Mayuge

Wow. What an amazing day. We headed to the His Mercy Christian School for orphans and vulnerable children in the village of Mayuge this morning. The plan was to work on the construction of the classrooms and play with kids. The church has sent $6,000 to build the classrooms and buy all materials. When we pulled up to the school all 210 kids were outside to cheer and sing as we arrived. It is such an incredible thing to be welcomed like this. As soon as we arrived and unloaded we began playing games with kids. Susan and Elizabeth were the queens of the bubbles. Jonah and Genessa formed a huge circle and kicked a soccer ball between the children. Jody, Tim, Mike, and I started moving dirt to build the floor of one of the classrooms. Digging dirt, shoveling it in a wheelbarrow, and dumping it. Man I am sore and tired! But it was good work. We worked along side local masons and workers on the school. And was it hot!!! The sun was blistering today. I was so impressed by everyone. All team members jumped right in. Can I be a proud dad and say how awesome Jonah was today? He was right in the middle of the kids and loving every minute of it. He was talking and smiling and making friends. It was awesome to see him be a blessing today. And Genessa is fantastic with the kids. Always encouraging and always sharing laughs. I saw her lead dancing and singing. Awesome! Elizabeth was another rock star with the kids. I never saw here without a group of girls walking with her and holding her hand. She also jumped right in and just loved on the kids. Awesome!

We broke for lunch at the best hotel in Mayuge (not what you think) and the meal was excellent. Jonah did come down with some heat exhaustion sickness at lunch. He and I took it easy after lunch and hung out with kids. Mike got over heated as well. Mike is just fantastic with the kids. He is always engaging them and sharing pics. Making them feel special. We all need to drink water and take breaks. When we got back the Lord blessed us with some rain. Cooled things down and it was much better. It did stop the construction, but we just decided to break out the beanie babies. Talk about excitement! Susan went to each classroom with a teacher to control the chaos when things got handed out. The smiles and laughter of the children were sheer joy! There was a little girl who had a slight deformity that had a red hog. She was clutching it with all her might. When I told her it was my favorite one because I like red hogs and I started making hog sounds her eyes lit up and she started laughing. She was beautiful. I got a great pic of her. I hope I get to see her tomorrow.

We hated to leave but we are going back tomorrow. All in all a fantastic day. Just wonderful to love them and play games and make them feel special. These kids are poor. They are vulnerable due to being orphans or their home like is just not good. Jesus blessed small children everywhere he went. Today we were able to bless children, as well. It was incredible.

We got back to the hotel to clean up and watch a little of the world cup in the lobby. Very cool. We then went to the source of the Nile River. I have been 4 times and it is always a wonderful time to go. I think about the history of that river. Wow.

Tonight’s dinner was at Ling Ling Chinese Restaurant. The sweet and sour fish fingers and the diced fish and cashews were very tasty. Talk about a culinary adventure. Great meal.

Well we are off to bed. You should be proud of your family or friend on the team. Today was a great day.

Good night. Talk to you tomorrow.

CRT