The Rain Came Down and the Floods Came Up

Greetings from Uganda!

Today we spent time again at rainy Kasubi (we have decided to go with this spelling as used by the offices there. Google maps says Kisubi, but when in Rome...) doing various activities. Denise worked with the group of students from yesterday on Excel and some web based training opportunities. Jim and Caleb worked in the library cataloging books that have come in. Greg and Michaela were painting at the clinic to help prepare for the next group coming that will be a medical group. Deb and Kelsey worked more in the Children of Promise office. Sue, Carma, Angie, Emily, and Laura went on 4 Jja Jja visits. The first Jja Jja also happens to be the grandmother of Laura's sponsor child, Wassua. This was a touching and deeply moving moment. There will be a sponsor child luncheon next week, but due to Wassua's physical limitations he would not have been able to attend. It was wonderful to get to visit with him, singing songs, laughing, and praying together. Ok, and maybe some tears. Visiting Jja Jjas is such a joy. The women are so thankful to have us visiting them in their homes. One Jja Jja, Margaret, had such spirit and joy that she shared with us. Several of her older grandchildren were there, and they shared the gratitude and joy they had obviously been taught. We sang many songs while seeking shelter from the rain. Jja Jja danced while Annette drummed on a plastic bottle. It was a wonderful experience. We also get to listen to the needs and difficulties they are facing. Sometimes we are able to help, and we always pray together.

After lunch, the most of the group went down the road to Kapona, a preschool type program associated with TAPP (Tumaini Aids Prevention Program). Deb, Michaela, Denise, and Greg went on 3 TAPP visits to homes of women and men who have been affected by HIV/AIDS. The clients were able to share what the TAPP program has provided for them. It provides a variety of support services: social, economic, spiritual, practical supports for themselves and their children. It was affirming to hear how one woman had found support and come to faith through the program.

Most of the remaining group members lead activities with about 25 preschool aged children at Kapona. Since it was still raining, we weren't able to play with them in the courtyard as planned. Thankfully, Sue was prepared! She had a craft of foam crosses with stickers, bubbles, coloring pages and crayons. We passed out some "sweeties" and enjoyed lots of smiles and laughter. The kids showed such excitement to do even these simple activities. Their ages ranged from (we think) 2-6. The activities we were able to provide seemed new to them and was exciting for us to witness and take part in.

Our van ride home was a little shorter tonight. Praises. Have I mentioned that it was raining? It was raining all day. The group ate dinner and had meaningful time of devotion and worship. Laura was able to meet with Simon who has been sponsored by Bob and Leah Helvering for over 20 years. It was discovered some years ago that his sister, Christine, works in the Stevenson's home. Such a small world! What a blessing to be able to connect with him on their behalf. The evening concluded with a crafting group creating giant tissue paper flowers that will be used as decoration for the Jja Jja party tomorrow. Obviously that tissue paper will fringe right up! (You'll understand when you see the pictures.) Jim makes a mighty dandy paper flower! Michaela holds the record for most tissue paper crafting which she can brag about back home to her crafting group.

And now we sleep, and dream of sunshine. Thank you for your prayers!
Uganda Team 2018