I have been here so long that sometimes it is hard to think of something to write. Some days it feels like nothing changes, nothing is changing and nothing is happening and so there is nothing to write about. Last week was one of those weeks in terms of getting home with my kids. Sure, there was stuff that I did here and it was good, but in terms of getting home, nothing seemed to happen - another week went by and I am no further ahead. I know what has to happen for the end to come, it is so close I can almost taste it, but I cannot make that happen myself. I must rely on other people to do their jobs for me to get what I need to take my kids home. NOTHING I do can make it happen.
You know, when I get to thinking like that I have to catch myself and remind myself that this is not about me. That I am NOT in control of all of this and that it really is not my job to worry about these things. It is hard, SO HARD. I know what I want, I know what I think should happen, but that's just it, its not my plan. But I KNOW whose plan it is, even if I don't understand it.
These selfish thoughts are just little probes from Satan trying to discourage, depress and bring me down. He doesn't want me to be here, he doesn't want us to be doing this, he wants to make it hard for me, my wife and my kids. He wants us to give up and give in. I've got news for you, Satan, ITS NOT GOING TO HAPPEN!!!
I don't like this unknown - this not having an end date/time for this to be over BUT I know that God has it under control and WILL NOT let anything change that. I KNOW God is keeping, sustaining and caring for my family and for me. Sure there are days that it feels like I can't go on, like I can't continue (many of them actually) but God ALWAYS brings me back under His arm and just says, "Trust ME." He has promised, "No one will be able to stand up against you all the days of your life... I will never leave you nor forsake you." Joshua 1:5 (also Deuteronomy 31:6 & 8)
So this week I am trusting God and I am asking you for your prayers this week for me and Cheremi. Pray for us to not be discouraged when things seem like they are not happening. Pray that things "start" to happen and that they be a visible encouragement to us. Pray that God release the doors and bring me and the kids home soon. Pray that He be glorified through this and that our lives be a living testimony of Christ and His love to others. Thank you dear friends, it truly does make a difference having you all there for us.
Fighting in Uganda,
Teach
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Words...
Not much exciting to post today but I feel like writing because sometimes it brings me down from my frustrations, so this is more for me then it is for you. I am trying to think and look at the positives from today, as I find this much more effective in remaining positive then focussing on the negatives (and today there were some!!).
So, being positive, this is what I have come up with. Today, after rushing in to say good morning to the kids and then off to help out a sick friend, I got to see a bit of wonder and "magic". I got to play with a sick little girl, who to this point, I have not seen very happy. Today, I decided instead of looking at her as "sick" - the label that has followed her for probably her whole life, I decided just to look at her as a little girl. Labels can be so debilitating and can cloud our interactions with people. I cannot begin to describe what it was like playing with this little angel and the joy I saw in her for the first time since I have known her, it was contagious! She has such personality, such character and a GREAT sense of humor for such a young child. It took a few minutes for me to get past the label, but after that, we just played. She crawled over me, lay on my legs, played with my face, splashed water at me, "talked" on the phone to me, laughed, smiled and just played. Much of our play was down on her level, which was lying on the floor, but it was still fun! And for a few brief moments, she was just a little girl and I was just a friend playing with her. It was priceless!
It really made me realize how much I take "playing" with all of my kids for granted. I might be tired or frustrated with something from the day or "busy" or... but the best times with my kids are when I just tune out the world and just "be" with them, at their level. I really needed that reminder today and I really need to focus on that right now after the day I had. So, "little angel", thank you for being something VERY positive in my day and thank you Jesus for allowing me to experience that today!
Blessings from Uganda,
Teach
So, being positive, this is what I have come up with. Today, after rushing in to say good morning to the kids and then off to help out a sick friend, I got to see a bit of wonder and "magic". I got to play with a sick little girl, who to this point, I have not seen very happy. Today, I decided instead of looking at her as "sick" - the label that has followed her for probably her whole life, I decided just to look at her as a little girl. Labels can be so debilitating and can cloud our interactions with people. I cannot begin to describe what it was like playing with this little angel and the joy I saw in her for the first time since I have known her, it was contagious! She has such personality, such character and a GREAT sense of humor for such a young child. It took a few minutes for me to get past the label, but after that, we just played. She crawled over me, lay on my legs, played with my face, splashed water at me, "talked" on the phone to me, laughed, smiled and just played. Much of our play was down on her level, which was lying on the floor, but it was still fun! And for a few brief moments, she was just a little girl and I was just a friend playing with her. It was priceless!
