Let the Children Come Onto Me

Here we are at Maama Victoria’s.  It was a mystery to us as to where her place was as we drove in.  It is just 2km from where we were, but way out in the country.  It’s so quiet here at the end of the road and no dust.  We don’t hear the roosters in the morning — we hear something much sweeter — children’s happy voices and so many unusual sounding birds.

The guest house is on the left and Maama’s home with her husband Stephen is on the right.  The school building is further to the right.  The saying on the side of the building is:  “Jesus said, Let the children come onto Me.”  

We have been here since last Friday and we found out there are 190 students that go to the school and 80 of them are orphans and live here permanently.  Maama V. told us that some of those 80 children are left here for the year and their parents don’t see them until the year is up.  Most of those are mothers who have no husband and have no way to care for them herself and can't even pay the school fee.   As you can see, they are well fed and cared for here.  It is a miracle how she accomplishes this.  

We talked with her about how much it costs to cover one child for a year here.  She said, "$150 a year."  We had been given $100 by Jean Loudon from our church to use where we saw fit.  We gave it to Maama Victoria along with a donation of $50 to sponsor one child for a year.  Thank you, Jean.

When we went for a walk along the path passed their home and we saw how some of the children lived that are not at this school, we realized how fortunate they are to have this home and loving care from those here.  

(Elizabeth)  For the past few days, I have been close to my room recuperating from an illness.  Steve and Maama V. and Stephen went to many functions on Saturday and Sunday.  I was here alone resting.  Saturday morning a few lovely little girls came by my room to check in on me and keep me company (their picture is above).  We sang and told stories together.  They left and another group came by a little later.  This continued both days on and off until I had the whole crowd in my room watching the safari movie I made from Murchison Falls.  They were fascinated and loved to see the animals.  Their loving presence was so uplifting and healing for me.  They seemed to be having a good time too.  

So, our week has begun in this little corner of  Africa.  We will both be with the children this week — not really sure how that will come about — but we are both looking forward to our time here until next Monday.   Then, we are off to Rwanda.  

We will let you know how this week goes being with these lovely gems.

Love,

Elizabeth & Steve

P.S.  This last picture was taken a few days before we arrived here — ready to play!