Day #10–Part 1
We packed our bags this morning, loaded them on the Miracle Van and headed straight for the school. First though we had to stop at the fruit guy to load another bounty of pineapple.
$20 buys about 40 pineapples. Amazing. We reached the school and soon noticed subdued excitement on the children. They knew time was short. We didn’t waste it either. We presented the final blessing, took some more pictures and had them sing us a few praise songs. “My God is Able” is one of our favorites all time ones for sure. I wish I could describe in words how these kids can worship the Lord.
Soon we turned around and one by one these children were walking up to us and bury their precious heads in our bellies. “Thank you” “God bless you“ were the common statements heard. Some didn’t say anything……they I am sure felt like we did. There was not much to say……we were all saddened and didn’t want to face this day but it had once again come too quickly.
I told them we were working hard to find ALL of them sponsors where we would be able to provide more food, more variety on their diet and even MORE FRUITS. A thunderous cheer erupted on that one.
We loaded the van and looked back……..it had been a terrific Christmas week, unlike any other our family had ever experienced.
Soon the van stopped at Driver Emmy’s home and we picked up his lovely bride of 4 years Mary. She was excited to be going to Kampala with us. She had never spent a day away from her 2 children much less ever stayed at a hotel. Welcome aboard Mary.
We then traveled a bit further down the road and made a stop for our friend Pastor Simon. You see transportation is a huge issue for every Ugandan, especially if you are a pastor and live in the village. We made a stop to see Pastor Simon’s motorbike and help him a bit with the balance. He had paid off nearly all of it, but he was forced to miss the last day of the crusade because he was traveling to convince the owner to give him a bit more time to pay off the final third. The Lord provided a way to help Pastor Simon with this last $150 he had needed. It was a true joy to present him with this gift.
We loaded him with cookies and some water and were soon on our way. Pastor Simon always reminds me of “Mowgli” the black panther from the jungle book. He also has one of the best smiles of all the 43 pastors. We were soon on our way and then noticed in my rear view mirror on the side of the Miracle Van. Pastor Simon had taken all of the cookies he had just gotten and was giving all of them away to the children around him. Oh Lord help me to be this generous. When I have been given a blessing, help me to share it with others……right away with such joy as this. One particular PCM supporter did just this before our trip and we are forever grateful. They made a promise to make a donation before God had even provided. And then he provided the exact amount this family was wanting to give to them in a Christmas bonus. They gave the entire $200 to PCM. We are so grateful to them and all the many others who are helping us with this work in rural Uganda.
And then we picked up our last two Miracle Van riders……….Reuben, Emmy’s #2 and his wife Hallen. This is a most incredible story and I will send part 2 of this blog later today.
Mukama Asiimwe “Praise God”
Barret Family
December 31st, 2009 at 10:52 pm
Praying for safe travels and that your hearts would not be heavy as you leave but would be full with the fullness of the Lord! I have been so blessed to be a part of your Christmas trip — you are being generous with your gift — you have taken your family over there and then shared all the many joys with us! God speed dear family!
January 1st, 2010 at 12:17 pm
Glad to hear it was a blessed week. Sorry the departure was so heavy. They are beautiful children and hard to say bye to. Praying this next phase of the trip is equally awesome.