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Our Lulwanda Family Grows!
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We have been praying and asking the Lord to use us to rescue 10 critically vulnerable orphans who had no caregiver able to provide them the basics of life. We longed to bring them into the nurturing environment of Lulwanda and give them a better life. God answered! He brought us not 10 but 12 precious children in dire need!
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Collecting water and firewood No supervision or concern for safety
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The life stories of the new children are heartbreaking. Several of the parents had died of HIV/AIDS. A couple children were living with up to 8 hungry siblings in child headed households.
One was abandoned on the streets and under the care of a 70 year old pastor. A woman claiming to be his mother appeared out of the blue wanting to take the child. When she was questioned about her whereabouts, it was suspected that she reappeared because she wanted the child to sell for sacrifice.
One child had been fed only cows milk from birth, plus some potato for the three years of his life, leaving him malnourished and very small.
There are many other stories, equally disturbing. Skin infections, feet full of jiggers, anemia, and malnourishment revealed the dire situations these children came from.
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God had a plan to restore their lives and we are honored to be used by Him to give these children hope for a bright future. Thanks to you, our donors and sponsors, they have a safe and comfortable home to live in, food for their bellies, a bed to sleep in, and loving staff to comfort them and teach them about Jesus.
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Kevin and his brother Milton at their village home
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Jiggers burrow under the skin, laying eggs and creating painful wounds. They make it difficult to walk, and the secondary infections can be serious. When you don't have shoes you are vulnerable to these infections. Some of our new children suffered with jiggers and have been treated.
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We praise God that these children now can wear their first pair of shoes. Kevin is sporting his new school shoes! He has learned that wearing shoes feels funny and takes practice. Opio, who used to be the youngest boy at Lulwanda is happy for his new little friend.
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Clement (green shirt) casts an admiring glance at his older brother Emma. The oldest of our recent arrivals, 10 year old Emma joins his brother and his sister Egulasi. Egulasi had been traumatized since learning on a visit to her village that her young twin siblings had died, rumored to be poisoned. Emma, fearing for his life had run away. The Lord led us to find Emma and he is now safe at Lulwanda.
Egulasi wrote in a recent letter to her sponsor: "I want to tell that I am so happy that we have got new kids and on that, my brother is part of the kids. I am taking time to play with him and talking to him. My brother is so smilishy. All the time. I find his teeth out and it also makes me do the same. I like hearing his small voice talking to me… Emma is a boy who likes games with everyone. Emma makes me happy at Lulwanda when I am so sad, when the world has over-taken my thoughts, he make them back… Since Emma joined me, I feel I am now better…"
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Every staff member and child at Lulwanda has pitched in to patiently, lovingly help settle the children into their new home. Village life is very different than Lulwanda life. Below are just a few of the life lessons already learned by our new family members:
- Throwing stones at your friends is not ok.
- Beating your friends is not ok either.
- Do not eat rubbish from the ground or anywhere else.
- Food will be here tomorrow and the next day and the next.
- This is my very own bed, forever.
- Wearing pants is a must, not an option (and other clothes for that matter).
- Jiggers and bed bugs are not a permanent part of me.
- There is a bathroom for that……….. and that.
- I can’t get enough hugs and kisses.
- I am loved.
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Lulwanda Tendo Grand Opening
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The oldest ten children (Emma O, Naster, Ivan K, , Mercy, Allen, Sylvia, Anthony Wanzala, Zulufa, and Ritah), enjoyed their first term break living at Tendo instead of Lulwanda. Missionary Natalie lived at Tendo during their break to help with the transition. (Doreen K is absent from photo)
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During a Grand Opening celebration on May 9th, the Tendo residents led everyone in worship and guided prayer for protection over themselves and the compound. They prayed that all who pass through Tendo would grow into God-fearing, honorable people. It was a special moment to unite together as a Lulwanda family and celebrate how far the Lord has brought us and the next season He is taking us into in the raising and training up of the young adults.
The entire Lulwanda family of 120 kids and many staff members attended the special day. Tours were given, the new house parents introduced and refreshments were served. Everyone had a wonderful time!
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Who doesn't love a party?
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Living at Tendo was a big change for our oldest, with a lot of life lessons learned during the first term break. The children are learning to plan a menu, set a schedule, make a budget, take public transport, and to shop and bargain at the market. They are responsible for preparing their own meals and for managing the cleanliness of their home.
Still being part of the Lulwanda family, these children also went back “home” every Tuesday and Thursday to spend time with their younger brothers and sisters. They also were present and active during the special events that happened over the holidays.
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School Break Activities at Lulwanda
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Praises to God and thanks to you for being part of this exciting work.
Visit ugandaorphans.org for more photos and detailed reports or to make a donation.
Please help us spread the word that our new children need sponsors. Thank you.
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Your partnership with Grace International Children's Foundation through donations and prayers is making a huge impact on the lives of many in Uganda.
Thank you. God bless you.
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