It really made me realize how much I take "playing" with all of my kids for granted. I might be tired or frustrated with something from the day or "busy" or... but the best times with my kids are when I just tune out the world and just "be" with them, at their level. I really needed that reminder today and I really need to focus on that right now after the day I had. So, "little angel", thank you for being something VERY positive in my day and thank you Jesus for allowing me to experience that today!
Blessings from Uganda,
Teach
Monday, January 25, 2010
3 months...
3 months - a period of time that can mean so many different things.
3 months since I landed in Uganda with my wife after 32 hours of traveling to get here.
3 months (and 2 days) since I said goodbye to my kids in Canada and held them tight.
3 months (and 1 day) since I celebrated my 11th anniversary in Vienna with my wife (top that guys :) ).
3 months since I first held my Ugandan children again and have not missed a day since then holding them.
3 months filled with work that I never imagined I'd be doing in Uganda when I first came back.
3 months fighting my own government to let me (a Canadian citizen) bring MY children home to the country I live in.
3 months (and 2 days) since being in my home with all the things/comforts I take for granted every day.
3 months TOTALLY relying on God for EVERYTHING and knowing/realizing without Him NONE of this would be possible.
3 months TRUSTING God and His plan and timing, even though I don't understand it.
To you, 3 months may not seem so long, just a drop in the bucket, but for me, the last 3 months have seemed like an ETERNITY.
Jeremiah 29:11, "'For I KNOW the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'Plans to PROSPER and NOT to harm you, plans to give you HOPE and a FUTURE.'" (emphasis added).
Lord, today, 3 months later, I am still trusting YOU and know that your plans for my life, my family's lives, are perfect. May Your will be done when You have planned it to be done. Give me what I need to continue down this road. Give my wife what she needs to continue to look after things in my absence. Give ALL my kids what they need to understand, know and trust that You are working and keeping them even though it is hard. Thank you, Father, Amen!
Blessings from Uganda,
Teach
3 months since I landed in Uganda with my wife after 32 hours of traveling to get here.
3 months (and 2 days) since I said goodbye to my kids in Canada and held them tight.
3 months (and 1 day) since I celebrated my 11th anniversary in Vienna with my wife (top that guys :) ).
3 months since I first held my Ugandan children again and have not missed a day since then holding them.
3 months filled with work that I never imagined I'd be doing in Uganda when I first came back.
3 months fighting my own government to let me (a Canadian citizen) bring MY children home to the country I live in.
3 months (and 2 days) since being in my home with all the things/comforts I take for granted every day.
3 months TOTALLY relying on God for EVERYTHING and knowing/realizing without Him NONE of this would be possible.
3 months TRUSTING God and His plan and timing, even though I don't understand it.
To you, 3 months may not seem so long, just a drop in the bucket, but for me, the last 3 months have seemed like an ETERNITY.
Jeremiah 29:11, "'For I KNOW the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'Plans to PROSPER and NOT to harm you, plans to give you HOPE and a FUTURE.'" (emphasis added).
Lord, today, 3 months later, I am still trusting YOU and know that your plans for my life, my family's lives, are perfect. May Your will be done when You have planned it to be done. Give me what I need to continue down this road. Give my wife what she needs to continue to look after things in my absence. Give ALL my kids what they need to understand, know and trust that You are working and keeping them even though it is hard. Thank you, Father, Amen!
Blessings from Uganda,
Teach
Friday, January 22, 2010
Today and some thoughts to think about...
I got up VERY early (4:45 AM) this morning, wanting to make sure everything was ready, including myself, for the early medical exam this morning. I really wanted to make a GOOD breakfast for Kaysia and Ezekiel, as well as give them a nice WARM bath after they ate (I don’t think they have ever had a warm bath except from Cher and I at the guest house). They LOVED it!! They played with the water, splashed each other, splashed me and splashed the rest of the bathroom J. It was nice being able to do things for the kids by myself without having the “mamas” staring at me and, I’m sure, judging me. I gently washed them, dried them, lotioned them and got them dressed in their OWN clothes, not Sanyu’s but THEIRS. They didn’t say how they felt, but the looks on their faces made my heart sore. I felt like I REALLY was their dad today, being able to look after ALL their needs and even discipline them when needed without a “mama” interfering. I can’t wait to get them home to be able to do this EVERY day!!
The medical exams went pretty much as I expected. I had experience with this doctor before in June and have heard TONS from other people, so I knew he would already have VERY prejudiced views of my kids before even looking at them. He did not disappoint. My kids however, made me SO proud and put the doctor’s foot in his mouth MANY times, proving EVERYTHING he said before looking at them wrong as he went about his exam. Good job kids!! I had a few surprises for the doc too, with my previous parenting experience and adoption experience, so I hope he enjoyed the humble pie today J. With that said, the kids passed the exam with flying colors and the forms were sent away to the Canadian Consulate to make it in time for the diplomatic bag to Nairobi to the High Commission. Medical exams complete – check. Visa applications complete – check. Bring on the visas!!
I didn’t want to bring the kids back right away, so we walked (with the help of a Ugandan friend that came along with us to the appointment) to the big shopping mall not too far away and had “morning tea”. It was nice and the café even had an internet “hot spot” so we were able to Skype with mommy. Even though it was hard to hear each other, it was nice to be able to see mommy and talk even though it was only briefly. Thanks for staying up later to do it mommy! Overall, it was a GREAT morning with the kids!
This afternoon I was able to go to the street-boy feeding program. I haven’t been in a while, so it was “nice” to be back. God has been using this time to teach me SO much. I have wanted to share some thoughts with you for a while, but the time never seemed right. But today, even though the time may not seem right, I want to share it anyway.
**Disclaimer – some of you reading may not agree with what I am about to type and may not like to “hear” it, but God has placed it on my heart, so know that I am not trying to offend but ignite a spark in the hearts of those God is calling and need a “push” to get going**
After being involved in the programs for more then 2 months, I thought my heart would become desensitized to the things I see in the slums. This is definitely NOT the case! My heart breaks EVERY time I go. I can truly see that if my heart is breaking for these boys, in a small area of a city in a relatively small country in the world, that God’s heart must be torn in two for ALL of the babies, children, youths, and even adults throughout the world that suffer from poverty, homelessness, abandonment, being orphans and so much more. Many of these children are orphans – 147 million approximately around the world! My heart is breaking just typing that staggering number! What breaks my heart even more then that is what we as “Christians” are (or aren’t) doing about it!! I don’t have hard numbers or facts here, but I am pretty sure if even ONE QUARTER of the people who claim to be Christians actually did something about it, actually stepped out in faith and adopted one child, that there would be no more orphans in the world. “Can’t” adopt for some reason? Are you REALLY sure? Try watching this: Why Wouldn't I?
Now granted, there are people who really can’t adopt BUT are you supporting, financially helping, sacrificially giving and making a difference for some one who can and is willing? Not everyone has to adopt to create a solution BUT everyone SHOULD get involved in one way or another. The Bible seems pretty black and white about this to me – Matthew 25:31-46 (I’ll just quote verse 40), “The King will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.’” And James 1:27, “Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.”
These verses are obviously close to my heart but being in Uganda and working in the street-boy program has made it even more real to me. Working with the orphaned and abandoned or outcast has really broken my heart for the things that break God’s heart. I may be leaving Uganda soon, but my work for the orphaned, abandoned, outcast, destitute, etc will NEVER end as long as these exist. And Jesus says, “You will ALWAYS have the poor,” (Matthew 26:11, Mark 14:7, John 12:8 & in the Old Testament Deuteronomy 15:11) which means that WE are not supposed to EVER stop working and serving “the least of these”. What is God calling you to do today for “the least of these”? Adopt? Support someone who is? Work in a street-boy program or some other program for the poor, homeless, abandoned, orphaned, widowed? Get out there and do it!
Fighting in Uganda
Teach
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Still Fighting...
Today was a LONG day even though I was not out too long and was back at Sanyu by 3 PM. I spent today in offices, talking with various people and trying to get the different people in government, courts and lawyers offices to communicate what is needed to get me and my kids and the other Canadian families kids home to Canada.
I won't go through all the LONG and BORING details, but I will say that I feel like the flood gates are just about to burst. I feel like we are so close I can taste it. All we need is one letter from the right person (not even too sure who that is but think it could come from a number of people) to satisfy the High Commission's request for clarity on their issues and we could be issued visas. It really is that simple (or at least that is what I am being told).
Please pray HARD for the RIGHT person to send the RIGHT response to the High Commission SOON so they can issue the visas for ALL the waiting kids! I can't wait to be on a plane home to the rest of my family with my two precious children. What a glorious day that will be!! It has been a LONG time!! While you are praying, pray also for the second and final step of the medical exams, which the kids have bright and early tomorrow morning (night for any North Americans reading). This completes ALL the paperwork for the visas and will be sent to the HC tomorrow from the doctor. Pray that there be nothing of concern medically (I know there isn't but prayer can't hurt) and that the doc gets the forms off quickly. I am looking forward to another day "out" with my kids. They are excited too! Will try to update tomorrow on how the day was. Blessings,
Fighting in Uganda,
Teach
I won't go through all the LONG and BORING details, but I will say that I feel like the flood gates are just about to burst. I feel like we are so close I can taste it. All we need is one letter from the right person (not even too sure who that is but think it could come from a number of people) to satisfy the High Commission's request for clarity on their issues and we could be issued visas. It really is that simple (or at least that is what I am being told).
