Saying goodbye is the hardest thing to do

Day 18 in Uganda

This morning I spent a little time with Josiah. I know I haven’t got much longer here. We sat in my room and I sang and talked baby talk with him. I am gonna miss this cute kid. Later I laid in my room and listened to the kids laugh outside my window. My heart races thinking about my last few days in Uganda, so I tried to keep my mind off of it. We had no power and it was so hot, so Wilson opened my outside door for a little while and I took pictures of some of the kids as they walked by. I pray that God gives me peace so I can enjoy these last days. These people here are my life now. When I get back to the States, I will do nothing but think of them. Last time I was here, we were going nonstop. This time I put faces with the names. I built relationships with so many. I made best friends. What am I gonna do without them?

Later Norah, Godfrey, and I took a walk. Norah was sick with Malaria so I carried her jerrycan for her. I wanted to see the people again before I left. I am not sure what we will be doing tomorrow. I dread to even think. Norah told me her brother Elijah wanted to give me some milk. I stopped and took pictures of baby sheep that were in the road. They were so tiny. We got to Norah’s house and Elijah wanted to go walking with us before he milked the cow. Joviah was fixing her sister’s hair. She gave me a big hug and told me she loved me as always. I told her I was going to miss her so much. All the kids wanted their chance to take pictures with my camera. So I got some pictures of me and some of the kids. Godfrey loved taking pictures. Today we became very close. He wanted so badly to talk with me, but he doesn’t know good English. He asked if he could take some pictures throughout the trip. So we headed down the dirt road. 

I wanted to go visit Mastulah and say goodbye to her and her family just in case I didn’t see them before I left. So we walked toward her house. On the way we stopped at one of my sponsored children’s homes. Her name is Margaret. We saw one of Elijah’s brothers walking home from school and I got his picture. Then we stopped by Norah and Elijah’s aunt's home. I sat for a while and talked with all the kids. I looked in the yard and there was Margaret. She came and sat in my lap and we took a picture together. They had some baby chicks that were only a day old. When we got ready to go his aunt gave me some corn for popping. Then we went to Mastulah’s. She greeted me with a smile. I am so glad she smiles at me now. I waved at her father and he threw up both hands to wave. I said our goodbyes and I told them all Jesus loves them. Then we headed back to Elijah’s for milk. As we walked back down the road, Norah asked me to sing a song in English. So I sang songs by Janis Joplin as we headed back to Elijah’s and they tried to sing along. God is so amazing!

                                                                                      

                                                                                    Elijah and his brother

When we got there Elijah’s mom was there. She is such a beautiful woman. Godfrey got a picture of us two together. She hugged my neck. Joviah and I went down to get one of the baby pigs. Last time I didn’t get a picture of one, so this time I was gonna get one. She grabbed one and it squealed. They are so small I could put one in my pocket. They were the cutest things I have ever seen. The one that had the messed up legs died. They told me it wasn't eating. I went back up and watched Elijah milk the cow. They gave me the milk and Godfrey, Brian and I were on our way back home. 

The moon is beautiful tonight. I got some pictures of some people pumping water by the moon light. Last night I got an awesome picture of Ali looking at the moon. Later I cooked some mac and cheese. I called Wilson in the kitchen to show him how it was done. This morning Christie joked with him about the half packet I had found in the floor. His reply was “One half is better than zero.” These kids crack me up. I cooked two boxes. When it was time to mix everything together, Christie stressed the two packs to Wilson. He laughed the whole time. 

Later Christie and I went into the boys room. They were doing their homework by the light of a kerosene lamp. This is the first time I have been in their room since I have been here. I sat and listened as they told us things that were going on. Their broken English is hard to understand. I have gotten really close to all the kids. I have given my time to them. They have blessed me beyond words. I am so thankful God has led me here. I pray I can return very soon.

Maybe I can cook like a Ugandan

Day 16 in Uganda

Momma Nabakalu taught me how to make g-nut sauce. We mixed carrots, tomatoes, onions, salt, garlic and g-nut paste (ground g-nuts). I wasn’t too thrilled with the results and I asked George if that is the way it is supposed to taste. He said it was not the best and he would have Wilson teach me. He said Wilson made is so good you would want to lick your fingers. It was a day of rest. After I finished helping cook, I took a nap and so did George. When I got up Christie and I decided to take Godfrey, Brian, and Ali to get a hair cut. Wilson and Bida came along. 

