Reflections From the Heart of a Servant in Uganda
Hi Friends, We thought we would share some experiences from places we serve with from around the world. Today we would like to focus on an orphanage called, ” Amani Baby Cottage” in Jinja, Uganda. I am the director of BWO and Amani is one of my favorite places in the world.
Here’s a little view into why:
Amani Baby Cottage was established in 2003 to provide care for orphaned and abandoned children. ABC is located in Jinja, Uganda near the shores of Lake Victoria. The facility can house up to 60 children ages birth to 5 years. Children are referred through local authorities and the Ugandan social welfare system. Many are orphaned when their parents die due to AIDS, birth complications or other factors. Some are abandoned in the hospital after birth. Others are found abandoned at taxi stops, in latrines, or on the street.
The Baby Cottage has as its goal, that each one of them will find a place with a loving family. Amani is the beginning of their journey to such a place.
Below is a except from a blog of one of Amani’s current volunteers. BWO missionaries will journey this June to Jinja, Uganda and Amani Baby Cottage. Some of the emotions the volunteer shares below, we expect, some of our short term team members may feel as well.
Soak it in, reflect, and enjoy…
(*The names of the children below have been changed to protect their privacy.)
Counting the Cost
Saturday, March 13, 2010
One of the most nauseating things I was told before I came here was you are such a good person to help orphans in Africa and you’re sacrificing so much you poor thing. Those people just don’t get it. You think I’m an amazing person and that I’m sacrificing so much?
You didn’t get to see Tommy today smiling and crawling around on the floor and know that three weeks ago he was lying in my arms lifeless all skin and bones.
You didn’t get to feed baby Gloria her bottle and plant kisses on her head knowing that just a mere 6 hours ago she was lying in a field in the rain abandoned.
You won’t get to see two sets of parents come running through our gates in three short weeks and take their new children into their arms.
I’m not amazing. I’m not sacrificing so much. I am doing what everyone else is doing in this world. I’m finding what gives me the most joy and pursuing it. Nothing has ever given me as much joy as caring for the orphaned children of Uganda. So that’s what I’m going to do.
I don’t think God always provides you with a miraculous sign to show you what you should do with your life. Sometimes I think it is as simple as being somewhere doing something and feeling a peace and joy so profound that you know they couldn’t come from anywhere but God. I have found that here. When I think about a future here all the world fades away. When I think about never having a proper shower, air conditioning, krispy kreme, the possibility of never marrying, only seeing my family and friends once a year I grow sad. But then I see one of my babies laugh or say their first word or come running to me to give me a hug and that joy surpasses all.
