Saturday Oct 18

Saturday began with a visit to Youth For Christ's Suubi Home. 

This is a home for young women with children who desire to gain a skill. Most of these girls became pregnant very young, and many "without consent." We got to hear their stories of heartbreak and redemption as they have come to know God and learn new skills in their time at the Suubi Home. Susan shared a powerful message with them and we were able to gift them with "31 days of prayers for your children" cards. They were thrilled to receive it. They blessed us with Mandazis (Ugandan cake/doughnuts). One of the skills they are learning is "cookery" and these were the best Mandazi we had all trip. Yum!

The workers and volunteers that are working with Youth For Christ are amazing. People working tirelessly to spread God's love and hope. 

The afternoon was very special for me (Mary). Robert, Susan, and I went to meet with my sponsor child, Angela, and her family. Angela's mother, Leah, was a part of the YFC outreach to pregnant teens. Angela lives in the "slums" of Kampala in a tiny little room with her mother, sister, grandma, and at least one other child (a cousin, I believe). My heart broke as we weaved through little alleys under clothes lines and around "ditches" for trash and standing water to get to Angela's door. 

I am so thankful that I can be a part of this family's life. Leah (the mom) was so excited for us to come. She had been calling YFC all day asking "when are they coming," "why aren't you here yet," "I'm outside waiting and I can't see you yet." She greeted us warmly and offered us soda and cakes. She looked at me and said "I'm sorry, it's not much." To think that someone with so little would offer me anything was incredibly humbling. What an honor. 

We sat on the floor of their little room (there were no chairs or furniture, other than the family bunk bed) and talked and shared. I gave little Angela a baby doll, which she immediately undressed. Amazing how a four year old girl in Uganda will do the same thing with her baby as my 4 year old does. When we arrived Angela was wearing a pretty little dress, but it was worn and ripped. I know that she was very excited to see us, and I am sure she was wearing her best. In the little bag I brought for her was also a little dress. When Angela pulled it out of the bag, her mom was so excited and took her to the corner of the room for her to change into it. 

Of course, this was a special visit for the family, so lots of family members and friends had to stop by and visit. At one point, we had 8 adults and 5 children in that little room. It was such a joy. I brought pictures of my family to share, and they wanted to keep all of them. That made me smile. Even one of the neighbor girls asked for one. Before we left, I asked them if there was anything that we could pray about with them. They each asked for prayer. Grandma (Mary) wanted prayer for her business (a tiny little store that sold sodas), Leah wanted prayer for her goal of finishing beauty school starting again in February, and other family members asked for prayer for jobs and schooling. We all held hands and prayed in their home for God's blessing in each of their lives and for safety and protection. It was truly amazing. 

My family has had a sponsor child in India for a while now, but my sponsorship of Angela began just a few months ago. I have to tell you that meeting her and her family has changed me. It's not just about a monthly sponsorship fee, there is a potential for a real relationship. I can almost guarantee you that if you have a sponsor child somewhere in the world, they know your name. They have kept every letter or picture you have ever sent. Their family is thankful for you. Now that I have met Angela, my hope is to one day meet Prajakta (my sponsor child in India). My view of child sponsorship will never be the same.

I honestly don't have words to share my heart about this visit. I saw many things in Africa that changed me. I met some amazing people doing amazing work. My visit with this sweet family, however, was by far the most life changing thing for me. I am so thankful to have this opportunity.