Progress

The last two days at the orphanage have consisted of lots of WORK!  We've primed and painted ceilings and walls (4 coats!) in a soon to be computer room that the government mandates for the orphanage.  The men have bravely climbed on top of structures to secure and continue working toward completing a roof on the new building.  We've moved bricks and sticks, made bookshelves, and we are exhausted!  However, it is totally worth it.  The children are in school for most of the day beginning at 8:00 and ending around 5:00.  They have a break for snack (porridge) and lunch (rice and beans) during the day.  When the children see us working they ALWAYS say "well done" with a bright white smile.  They are so excited about having a bigger room to live in and a place to eat.  Their faces lit up when they saw the painted computer room and the talk of having computers to use for school work caused them to be so excited.  Did I mention that they love school??  Because they do.  

One of the hired workers working on the building professed faith in Christ today and wants to be baptized.  Praise the Lord!!!  

The children are doing their best to teach us phrases in Luganda.  It brings a lot of laughter to everyone as we try to copy what they say, remember it, and use it correctly.  Paul Joseph has taught them the southern word "ya'll" which they are beginning to use often.

We are excited about a full day tomorrow with the children.  We were able to bring some board and card games with us for them to keep, so we plan to teach them how to play.  Sherry is going to lead us in another day of Vacation Bible School....much to anticipate!  

I believe that many of us are still trying to figure out the best way to love these children.  It is easy for us to hug them, hold their hands, laugh with them, etc. but I know we have so much more we want to share and talk about with them.  We can see the beauty in their hearts and long for them to continue down the path the Lord has brought them to now.  

I hope that the previous blog post from Mike was a good insight to how others are feeling about this beautiful, yet heart-breaking place.  You can also check out the following blogs for other thoughts:

http://livinggratitude.blogspot.com

http://agape4uganda.blogspot.com

Hope to be able to post pictures again tomorrow!