Little Ray of Sunshine: Allison's African Adventure- Day Mbili

"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:9

15 May

First full day in Masindi! Still no luggage but fingers crossed for tomorrow because they are in Entebbe (a five hour drive away, which our drivers will make tomorrow to get the last group from USC). This morning we went to tour the Masindi-Kitara clinic which was so fascinating. The center is so incredible and the long term plans and sustainability are incredible! (Seriously guys go check it out!) It was so amazing to me that this clinic sees almost triple the people that the main government hospital does. Listening to the staff tour made me see just how poor health care is and how much we are needed! After lunch, we got to go Family Spirit Orphanage and School! I have never seen so much joy! They were running to us, clamoring for a matchbox car, begging for a pipe cleaner bracelet. Precious (this completely describes her) led me around and showed me where they stayed. It is absolute poverty- cramped, tight, and not sanitary but it better than the streets. The kids sang and danced for us which was so wonderful and sweet! And little Frederick is one seriously talented dancer! I couldn't help but smile at their joyous faces singing to welcome us. It brought such incredible joy to us all. I spent the rest of the time with Danny and Rahm- 2 little boys so sweet and who loved the camera. They sat with me during the play and I got to just sit and love on them. Their smiles are just so sweet and make the hours of travel worth it. Their faces are priceless to me. The play the older kids performed was about what would have happened to them if they didn't have the orphanage and it was completely heart breaking. No child should ever have to know those things and that stark reality. There love and joy is completely contagious and I can't help but think how their joy and mine compare. I want to smack myself for even thinking about complaining about having no clothes when I can at least be fed, take a shower, have a bed. America's self absorption and my own sinful nature reared their ugly heads. These people are so special, so worshipful, so encouraging to me. I got to help a little girl get a hand splint- singing and playing with her, actually making the splint, talking to her caregivers. Her name means "Blessing" in her language and she is such a blessing! Today she walked with a walker for the FIRST time and just to be a part of that was so incredible. She is absolutely precious and just getting to hold her was SO sweet. The kids here have already captured my heart.