Has it really only been 2 days?!

Greetings from Ntinda!

I wish that each and every one of y'all could be here in the mornings. These Ugandans sure do know to praise the Lord. Worship and devotional in the morning is always rockin'! They always do such a great job of getting everyone all fired up for the day. That was definitely needed this morning. I had so much trouble falling asleep last night, so I was/am really tired. Jet lag is really kicking my butt.

Today was INCREDIBLE! We went to Katalemwa Chesire Home, which is a hospital/dorm for disabled children. The second we walked in, I wanted to cry for so many reasons. So many of the kids had a smile on their face, and I kept thinking about how this place gives them and their families some kind of hope. It also made me sad because I knew that they could have such better care in the states. I got to talk to one of the "physical therapists," and told her that I wanted to do that kind of stuff eventually, and she got the biggest smile on her face. I could definitely see myself coming back here once I graduate from OT school. The guy that makes the molds for the braces for the kids' feet said that next time we went that I could just go hang out with him while he made the braces, and he would teach me how to do it. It will be interesting to see how different it is here. -- Different groups did different things today at Katalemwa. My group worked in the "kitchen," which is just an outside shed. We cut firewood and cleaned pots. The ladies there work all day everyday, so they get a little break when we show up. Cameras are not allowed because some people were taking pictures and doing false fundraising. I wish I could have taken a picture of this little boy. He was 2 years old and looked like he was about 8 months old. He barely had any hair, but the little fuzz he has is white. That's just a sign of being severely malnourished. It was so sad. All he could do was sit there and attempt to cry, which he couldn't even do.

This afternoon we went to another secondary school to just encourage the kids. They treat us like celebrities. It is so crazy! I was in charge of sharing, and God just kept telling me to let them know that He loves him, and they are are His child. I sure hope that it stayed with them. I can't even imagine going home and not feeling loved or cared for.

We tried to go to a school to play basketball and witness to the kids, but the basketball team got in trouble today, so we just got to have some hang out time, which usually means napping. I'm trying to stay awake to make sure I fall asleep tonight.

Just a view from our car ride to the school. It is so beautiful. I wish the picture did it more justice.
I keep trying to get a picture of the front of these houses. It is so sad. So many people's houses are in shambles.
This prayer was written on the wall at the secondary school we went to. Can you imagine having to pray for displaced children? The war may not be going on here anymore, but you can still see the after effects of it.
This is my friend Kristi with 2 of the girls at the secondary school.
This is the school we went to this afternoon. It was actually one of the really, really nice ones. They said that it costs like $1,000 of American money, which may not seem that much to you, but when your parents struggle to feed you, it's a lot of money.

Fun facts:

- the kids call us "Auntie" - it is soo precious and tugs at my heart strings

- If you're a Christian here, you don't drink, even if you're 21. It is really looked down upon.

- Guys hold hands here. They don't interlock fingers, but they hold hands. I love that. I feel like societal rules in America prevent guys from expressing their brotherly love for other guys.

Praise the Lord!