Tuesday - Neighboring Village Visits, and the Serving Hearts of the FH Staff

It is amazing to see the FH staff in action. These people are devoted and diligent. They love their work amongst the villagers and have just the right people skills to encourage and bring out the best in both children and adults.

Note Sliva, a passionate agriculturalist, up-to-date with experimental farming, who takes courses and studies on the weekends.

Then there is Steven, always flashing a big smile. He's delightful to watch as he brings the sponsored children to see the videos. He prompts them about their sponsors' names, explains what they are saying, and suggests ideas about what they can say in reply. During this time he's laughing and joking, making the shy kids feel at ease when getting them to talk is like pulling teeth.

Another FH friend is Miriam, who works in the office and stands in for Moses when he is away. She pitches in wherever needed. Miriam took us shopping, bargaining on our behalf so we didn't get cheated. She takes a genuine interest in our personal lives. What a blessing she is!

Then there is Sam, a busy cook who cheerfully prepares our meals. He's a university student hoping to eventually earn a degree in social work and administration. Sam is always praising the Lord, and loves singing!

We're also blessed by Moses, Justine, Livingstone, Sarah, David, Molex and Julius. These servants of God are the connection between Marare and Northgate and serve as witnesses and models for the communities. It's Moses who sets an example for us all in humility, wisdom, and love.

Today's Events: Today was our day to visit 2 other FH villages in the area. First was Bufukhula, which will be graduating in November 2013. The children performed some wonderful music and dancing for us. Three boys played a large xylophone carved from wood - it gave beautiful sound. The girls came in and danced a highly energetic dance. In the middle of the performance, the rain started. The skies opened and the sound on the metal roof was deafening. It was decided we better leave before the muddy road became impassable. We did get stuck, but the 3 FH staff with us (Moses, Sliva, and David) pushed us out.

In the afternoon, we went to Nashisa: got a full tour of all the classrooms. In each one the children stood and recited a welcome and introduction to their school, including their school motto.

Then in the church building there were speeches, welcomes and performances from the children. The place was packed! In the middle of the program they served us bananas and water, which really hit the spot. After the performance we split up and enjoyed spending time with the children and adults.

Supper at the FH office, included the chance to try suger cane (as Gary Zander said, "its' like chewing on sweet wood"). Moses, who returned to Marare to help with the construction of the church when we went to Nashisa, joined us after supper. He looked very weary, but eternally optimistic and praising God for the progress of the day.

Please continue to pray for him as he is so vital to the work of FH in the Mbale area.