The children played hard on the elaborate bamboo playground, dirt and smiles everywhere. 42 children ran and jumped and swung; a little army of children with a mission to have fun.
The children rarely experience new things.
Their world is small.
If you heard them in the packed van on the way to the playground, you’d have picked up on that very quickly. Every child glued to the window, screaming with delight over cars and cows and sidewalks and bridges and trees and birds. If a child teaches us to see the world with new eyes and delight in small things, it’s doubly so with these little orphans. Bumping down a busy African road is like going to a birthday party with balloons and gooey chocolate cake to them. I think the children were almost worn out from excitement from the drive. But when we arrived at the playground, don’t worry, they found their energy again.
We loved seeing the children be challenged and explore a big playground. It was so good for them to problem solve, process and discover in this safe environment.
Of course, the jumping and swinging sometimes ended in a heap. Our first aid kit came in handy several times. The child who received the band aid was the envy of the group.
We lined up for a snack of biscuits, water and lollipops. Here some of the boys attempted to be quiet while in line.
I love watching the children pray: eyes squinched tight, hands together and an earnest, concentrated look on the face.
We ended the day tired, sore and dirty from hard play. The children slept long and hard for their naps when we got back. A big thanks to Amazima Ministries for allowing us to use their playground. It was a day the little ones will not forget for a long time.
I am reading the book, Kisses from Katie, and I fell in love with Uganda. Are you anywhere close to where she was, or maybe still is. I noticed you took the children to the same town where I believe she mentioned in the book that she worked. I just started it today and am not far in the book. When I grow up I also want to make a difference. God bless you.
Iva: yes, Katie does live near us. She is one of many amazing people here who are doing great things for God. Glad to hear you fell in love with Uganda! It’s a beautiful, broken place and needs lots of love. Bless you in your desire to make a difference!