This is the day...

Psalm 118:24
This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.

Yesterday was another great day!
We started off the day in our usual way- worshiping with our church family at Watoto Church Central. It is wonderful to be sitting among people who are so excited about Jesus that they just can’t contain themselves. The excitement is so contagious, but it is more than just excitement- it is a genuine love for Jesus and the desire to praise Him with all that they have.
In the afternoon, I (Lorenda, of course) had an amazing opportunity. Good friends of ours have a former Watoto child named Prossie working for them. Prossie decided that she wanted to go back to Bbira Village, where she was raised, and have a Thank you party for her mom.
It was an amazing afternoon with nearly thirty people in attendance. Of course we started off with a huge Ugandan meal- no gathering is complete without  food…and lots of it! We had matoke, yams, Irish potatoes, cabbage, rice, chicken, beef, watermelon- I know I am missing some things, my plate was WAY fuller than that!
After the eating was done, several of Prossie’s classmates got up and talked about what an amazing young woman she is. Many people spoke about her: one of the village moms, one of her teachers, a youth worker, her grandmother, two of her aunts, my friend Judy who is her employer. Most everyone in the room had the opportunity to speak. They say when you go to another country to do missionary work, you need to be prepared at all times to preach, pray or die. On our first trip to Uganda, we added “sing” to that list and yesterday I added “make a speech” as I heard the MC say, “Now we will hear from Auntie Lorenda.” Good thing talking is easy for me!
After we were all done discussing what an amazing young woman she is, it was Prossie’s turn to talk. She thanked her friends for all that they have meant to her and still do mean to her. She expressed her gratitude to her grandmother who raised her when she was young and to her aunties, as well. Teachers, youth workers, other moms from the village were all present and given a big thank you. Then it was time for Prossie to address her mom, Hope.
Kneeling in front of the table where Hope sat (it is cultural for a younger person to kneel when addressing an older person), Prossie tried her hardest to address her and tell her how thankful she was. Try as she may, not even one word would come out. The two of them sat there looking into each other’s eyes with tears flowing. Then Prossie got up, presented her with a gift and hugged her- no words were necessary.
What a huge privilege to be a part of this very special day. I assure you, tears were flowing throughout the room.
The bond the children have with each other and with their Watoto mom is so special. If you sponsor a Watoto child, make sure you pray for the mom, the other children in the home and the bond they all have. If you sponsor a mom, pray for the children in that home as well. I have been in Watoto children’s villages many times, but I have never experienced anything like I witnessed yesterday.
To God be the glory, great things He has done.