They Call Me "Auntie"

The word "auntie" is music to my ears.  These children have embraced me as family, and this means the world to me.  They trust me to bandage a bloody toe, pick them up when they are crying, rub their back, teach them songs, and the young ones trust me even to hold them if they are about to fall asleep.  This house is so encouraging.  The kids are the sweetest in the whole world, and I wish there was a better way to describe the kind of love shared in this place.  They bring my shoes from the front of the house to the back before I can even think, "I need my shoes."  Whenever I find them I always think they are cleaner than when I had them at first.  They give me the best food, which is always TOO much for me to eat.  Every night we have a devotional time after dinner.  This is one of my favorite things: to see them praising Jesus and thanking Him for all He has done in their lives.  It helps me to see how I lack a thankful heart. 

Last night I bought a jackfruit, one of my favorite fruits to have here in Uganda, to share with the kids.  When I brought it out they began to clap loudly and thank me over and over and over saying, "sank you." haha. They are so cute. It was worth it to see them smile and devour it.  After dinner we played Simon Says, a game they caught on to quickly.  They loved it and got really competitive.  I said, "Simon Says laugh." And, they began laughing so loudly, and all I could do was join in with the uproar.  They could barely here me say, "Simon Says stop" because it was so loud.  I had to repeat myself and say, "SIMON SAYS PLEASE STOP" and that made them laugh even harder.  It was a really good night.

The kids love to sing and dance.  Today they tried teaching me some traditional African moves... I'm terrible, but they continued to encourage me to try again.  They did "the jerk" and it made me think of Crossroads last year (shout out!).  Tonight I am a little sad, but it's only a selfish sadness.  The boys start school again tomorrow, so they will be gone most of the day.  Of course, I am truly glad they are getting an education, especially after reading "The Price of Stones" a book my Uncle Jim got for me before I left.  The book is about the importance of education in Uganda, specifically, and really helped me see how learning is a means to a sort of freedom.  I want these kids to be what they want to be including: a pilot, a lawyer, a doctor, a nurse and so on.  But the house will change drastically without their presence. 

Prayer requests:  This week I am starting to do the actual work I was sent to do.  I have been teaching a bit of English here and there through physical activities.  I have found the kids learn better when they are able to connect what they are doing physically to what they are saying.  For example: "I'm going to kick the ball." response: "I'm going to block the ball."  After the ball is kicked the kids have learned to say, "I blocked the ball" or "I did not block the ball" or "I missed the goal" or "I scored a goal."  It has been very rewarding when they prove to me they have actually learned the words when the next day I hear them using the words.  But, still I feel inadequate.  I really could see myself being an ESL teacher, especially after my experience in Memphis this spring break, but it is easy to get frustrated and out of ideas. I will be working more with the young women while the boys are at school, from here on out.  To be honest, I feel a little overwhelmed by the idea, their stories are so heavy, and part of me doesn't even know where to begin to break in.

Well, it's time for dinner now.  Blessings to all! :) I think of you often, and I am so thankful for your support.