Brooke's Adventure in Uganda: Village life.. The good life.

Empower a child bought land in a village called Zirobwe. They wanted a village that was devastated from the war in Uganda and one that had a lot of orphans and widows from AIDS. They have built a church since I've been here last, and the next plan is to build a school and a medical clinic. It was so, so great to see all the changes God has brought to that village - both physically and spiritually. The people are filled with so much more joy and life. It's so great to see how Christ and His love can change a whole village. I even got to do some OT after the service. "Uncle" introduced me as a therapist, and during the offertory, a woman randomly came and dropped a child in my lap. It was so strange, but it hit me that she probably wanted me to look at the little girl. (Pictures below). I gave her a few pointers, but it's so hard when I don't know the history or anything like that. The mama said that the baby used to go to Katalemwa, but they can't afford it anymore. I wish I could have done more. :/ maybe on Tuesday I can look at her again.

As always, it's good to see the little kids we knew all grown up. -- Some of you may remember Bogare from the village. He was the precious little boy that didn't talk. When we first saw him, he was dirty and dressed in rags. By the end of our week there, the boy could not smiling. It was awesome. I got to see his mama this morning! I called out "Mama Bogare!!" She had the biggest smile because I recognized her! There's a picture of us below. I can't wait to go back on Tuesday. :)

Being out there is soooo peaceful. It's so green, and the air feels so clean. I could definitely be a village girl. I'd be willing to haul water every day if it meant I could wake up to that every morning.

This afternoon was spent playing at the deaf school and then playing with the kids at the compound. They looooove playing games and playing with the photobooth on my ipad. :) sooo cute! I tried opening Google Earth, but the Internet was too slow. Maybe tomorrow I can let it load and then show them. Love those kiddos so much. I wish I could take them all home with me!