Kids, kids and More Kids....

Today was a day filled with kids! It poured last night and Susan was uninspired to go shopping for shoes in the mud and Phil had taken the older children to continue their exams. So that left Little Lizzy and I to our own devices. We quickly decided that what we needed most was a day of kids and laughter. So we put on skirts we liked the least, white shirts (what were we thinking) and headed down the muddy road to the kid’s house. As we got close several of them greeted us with hugs and led us by our hands into the gate. We took with us today two of the balls; a volleyball and a soccer ball. That was all it took to light up their faces. Once we got there we found a hand pump and blew the balls up. It didn’t take long for the balls to disappear and the games to begin. I had taken my camera with me but before I knew it someone had taken it from my neck and started clicking away. So I decided to join in the fun. I played patty cake until I didn’t think I could raise my arms another minute. Those little girls can play forever without ever losing a beat! As soon as I finished one game there was another little girl to take the place of the one I’d just finished playing. Meanwhile the boys were playing “football” barefoot and knocking the heck out of the ball. There was no mercy on either side of the ball. And you better stay out of their way because they were not looking out for you! Sadly, the bigger boys were not letting the little boys play. They were forced to play with the girls! Remember the rain I talked about earlier. Well imagine the playing surface one big mud puddle. Being oblivious as I usually am when I’m taking pictures, I got severely splattered when the ball landed in the puddle right by where I am standing. So much for my white shirt! But it was worth it to hear all the little girls giggle at me.

We went back to Phil’s house in the middle of the day. It started out as Liz and I going back, but before we knew it we had a following of kids. As it turned out the timing was perfect. Phil had just returned from the school and so we were able to do a few more interviews. We have some very interesting stories to go with our children. I also am realizing for the first time how many siblings we have. Because surnames are not the same (parents can chose their child’s surname) I never realized the kids were related. We are trying to find out some things about the kids but interestingly enough some of them know very little about their past or about their parents.

When we finished with this Liz and I hiked back to the kid’s house, though this time the kids showed us a short cut. I will never take it by myself. I’ve been here almost two weeks and I’ve just now mastered the main way to go. So I will take no chances. It is fun to go down the road and hear all the little kids yelling “Mzungu” as we pass by. And they are all now feeling comfortable enough to run up to us. One little girl (about three) runs out of the woodwork and poses for me every time I walk by. This time I stayed in control of my camera and the kids could not stop posing for photos. I was exhausted from snapping pictures. Everyone wanted a picture of themselves with their best friend. Over and over they yelled “Sue” and tugged on my dirt-covered shirt.

As we left to come home tonight for the final time we still had several followers. Paul Losiya, Peter Longoli, Eliya Umo and Moses Okere all wanted to call their sponsors. Several of the other boys followed us to a grass football field where they stopped and pulled out their make shift soccer ball to play. Eliya called Nicole but then became frustrated because he couldn’t understand the language. I explained to him when the conversation was over that she loved him very much and that she was crying on her end of the phone because she missed him so much. You could see his eyes light up when we talked. He immediately asked when we could call again, so don’t be surprised Nicole if we call again. Just hearing your voice is just what he needed! Peter Longoli was thrilled with the letter from you, Tina and Marvin. He then shared it with the other boys while we were waiting for the calls. He too, lit up when he heard your voice. It was great talking to you too, even if it was for a short while. As for Paul and Moses, Linda and Jen, they would talk to the two of you every day if I let them. And Moses particularly is like a teenage girl. He puts the phone on his shoulder and just paces while he talks. I finally have to tell him to say goodbye or he would talk to you forever! But seeing their faces when they get to connect with each of you is worth a million dollars. Thanks for being so gracious with your children – you really do make a difference in their lives.

Today was really a good day. We needed the time of no structure; of just being with the kids. They are all so precious and though we won’t come home having connected with them all we have both made some very special bonds. They have impacted my life in such a wonderful way. Let me share that they all know who their sponsors are and they all appreciate everything that you do. They love the communication they get from you and you are close to their hearts. They would love for each and every one of you to come and meet them face to face.

Thanks for your continued prayers. I love you all.