After we arrived in Bombo town and dropped the boys off, Christie and I had to head back home for a small emergency. We bounced up the road and laughed the whole way. After we were done at home, we headed back to get the boys. When we got back, the living room was filled with kids watching movies. Christie and I went in my room and got on the computer until the power went off. We sat up until about 2 am and then we went to bed. As I said my prayers, I prayed for rain. The land is so dry. The trees are wilting and the grass is turning brown. Dirt covers everything. When you drive a cloud of dust follows. The crops are suffering and without them people won’t have food.

Day 17 in Uganda

Today is my husband Matt’s birthday. This is the first birthday I have spent away from him in 6 years. I know he misses me terribly and I miss him. But he knows my heart and supports me in whatever I do. I am so glad God put us together and together we are growing in our faith. He completes me. We have a beautiful daughter, Willow. He loves my son, Xavier, as though he was his own and I love his daughter, Attie, the same. I have the most wonderful in-laws anyone could ask for. I thank God everyday for blessing me with such a wonderful family. 

For lunch, Wilson taught me how to make g-nut sauce. We only put eggplant and g-nut paste in this time. I sat outside by the charcoal stove. Some of Christie and George’s kids came in for lunch. I tried sugarcane for the first time. Viola sat with a crossword puzzle. I helped her and Betty find the words and explained what they meant. Momma Nabakalu, Betty, and Wilson taught me some more Luganda. Christie was sick so she took some Benadryl and she was out. Needless to say we didn’t get to eat lunch together. I helped watch Josiah while she rested. When she got up we sat in my room until we both got a cold bath. I started reading Rebel with a Cause by Franklin Graham a few days ago. It is a wonderful story about his life. Reminds me a lot of how I use to want to run as far away from God as I could, but that was all for His Glory. I wouldn’t change a thing that happened in my life, because I don’t believe I would be where I am now. The power has been on very little today. I started packing the totes I will be bringing back to the States with me. I hate to even think about leaving. I am so torn between two worlds. On one hand I know my family misses me, but the other is that I am leaving my family here. Please keep me in your prayers as I prepare to leave what feels like home. 

Tonight Wilson came in my room and asked Christie and me if we wanted some Mac and Cheese. Usually that is their way of saying "You're not gonna eat what we are cooking." So we both agreed.  We usually cook our own. So we went in the kitchen about 20 minutes later to prepare it, but I smelled it already. We went back to my room. A few minutes later Wilson walked in with two bowls of mac and cheese. I took a bite and looked at Christie and waited for her to take a bite. She said "What is this?" We went to the kitchen to add some salt, but it didn't help. It tasted like plain noodles. We added milk and butter, still didn't help. Christie asked Wilson if he put all the packets of cheese in. He had cooked 2 boxes. He went outside and brought in a whole packet of cheese. No wonder it tasted like noodles. She asked him why he didn't put in the other packet. He said "I felt it would be too much." We added a half a packet per bowl. It was much better. Later I took my bowl in the kitchen and found what I thought was an empty packet on the floor to throw in the trash. It was half full. He had only put a half a packet for 2 boxes of mac and cheese. I love these kids!

Just to make them smile

Day 15 in Uganda

Today I learned to make Chapati. George had a friend to come visit. She told me all the steps to make it. Wilson was supposed to show me, but all he did was laugh at me. After we got the dough ready, I rolled it out to make it flat. Wilson told me to stack them with a little flour between each one. He got the charcoal ready for me and we started cooking. After the first two I got the hang of it. After I got about 5 done, the uncooked ones stuck together. George came outside and said I was doing it all wrong because one that I had gotten loose was way out of shape. But he didn’t know I had already cooked 5 good ones. When he saw them he was so proud. We rolled the ones that were stuck together back up into balls and started over. By then our fire had cooled down. The wind was blowing so hard. Dirt was blowing everywhere. When we got to the last one it took about 20 minutes to cook because the fire was about out. I was very pleased with the outcome. I will be cooking more for sure.

Kids were watching outside the door as we got necklaces ready to take pictures of them. I started dancing like a hillbilly to the music you could here from the choir. They laughed. I acted silly just to get a smile from them. Later Christie and I sat on the porch and took the rest of the pictures of the merchandise. Kids came from all around. I made funny faces and they made faces back at me. I saw Charles and started making silly faces. It wasn’t long before his frown turned upside down. I tried my best to get a good picture of Mustafa, but Christie says he always acts silly. He reminded me of the monkey on the Lion King. All the kids put on their best silly faces and I got a picture of them and would show them. They would laugh. Hope (Gideon’s sister) brought me some yams and roasted g-nuts. I went inside to take the g-nuts out of the pan and put them in a bag so I could give their pan back. I got to the kitchen and Gideon was out back and gave me some bananas. Those kids love me and I love and adore them. I gave them all a hug and told them I loved them. Hope always tells me she loves me before I ever get it out of my mouth.

