Yellow Backpack Adventures

 I sit in the airport…the month has gone by so fast. I cannot believe it is over already. A tear runs down my face as I think about all the little babies I left at Amani. What does their life hold? Will they ever experience a home with parents who love them? Will they grow up and love Jesus? Will they live a happy life? Those questions cannot be answered… it is in God’s hands, not mine.   This morning I spent like any other day. Making bottles, feeding babies, changing diapers, and stopping a fight or two. Today the hugs were a little longer. The one on one time more intentional. After lunch, we bathed and diapered the babies and put them to bed. I gave them each a hug, told them bye, and “I love you so much.” They responded with smiles, hugs, and “Wuv you doh much!” I peaked in the boys room, they were all in bed for naps. I went and whispered bye to them. They are older and some of them understood. “Why are you leaving auntie?” “Where are you going?” When will you come ...

    The sun is shining brightly through the little window in my room. I hear babies crying, and children talking, and birds in the trees. It’s 6:30am. I roll over and try to tune out the sounds and catch a little more sleep. The children get up at this time, and the mamas feed them breakfast. I get up around 7:30 and make some breakfast with the eggs and fruit that is provided for us. I then go down stairs and say good morning to all the mamas. It’s shift change, and the mamas are telling each other about the night shift, if any of the children are sick, etc. Most of the mamas greet us aunties with a big hug. After stepping inside the nursery (kids newborn to age 2),  I am nearly pushed over by 10 little kiddos all running or scooting their way to me saying “Auntie, Auntie!” Everyone wants a hug. After giving them each a hug or high five, we see if there is anything the mamas need us to do. Once the shift change is made, the children are told to get their shoes (crocs) on...

  Good morning from sunshiny Uganda. As you walk through the gate, you will see a big yellow building. In front of it lies a lush grassy green field. A handmade wooden playground lays on one side, while bushes and flowers line the other. Little children with backwards crocs on little brown feet run around, the older ones rolling tires, some are swinging, and the babies sit in the sand and eat it or chew on leaves. There are no toys out here, as it is field time, not sandbox or indoor play. As you walk up the drive, you are met by the guard men and staff who the children call uncles. The stone path leads you to the yellow building. On the bottom floor are three sections with a large open breezeway between each with metal laundry tubs and clotheslines.   The first room is the girls room, the second the babies, and the third is the boys. This home has abut 40 children at the moment, but you never know when another will arrive, or leave and go to a family member. We typically have...