Oh Hallalujah!

Monday, November 16, 2009

Oh, Hallelujah!

Those were the first words out of my mouth when the cold water poured out when I went in to take a shower at 11 pm. See, we didn’t have water for awhile…and today I needed a shower badly. PG for running water!!

This morning was rushed and confusing. From no water in the house to confusion on the electric bill to trying my best to get out of the compound it was a hectic morning. But what made it wonderful was walking into the office and seeing a stack of 46 mattresses for our 46 sponsored kids who sleep on the ground or better yet, straw mats. These mattresses will be part of their Christmas gifts. I teared up because I was so excited to see them and know how much our babies will be blessed by them!!!

We had our staff meeting today and I was able to introduce some changes I think will benefit the team in the long run, talk about what we think will be the best for our children, and pray together. Every single person on the team – yes all 5 us – love the LORD and the children with our whole hearts…in that order. It is amazing to work with such like-minded people and most importantly, EVERYONE on the team. I’ve worked with great like minded people before but it was never a full team on the same page….Team Gulu is!! It is a blessing and I want to encourage each one of us to grow and be a team for His kingdom!

Okot Michael and his mother and sister (who had to pee on our floor!!!) came into to town on a boda so we could take him to the hospital for an infection in his eye which ended up being only allergies simply treatable – PG!!! While he was there with his mom Simon and I went to pick up Anena Scovia for her treatments on her leg at Tegot. We saw Piloya and her wound looked better – we just cleaned and redressed it. Passed on some tea for her mom to make a tea soak for the wound. Anyways, Anena’s two brothers came with us – Patrick and Felix. Anena isn’t a big hug or cuddle person, but when we sat in the waiting room she leaned right up against me and put her hand on my leg. I just side hugged and held her. We just sat for a bit with her head on my chest and my head leaning on her head. It was a first for her to initiate it and I soaked it in. These little victories are huge here – any type of emotional bond like that means a lot. Her and I went in the room for the injection and wound cleaning/dressing. When I gave her my hands to hold she squeezed and scratched at my hands in such pain – I was very grateful she did not have nails. Time came for the cleaning and the nurse who worked on her today was just mean, uncaring and not by the book. The doctor was even mean to her and told her to stop crying and being stupid!! Here is a 8 year old girl with the nastiest flesh wound ever being cleaned out with iodine, hydrogen peroxide and cotton balls by rough, uncaring hands! She wriggled, cried, screamed and just oozed with pain. I had to hold her closer into me and her hands away from scratching the wound and to be still so they could work on it…Simon even had to hold her foot for assistance. My heart just broke with pain for her…I just wanted to take it away from her. She is such a tough trooper. Carried her out to the car because she still didn’t have shoes to wear that wouldn’t hurt her wounds, so we stopped at the market and picked up some flip flops or flatas as they are called here. On the way home, Felix threw up EVERYWHERE in the back seat. He was so kind during it that before he spat it all out he looked for a cup so he wouldn’t bother to tell us. But it ended up being everywhere. Felt for little man. Tried to clean him up and gave him water…once he sat in the front he was fine the rest of the way home. I on the other hand, sat in the back and kept the sliding door open…felt like I was on a safari. All worked out in our adventures…Praise God.

All this first aid and healthcare lately really has made me want to pursue more education in health care possibly nursing in the future. I felt that tug prior to coming here and it seems to be more prevalent now that I see what that knowledge could do to help. I also have been intrigued and desiring the spiritual gift of healing. Let’s see how God uses that.

After Tegot we went to get the van cleaned – two hours later our van was super clean inside and out. The man who cleaned it was so diligent, fast and productive…and with great service! Seriously, he was the hardest worker and did an excellent job.

Met the girls at Kakanyero with their new friend Jill who works for Favor of God. It was really cool to meet her and get to talk about God stuff. She will be joining us for Thanksgiving as well! We then headed over to the office to do some work and I talked to my friend from home, Sarah. YAY!!

Right now, the rain is so hard. It actually sounds like I am in an automatic car wash like in the states! It is so nice. I like it. It calms me and makes me excited.

I am feeling more and more confident the LORD wants me to work directly with Tegot. That truly is my heart. I can’t explain how much it delights me to be there and with the families. I absolutely love them. The children mean the world to me. I can’t wait to do more, be more to them. I know I came here to serve them but I do know that their presence, joy, waves and smiles serve me immensely. The Acholi people, especially Tegot people, have no reason to have any sort of kindness, joy or peace, but they exude that in some way that I can’t even explain. Their faces can look so hard and mean but all you need to do is wave or say apwoyo (afoyo) and they light up, smile and respond. It is beautiful. It defines how human beings need one another…how we are a light to one another. Christ has called me to serve the Tegot families but He has called them to serve and teach me His absoluteness. Thank you Jesus!