Elijah and Nora wanted to give me some more milk and it just so happened our milk from the day before had spoiled. I followed them home. I carried a jerry can for Joviah. I watched Elijah milk his cow again. It wasn’t dark this time. I saw he also had another cow that was pregnant and some pigs. They also have some very small piglets. The younger kids went down with me so I could get a closer look. They were a little bigger than my hand. One of the kids picked one up for me to hold. It squealed and the momma pig grunted back. I had never held a baby pig before. I was so tickled. One of the piglet’s front legs was messed up. Instead of bending backward they bent forward. I was so sad for the little pig. We let them go back to nursing from their mom. I think this was the highlight of my day. Every time I see a little pig I want to hold it. Yeah I know I am weird. When Elijah was done, I hugged all of the kids. An older man came out and he wanted a hug too. I love this family. They are so awesome. I will never forget the kindness they share. Never.

Help put shoes on His children

Day 13 in Uganda

We got out the shoes they make here in the village and started putting laces in them. As soon as they are ready they will be put on the feet of some of the kids in the village. The only problem is a pair has not been sponsored for every kid here. There aren’t even enough to put on all the kids that go to school. If you would like to sponsor a pair of shoes go to http://ekuboministries.org.  This is a great way for the people here in the village to sustain themselves, but without funding it is a lost cause.

Last night was my first time driving here. I drove Betty home and one of Viola and Ritah’s sister. I drove very slowly since the dirt roads here are awful. Birds that sit and wait until you get right up on them would fly as soon as the headlights blinded them. I was a little nervous since the seat is on the opposite side than I am used too. The van is a manual but the shifter is still the same direction as when you are in the States. So it is really backwards. Thank God we made it back in one piece. Ha Ha. Didn’t do much more. I was dealing with some stuff back home that had me a little down, but I just have to keep my eyes on Him. Give Him the glory. He always makes a bad situation that we don’t understand into something glorious. So Christie and I stayed in my room laughing all day.

Day 14 in Uganda

Today Christie, George and I got up early to head into town. We stopped at a store to get gas and water. Good thing we did. Christie took a picture as we sat in the parking lot of the beautiful view from where we were parked. When we got where we were going first, the sun was blazing down. We purchased merchandise to sale to raise funds for the clinic and many other needs. I got my kids some surprises. They are gonna be so happy. It was so hot. I think we got a little dehydrated. My body became weak. I was exhausted. When I got home I was still shaking. Christie and I got sick because we drank too much too fast. We went to the Embassy to see what was needed for the choir to travel to the USA. We had lunch Good African Coffee. We met with one of the new teachers for George and Christie’s school, Harvest Christian Academy.  I don’t think he had ever been in a place like that. He was looking around all wide eyed. We just don’t realize the things we take for granted. Afterwards we went to the grocery store to get some things that I wanted to take back, like spices and tea. On the long journey back we stopped to get some water. I was so hot. My body was drained. 

When I got home my back was sunburned. We weren’t even in the sun that long. After arriving home we took pictures of all the merchandise while the kids all watched. You would have thought we were giving out candy. Anytime they catch us outside they surround us. Then the little girl I saw the other day (the one I talked about in my last blog post) came up riding with her daddy on a motorcycle. She was on the front holding on to the handle bars. Christie got all the pictures and they look fantastic. Go shopping. Share the links. All proceeds go to God’s work here in the village. We are going to move it to the Ekubo Ministries Facebook page. Then she went to bed when the power went off. I prayed for it to come back on. Just enough so I could talk to my husband before I went to bed. And you know what? God answered my prayer. So glad I got to chat with my sweet husband before I dosed off. God is so good to me. He gave me a wonderful family at home and gave me one here. I am truly one blessed woman. Amina.

