Day 2 – 06.28.14

Coloring with Ditte by the pool

Emily and Deborah

The women of the Acholi welcoming us

Singing and dancing

Me trying to make beads

Sweet girl

me and Santina

Callen making necklaces

Making necklaces for Akulu Hellen

Day 2 – 28 June 2014

Update: Still no luggage, our bags did not make it on last nights flight. But we decided we are not going to let it get us down, we are here and that is all that matters.

We woke up this morning and headed to breakfast and had a great surprise! Our friend Emily from Ekisa and two of the girls were in Kampala for a quick holiday and were staying at our hotel. So we got to spend some time with them, watch them swim and talk for a bit.

We headed to town to try to find some clothes so we at least have 2 days worth of outfits, but as I was shopping it hit me, how can I be upset about not having my clothes when most of my kids only have one outfit, two if they are lucky. It kind of puts things into perspective. God is using this to teach us, make us more humble, and show us its not about stuff. I hate not having our supplies for our projects more then not having my clothes. But they will come…eventually.

After shopping we went back to the Red Chili and had some lunch before heading back to the Acholi Quarter. It was a beautiful day, cool and windy, and we watched a storm roll in, it never rained here but it did not to far away.

When we arrived at the Quarter we heard the women as soon as they saw us, they came to great us, hugging us and welcoming us. Even though I’ve seen this every time we have come, it never gets old hearing them sing and dance to welcome us. I love dancing with them, even though they laugh at how mzungus (or monos as they say) can’t dance. They thanked me for all the work we are dong in the Quarter, and told me how much they appreciate the feeding program. One of the women told me how she had to leave early in the morning to go to work in the stone quarry and that she couldn’t be there to feed her children, but now her children get porridge every morning. Another woman told me how her child has more energy and is doing better in school now because she is not hungry anymore. That made me so happy to hear. I got a chance to talk to the women, thanking them for always welcoming me and loving me.

After the women started working on the jewelry that they make, I got to roll some beads…I’m not very good at it..Santina laughed at me. And I also helped Akulu Hellen make some necklaces. As I was sitting with them I was looking at their hands, they are tough and worn, just like the women. They are so strong and tough and work so hard. I love being surrounded by these amazing ladies. I love that they trust me with their children, letting me hold them and love on them, even the little babies. They are beautiful women and I feel honored to be a part of their lives. They have taught me that your circumstances do not define you, and that you can have joy..amazing joy in spite of difficulty.