One week in

One week ago right now we had just boarded our final flight in Amsterdam and were about to start heading south to the equator. Our time here always goes so quickly- it is hard to believe it has been over a week since we left home.
Our first weekend here consisted of some social activity- meeting up with old friends and getting to know some new friends.
On Friday night we went out for supper with our friend Joanna. If you have been following our story since 2013, you will be very familiar her. She arrived in Uganda in 2013 with the intention of staying for one year. God had another plan for her and she has remained here and has started her own organization. She is an incredible woman and a dear friend. What a joy it was to sit and catch up with her. She is such a strong and passionate woman who loves the Lord with all her heart and also loves the vulnerable children of Uganda. Many people come to Uganda (or other majority world countries) and go home again to go about living their lives. Joanna has said, "How can I go back home and live in my nice house, knowing what I know about the need here?" Yet her attitude is one of such humility and she insists she is not doing anything special. It is so humbling to sit with her and listen to all that God has done as she has trusted Him through some really trying times. What a huge blessing to spend the evening with her.
The oldest boy (actually he is now a young man) in Joanna's organization is called Brian. He was raised without a father figure and over the last few years, he and Greg have become closer and closer. Brian has told him, in the past, that Greg is his role model and that is the man he strives to be. We are continually humbled by the people and situations God has placed in our lives. Brian is an amazing dancer and he is now coaching/mentoring a group of young male dancers who will have their first competition this weekend. They were practicing on Friday night so after we finished supper, the three of us stopped in to surprise Brian. He didn't even know we were in Uganda so he was a very surprised and excited young man when Greg walked through the door. After the hugging was done, he told the young dancers, "I want you to meet my best friend Greg." Tears welled up in Greg's eyes. Friends, it doesn't cost a lot to build into someone's life. Genuine care for another goes a very, very long way. Who needs your caring today? If your answer is "No one", just pray and I know God will send you someone.
Saturday supper was spent with some of the Watoto leadership, discussing plans for the organization and just getting to know each other better. It was a wonderful evening filled with many stories, lots of laughs and good food. We met at a place called Cassia Lodge, which boasts the best view of Kampala.
Again, I wish I could share those pictures with you, but blogger will not allow me to attach photos (I know my kids think I am the problem, but I do know what I'm doing, on this one at least!) I will post photos on Facebook so you can see them there.