Made with love

Day 13 in Uganda

This morning Moses went back to Munta Royal College. He woke me to tell me goodbye. Betty was here and George asked me to show her how to make french toast. She was a great student. Then when we finished, we sat down and she taught me some more Luganda. Later I sat back out on the porch and watched the kids scurry around like ants during their first school break. Today 218 children were in school. That was good for the first week. At lunch I helped pass out food again. I washed dishes when they ran out of bowls. All the kids were yelling “Stormy!” when they past through the lunch line. As I was washing bowls, the kids would say thank you. What a blessing. The sun wore me out. When I flung excess water from the bowls it dried almost instantly on the dirt. When I finished the staff told me well done and thanked me for my help. I enjoyed every minute I got to spend with these people. I love it here.

I came home and had some lunch. I took a little nap and read some Chicken Soup for the Christian Family. We had some secondary school kids come to be profiled. A grandmother came that had been kicked out of her home after being there for over 15 years. She was supporting her grandchildren and they now have no where to go. The laws here are so corrupt.  Many parents with their children showed up today hoping to be profiled, but there is no room for new students.

Later I went outside and helped a lady sort beans. Before long the porch was covered in children willing to help. Elijah, Jjemba, Brian, and Yafese all sat around to help. Some older kids came up and wanted me to get pictures of them working. Then I went on a walk. Jjemba and Elijah walked me to Jjaja Mastula. On the way we saw a little baby boy sitting naked on the dirt. He was so cute. And for once he didn’t cry. All the smaller kids here cry when a Mzungu gets close to him/her. 

I saw some pumpkins growing and a little girl carrying slop to a pig. We finally reached Jjaja Mastula’s home. She had finished a basket and I purchased it from her. Mastula brought it out on her head. This girl brightens my world. She hardly ever smiles but when she does, it is beautiful. Jjaja Mastula was so happy. She offered me some food, but I told her she needed it. Mastula’s taata(daddy) wanted me to get a picture of him eating. So I took his picture. These people love to have their picture taken. I told them all Sulabalugi(goodnight) and we headed to the trading center. Jjemba walked with the basket on his head for a little while. He looked so serious. These guys are hilarious. I took a picture of a tiny boy on top of a huge bicycle. I saw one of the most beautiful little girl I have ever laid my eyes on. Her mouth was wide open the whole time she looked at me. She looked as though she had just seen a ghost and by the color of my skin she was half right. When we got to the trading center, It was alive with people. There were bodas coming from every direction. We weren’t there long before we turned of the main road and headed back home. I got to see my other sponsored child, Margaret Nagujja, on the way home. This was the first time I have seen her since I have been here this time. She was wearing the dress I gave her the last time I was here in June. She smiled big as she took a picture with her mom.

We stopped by Elijah’s house. He wanted me to see him milk his cow. Joviah had asked me to come by there days before, so now was my chance. Joviah was outside washing her clothes. It was already dark. She was so happy to see me. She said “Njagala Kafuba”(I want a hug) and held her arms out wide. I ran to her. She told me she loved me and held on tight. This girl speaks English well. She is very smart. Elijah got a bucket ready. Momma Elijah, Joviah, Elijah, Nora and his other brothers and sisters all went out back with me to watch him milk the cow. He first brought the cow’s calf around to start sucking. Then he pulled it away and started milking. This is the first time I had ever seen anybody milk a cow. He wanted me to get a picture. The cow moved it’s leg then peed. Everyone broke into laughter. Nora told them I was her best friend. She said I was 100, 100% her best friend. How funny because I had said the same thing about her. I love this family. They gave me milk and walked me home. This place is getting harder and harder to leave. My heart will always be here. We said our goodbyes and I got inside to get a bath. My feet were filthy again. The power was off, so I got a cold bath. Not to bad when you have been in the hot all day. I got to my room and the covers were pulled back like I was in a hotel. My basket was sitting there with my book and camera in it. I feel so much love here. I can’t even think about the fact that I am leaving next week. This time here was different than the last. I invested in the lives of the people. I visited them. I helped them. I loved them. Although we will be oceans away, they will always be in my heart. I then sat down and enjoyed tea with my fresh milk in it and reflected on the days events. My heart is full.

He can make beauty out of something ugly

Day 12 in Uganda

This morning when the kids took their first break from school, I sat on the porch and talked with them. I saw my sponsored child, Gideon, getting water. I took a picture of him. I saw Mastula headed for some porridge, so I took her picture also. I learned a lot more of the children’s names today. They all lined up at the borehole for water. Thank God for clean drinking water. These children can at least get clean water while they are at school.

