Sweet Dreams and Sweet Smells

I received so many comments yesterday of cheer and good support from all of you, thank you! I staggered a few steps when I read  Adam’s comment that the children at the orphanage fasted three days for me as I waited for the test  results for my breast biopsy. I have mentioned before these children are prayer warriors, but now I can show proof of that statement. And I can say without doubt I felt the peace that comes with mighty prayers during difficult circumstances. My husband lowered his head and said, “it never occurred to me to fast for you” and I assured him when he was the one suffering I probably  missed that opportunity as well. All I know, is I am their Mama, all of those sweet children in that children’s home, and we share a great love that is poured out from the same source. It was a humbling experience for me to receive this blessing from them.

Later in the day, Elitia sent me a surprise in my mailbox. It’s such a joy to get these packs of photos from her full of smiling children enjoying some of life’s simplest comforts. The bunkbeds were delivered.

On Christmas Eve, the first day I visited the orphanage the one thing that bothered me the mostwas their sleeping conditions. I almost went completely out of mind (and hoped the urge to throw up wouldn’t happen as I feared) as I saw how they were sleeping. There were maybe three rotten, stinky, urine saturated mattresses strewn on the dirt floor of a room that looks like a prison cell. There’s one window up high to allow a shaft of light. It is hot, dirty and stinky in that room. It made my stomach turn just to stand in there, and to think these kids were sleeping there every night was more than I could bear. I was desperate to get them beds but there were other problems to solve first, like … they were only eating once a day and often going to bed hungry…and their minds weren’t getting filled with good knowledge.

These are the wall that will get covered with those gorgeous quilts the Kingsland's Quilters made for these children.

We started a campaign immediately with the children promising new mattresses if they would learn to use the pot for night time tinkle urges. If they could go through the night without wetting, we would buy new mattresses. Meanwhile, we sold all sorts of Ugandan beads and baskets to raise the money for new mattresses. We raised enough to not only buy mattresses but also bunk beds!

A couple months ago they got their new mattresses.

It helps me climb into my bed with more ease at night knowing the children are no longer sleeping on those disgusting mattresses over the dirt floor. (I hope the old ones were burned.) The next thing is single sheet sets! Pillows! Mosquito netting! These are dignified children who are going to live in conditions worthy of their big loving hearts and wide open dreams for their futures as workers, mamas, daddy’s and citizens of Uganda who can make it a better country. These children can become the future leaders of Uganda, and I for one am not going to rest until they have had every opportunity to be healthy, whole, educated, protected, and secure. What a pleasure it is for me to spend my energy and resources improving their lives. And I welcome everyone to join in! The rewards are so unbelievably glorious you have to feel it to know it is true. Please contact me if you want to know how to get involved.

Another truck arrived at the orphanage, this time delivering bunkbeds!!

love that!!!

They are pink! how funny.