Mary's Home Visits

Billington with his mum and sister at their current home

Monday was a very long day, thankfully beginning with a large vanilla latte coffee (my little hotel only serves instant coffee).  Aggie, Josh, and I departed at 9:00 am, returning to the hotel at 9:00 pm. 

It is both humbling and an honor to be invited into these homes which often sleep many. Yesterday one Uncle thanked us for educating his nephew (cared for by his mother, the boy's jjajja/grandmother) and he said "educating these children is the future of Uganda". Sponsorship goes far beyond helping a child, it supports the entire family in so many ways

Billington is an 11 year old boy living with his mum and little sister. His mother has been encouraged to join the women of KF to learn crafts with no success, preferring to work as a prostitute.  She told Joshua that she is sick with AIDS and will not be "of this place much longer".  She pleaded with Joshua and Aggie to look after her son, expressing gratitude for his educational sponsorship, with hopes that someday he will be able to look after his little sister. {Update from Joshua: Billington's mum would leave the two kids at home alone at night, and was eventually kicked out of her house (you may remember it from this video) for not paying rent.} It was apparent this boy needed to be placed in boarding school. He is a smart little boy who wants to be a football player and a lawyer when he grows up. {Also from Josh: We are currently looking for other family members to care for his little sister. It was a very upsetting visit, with Billington's mum asking Josh to "take my son as your son"} 

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Sauda, with her kids and Harriet

Ronald and Harriet: Ronald's mother, Sauda, is a Christian woman and a strong member of KFU. Her home was severely damaged earlier this year, yet it was much larger and nicer than most homes visited.  Ronald is 11 years old, and lives at home with two sisters, two brothers, a cousin and his little adopted sister, Harriet. He is completing his primary education this year and will test for secondary school. He is smart and wishes to be a lawyer when he grows up so he can protect abused children like Harriet.  Harriet is now 7 years old and was found by KF women about two years ago, living with her mother in a tiny place without a door, donated by a good samaritan.  Her mother is a drunk and would leave Harriet at night, working the streets; Harriet was at high risk for sexual abuse. Harriet was born with twisted legs and her father left when he realized that it would cost money to support her.  She has been placed in boarding school and her medical and therapy expenses are paid by her wonderful sponsor.  Everyone loves this happy child and she is called an angel by many. She excels in school. With proper treatment she is expected to be able to walk normally some day. 

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Rodney's Jjajja with her grandkids

Rodney:  Rodney is 7 years old, lives with both Jjajjas (grandma and grandpa), as well as his Uncle and other grandchildren ranging from 2.5 years to 16, a total of 8 in this home.  We walked through a small path passing many small homes surrounded by mounds of smelly garbage and trash.  It was one of the worst environments we visited yet they were so happy to greet us and welcomed us with soda and food. Rodney lost both parents to AIDS.  He is doing well in school, wishes to be a teacher, and loves football.  He is involved in our soccer program.  Jjajja told me over and over again how thankful they were for his sponsorship and sends her blessings to his sponsor. 

Mesach: Mesach is 7 years old and also cared for by his Jjajja, Margaret, after his mother died when he was six months old of AIDS and his father abandoned him. Jjajja Margaret cares for 8 orphans (five boys, three girls) and is about 60 years old.  Mesach is HIV+, and loves football.  Jjajja's husband died a few years ago while building their home (they actually own a little property and house) but he never was able to finish the floor, so they lived with a dirt floor.  With Christmas money from his sponsor sent to jjajja from Mesach's sponsor she was able to get her floor (Please see this post). She was ecstatic in her greetings to us. It was a delightful visit. 

My visit and work here with Kids First is coming to an end within a few days.  I am ready to return home and continue this work.  On the long trip here three weeks ago, a missionary gentleman said to me "it is important to return every now and then in order to reignite the passion in your heart".  During the three weeks here I have learned the truth of these words.

Mukama akuwe omukisa.

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