Back to Work

So, I still felt really tired this morning but I decided I didn't want another day of doing nothing while listening to kids play downstairs. 

I did a full day's work and did absolutely nothing on my break. 

I had one on ones this morning, but some of them are done in pairs. I had Sande and Isaiah, then Judah and Edmund, and lastly Paul and Eric.

Sande and Isaiah. We went for a walk, then did some colouring and read books. They're both very quiet, I don't think I've ever heard Sande speak more than one word a day. Isaiah is my darkest boy, he's gorgeous. It was great until I took them back for porridge. During Sande's usual undressing before meals, I discovered he'd gone ka ka in his jocks:S. 

So then I took Judah and Edmund and we read nursery rhymes together and then played with play dough. 

Judah

Judah and Edmund. 

They are both adorable but Paige unashamedly admits Edmund is her favourite.

Edmund was so funny with the play dough. I don't know if he's ever played with it before, but he didn't like the feel of it to begin with. He'd take it from me then squeal and throw it away:). He eventually got used to squishing it on the table but he still wouldn't pick it up. 

Edmund is prone to mini seizures. They aren't serious, but he does hit his head a fair bit. 

Paul and I went for a walk too. When we got back the older kids were practicing a song for church on Sunday. 

Paul is the one on the far right. 

Hope this video works for you!

Lunch was pretty hectic for me today. Paige was busy, so it ended up just being me and Mama Josephine to feed, wash, potty and put down to nap, all the boys. I also had to take one of the boys to the office for being disobedient again. 

I finally made it upstairs for lunch and then spent my 3 hour break doing absolutely nothing:). Londa, Elena and Paige went to Budondo again this afternoon and Nicole, Kaity and I did activities. Our activities pretty much went to the extent of throwing a ball back and forth and pushing kids on swings:).

Michael had cut his big toe some time during my break and I had to take him back to the clinic because his dressing had come off and he was bleeding everywhere. Hopefully it will stay on for the night.

Patrick

Freddy is still getting used to his glasses. He keeps looking over them rather than through them. He is told countless times throughout the day, "Freddy, chin up, look through them not over them!" 

Paige was back to help with dinner and bedtime so it was a little better. The boys still acted up though so they didn't get a bedtime story. Judah has moved from a cot to a bed now and his favourite thing to do is get out of bed while I'm trying to get the older boys to bed. I've discovered though, if I sing he's happy to stay in bed. Also Edmund decided tonight he didn't want to wear his pajama pants; so I'm trying to sing to Judah, keep Edmund's pants on and get the older boys dressed and their teeth brushed. 

Tell me, is this what it feels like to be a mum to multiple children? 

No wonder I'm tired. 

"Have you not known? Have you not heard? The everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth, neither faints nor is weary. His understanding is unsearchable. He gives power to the weak, and to those who have no might He increases strength." 

Isaiah 40:28-29

Sick

This is the extent of my photos for today because this sums up my day!

(the dodgy looking pills are just vitamin c)

I didn't feel too crash hot this morning. I ended up not working at all today, which meant I missed out on going to work with "Sole Hope" a ministry that washes people's feet and take jiggers out. I also missed out on working in the nursery and putting my boys to bed:(. There are 4 of us down sick at the moment; Kaity, Katelyn, Nicole and myself. 

I'm fine I just feel too tired to do anything and too bored to do nothing. I'm hoping that if I get a good night's sleep I'll be okay for tomorrow. I felt a little useless today but I guess getting sick is never convenient. 

I met Danyne's (the boss) husband today. He's British, and in the nicest way possible he told me that I am a "reformed prisoner" when he found out I was Australian:). He said "see, we send them over as prisoners and now they're volunteering at our orphanage, she's a reformed prisoner". I just said "yep, we're all convicts over in Australia!" It's a good thing a big part of Australian humour is laughing at ourselves:D. 

Mama Georgina did activities again with the kids today because we are a little short of volunteers today! I could hear the kids singing along to all the games they played. 

I napped a lot today. Everything made me tired but I was bored too. So, I did my washing and made ice tea with lots of sitting down in between. I tried to read but couldn't concentrate long enough. 

Nicole and I were up in the guesthouse together when the others were doing bedtime so we decided to cook tea. It's was great! We had planned do to tacos and we kinda ended up doing our own version. Nicole cooked the meat with taco seasoning, then we cooked a whole cabbage with chili flakes and oil, and then fried onion and garlic together. We ate it all in chapatis with tomato and avocado plus iced tea to go with it. I enjoyed a little spice for a change:). 

"I know that whatever God does, it shall be forever. Nothing can be added to it, and nothing taken from it. God does it, that men should fear before Him."

