Hello from Uganda!
Sorry it’s been a while since my last blog post! I haven’t had the best internet access these past few days. Here’s a brief update! :)
On Thursday, we visited Amani Baby Cottage; my home for the next 2.5 months. Seeing as I had no idea what to expect, I was quite encouraged. Amani has approximately 60 kids, almost all 4 years and under. Most of their parents have either died or have abandoned them. Amani takes them in no matter their condition.
It is run by an American woman, and because of that, it has American conveniences such as a toilet and internet. (THANK YOU GOD!) ;) I was comforted by the fact that while it is both clean and the “aunties” really love and know the children, I am still a much needed help.
I met another volunteer that will be there the entirety of my time, and made arrangements for me to have a ride to Amani on Tuesday. Please keep me in your prayers; that this transition goes smoothly and that I don’t get too homesick when all of my teammates go home to their families tomorrow.<3
On Friday, my team went into the villages of the Karamajong people. The Karamajongs are in poverty beyond belief. Fathers and many mothers have died from HIV/AIDS. The mothers that are around take in the children of their friends and family that have also died. These widows and their multitudes of children live in small huts (many 5’x5’) made of sticks and mud. Most of the children have no shoes, and the mud that they walk in looks and smells of poop. We spent a few hours with these people, some talked with the women and others with the kids. It was a very difficult and exhausting experience.
Saturday, we had the opportunity to visit Katie Davis’ Amazima Ministries. We saw and took part in the feeding program that I had read so much about on Katie’s blog. When we first got there, I was disappointed to hear that Katie wouldn’t be able to make it today. She was what got me started on Uganda; God had used her story to inspire me and bring me here, to this beautiful, poor country. God, I know that she isn’t why you brought me here. She very well may have just been the tool that you needed to get me here. Please help me to not be discouraged that I cannot meet her today.
Three hours later, a bus arrives with none other than Katie Davis in the driver’s seat! I got to meet her and talk to her about my next few months at Amani. I was worried at first because my camera battery had died and I wouldn’t get a chance to get a picture with her, but she told me that because I’ll be at Amani, we’ll probably see each other quite often around town. Thank you, GOD! I don’t know what you have planned or why you do things the way you do, but thank you for giving me the chance to meet her.
Sunday we had church. Church here is such a different experience than in America. Worship is has so much passion, and if the pastor feels like preaching a little while longer…there goes another hour of the day. Haha, but it was wonderful.
We spent the rest of the day hanging out with our friends at Canaan Children’s Home. Having stayed at Canaan’s all week, I’ve grown really close to a few kids. Please keep them in your prayers. One of my 11 year old little friends is having a hard time with the fact that I’m going to be leaving there tomorrow. I don’t know his whole story, but he obviously is not used to feeling so much love. My heart breaks for my new little brother.<3
Tomorrow at 10:00 Ugandan time, I get picked up for my next 2.5 months at Amani Baby Cottage. Please keep me in your prayers. Pray that God would give me the energy to give these kids the attention and love that they need. Pray that God gives me an unquenchable thirst for Him, and with it strengthens me to do all that He has planned. Pray that God will give me the words and verses to say to whomever I come in contact with; only He knows what people need to hear. And finally, pray for my transition away from my team this week. Pray that I never feel homesick, overwhelmed, or discouraged. I’m tired and miss my family, but I pray that God gives me the love and strength to push past myself in order to live for Him. <3
The Pierpont family will pray for you. God bless you. Thanks for the up-dates. It will be interesting to read what you are doing and what God is doing with you.
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