During lunch, I saw the kids start to line up for lunch. I went around to the kitchen and asked if I could help. There are over 250 students here and lunch time is hectic. I started handing bowls out to the cook to scoop posho and beans. The bowls ran out quick. So I went over to the dishwashing station and got some clean ones. They also ran out quickly. Then I helped the little girl washing them rinse them with water. And by the end I was washing them. I had never seen kids fight over rinsing dishes. I had to make them all take turns. I must have washed the same bowls 15 times because they don’t have enough for everyone. The kids had to stand in line until others bring their’s to be washed. The bowls were so worn out. I can tell they were well used. This was one of the reason sponsorship had to go up. Because last year a budget for dishes were never taken into consideration. Neither were pots and pans. There was a lot that Christie and George didn’t take into consideration when it came to their budget for the school. It was the first time they have ever done sponsorships. They wanted to aim low on the pricing for sponsorships, but when they went through a year and seen what they didn’t add in the budge, they found themselves paying for things out of their own pockets. Plus everything here had gone up in price. I had so much fun washing dishes with these little blessings. God has blessed me beyond words. I never thought it would be a blessing to wash dishes. I was washing them as fast as they came. I kissed the heads of the children as they passed and told them Jesus loves them and so did I.

Later I sat on the porch when the kids got out of school. A lot of them came to sit on the porch with me. I started taking pictures. By the time I was finished I was surrounded by about fifty kids. They love to see themselves on camera. Moses came home today for a little while and he had some g-nuts that needed shelling. I had to tell him to tell the children to let me up. I literally couldn’t move. We all sat out on the grass and shelled g-nuts. It amazes me how all the children almost broke their necks to help out. Joviah sat out with us and taught me some Luganda. She told me how to ask for a hug and then she asked me for one. My heart melted. She held on to me so tight and said she loved me. I didn't want to let her go and neither did she. I could have floated off the ground. Then Mbode asked for a hug. Oh my goodness. These kids are my heart and I am going to be so sad to live them.  After we shelled all the nuts, Moses and I took a walk.

When Matt and I had our wedding ceremony here, they had a dance contest between the kids. Charles won the contest and we gave him 10,000 shillings. I was broken when Christie posted how badly he wanted a sponsorship package before we came here. So I was so happy when he won that contest. Today he remembered who I was. He remembered that I had came to his home and he asked if I would come back. So Moses and I walked him and his little brother home. 

We stopped by the house of the new teacher that Christie and I brought to meet George. I saw a pink chicken and I am not even kidding. These place never ceases to amaze me. There were some crazy drunk men that were yelling at us. They wanted Moses to take their picture. A truck was came down the narrow dirt road so we ran and got into someone’s yard before we were plowed over or covered in red dust. They had a black and white calf, so I got closer to take a picture. I have always loved black and white cows. I see some baby piglets. I got closer so I could get a good shot. They were so little and cute. I just wanted to hold one of them. Moses showed me how to call them and they came running, but every time I barely moved they ran back. Finally they got so close I touched one of their noses. 

I looked up and their were graves in the back yard. It made me sad. I know people die, but more often here than I can get use to. Moses says let's go before you cry. I collected myself and told him it was alright. The lady that lived in the house remembered me from the wedding ceremony. I sat with her and Moses took a picture of the two of us. She was so happy. We walked back down the road toward the house. I saw a women and a man carrying bricks. The lady had about 5 of them on her head. The man was carrying some on a bike. Then I saw a tiny boy chopping fire wood. We walked down to Mastula’s. I love that family. Jajja(grandmother) Mastula was still sitting on the ground making baskets. She had only made one since we saw her last. Heart breaking. I gave the kids some love and tell them I love them. I hugged Mastula and kissed her little head, then we headed home. I saw another beautiful sun set, but they never get old. A kid was pulling another kid around in a jerry can that had busted out on one side. Their own little make shift wagon. There was a tree covered in thorns with the most beautiful flowers. God’s way of saying He can make beauty out of something ugly. Reminded me of my life. Closer to home we saw a fallen birds nest. I thought of how much work had been put into it and now it had fallen. Reminded me of the lives of some others. As we get on the compound, I see the start of the P5 building. It is only going to be a floor and roof until they can get the funds to finish building. I got in the house so I could take a bath. My feet were filthy. After, Moses showed me how to cook another African meal. We sat outside by the charcoal cooker and ate the g-nuts we shelled early. This is the life. Simple. Our meal was finished and it was delicious. 