Ecclesiastes 3:14 

Rain

I had one on ones this morning. I had Christopher, Jay and Michael. So, I went on 3 walks this morning! When I took Jay, the stroller was full so I carried him the whole way and he came pretty close to falling asleep. It would have been Jay's idea of the perfect morning as he loves to be carried. He is affectionately known as the leech in our cottage:). 

Lunch was pretty full on for me today as Paige was a little late from preschool, so it was just me and the mamas. Right before they ate, Michael says to me "ka, ka, Aunty". I'm thinking "of course you would today, Michael!" Ka, ka means he's made his nappy dirty and changing a 4 year old's nappy is not the most fun thing to do. So I spent the first part of lunch washing Michael down before I could help the mama's with lunch. 

I was so hungry for lunch today! 

After lunch, most of the girls went to Budondo and Katelyn and I decided to go into to town to visit the pharmacy. I wanted to get some Vitamin C as I think I've caught what Katelyn's had and I want to nip it in the bud. The pharmacy price them per tablet so we asked for 100 tablets to split between us and they counted them out of the bottle and put them in little snap lock bags. He asked us if we had a prescription for them and I was thinking "what does he think we are going to do, overdose on Vitamin C?", but he just wanted to make sure that we knew how to take them:).

The power was out so much yesterday that the milk tasted a little funny, so I decided to get some more. I've never been to the diary before. I asked for 2 litres and the lady just scooped it out of the bucket and put it in a plastic bag for me. 

The boda ride back home was interesting. The driver tried about 3 times before he could get his bike started and it didn't go very fast once it did start. It made so many odd noises, I thought for sure we'd break down before we got home. 

Godfrey with a grasshopper he found for Aunty:). 

Tina

Jay

Wilber and Agaba on their bodas. 

I was on activities today all by myself. Normally we would have 2 or 3 working together but with some sick and Colleen leaving this afternoon, it just worked out I was by myself. So, how to entertain 40 something toddlers with organised activities for 2 hours?

The only answer I could come with was to bring out the bubbles again. That didn't last too long though before I needed to come up with something else. Thankfully the mamas stepped in to help, even John, the man who guards the gate helped out. They played a game where we stood in a circle and chose people to dance in the middle. That was interesting for me to play, as I never dance! Then we did races and I had to race one of the mamas:). Then all the kids just copied one of the mamas while she did different stretches and exercises. It was hilarious to watch our guard jump like a frog around the yard with the kids! :D

About 20min before it was time to go in, the thunder started. The thunder really rumbles here! I think it's louder than at home. The older boys loved it but a couple of the kids were really scared. 

The boys waiting to go in for dinner and listening to the thunder.

Frank waiting for the rain. 

Boys being silly watching the lightening.

Jenipher didn't like the thunder and would hang on tight to me every time it rumbled. 

It began to rain just as the boys were getting into their pajamas and ended just after I got up to the guesthouse. 

The girls were back late because of the rain, so I did all of bedtime with just me and the mamas. It was went fine though, I was just really tired because of my cold. Paige got back just in time to give the boys a goodnight kiss. Everyone was tired tonight so Paige and Elena just made pancakes for dinner, while singing as many Disney songs as they could think of:).

"But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty.."

1 Corinthians 1:27

This verse is one of my favourites. God can use even our weaknesses to bring glory to Himself!

Heat

It was hot today. Even the Ugandans were feeling it! It still not as bad as an Australian heatwave though. I'm told that it is hottest just before the rains come and it usually rains all of March. When the rains come it will be cooler. 

I had preschool this morning and was given finger

painting to take charge of. Aunty Mary, the preschool teacher usually sets up 3 tables of different things like playdough, painting and colouring for the kids to take turns with. I had fun with the kids:). 

Caroline had more fun washing the paint off her hands every 5min:). 

Caroline.

The kids always get water play at the end of preschool and get soaking wet:).

Paul and Jenipher.

Christopher.

Back to cottage C for porridge. William was with us this morning and helped feed Edmund. Edmund always eats slowly.

Joseph didn't eat lunch today. He just sat on Paige's lap while I got the younger ones ready for their nap. Then Paige got the older ones ready while I sat with Joseph on his bed until he was almost asleep. Poor guy, not sure whats wrong, he's just so tired. 

I officially have a cold now:(. It's not that bad. I just feel more tired. So for break today I tried to nap. I didn't fall asleep but I laid down for a good 2 hours. 

This afternoon I was on outings with Paige. Michael and Philip were next on the list of kids so we decided to just walk into town and check the mail. We took the scenic route back and saw Michael's physio, Andre, drive past. We arrived back in time to see the kids dancing to music as part of their activity today. Even the Mama's got into the music!

Ugandans love to dance!

Little Freddy got glasses today. He looks like a little man! :)

He keeps touching them all the time so they were covered in fingerprints by the end of the afternoon. 

Colleen. 

