Monday, June 18, 2012

Amani's Mommas

One of my most favorite times here in Jinja Uganda, is to be with the mamas of our babies' home. They fill my heart with song, my mouth with laughter, and my spirit with love. One of the mamas is also our neighbor. We sat together one Sunday afternoon and made a necklace, a bracelet and a pair of earrings from orange beads. Well, I say "we" made them.....I had strung only part of the necklace and she had made a bracelet and earrings, then finished the necklace for me! She had remembered I wanted orange jewelry to wear with my gomez and I have lots of use for that color.

The mamas at Amani Baby Cottage always have an encouraging word when I am not smiling. Some have an admonishing word when I slightly complain that I am tired. Some have tears when the children are having heartache. But they all have such love for the children. You can't be around them long and hang on to any grief, pain, weariness, sadness, homesickness, illness......they just don't allow! I love them so much, I am grateful for the way they bathe, feed, clothe, sing, play and care for the children.

When we move into our new building, the mamas will be divided into the cottages of children they are assigned to oversee and care for. This will not lessen the bond they have, but will strengthed their bond with the children and give them great joy. The cottages are being painted beautiful colors and Scriptures are being painted in each one, as well as in the clinic. The mommas will be surrounded by beautiful walls, but their spirits is what carries the children through hard times and joy.

When you think of us this month, pray for the mommas. There are almost 35 workers: cooks, dishwashers, laundry(you can't IMAGINE the amount of handwashing these wonderful workers have), mommas, housekeepers, assistants, social workers, administrators, and more I probably can't think of right now. Pray for the finishing and the move into our new building. Pray for the health and well-being of the mommas. Thank you for taking time to read and pray.

 Like the t-shirt reads in the above pic of my neighbor-friend, the mommas truly believe GOD IS ABLE!