Celebration

Today was a great day of celebration.  I sit here tonight both physically and mentally drained.  Our day was filled with great excitement and celebration.  We presented each child with a new bible that was age appropriate.  Thank you to FBC Monahans for this gift.  The look on each child's face as they were presented with their bible cannot be expressed in writing.  They cherished every moment as we did as well.  The children's home staff was then presented with backbacks and small gifts.  It was a great site to see.

Mary and I had our annual meeting with the teachers and administrators of the school to share our hearts with them and to hear their comments.  We presented them with new backpacks and school supplies.  Again, the joy on their faces was priceless.

After lunch, the team was taken to a neighboring village to witness life in the village.  I did not go, but hearing the stories of what they witness brings sadness and joy to our heart.  They have so little, but have such joy.

It was then time to celebrate and dedicate the library.  Just before we were to begin a heavy rain began to fall.  We were told that if it rains during a ceremony it is a blessing from God.  This brought tears to my eyes because the day I shipped the books, it rained as well.  The children danced and sang songs to begin our time.  Then, Mary and I led everyone down to the library where I cut the ribbon and showed everyone around.  What a joy it was to hear their tribal chants of joy upon seeing the books.  I am humbled to have been apart of this dream.  It was then time to return to the main building where we had more song and dance, words from Pastor Morris, the village leader  and Educational Inspector.  It was encourageing to hear their words to those in attendance.  Mary and I then had the honor along with Pastor Morris and Aidah and 2 children to cut the cake of celebration.  After cake, it was time for snack!  I think all we did was eat for several hours.  Then it was time to say goodbye.  This is always hard, but it is a comfort to me to know that is God allows, I will be back next year.

We ask for special prayers tonight for Stefani.  She is beginning to feel sick and has a sore throat.  We ask for healing before we board our plane Friday morning (Thursday evening for you).  We also ask prayers for traveling safety tomorrow.  We get a chance to relax a bit as we travel back to Entebbe.  We spend the night tomorrow in Entebbe and board our plane early on Friday.  This will probably be the last blog until we reach London Friday night.  Continue to pray and remember us.

As I said earlier, I am all give out so I will say goodnight.  Peace to all.

We then began our time of celebration