Colleen is leaving tomorrow afternoon. She's been here since the beginning of January. The kids will miss her so much! So will we.

So, for Colleen's last night we planned to have our dinner at the "The Keep". Paige and I left our cottage early so we could shower before going out. The dirt sticks to you so much here that it doesn't matter how much I scrub my feet still look red with dust. 

In the middle of dinner tonight we got a phone call from one of the mama's. Another mama had collapsed. Mary and Paige went back to make sure she was okay, thinking that it would simply be the heat or maybe dehydration. After taking her to a clinic though, it turns out she has Typhoid! After making sure she was looked after, Mary and Paige returned to finish their meals. 

The power kept turning off today. It would go off for half an hour or more and come back on for 10 min again. We miss our ceiling fans the most when the power goes out.

I was so tired after our night out, I only took enough time to upload my photos before heading off to bed. 

"He who heeds the word wisely will find good, And whoever trusts in the Lord, happy is he."

Proverbs 16:20

Physical Therapy

Back to work again!

This morning I did one on one's with first Rukia and Moses then Paul and Michael after porridge. I took Rukia and Moses on a walk with Londa and Colleen. Moses fell over just as we got back and had to be taken to the clinic for a band-aid on his knee.

Moses

Elijah

Freddy and Londa.

Then Paul, Michael and I read stories. We read some of the books I brought and learnt about some Australian animals. 

Paul with our books:).

Joseph was a little out of sorts today. Normally he's full of energy and doesn't cuddle as much, but today he was really whiny and just wanted to be held. He sat in my lap and I rocked him for almost an hour. He felt hot when I kissed him goodnight too. I hope he's not getting sick:(. 

We think that Jay, Babu and Edmond have the measles now and one of the girls in the nursery has pneumonia. Also one of the boys fell down and split his lip open today. I guess it was just one of those days. 

Today I was assigned to physical therapy with Katelyn, but Katelyn is still feeling unwell. So Elena came with me instead. Neither of us had done it before so we didn't really know what to expect. We were told that the kids hate physical therapy and cry a lot, especially Michael. 

Elena and I only had an hour an half break today before we had to head down and wake the three kids from their naps and get them dressed. We took Rukia, Philip and Michael. It was a little bit of a balancing act trying to get 3 kids, who can't walk by themselves, dressed and out to the car with only the two of us. We made it eventually by enlisting help from those walking past. They were pretty quiet on the way there, having been rudely awakened from their naps.

It wasn't too far and our driver kindly carried Rukia in for us, while Elena carried Philip and I carried Michael. 

They had a great time! Apart from the fact that Philip refuses to even try using his right hand they were good kids.

Michael loved playing with Andre one of the physical therapists. They played for so long that Michael was exhausted by the end of the session.
We had to take a pile of extra cloths with us as the three of them drool enough to rival Beethoven the dog! :)

Michael in his standing frame practicing his balancing and throwing with his weaker left hand. 

Poor Philip. If you'll remember last week I mentioned he'd gotten leg casts. He's a little miserable and hates it when he's asked to use his right hand which is weaker side. 

Michael blowing bubbles with Andre. His favourite thing to do!

Andre was great with him. 

Now, banging a bowl like a drum.

Elena and Philip taking a break. 

Michael was not the only one exhausted by the end of the 2 and half hour session. By the time we got back Elena and I were exhausted too! 

Some of the boys ready for bed. 

Two more boys left today:(. Moses and Noah. Moses is the one in the first picture today and one of my boys. It happens so quickly! We find out they're leaving and then next thing you know their Mum or Dad have come to get them. At least I got to have one last walk with Moses this morning. It's great for them to back with families. I pray that they both grow into the Godly men that God wants them to be. 

Michael, ready for bed. 

He was naughty before his nap earlier today and had to be sent to the office for punishment. He's so cheeky, it had become a little bit of a game to climb out of bed whenever an aunty wasn't looking. He was good tonight though, probably partly because he was so tired out from his afternoon. 

My roster for the week. Posted on the fridge. Something different every day!

"I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace."
Eph 4:1-3

Please continue to pray for the health of the kids here and that those who go back to their families will be kept safe and well. 

Afternoon Tea

Off to church again today! 

We took a few of the older kids with us this time, Lydia, Emily, William, Moses, Eric and Elijah. 

We all piled into the bus again and picked up a few more people on the way.

I'm really enjoying the atmosphere of praise. There's nothing like a group of people who can really sing, to make you feel like singing too!

I also like, whenever they read a passage from the Bible everyone reads along out loud, it feels like everyone's a part of reading the Word. 

After church they serve soft drink to everyone because its a long sweaty service! :)

Sandra brought a few of the girls who work in other ministries in Uganda, back to the guesthouse after lunch. Londa and Elena had planned a girls afternoon as a treat for the two oldest girls at Amani Lydia and Emily. They baked cookies, painted nails, watched a movie and we all drank tea together. 