Please pray HARD for the RIGHT person to send the RIGHT response to the High Commission SOON so they can issue the visas for ALL the waiting kids! I can't wait to be on a plane home to the rest of my family with my two precious children. What a glorious day that will be!! It has been a LONG time!! While you are praying, pray also for the second and final step of the medical exams, which the kids have bright and early tomorrow morning (night for any North Americans reading). This completes ALL the paperwork for the visas and will be sent to the HC tomorrow from the doctor. Pray that there be nothing of concern medically (I know there isn't but prayer can't hurt) and that the doc gets the forms off quickly. I am looking forward to another day "out" with my kids. They are excited too! Will try to update tomorrow on how the day was. Blessings,
Fighting in Uganda,
Teach
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
A Good Day...
So today was the first part of the Immigration Medical Exams. It was SO nice to be able to take the kids out of Sanyu for a while and I am SO thankful for Amanda, a volunteer at Sanyu, because she offered to help me today. It would have been MUCH more work without help! Anyway, the exam was pretty good, not much actually happened except that I learned we have an itty bitty princess by height and weight and a BIG prince by height and weight (like I didn't already know that, but today I got the actual numbers to confirm :) )
I took the kids a little early so that they could have a bit of a lunch before we went - apple slices and toast with jam. They loved it! I also bathed them and got the dressed in clothes that I have for them. They looked good and ALWAYS love getting dressed in their nice clothes. Here's a pic of them eating lunch (before baths and changing).
After the medicals, we went for lunch with some friends (Amy, her daughter Sarah and Godfrey, who is also a driver). The kids LOVED it and ate A LOT. Amazingly enough, we found that Zeke actually has an end to his "hollow leg" and told me he was full, although he didn't want to give up his plate :) Kaysia ate the most I have ever seen and she too did not finish everything. She LOVES chicken!! We took our time and did not rush going back to the home.
On Friday, I go back with them early in the morning to complete the rest of the medicals and the Doctor assured me they are sent away that same day! That is REALLY good news because then we will be complete with all the paperwork and The HC will get it pretty quick (like Monday or Tuesday). Then it is just wait again for more word on the visas. Thanks for your prayers and don't stop 'em now!! Thank you Jesus for continuing to make things happen and get things done!! Blessings to you all,
Fighting in Uganda,
Teach
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Visit to the Consulate and a Hail Storm
I had made some plans today to make my usual weekly/biweekly trip to Ssenge village after school with Kaysia and Zeke today, and enjoy some time with the boys out there but my plans quickly changed when I received a phone call from the Consulate of Canada saying that I had to come between 2 and 4 PM to pick up a "letter". Without trying to get my hopes up, I couldn't help but think "finally the medical forms!"
I also got a call from a friend and was able to help out a bit there too because I was waiting for 2 PM to pick-up the letter. I went to the Consulate (believe me, I was at the door at 1:59 PM), and sure enough, I got the medical forms! YIPPEE JESUS!! I have been waiting 2 months for these forms! One more prayer answered, one more step taken, one more hurdle cleared. God is moving, things are happening and it is nice to finally feel like we are moving forward. Thank you Lord for Your faithfulness!
As I was leaving the Consulate, it started to HAIL! Seriously, I was not expecting hail in Uganda. It hailed and rained for a good 45 mins, so I just stood uder cover and watched. The hail actually kind of reminded me of the thunderstorms in the summer at camp (or home) that can quickly turn to hail. Feeling refreshed after the storm was over (I love the way a thunderstorm smells, have you ever noticed it?), I really felt like God was telling me this was a fresh step forward to coming home! And boy, I cannot wait! Some people here have told me that my face is starting to show my feelings - pain, loneliness and longing to be home with my united WHOLE family! I try not to let it show but after almost 13 weeks, I think I can be afforded a little grace if my face looks sad from time to time because I am missing my Cheremi, my Trae, my Nate, my Nea. I feel like I am enlisted in the army - the Lord's army - and can totally relate to those who leave for a tour of duty. I pray that my "state-side" time be coming soon!! Thank you for your continued prayers and support. They help keep me going!
Anyway, that's my news for today. Be blessed!
