The Children At Sunday School

Late but better than never! Sunday was a great day, more children came and more answered and asked questions. I realize more and more that some at least are not coming just for the snacks! The older ones especially are taking an interest in the stories and really thinking about what they mean for their own lives. They never fail to make me cry, their hope and happiness is seen in most of their eyes. I have neglected to say in my other posts, although there is a lot of negative, the people of Uganda for the most part are a happy people, always laughing or singing and dancing. There is always wrestling and tussling going on somewhere (and this is in the adult males!) Even though there is distrust, even among themselves, I believe there is hope for them, and why, even though it is not the easiest thing for me, I believe wholeheartedly if we can make a change in the children’s hearts they can affect the future.

This week the cutest, tiniest little girl came to me without outstretched hand to shake and got on her knees, the sign of respect they are taught from birth I think! But when I got down on my knees to shake her hand it threw her for a minute. She looked at me oddly for about a minute and then the biggest smile came over her face. That doesn’t happen to a Ugandan woman, to have another female bow down to them and certainly not for a mazungu to bow to them. (The men don’t do this) Definitely made me cry to see the expression in her face, and my prayer is she understands she is worthy of respect and loved by me but most important I pray that she sees it is the love God through me and that love is for her also.

I love to hear them sing and do the dances that go along with the songs. The happiness and joy they have doing it shows. Even the shy ones are starting to participate, especially when they see me trying to learn. They think that is pretty funny! Even though it really stretches me, I am so thankful I have the opportunity of sharing in their lives. So when Saturday nights come around and I feel anxious, I look at their pictures and know that my just showing up makes all the difference in their lives