Blessings in disguise

It finally happened: I got sick in Africa.  On sponsorship day.  Obviously I’m still alive and well- otherwise I’d be in bed not writing a blog. 

Anyway, I was all ready to go to sponsorship day (the Saturday full of games and events for all of the sponsor children) when my stomach began churning more and more.  By the time everyone loaded the van, I had crashed back on my bunk with a bucket.  Long and short I missed an amazing day.  My little girl, Florez, didn’t know that I plan to sponsor her.  Today EAC picked her up from the village, told her that Tabitha would sponsor her, and brought her to the big city of Kampala (probably her first time out of the village in her life).  Florez ran through the maze of events to Janna asking, “Tabitha? Tabitha?”  and I wasn’t there.  My heart just broke when Janna told me this.   Lets get this straight: I dread tomorrow.  It’s my last day in Uganda with this specific team.  However, Sunday school and the opportunity to hold Florez’s hand can’t come soon enough.  I will treasure every moment with her. 

Back to today: Blessings did come in disguise.  Once I had everything out of my system, I felt fine.  Hannah, an English MST artist, skipped sponsorship day to paint murals on the walls of Katelemwa (the hospital for disabled children).  She didn’t leave until one, so I accompanied her.  Rain washed over the tin roof while we stayed hidden away painting.  God blessed the entire situation.  So many kids limped in on crutches or wheelchairs to smile and watch the “artists”.  Parents also came just to look.  All stress and sickness melted away.  Here are some pictures of our work.  We didn’t know what to paint, but had soo much fun.  I did chickens and butterflies while Hannah brought a tree and owl to life.  

Tonight we said goodbye to Hannah and Dave.  Tomorrow it will be our turn to stand in the middle of a circle of friends, hearing their words of praise and prayer for our trip.  God has touched me through this trip, these people, and all of my experiences.  Please pray that he continues to use our stories to further his work and inspire others.  Also for journey mercies on the long flight home.  God willing, the next time I write will be from America!  

Mucama Yebazewe! 

Praise the Lord!