These are the days of Elijah

Wow. Words cannot express all the things we have seen, encountered and been a part of since arriving in Uganda.  Currently, we are in Bukeleba, a small village an hour south of Jinja, the locals call it “the bush.”  We were welcomed with waves, smiling faces, and children screaming, “Jambo” (hello).  Bukeleba sits on beautiful Lake Victoria where Arise Africa International houses their guesthouse, Babies Home (orphanage), Primary and Secondary School. 

After we unloaded our large amount of luggage, minus one bag that was lost, we headed directly to the Primary School where the kids were playing.  As soon as our feet touched the red dirt, children surrounded us clinging to every limb of our bodies, some even yelled, “Mazungo” (white person).  After playing with the kids, we had our first meal consisting of chicken, rice, pineapple, vegetables and watermelon.  It was delicious.  The scenery couldn’t have been better, except for the bat that was circling our heads.  Kaitlyn was terrified. J We enjoyed a much-needed night’s rest and we were thankful that no rats were spotted. 

Thursday, our first full day, was full of emotion.  The morning was filled with songs, dancing and games at the Babies Home.  During lunch, we witnessed a grandmother who had recently lost her daughter, place a 3-month old baby into the Babies Home.  Elijah was 7lbs 6oz and looked like a malnourished newborn.  Our hearts broke as we saw the pain in the helpless grandmothers eyes as she handed the baby over to Arise Africa Staff.  Thomas assisted with the medical examination where they found that Elijah tested positive for Malaria.  Kaitlyn and Layne split their afternoon and evening caring for him and giving him his first bottle.  Elijah’s grandmother had been feeding him porridge and black tea.  As many North American’s know, this does not have the nutrients needed for a baby’s growth.  The other half of our afternoon was dedicated to distributing one new outfit to each orphan.  The smiles on their faces as they received the new outfit were simply, incredible.

By 8pm we were ready for bed, knowing that our next day was going to be equally draining both physically and emotionally.  Although we don’t have internet at Bukeleba, we are continuing to write daily updates and will post them as soon as we can.  Thanks for following our journey and we ask that you please pray for the health and growth of Elijah as well as the other children.