We all have agreed that it works well to fly in at night, get here at midnight – dead tired – wake up everybody I the guest house and then go straight to bed. We all got a decent night’s sleep…which will really help with the 8 hour time zone change and major jet lag. Mike says that Rich snores like a banshee. Rich says that Mike needs to cut his toenails.
We had a lovely breakfast here at the guest house and then a man named Vincent came to show us his batik artwork. Very beautiful. He explained the whole process – which is incredibly labor intensive.
Our friend, Sam Opol, stopped in next and we figured out when we could have dinner with his family. Next came John and Joyce Kateeba to visit. Joyce Kateeba is walking so well now after having some surgery to repair her leg (badly damaged in an accident). John will be securing a van and a driver that will take us on all our travels during the next two weeks. We are so grateful for his help…
We arrived at the CHAIN orphanage to a welcome performance of singing, dancing and drumming from all ages (tiny to teens) that was amazing. (Videos will be uploaded once we get a real connection).
A number of welcome speeches, thanking Martha and everyone for all the gifts and fundraising that is making a real impact on their lives. Martha did a fabulous job on her speech giving love and blessings from CT, and how we are all one family! There were 140 children in all, including a number from the village that came for the excitement. The CHAIN foundation provides outreach and support to those in the community in addition to those in residence.
More performances from the kids (not sure what Rich said in drum language, but it wasn’t good). We gave out crocs and harmonicas that Susan brought – “mouth pianos” from one of the kids. We got a tour of the dorms, school that is under construction, offices and grounds. A child took each of our hands as we walked around. Bitten by a few red ants – glad it only made it ¾ up the leg.
It’s truly amazing to see the impact that Martha has had since her initial visit here 2 years ago. One person really makes a difference. The seed she has nurtured is growing, and the children and the staff really love Mama Martha! The indoor toilets for the blind children’s dorm are functioning!
We finished with a meeting with the staff, hearing of the continued needs of the foundation.
Thank you for all your comments, love, support and prayers!
2 comments:
Benjamins says: i hope you have a good time at Uganda, mommy.
:-)
Thanks for the update! Rich - I didn't know that you could speak drum. Watch your mouth. And the toenails - turnabout is fair play.
Were the children all playing all the harmonicas?
Love you all,
Joan
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