Fighting in Uganda
Teach
I also got a call from a friend and was able to help out a bit there too because I was waiting for 2 PM to pick-up the letter. I went to the Consulate (believe me, I was at the door at 1:59 PM), and sure enough, I got the medical forms! YIPPEE JESUS!! I have been waiting 2 months for these forms! One more prayer answered, one more step taken, one more hurdle cleared. God is moving, things are happening and it is nice to finally feel like we are moving forward. Thank you Lord for Your faithfulness!
As I was leaving the Consulate, it started to HAIL! Seriously, I was not expecting hail in Uganda. It hailed and rained for a good 45 mins, so I just stood uder cover and watched. The hail actually kind of reminded me of the thunderstorms in the summer at camp (or home) that can quickly turn to hail. Feeling refreshed after the storm was over (I love the way a thunderstorm smells, have you ever noticed it?), I really felt like God was telling me this was a fresh step forward to coming home! And boy, I cannot wait! Some people here have told me that my face is starting to show my feelings - pain, loneliness and longing to be home with my united WHOLE family! I try not to let it show but after almost 13 weeks, I think I can be afforded a little grace if my face looks sad from time to time because I am missing my Cheremi, my Trae, my Nate, my Nea. I feel like I am enlisted in the army - the Lord's army - and can totally relate to those who leave for a tour of duty. I pray that my "state-side" time be coming soon!! Thank you for your continued prayers and support. They help keep me going!
Anyway, that's my news for today. Be blessed!
Fighting in Uganda
Teach
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Medical Appointments
So, today I booked immigration medical exam appointments for Kaysia and Ezekiel. That's right, I said immigration medical exam appointments! Yesterday I SPOKE with a man at the High Commission (HC) - actually had a human voice on the other end, praise the Lord! He is currently in charge at the HC because the other lady is on holidays.
Anyway, the phone call was good. I found out some information and he said that he would look into why are medical exam forms haven't been sent yet. He was actually pretty good to talk with, especially since this is the first person I have spoken with at the HC that actually had the power/position to help me with my files. I always get answers like, "I can't actually answer your questions and the person who can is not here." or, "You need to email your questions because we can't answer them over the phone." (what do you think I've been doing for the last 2 months?!?) or something like that.
Later in the day, he emailed saying that there was really no reason why the forms couldn't be sent and he was going to make sure they were prepared and sent in the diplomatic mail bag on Friday to the Canadian Consulate in Kampala. He also said that he asked the officer in charge of our cases to relook at the file to make sure everything that was needed for processing was there, so if something was missing we could send it and then there won't be any delays when the "investigation" into the Ugandan Legislation is finished. Yippee Jesus, one prayer answered, keep it coming Lord! One step, one prayer at a time. Thank you all for praying and or fasting last week (and months)!! God is moving and has never stopped working on this!
Please continue to pray for a quick resolution to the issues the HC has with the Ugandan laws - this requires some sort of meeting between the proper officials involved and we need the meeting to take place ASAP so we can finish this and come home!! Pray that God move in ALL the officials hearts (HC, MP's in Uganda, Judges in Uganda...) so they will be compelled to meet and resolve this for the sake of the children and families involved. Pray for visas to be issued for the Canadian families waiting, including us. Pray that God be glorified through it all and that non-believers see His AWESOME power in all of this. Pray that the doors to international adoption in Canada (and around the world) be opened WIDE and children will find their forever families in record numbers! Thank you Jesus for your continued faithfulness and blessing to your children! YAY GOD!
Blessings from Uganda
Teach
Anyway, the phone call was good. I found out some information and he said that he would look into why are medical exam forms haven't been sent yet. He was actually pretty good to talk with, especially since this is the first person I have spoken with at the HC that actually had the power/position to help me with my files. I always get answers like, "I can't actually answer your questions and the person who can is not here." or, "You need to email your questions because we can't answer them over the phone." (what do you think I've been doing for the last 2 months?!?) or something like that.
Later in the day, he emailed saying that there was really no reason why the forms couldn't be sent and he was going to make sure they were prepared and sent in the diplomatic mail bag on Friday to the Canadian Consulate in Kampala. He also said that he asked the officer in charge of our cases to relook at the file to make sure everything that was needed for processing was there, so if something was missing we could send it and then there won't be any delays when the "investigation" into the Ugandan Legislation is finished. Yippee Jesus, one prayer answered, keep it coming Lord! One step, one prayer at a time. Thank you all for praying and or fasting last week (and months)!! God is moving and has never stopped working on this!
