Wednesday, June 2, 2010

Heart, Welcome home :)

June 2nd


Scraping of leg casts as the drug on the ground, squeaking wheelchairs, the uneven plotting of feet on the ground as crutches braced their uneasy legs, the gentle hum of bugs buzzing around my face, the light cry of a child getting fitted for casting...the sounds of wild laughter coming from 50 smiling faces, roaring singing, wild applause from a crowd of children when a child threw a ball of paper into a plastic bucket to score a "basket".


Seems kinda contradictory hearing these same things in the same day, let alone from the same children. Yet, this is what i heard today when i went to Katalemwa.


Katamelwa is a children's hospital and rehabilatation center for children who are crippled or have some deformity. The children here have i would say the most reason to complain. However, the children are filled with so much joy.


Theres something about seeing a 15 year old boy with metal screws in and a brace on his leg coloring a makeshift cross made out of popsicle sticks on which he wrote "I love Jesus" that breaks my heart.


His name was Fernando. He is 15 and has been out of school for 3 years at Katalemwa because he had an infection in his leg and needed to have surgery. I asked him if he wanted to go to University. He lowered his head as a shy smile creept onto his face. He raised his head and said "Yes." He wants to be a surgeon to help others like he was helped. Talk about a humbling experience. He has every reason to feel sorry for himself, yet he has so much joy in Christ. The fact that these children can face so much hardship, yet praise the name of Jesus Christ so loudly astounds me.


We have also gotten the opportunity to visit a couple schools. At which, all children thirst for education so badly. I've also had the great priveledge of using the squatty potty aka hole in the ground and the bucket shower. The house we are staying at is Westernized, however, most of the time the water is not working because it is out in the entire city. However, strangely i actually enjoy the living conditions. Yes, i know. Please don't judge me. But, there is something incredibly humbling about living as the Ugandans do (in a couple ways at least) and then going out to spend time with those who know no different than a squatty potty and a bucket shower.


Can't wait to experience more :)


"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy He has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade-kept in heaven for you." 1 Peter 1:3-4




1 comment:

  1. Hey beautiful!
    All of your blog posts have been amazing and so informative. I am truly touched by your inspiration, and I hope each day proves to be even more fulfilling than the last. C-luv from Gville!

    Love,
    Andrea

    ReplyDelete