Mishaps

For You-You, because I know she'll laugh:

This morning, when I told Jason no, he figured that biting my heinie would help his cause. Marvin used the sink as a drum, and his tinker toys as drum-sticks, when we were supposed to be playing nicely on the floor. Veronica puked up all her breakfast - right where we were playing. Mathius fell underneath the tire swing while six other children were on it, and layed in the roots screaming underneath 12 little feet that didn't seem to care much if they were kicking his face! Sharon decided that "spit!" while brushing her teeth, actually translates into "swallow aggresively" and I think the sink was entirely clean and dry when we were done brushing. Brian wasn't huge on drinking his required amount of water before eating lunch, so he dumped it all over Steven and Fazira, put his cup back upright, and sat there staring blankly while everyone ran around to clean it up and Diana scolded him.
Poor Bobby was entirely emotional and stubborn all at once so things really didn't go well for him this morning.

Bobby has feelings the size of Uganda I think, but is always refusing to do what he is told. So, after staring at you blankly while you tell him to do something, he will sob when you tell him "Bobby, you are being very naughty!" I have a special place in my heart for Bobby though, because I relate. I feel like onery Bobby, created messes for myself and then being emotional about the distaster that I bring. I try to wrap him in my arms sometimes and tell him, "Bobby, really, there is nothing to cry over. You're alright, it's time to be happy, just take things lighter" like my mom does for me. Sometimes I just wish I could get through to him that if he didn't take every word spoken so to heart, he would feel so much better! But poor Bobby keeps being sensitive, and keeps being hurt, and getting in trouble. Today he had to be removed during lunch for being too emotional to eat his potatoes. Oh, Bobby!

This is my friend Jeremiah. I call him my mountain climber because he held onto my legs this morning and brought himself up to the third step outside on the veranda. Jeremiah was found in a latrine. He is 4. Jer is the drool monster here at Amani, and can't walk yet. But today he held on to my hands and giggled and teetered his way to the end of the brick pathway outside! I cheered and called him the mountain climber and he laughed and squealed and drooled more than usual. Think I'm in love...

Jer needs some special attention to his feet - they're curved inward, and he seems ready to walk, but they won't support him! I know that someone out there would be willing to donate splints or come and help him do what needs to be done, because they did it for Stephania in Haiti - I have been praying about who the Lord might bring to help my precious little mountain climber!

Fazira is my giggle girl, and my cheerleader. She laughs at everything I do. Everyone else can be crying, and Faz will probably be laughing at whatever happened to her last. Every game I pick, she enjoys. She squeals over the balls we play with. She colored my ugly looking flower this morning like it was a fine work of art. And she is a great sport when she falls over sideways on the fabulous red tricycle she's learning how to ride! She was a grump this afternoon, and threw a tantrum when she was supposed to be washing up for for lunch. But all in all, Faz is my happy girl, and I am thankful for her laugh. Today Faz learned how to pedal herself! Brian and Sharon weren't so big on the whole idea, but my happy girl kept trying until she began to get it! I think we'll try again when I get back from Kampala next week. She's close to being able to tear around on the lawn at will.

Today we went into town after work and ate at the Source Cafe for lunch and had a chicken wrap (not so good) and an iced latte (the absolute best I have ever tasted) and then went to the sandwich shop for an ice cream (not as good as Fior whatever it's called Angela and Carsen! - help me!). After that we walked around town looking at shops and taking pictures. We walked home in the sunshine, and by then it had cooled off a little. I am feeling like I want to stay in Africa for a much longer time than 3 weeks - but I know I'll get homesick sometime soon.

I am reading in Acts, and it is striking me how much things must be centered on Christ - am studying themes of Jesus and the Holy Spirit, and am impressed at how much the disciples focused on one thing: preaching Christ, and the Spirit. I want to stay aware of how much I must be doing things for Christ, and must do what He asks and go where He leads - not what I feel is significant or worthwhile, or impressive - but what He asks, and what gives Him glory. Amongst all the amazing people here starting their own non-profits, adopting children, feeding the sick, giving their lives to the needy - I feel humbled, selfish and like I am such a drop in the ocean compared to what I could be. But what does He call me to? And what are my actions worth if they are not for Christ? I am reminded that my actions are filthy rags - and my own non-profit, adoptive children or sacrifices do not make me holy, or give me value in the kingdom. It is what I do for Christ.

"...and Peter directed his gaze at hime, as did John, and said, "Look at us." And he fixed his attention on them, expecting to receive something from them. But Peter said, "I have no silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareht, rise up and walk!" And he took him by the right hand and raised him up, and immediately his feet and ankles were made strong. And leaping up he stood and began to walk, and entered the temple with them, walking and leaping and praising God. And all the people saw him walking and praising God, and recognized him as the one who sat at the Beautiful Gate of the temple, asking for alms. And they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him" (Acts 3:4-10).

Am struck at how easy it is to feed a child, to feel good about giving a man medical care, or taking a starving child and giving them a home. But the disciples gave what was better - what they really had - the only thing we really have - they gave Christ, and life. We can feed these children, we can love and kiss and play and teach to walk - we can give all that we have besides Christ - but without Christ, they are still starving and dying. And I am convicted that I do not give enough Christ. I do not give enough real life. And I am praying to know how.

I took pictures for you today, walking around Jinja. You have seen many of the children. Now, here is where I live - Africa is by far the most beautiful place I have ever been.