustrated me. How has this nation and so many in Africa become so dependent upon western society? I long to see this outlook destroyed. My prayer is that Uganda - all of Africa would become independent. One day, I pray that when people like myself come to this beautiful nation I would not be seen as one who has what they need because of the color of my skin - that Uganda itself would arise and become sufficient through the grace of God. I long to see the people of Uganda understand all that they have to offer. There is much need here - but it is time for Uganda to find its needs met here. God is in this nation - His grace is sufficient. Africa Arise.
