What hurts the most

Sometimes it just hits me like a brick. I'm in Uganda, and have been for almost 2 months. And during these 2 months, I've been a teacher, a friend, a student, a rainy day entertainer, a playmate, a nurse(I'll explain later)... but at the same time, I've had to see things that break my heart, and have left a big mark in my life. I've had to comfort 2 little girls who are ill with Malaria, I've had to buy food for a little girl who's stomach was "paining" her because of hunger and lunch wasn't ready, and I've seen children running around with no clothes on. Now, some people might think I'm complaining about the things I've seen, or that I'm growing tired of some of the challenges. But that's simply not true.

This morning, Christine, Kelsey and I took Ian, a P2 student, to see a nearby doctor because he has a serious wound on his leg from spilling hot porridge on himself a few days ago. After having an injection, ointment applied, and medicine prescribed, we walked back to the school. And then, Christine was telling us that Anisha (P3) is his sister, and his caregiver for the time being. Their mother is currently working in Kampala, and won't be returning for about a year. So that leaves a 3rd grader as the primary caregiver for a her brother, who is in 2nd grade... Is it just me, or does something sound off in this situation?? I want so badly to take care of them until their mother returns, but I don't have enough time left here to do so.

An hour or so later, we made our way back to the doctor with Ritah and Prossy, who were both complaining of headaches. Come to find out, both girls have Malaria. Ritah's temp was very low, while Prossy's was high. After some injections, more prescribed medicine, and orders to come back after school and before school tomorrow for another injection, we went back to the school, where both girls layed down to rest. They seem to be feeling a little better, but they aren't over the hill yet.

Then, after thinking we were done with our "excitement" for the day, Anisha starts complaining of a stomachache. Christine gave her some medicine, but her stomach pain did not go away. Then she said that her stomach pain was because of hunger(common problem). So Christine and I(along with her ADORABLE son, Elvis) walked down the hill to buy Anisha a snack, because Lunch wasn't even close to being ready. Anisha ended up with 2 biscuits and a banana... enough to hold her over until lunch.

As I sat in the office eating lunch this afternoon, I looked around and saw Ian, Ritah, Prossy, and Anisha, smiling and coloring, along with Jessica, Shakira, Marvin, Vicky, and the other Ritah(These  5 kids aren't sick but just wanted to spend time with their friends). And as I listened to the sound of the heavy rain on the church's tin roof, I thanked God for putting smiles back on these beautiful faces that I love so much. But my heart still longs to do more for them. That's what hurts the most. Knowing that Ritah and Prossy still need to be cure of their Malaria. Knowing that Anisha and Ian's mother won't be home for a year. Knowing that most of these children live in such extreme cases of poverty. Knowing that we're only their teachers for 2 more days... But I'm going to give up control. I'm gonna let go, and let God take the wheel. And really, he's been in control this whole time.

I don't know what else to say to these children when we leave, other than
Nkkwagala ("I Love You" in Luganda)

Forever Changed

Sometimes I have to be reminded of just how important our attitudes are. They affect so much, and it they can influence people too. I never imagined Kelsey would've been able to come with me on this trip, but looking at it now, things would be so different here without her. I never imagined that i'd have my 1st teaching job at 15 yrs old, but here I am now. I never imagined that these kids could change me in the way that they have, but... they have. And the attitude I have everyday makes a difference. If I choose to drag around all day, they are gonna do the exact opposite, but they can tell i'm not being myself, and they start to think it's because they've annoyed me in some way (which they haven't). So looking at our last 3 days here at the school...

Attitude means everything.

As we pulled up to the school this morning, I was tired. I just wanted to go back to bed... I had the wrong attitude. And my kids turned it right around, before I had even said goodmorning to them.

It was no sooner than we had turned onto the bumpy road to the school, that we saw this massive group of little children in green uniforms, running full speed towards our car! And Michael looks back at us and says "Oh! Oh! Oh! They want to see their teachers!" I honestly felt like I was going to cry! Suddenly we were surrounded by little kids, banging on our window, wanting us to come out. It was a feeling, that I wouldn't trade in a million years. "Can we get out and walk to the school with them?!?!" Kelsey asked in a very excited, yet serious look on her face. I don't really know why she asked, considering we were out the door before we even got an answer! We walked, skipped, and danced the rest of the way up the hill, in the middle of a sea of children.