The girls loved all the attention and getting spoilt. There were a few tears when they had to go back down to their cottages. 

Katelyn with Lydia.

Paige with Emily.

All us girls drinking tea and eating cookies. It was nice to spend the afternoon chatting with people that love doing what I'm doing too! 

After the Sandra took the girls home the kids started yelling from the yard "Aunty! Aunty!"

So a few of us went down and spent a few minutes just chilling in the yard with them. 

After a little while some of the others went for a walk and I stayed in the yard with the kids. I was holding Jay and talking to Joseph and this is how our conversation went...

Joseph: "Are they leaving you by yourself, Aunty?"

Me: "yes."

Joseph: "Are you sad, Aunty?"

Me: "No, because you're my friend, Joseph."

Joseph put his arm around me and looked at me as if to say; I'll look after you, Aunty.

What a little charmer! :)

I often feel like I just don't have enough love in me to give all that these kids need. I don't have enough laps to cuddle with, arms to hold with, hands to hold with or mouths to kiss with. These kids crave our love and attention. 

Praise God, His love is bigger!! I will give all the love that I have to give and trust that God will multiply it like He did the loaves and fishes so that there will be love left over!! 

I think that whenever it feels like my heart is going to break, that that's when God is stretching it, moulding it to give more of His love. When it feel like I can't take anymore, that's when He stretches it that little bit further. It hurts now but it makes my heart bigger; I'm growing more of God's heart. 

If God is working in us, our hearts never truly break, they grow.

"As the Father loved Me, I also I have loved you; abide in My love. If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father's commandments and abide in His love. These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full. This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you."

John 15:9-13

Nursery

Even though I woke up the usual time this morning, it was nice to know I could stay in bed a little longer. 

The rooster crows from about 3am every morning and the kids get up at 6:30am every day. They were pretty quiet early this morning, but by the time I was up they were extra noisy! 

I can now pick out my boys' cries and I think "Edmund has hit his head again" or "Jay wants to be picked up again". :)

I got up just before 8am and was able to spend a little extra time in prayer. It always seems like there's so much to pray for and not enough time to do it! That must be why we are told to "pray without ceasing". 

Katelyn was a bit better this morning. Yesterday she'd had a fever, so we were a little worried she might have malaria. 

I helped Nicole with her nursing studies by asking her exam questions while I ate my breakfast. I've been drinking black coffee for a while now as we keep forgetting to buy milk. It's good Ugandan coffee though, so I don't mind. 

Saturdays we start work at 10am and its called a project day. Last week they washed sheets because a few of the kids beds had bed bugs. This week they weighed and measured all the kids. 

I was assigned to the nursery today! It was great! I stuffed a pile of nappies with their liners because the mama's hate doing it and then played with baby Zion. She was the only one awake at that time. She vomits almost all her milk up after feeding so I had to have a cloth handy all the time:). Then the other babies got up and the mama's gave them a bottle each. After feeding they all crawl around on the floor playing together. I changed a few nappies and wiped noses. 

This is Zion:).

She looks like a little clown with her little tufts of hair on the side of her head. 

I watched the babies play together and then one of the mama's gave me Zion to look after again:). I went to get one of the babies who was crying at one stage but the mama said "no, you attend Zion I will get the baby". I was happy with this arrangement and soon Zion was asleep in my arms while I sat on the floor. There's nothing like a sleeping baby in your arms to make your heart feel full:). 
Soon it was time for the older ones to have their solid food so I put Zion to bed and helped feed them. Changed a few more nappies and played on the floor a little more and it was time for lunch! We are only assigned work from 10-1pm on Saturdays and then some of us go to Budundo. I wasn't assigned to Budundo today because I was in the nursery so I had the rest of the afternoon almost to myself. It was nice to just catch up on my emails and listen to some music. It was a nice restful day. 

Joan and Rosie

Heading out to buy tea I got to see some of my boys just before they went in for their tea. 

Moses and Eric. I had to give them their butterfly kisses before they went to bed:). 

We walked down to the corner to buy rolex's from the man who makes chapatis for us. I've been told ever since I got here that I have to try a rolex. A rolex is a chapati with like egg and tomato wrapped up inside. He was filling a big order for chapatis so we had to come back in an hour. Elena and I went back at 7pm and waited in the dark on a little wooden bench while he made them on his little coal fire. We met two little girls who waited with us and one man who tried to invite himself over for tea:S. We said no thanks! :)  I enjoyed my rolex :P. 

It was a quiet night at home watching movies with Elena, Londa and Katelyn while the others went out to a music night in town. 

Church tomorrow! 

"Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you." 

1 Peter 5:6-7