"For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me." Mt 25:35-36.

I am so very humbled to be in the presence of some truly wonderful people. It's times like these, when you can see clearly into someone's heart, that you feel overwhelmed with how great our God is. It's only 1:45 in the afternoon and I've already been moved to tears several times today. This morning we attended the Watoto Church...and as soon as we pulled up and I heard singing, a song I actually knew...a somewhat, contemporary, Christian song...I was excited. But I wasn't prepared to walk into the pavilion and immediately have tears come to my eyes. It was instantaneous. I just felt God's presence...felt comfort and joy. And it was something that I hadn't felt yet in Uganda as we missed church last week. What a blessing to be able to attend today.

On the way home, we get part way down Alice's street and we stop. I couldn't even see him from where I was sitting, but there was a very old man on the side of the road with his walking stick. I can't imagine how he had already managed to get so far. He barely came up to the window (and we were in a little car)...probably less than 4 feet high he was so crumpled over. We stopped and Alice handed him some money. It was pretty clear that the gown he wore and the soiled suit jacket we're some of the only clothing he owned. She then opened the door and allowed him to get in the car. I was surprised when we went back to Alice's house rather than take him to his. Alice told him that he will first eat lunch, and then they will take him home. He said he couldn't remember where home was and they didn't have any luck getting him there. But even so, at least from an outside perspective where I couldn't necessarily understand what was being said, I felt humbled by the gesture and also deeply saddened by this man's circumstances.

 Later in the day, I started to head out for a walk and Alvine asked if she could join. I said of course and so we set out. We quickly ran into Emma, Evas, and Ida (who had been trying to help take the older man home) and so Emma joined us. They showed me around the area, but we didn't get very far. Right behind the house is a primary school...which, despite being here just over a week, I had no idea. They took me in and around each of the classrooms and it was a pretty dismal sight. After having seen the boarding school that Alvine and Emma attend and then seeing this, it was a bit heartbreaking to see the difference. I know the same disparities exist between schools in the US. Where you live and what you can afford greatly affects your children's lives...those who attend this school won't have as good of chances in life. And it was even more disturbing to me that some parents can't afford school fees at all and so their children don't attend. How can they charge to send children here? And how can some families not afford it? It was all open, just a row of brick classrooms with dirt floors, a few desks, no actual windows or doors (just openings)...and in one room we entered, an older child was sleeping. I don't know how long they had been there, if it was an afternoon nap or if the child lived in the classroom after hours for lack of anywhere else to go. After we saw the school, Alvine wanted me to meet some family friends. I had declined earlier as she had ran in and said they were eating their lunch but we could visit. I didn't want to intrude. But we headed back there, again I was a little hesitant just barging in, and they were so welcoming. Josephine and her husband Anthony have 6 little kids age 11 and down. 5 boys and 1 girl. I was embarrassed at how hospitable they were, instantly bringing Alvine, Emma, and I three ears of maize, which I know they probably couldn't afford to give. Their house was bare. Basic cement structure with a few couches in one room, a little table (maybe 12in/12in) and that was pretty much it. They had all just finished eating and were sitting on the floor of the one room. They immediately ushered us to the other room (with the couches) and sat down. It was a little awkward as I wasn't sure what questions were ok to ask or not...what would be appropriate. But, we talked for a bit, and then Emma took over telling us story after story after story. I had no idea that kid could talk so much. After awhile, Alvine and Emma jetted out and I talked a few more minutes and then thanked them. I'm not really sure what's culturally appropriate. On one hand, I felt like we had intruded and were probably overstaying our visit, and on the other hand, I know they were honored to have us stop by and seemed very appreciative of our visit. So...I got up reluctantly, not really sure if I was leaving too soon or not. I would really like to get to know this family a little more...a prayer request would be the opportunity to do so. And maybe wisdom and discernment and open eyes as to how and if I can help in any way. It's on my heart to do so...I'm just uncertain of what that looks like.

Another prayer request would be for my health. I've had quite a bit of stomach issues since getting here and my appetite has been way down. Which, in Uganda, is difficult to deal with when you have food coming at you all the time (it's actually not all the time but for some reason breakfast at 7, lunch at 2, and dinner at 9 is hard for me to get down) and refusing something that is offered to you isn't an option. I don't want to be rude  but at the same time it's hard to eat when feeling this way. Why I'm not feeling hunger I don't know but just prayer for general health would be appreciated.

Hope you all are doing well and are having a wonderful summer!