Words can not describe, how happy I was, and still am. And looking back at it now, i'm almost in tears at how much they really love us! They've given me so much more than I could ever ask for. They are so, incredible, and I love them... more than they will ever know.

Yesterday, 2 little girls came to the school. Ritah, is in P3, and Vicky, is in P1. I had the privilage of spending some time with Ritah, and she is absolutely precious. She has a beautiful smile, and she hides her face whenever I ask her a question (which I find rather adorable). She likes football (soccer), and enjoys singing & dancing, and her favorite school subject is English. And Vicky has the most ADORABLE little laugh, and a big, bright smile. And just like her sister, she loves to play and dance around. And both of these girls like matoke(a meal made from bananas).

This afternoon, I spent a few hours with our other Ritah, who is in P4. But that time wasn't spent playing, or laughing, or dancing around.

Ritah is sick.

With a headache, a stomachache, and a fever, sweet Ritah slept on my lap for quiet some time, only waking up long enough to eat and drink a few sips of her water(not filtered, of course). And everytime I looked into her eyes, I could see that she was hurting. As I rubbed her back and hummed softly as she slept, I longed for the chance to see her beautiful smile. But when she woke, there was no smile. Christine suspects that Ritah has Malaria. I don't know if it's that serious, but if she's right... I don't even want to think about that. Ritah is a strong little girl, and she's a fighter, and I have no doubt that she's gonna be just fine. But having known how horrible headaches feel, my heart aches for this sweet little girl.

With a new Ritah, and a new Vicky making my day a little brighter, and then with our other Ritah being sick, my heart longs to spend more time here. We only have 3 days left at the school, and then we won't be their teachers anymore. We'll be leaving Uganda a week from today. I can't imaine waking up one day and realizing, "I'm not their teacher anymore." It just seems too strange. Adjusting back to my day-to-day life... not seeing these beautiful faces everyday... not being here... it's so hard to imagine.

Just a fair warning everybody... I will never be the same. These children have left a big mark on my life, and no matter what, I will NEVER forget them.

Jemima (Nursery)
Shakira (P4)
Rose (P3)
Reyna (P2)
Prossy (P4)
Vicky (P1)
Jovan (P4)
Moses (P3)
Marvin (P2)
Ian (P2)
Aisha (P3)
Ritah (P3)
Jessica (P3)
Anisha (P3)
Jonathon (P4)
Ritah (P4)

These are just a few of the children that have changed my life... Forever <3

The Greatest Need

A few weeks ago, I did a post saying that the school has several renovations to be done. Since then, many people have asked both Kelsey and myself, how help can be given. So today, I want to tell you about what some of the needs are, and I hope you will be in prayer for them.

1. Flooding/Roofing: Because of the lack of roofs on 2 of the 5 classrooms, they flood every single time it rains. So almost every morning, the students have to de-flood their classrooms. Kelsey and I spent probably an hour on Wednesday helping them get rid of all the water in their rooms, while it was still raining. I would definitely call this the greatest need.

2. School Fees: Every once in a while, we continue to see children being sent home because of school fees. Most of the students need sponsors. This is a great need also. To send just 1 child to this school for an entire year, costs as little as $30. That's a few trips to Starbucks, or a dinner out.


3. Steps: Some of the classrooms are somewhat elevated, so although it's not top priority, steps are needed.

4. Grass: I wouldn't call this a need, but it is something they are wanting to add to the school. It would somewhat help the mud situation, but the mud doesn't stop classes or really cause much damage, so I would probably consider grass to be the least priority at this point.

So roofing, flood control around the school grounds, and the school fees are the greatest needs at the time. The other roofs are supposed to be going up next week (hopefully), but the flooding and school fees are still a problem.

Kelsey and I have decided that we want to start raising donations and finding sponsors as soon as we get home, so please be in prayer for that as well. I greatly appreciate how much you have all wanted to help! We will have more details and information when we get home, but if you have any questions about the flooding, the roofs, or the students, you are welcome to message me on Facebook, and I will try to answer some of your questions.



School photo with all students, teachers, and the Muzungu visitors <3

Thank you all again! The need at this school is great, and your help and support will make a BIG difference!