Please continue to pray for a quick resolution to the issues the HC has with the Ugandan laws - this requires some sort of meeting between the proper officials involved and we need the meeting to take place ASAP so we can finish this and come home!! Pray that God move in ALL the officials hearts (HC, MP's in Uganda, Judges in Uganda...) so they will be compelled to meet and resolve this for the sake of the children and families involved. Pray for visas to be issued for the Canadian families waiting, including us. Pray that God be glorified through it all and that non-believers see His AWESOME power in all of this. Pray that the doors to international adoption in Canada (and around the world) be opened WIDE and children will find their forever families in record numbers! Thank you Jesus for your continued faithfulness and blessing to your children! YAY GOD!
Blessings from Uganda
Teach
Monday, January 11, 2010
Amazing Music...
Okay, I know this has nothing really to do with the kids, but the music I have been listening to here in Uganda has been something that God has been using to encourage me, speak to me and keep me focused on Him. The last few weeks, I have been REALLY falling in love with the music from the group Casting Crowns. Their songs are not only good music, the words are also INCREDIBLE! I just had to share some of them with you all because their messages fit so many situations and they seem to really "get" it. Here's a few of my favorites:
Who Am I?
Voice of Truth
Praise You In the Storm
What If His People Prayed?
Lifesong
I hope you enjoy. Really listen to the words - they're awesome! Blessings to you today,
Fighting in Uganda,
Teach
Who Am I?
Voice of Truth
Praise You In the Storm
What If His People Prayed?
Lifesong
I hope you enjoy. Really listen to the words - they're awesome! Blessings to you today,
Fighting in Uganda,
Teach
Friday, January 8, 2010
Popcorn and other school fun...
In Uganda, birthdays are not a big deal. In fact, many people don't even know their real birth date and have just picked a day for their birth certificates as their birthday. Well, yesterday was one of the school teacher's birthday. This teacher is a wonderful lady and does an AMAZING job with the kids in school. Anyway, I've been here long enough now that I have developed friendships with several of the staff and she is one I would call a friend.
Well, I wanted to do something special for her and spend a little more time with Kaysia and Ezekiel yesterday, so I decided to pop popcorn for the whole class to celebrate teacher Lydia's birthday. So, after I did the regular routine stuff, I snuck away and popped A LOT of popcorn on the stove in a pan. I love pan popped popcorn, something my wife does VERY well and I miss sharing with her - she does the popping and I add the butter and salt. We make a GREAT team! So after I had popped the corn, I carried it to the class in bowls on a tray. I had Kaysia and Zeke help me bring the tray in the class and we sang "Happy Birthday" to her and the kids all got a small bowl of popcorn. You should've heard the quiet in the class! The kids all LOVED it and of course, as usual, our Zeke was one of the first done and asking for more. He is kind of a favorite around here. In fact, I would say he is downright spoiled by the "mammas" and gets away with A LOT (boy is he in for a shock at home :) ). So of course, he gets another bowl and no other kids do, that is how spoiled he is! But it was fun! It brightened Lydia's day and the kids got a special treat. And of course, I got to spend a bit more time with my precious kids!
This morning in school, I sat a little longer again and did some real playing with Kaysia and Zeke. Usually they just want to use me as a jungle gym when I'm in class, but the past couple days I have been encouraging them to play with the toys because it is really the only time during the day they get to play with real toys.
Kaysia is SO smart, she wanted to sort shapes. First we did it by size, then by colour, then by shape. Seriously, she did AMAZING!! (can you see the proud daddy or what?!? :) ). She went around the room and would find a shape for the toy we were playing with and proceed to put it in the right place, depending on how we were sorting. If the shape was bigger then a previous one that was on the bottom, she would take all the shapes off and put it on the bottom. She did this for every shape she found. What a smarty!
Zeke is the little helper. He LOVES to help teachers, other adults, other kids, it doesn't matter. He also is more comfortable not being "on" me when I'm at school and just checks to see that I am there every once in a while. Today he was helping another littler boy named Kenny. They were SO cute! They grabbed a little square cube full of small toys, carried it together to the spot on the floor and Zeke lies his head down on Kenny's lap so that Kenny can drive a car on him. He shows Kenny how to do it and then just lies there patiently while Kenny drives the car up and down his body. Too precious! I wish I had my camera today!!
Being here with my kids makes me realize even more how much I am missing back home. My other kids are growing without me there. They are changing and I am missing it. I LONG for the day I get to see all of my kids play together, grow together, laugh together, even cry and fight together. Don't get me wrong, this is not a pity-party for me. I just can't wait for that day. Soon, Lord Jesus, soon! It also makes me feel blessed to have moments like the last two days with Kaysia and Zeke. I pray soon, we will be making memories as a WHOLE family! What a day that will be! Blessings from Uganda,
Teach
This morning in school, I sat a little longer again and did some real playing with Kaysia and Zeke. Usually they just want to use me as a jungle gym when I'm in class, but the past couple days I have been encouraging them to play with the toys because it is really the only time during the day they get to play with real toys.
Kaysia is SO smart, she wanted to sort shapes. First we did it by size, then by colour, then by shape. Seriously, she did AMAZING!! (can you see the proud daddy or what?!? :) ). She went around the room and would find a shape for the toy we were playing with and proceed to put it in the right place, depending on how we were sorting. If the shape was bigger then a previous one that was on the bottom, she would take all the shapes off and put it on the bottom. She did this for every shape she found. What a smarty!
(I went after class and took a pic of the toy but I couldn't find most of the shapes. You get the idea.)
(This is the cube they carried together, but it had more toys in it)
Being here with my kids makes me realize even more how much I am missing back home. My other kids are growing without me there. They are changing and I am missing it. I LONG for the day I get to see all of my kids play together, grow together, laugh together, even cry and fight together. Don't get me wrong, this is not a pity-party for me. I just can't wait for that day. Soon, Lord Jesus, soon! It also makes me feel blessed to have moments like the last two days with Kaysia and Zeke. I pray soon, we will be making memories as a WHOLE family! What a day that will be! Blessings from Uganda,
Teach
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Join us...
A dear friend, Linny, has posted a blog about praying and fasting for us and the whole situation with the Canadian Government for all the families trying to bring home kids to Canada. Please read about it at "A Place Called Simplicity"
If you are willing and feel compelled, please join us, her and a whole bunch of other people in praying and fasting on Wednesday, January 6, 2010. This fight is about a lot more then just me bringing my kids home. Thanks for your support! Blessings,
Fighting in Uganda
Teach
If you are willing and feel compelled, please join us, her and a whole bunch of other people in praying and fasting on Wednesday, January 6, 2010. This fight is about a lot more then just me bringing my kids home. Thanks for your support! Blessings,
Fighting in Uganda
Teach
Monday, January 4, 2010
School Started Again Today
This morning was the first day back at "school" for the kids. They were SO excited this morning to go back to school. Even 2 and 3 year olds crave the routine they are used to. I couldn't get them dressed fast enough this morning, all they wanted to do was go to school. I spent some good time there with them this morning. It was so cool to see and hear how quiet the room was. The kids were all playing with toys they hadn't seen in almost 2 weeks. Things were organized and followed the routine they are used to. There was less talking and noise and WAY less fighting today. The teachers are so WONDERFUL, which is part of why I think the kids love it so much. I am glad for school to be back on as well because the kids will at least have some time in the day to actually play and have fun and learn. When there is no school it is hard to keep them occupied and happy.
So, that was my first day of school after the holidays, how was yours?
Fighting in Uganda
Teach
So, that was my first day of school after the holidays, how was yours?
Fighting in Uganda
Teach
Saturday, January 2, 2010
The Kids...
A few of you have been asking if I ever get to see my kids and or spend time with them. I know I have not been blogging much about them but yes, I do spend time with them EVERY day. Because my life is so routine here, I just figured it would be boring to you all, so when I post, I haven't been writing the boring details of every moment spent with them. But since you are asking here's an update on the kids....
My routine is pretty similar every day. After skyping early with Cheremi, I go over to help the kids with the morning stuff - bathroom, washing, lubing (that's right, grease 'em up every day!) and dressing. Some days I talk longer with Cher, so I miss some of the stuff, but EVERY morning I see them, hug them, kiss them and love on them. I also help get the other kids dressed and ready for the day too. Sometimes I make the beds if the kids are still in the "potty room" and the sheets for the beds are out.
The last week or so, there has been no school, which means no organized activity for them in the morning. This morning, for example, it was raining so we all (all the kids, not just mine) just sat in the big changing room and played with the 3 toys that the nurse had got out. We also had "breakfast" but they have already had what I would call breakfast, so this is more like a snack. I helped pass out the cups of warm milk and buttered bread. After about an hour, which is all I seem to be able to take when nothing is happening, I took Kaysia over to the guest house to treat her "warts" on her face. Those of you who have adopted from Sanyu will know what I am talking about. She is very patient and sits still so well. Some of them are painful, so I try not to push it too hard. Then I brought her back and left to have my breakfast, which is more like brunch. I haven't been getting hungry til between 10-11AM, so I eat after I come back from being with the kids.
The kids eat lunch and have a nap from 12-3PM, so after brunch is usually the time I go out and do my "adventurous" stuff. I try to always be back between 4 & 5 PM so I can play with the kids. We usually will go to the swings and play in the sand box. Lately, we've (Kaysia, Zeke and I) been throwing and kicking a ball. The supper is at around 6 PM (a little before). Sometimes I help, but after being here more then 10 weeks, it is hard to help every time. Its hard to explain, but again, those who have been here probably know what I mean by only being able to take so much at one time of the home. Of course, it doesn't always work out perfect and sometimes I am later then I want to be, so then the time might be a little less with the kids. Oh, also when I come in the afternoons, I bring their "medicine" which is just liquid vitamins for them to drink. Mostly iron because most kids in orphanages are hugely anaemic. If I am late we do this before bed.
After supper, at about 6:30 or 6:45 PM I go back and get the kids ready for bed - undress, potty, clothes (they don't use PJ's here, just the same kind of clothes they wear all day) and then I carry them, one in each arm, out to the hut where we pray and sing with each other each night before I tuck them into bed. Usually I try and help get other kids dressed and in bed before we do this, so they are not the first ones in bed (they are some of the oldest kids here). I pray and sing with each child I tuck in, I figure at least some of them get prayed for every day and I try not to pick the same kids every night.
The kids always give me a HUGE hug before going back in the home. Kaysia has been kissing me on the cheek as well, and Zeke just kisses the air. I lift them up, one in each arm and carry them off to bed. I tuck them in, put their mosquito nets over their cribs and blow them a kiss good night. And that is typically what I do with the kids each day. Not too exciting, but VERY important for bonding and the main reason I am here. The kids ALWAYS stay my primary focus, even if the home is overwhelming me.
Anyway, I hope that sheds some light on me and my kids in Uganda. Blessings!
Fighting in Uganda,
Teach
My routine is pretty similar every day. After skyping early with Cheremi, I go over to help the kids with the morning stuff - bathroom, washing, lubing (that's right, grease 'em up every day!) and dressing. Some days I talk longer with Cher, so I miss some of the stuff, but EVERY morning I see them, hug them, kiss them and love on them. I also help get the other kids dressed and ready for the day too. Sometimes I make the beds if the kids are still in the "potty room" and the sheets for the beds are out.
The last week or so, there has been no school, which means no organized activity for them in the morning. This morning, for example, it was raining so we all (all the kids, not just mine) just sat in the big changing room and played with the 3 toys that the nurse had got out. We also had "breakfast" but they have already had what I would call breakfast, so this is more like a snack. I helped pass out the cups of warm milk and buttered bread. After about an hour, which is all I seem to be able to take when nothing is happening, I took Kaysia over to the guest house to treat her "warts" on her face. Those of you who have adopted from Sanyu will know what I am talking about. She is very patient and sits still so well. Some of them are painful, so I try not to push it too hard. Then I brought her back and left to have my breakfast, which is more like brunch. I haven't been getting hungry til between 10-11AM, so I eat after I come back from being with the kids.
The kids eat lunch and have a nap from 12-3PM, so after brunch is usually the time I go out and do my "adventurous" stuff. I try to always be back between 4 & 5 PM so I can play with the kids. We usually will go to the swings and play in the sand box. Lately, we've (Kaysia, Zeke and I) been throwing and kicking a ball. The supper is at around 6 PM (a little before). Sometimes I help, but after being here more then 10 weeks, it is hard to help every time. Its hard to explain, but again, those who have been here probably know what I mean by only being able to take so much at one time of the home. Of course, it doesn't always work out perfect and sometimes I am later then I want to be, so then the time might be a little less with the kids. Oh, also when I come in the afternoons, I bring their "medicine" which is just liquid vitamins for them to drink. Mostly iron because most kids in orphanages are hugely anaemic. If I am late we do this before bed.
After supper, at about 6:30 or 6:45 PM I go back and get the kids ready for bed - undress, potty, clothes (they don't use PJ's here, just the same kind of clothes they wear all day) and then I carry them, one in each arm, out to the hut where we pray and sing with each other each night before I tuck them into bed. Usually I try and help get other kids dressed and in bed before we do this, so they are not the first ones in bed (they are some of the oldest kids here). I pray and sing with each child I tuck in, I figure at least some of them get prayed for every day and I try not to pick the same kids every night.
The kids always give me a HUGE hug before going back in the home. Kaysia has been kissing me on the cheek as well, and Zeke just kisses the air. I lift them up, one in each arm and carry them off to bed. I tuck them in, put their mosquito nets over their cribs and blow them a kiss good night. And that is typically what I do with the kids each day. Not too exciting, but VERY important for bonding and the main reason I am here. The kids ALWAYS stay my primary focus, even if the home is overwhelming me.
Anyway, I hope that sheds some light on me and my kids in Uganda. Blessings!
Fighting in Uganda,
Teach
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