Reflections

     Sunday morning, when I woke up, I was brought to tears. Everything that I saw reminded me of where I have just been, and what I have just seen. When I looked at my bed, it reminded me of the kids who slept on a dirt floor. When I looked at my room, I was reminded of the mud huts that were not even that size. When I looked inside my closet, I saw the children who only had one pair of clothes that were all torn up. When I looked at my shoes, Isaw the bare, dirty feeet on the chilren dancing in worship for the Lord. When I looked at my school work I was reminded of the kids my age struggling to read. When I looked at my shower, it reminded me of the people who have never taken a warm bath. When I looked at my breakfast, I was reminded of the posho(the food that we delivered, that is alot like grits, but much dryer) that the lucky children ate for both of their meals every day. When I looked at my bible, I was not only reminded of the way that these people loved God and longed for him, but also 2 Chorintheians 8:2 that is at the top of this blog, and says, "Out of the most severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty, welled up in rich generosity."  Thi verse is such a true statement towards the people in Uganda. These people face the most severe trials and circumstances. None of the people that we came in contact with lived in a house as nice as the worst trailor in America. None of them make as much money in a montha s an American would make in a day. All of them labor tirelessly in the sweltering heat in order to provide for their family as much as possible. kids, at as very young age  are expected  to not only take care of themselves, but also their siblings. Countless times, we saw kids taking  care of other kids. At the first orphangae that we visited, there was a boy about my age named Joey. Joey did not play soccer woth the other kids his age, instead he watched his five year old brtother named Edwin, who had been rejected by their parents, because he was special needs. Other children we saw would be as young as six years old, and have a baby around their back! The women of Uganda also face many trials, as they are the primary workers and caretakers of their families. Overall just by the living conditions, you can tell that it is a never ending struggle for survival.
     Out of these trials, there is an overflowing amount of joy within these people, these people who have nothing. People around the world belive that money will bring them happiness, but I have just experienced extreme poverty, and found the happiest, most joyful and thankful people. This joy is contagious. When you are in their presence, they make your broken heart that you have for them full of joy! God has done great things in me and though me during this experience, and now when I look at my life, I see that I am not living in the right way acording to God. I have just seen people who have nothing, yet give their life completely to God, and are happy, and are thankful. I have lots, but I do not spend nearly enough time with God who has given it to me. If I did, maybe I would be more happy and thankful. Because of this trip, I can no longer look at my life in the same way! Thanks to all of you who helped make this trip a possibility!

Hope