Breaking barriers

Day 11 in Uganda

This morning was the first day of school. The school bell rang throughout the compound. I could hear the laugher of the children.  Children lined up behind the borehole. The kids that had been staying with relatives during the holiday have now returned. I saw many faces outside the window. Parents brought their dues to the school to be weighed. They brought firewood and corn. George sat outside holding meetings for the first part of the day. I noticed a mother holding her baby boy and he had on a Auburn jersey. Matt’s favorite team is Auburn, so I grabbed my camera to get a picture. 

Mansul stared in the window. I love this kid. He has such beautiful eyes. Christie told me that his family kept him in hiding after he became deaf after a long battle with malaria.  When she came to live here and they started profiling children to find them sponsors, a little boy showed up to enroll but they quickly discovered that he was deaf.  So once they found a school for the deaf to send him to, word spread and 2 other parents came forth with their children.  Disabilities here are viewed as curses by some, so children are kept in hiding.  I looked at him and said, “I am so glad he can get out now.” 

Christie had noticed a little girl had hit another girl at the borehole. She was enraged. It is one thing for people to live in poverty, but to be picked on by peers can be eliminated. She told Kakumba to tell the little girl there will be no hitting on the compound. The little girl fled. We had another chicken that kept coming in the house. I kept running it out and as soon as I sat back down, it was in the house again. Finally I tossed a dirty diaper at it, but it didn’t work either. Christie wanted to get an action shot, so I got something else to throw, but it didn’t come back in. Momma Nabakalu brought us our tea and Wilson followed with some pineapple. Later he asked if I wanted any mango. This is what I had been waiting for - fresh mango. I told Christie that I can leave with ease now with a bit of sarcasm and she asked “Why?” I told her because now I had mango. So she told Wilson to never give me mango again. It wasn’t long before the kids filled the living room. School was out early today. Christie had them all do flash cards. Joviah sat in the living room and told us she wanted us to go see her cow. She wanted us to come and watch Elijah milk it and she demonstrated how he does it. We laughed so hard. She is a sweet girl. 

George needed to go into Kampala for some supplies for the school. So he and Viola loaded up for daddy and daughter time. He told Christie and I to prepare us something to eat because we were out of charcoal and for us to teach Betty. So Betty and I prepared an African meal. We had a tomato and carrot sauce with rice. My rice didn’t turn out so well, but we ate it anyway. 

Momma Maria always asks Christie for clothes but she never has clothes for women.  She does now, thanks to the clearance racks at Walmart.  So we found some halter top dresses for her in the totes. Christie cut the spaghetti straps off and we made her a skirt out of it. Jjajja Gerald and Nalongo (mother/grandmother to many and also serves the ministry as the school cook) came up so we got them some skirts too. 

Wilson was being silly so I snapped a quick picture of him. We had a few kids come up and we got them all new outfits. You wouldn’t believe the sizes these kids wear. At age 10 and 12 they are wearing a size 5/6. Some need bigger shirts than they do pants because they have worms and their bellies are swollen. Even though there is a borehole, some still get water from a dirty pond where water collects. The water is polluted with parasites. Because there is only one borehole, some have to walk for miles with heavy jerry cans, so they choose to walk a shorter distance for dirty water. Maria was one of the first to get her some new clothes. When she walked out, her mother was so proud. Momma Maria is a very special woman. She suffers many health problems and when Christie first came here she couldn’t even walk. Now she is thriving. Fred was the next to get new clothes. He is one of the kids that lives behind Christie and George in the home they built for Maria and her Mom.  He is the grandson Nalongo, who was moved in to care for Maria and her Mom.  Francisca and Joshua, who are also grandchildren, were given clothes as well.  

Maria hasn’t ever had much to do with me. So I started playing with her. After she got used to me, I picked her up and started kissing her cheeks. She went crazy with smiles. Then when I sat her down she held her arms out for me to pick her up. I picked her up and put my forehead to hers. She smiled so sweetly. She laid her head on my shoulder. I felt loved. I finally broke that barrier. I later went outside and she was playing with me. She has no idea she was that one that started my heart stirring for this place. She opened my heart to a new life. A life that I will never regret.

Tonight they all sat in the living room. I finished my book Scared by Tom Davis so I started reading The Journey by Billy Graham. I sat with my book while Christie had the kids reading the flash cards. This place is filled with love. Night is the only time that all the family is together. The day is filled with chores, but the nights are fun. The children watch TV (permitting the power is on), read, or just laugh and have fun. Christie had them make up sentences with the flash cards and here were some they came up with: