Today we experienced the Watoto Babies’ Home, call The Bullrushes. The first boy baby that came to the home is named Moses. The babies for which we have been collecting items became more than vague images or numbers—they are real persons, with devastating pasts and, now, hopeful futures. The facility is beautiful and the children are very well cared for. We spent several hours just playing with them, rocking them, feeding them. They are truly beautiful children of God!
One of the pictures we are trying to upload (sorry for the problems with this—technology is in a different place here) is of Doctor Moses, one of the Watoto babies. He was brought to Bullrushes after he had been in the hospital. He had a broken arm and broken ribs that he had received when his mother tried to kill him. Another baby, Hope, was rescued from a fate of human sacrifice (an interesting story we can tell you when we get back).
This afternoon we visited one of the other Watoto villages, Suubi. It was here that the West Heights team built their house in 2005. We were able to interact with the children and some people caught up with the choir children who stayed in their homes last June. The village is wonderful and is still growing as they add teachers’ homes and classrooms. They recently built an administration building that houses a library and a computer lab. We spent some time talking with one of the teachers there and were really impressed by her passion for her work and her love for the children.
We had a little time today for shopping and packed the bus with our souvenirs! Tomorrow we will go to worship at Kampala Pentecostal Church—the church where the Watoto ministry was birthed—and then will travel to the third Watoto village, Biloba. Monday we head back to the building site for 4 more days of work. The house will be dedicated on Thursday.
Our passion for the welfare of the Ugandan children has only increased since we have arrived. There is great joy and great beauty here, but there is also great need. Please keep praying for the children of Uganda!
I love reading your updates and seeing the photos. It is so amazing to think that you really are in Uganda! It just shows what we can do when God puts a mission on our hearts and we respond. You all are in my prayers and I look forward to reading more! Kathy
Posted by: Kathy | June 09, 2007 at 12:56 PM
How could you not fall in love with those big toothy grins!!! My prayers are with you every step of your journey. Diana
Posted by: diana | June 10, 2007 at 12:02 AM
What an exciting adventure! As my creative writing teachers would say, I hope you are keeping a journal. Oh, wait -- that's what I'm reading.
It is hard to imagine that lugging 1,000 twenty pound bricks and seeing a permanent structure in place when you're done would make anyone bored.
Keep up the good work, team. We're all pulling for you and we're all very proud. -- Glen Armbruster
Posted by: Glen Armbruster | June 10, 2007 at 02:05 AM
Yup, you choked me up with that wonderful post. Thank you for having the faith to see this through. You are each an exciting member of the church. I really like reading the posts...keep writing us these great stories and visions of the trip. I think going to school and doing the homework might be easier...but much less satisfying. Hugs and kisses from the Chesser Clan.
Posted by: Amy | June 10, 2007 at 12:23 PM
Can't believe it's been 4years and I have just seen this blog. Wow this was a great team may God bless u guys I was blessed to host u.
Posted by: Melvin Mapetla | August 25, 2011 at 07:49 AM