This was by far one of the most difficult, most emotionally-draining days of our journey.
It started with a visit to what is referred to as "M" - a rehabilitation center and prison where many children are sent. Some are guilty of crimes, some are not... (See www.sixtyfeet.org for more information.) We knew that it was going to tough, but we weren't prepared for what was in store...
We shared cookies with the kids,
experienced a time of worship with them (and Moses from Sixty Feet) that was beautifully Spirit-led,
What we did not know before arriving at "M" was that 250 neglected children had been picked up off the streets of Kampala the night before we came and were brought to this very facility. The possibility of diseases and sicknesses kept them from allowing us to see the children at first, but as they were "checked in" they came in one-by-one - some very young little ones included.
Lost...scared...filthy...starving...sad...confused...half-naked...covered with sores...devastated
We played with all of the kids and loved on them for a few hours,
...but then it came time to leave. As the team lined the inclined walkway to go, I watched the sad little guy in this picture make his way up through the group to find my friend, Doneva, who had been loving on him for the past few hours. He did not want to let her go...a little bit of love speaks volumes, and he was desperate for more.
It was an incredibly heartbreaking scene as I watched all of the youngest little ones follow us through the front building all the way to the bus trying to stay with us - craving love, safety, and security. Telling them to stay back away from the bus was horrible. I pictured my own children in the same situation, and it was almost too much to bear.
Standing on the promises of God but asking so many "why" questions...
Stephanie
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