Blessings ~ Wednesday, another very busy, wonderful day!
I tell you, it’s a bit of a stretch for me to be doing all these things AND writing about them properly in the same day, sorry for the short hand today! This camper is getting home late these days, rather bushed, and heading straight for the mosquito net and travel pillow!
Here is it Thursday morning where I am, and I’m gearing up for another very full on day. I’m in the process of arranging a special hire from home to Mutufu, I have much to transport today.. more mattresses.. 30 blankets.. 12 more mosquito nets.. a box of books.. a few thank you’s and keepsakes for Vincent’s children.. some pretty “Canada Love” bracelets my nieces made for the children, along with beautiful bookmarks that a special friend in Australia made for the children.. and another few bags of this and that..
Started yesterday with a boda ride to Bam where I purchased 2 rolls of flooring! Tony, the taxi driver, pulled the matatu around by the store for me and we layed the heavy things on the floor of the van.. he saw to delivering them to Toppy’s store in Mutufu while I hopped the taxi for Bukedea.
Spent the day in that area, a kind of “hurry up and wait day” but, after some gentle stick-to-it-ness eventually received papers from local leaders, all stamped and signed by a few levels of authority, protecting the remaining 5 acres of the children’s land until we survey it and register it in their names.. capped it all off with a visit to the CID at the police station, left him a copy of the papers to further help protect the children and their rights..
Visited with Stella and Rose, bought school shoes and socks for our little darling who is beginning preschool, and gave her a special bracelet my niece, Katie, made just for her.. so so precious.
Saw Gideon, the oldest boy in another child family we have supported for 5 years now.. he was very sad to tell me news that his two younger sisters have both dropped out of school now at 15 and 16 years of age – they never made it through P7 – and have decided to take up with boys. Both are living far and already expecting babies. Like for children everywhere, adult support, guidance and Love, every day, is a very good thing when possible.
Gideon is doing very well, has started a brick making business with his cousin brother.. together they have on hand 3,000 bricks already made. We supported him with a mosquito net and new foam mattress, a soccer ball, some cash to help repair the grass on the roof of both his huts before rainy season, a solar lantern and a LITA t-shirt! He was so grateful. He prepared the most delicious meal for me.. sweet potatoes, greens.. it was a very wonderful family gathering for him and me, just felt like yesterday since we had been together! We wished for more time but are happy for today and content to wait till next time.. Big waves and “Bye Bye Mommy..” as I rode away on the boda to catch the taxi back to Mbale..
With Love, xox C