While I was gone, I updated some friends via email. When I got back, I realized so many of my good friends hadn’t been included on the list or I accidentally missed. Here’s a recap:
DAY ONE
This morning, we had breakfast, met some people of the home we were going to visit, and hung around for a bit just getting to know each other better.
We had an amazing day. Went to the home where the girls were pulled out of prostitution. Average age was 14-15 at this particular home and many had been there 3-4 years. There were about 17 girls at this home. We heard their stories and got like a hundred hugs. They shared their stories and our hearts broke. They talked about how people thought they were nothing. One sweet girl drank poison b/c she wanted to die. Many of them chose prostitution or were forced by a parent or simply needed to eat. One girl had her dad die, and then her mom just left her alone. Many girls have no one but the home, the other girls and “Aunties” to care for them. A few girls were pretty new and it was a crazy time hearing from them literally being off the streets for just a few months, and seeing them struggle to talk, but thanking God for coming to the home. We met and exchanged emails with the two women, Helen and Jane, the “aunties” of the homes. These girls were so courageous. I was covered in hugs from girls with the saddest stories I’ve ever heard, prostituting at the same age as my own sweet daughter. But we worshipped, prayed together and someone spoke to say that they should be known for where they are going, and not where they have been. I saw Jesus in them, it was incredible.I believe these girls are the future leaders, and I was broken for them as they spoke with such honesty, vulnerability and humbleness looking us in the eyes. Sharing the worst of who they used to be. It felt just like Kingdom in that room, where we can all stand before Christ with new mercies each day, and imagine His plan and greatness for us and be bold enough to trust He can create newness in us. I was changed.Then in a car, we were headed to Gulu. 5.5 hours, one blowout, and busted fan belt later, we arrived after dark. The beauty of the sunsets and overwhelming images I’m taking in cancel out the heat and humidity for me. On the fan belt stop, however, I got to spend time with the most precious children just on a village on the side of the road. The kids were filthy, and curious of us, and I got to kneel down and spend time with them, and photograph them. At first the father was not comfortable and approached me, but as he walked up, his entire demeanor changed as I shared that our car had broken. He smiled and then 3-4 other Ugandans walked over to just talk. The kids LOVED seeing themselves and laughed. These children literally wore rags, lived in mud huts, walk miles for water. We hear about these people but seeing them in their environment, smiling, waving, cooking, and knowing that tonight they are sleeping on the dirt in their huts creates great discomfort in me. After arriving in Gulu, we went straight upstairs and were joined by the Sisters of the Sacred Heart for Jesus in Gulu, and we had beers and pizza and told stories of why we know God is good every day. Beers, Pizza, New Friends including 6 nuns. Can’t make this stuff up.
Sister Rosemary was a wonderful lady, and we heard amazing stories of her life and her dedication to Uganda as well as the other 5 nuns that joined us. Again, it felt like Kingdom, with so many people of completely different backgrounds coming together. What I imagine heaven will feel like. Minus the bugs, humidity and bats swarming overhead.