We all are familiar with the typical African challenges: lack of food, shelter and clean water. You may have even said before "there are hungry children in Africa that would love to have this food."
But, there are so many other simple things that I personally, did not realize, was something I should appreciate much more than I do.
Taking a hot shower. Not even just a hot shower, but a shower. The most common way to bathe here is with a basin of cold water, outside, in the dark. Because if there is light, the mosquitoes come. Then you risk malaria. Many of our friends have never taken a hot shower! So, in typical Chelsea fashion, our showers have been well used as I introduce our friends to a shower. And don't get me started on all of the amazing toiletries we have. They were amazed by the delicious smelling watermelon lotion.
One goal of our friend Charlie, is to save up enough money to by a small travel thermos so that he can carry hot water with him for tea as he works. Its 10k... $3. Tea is something, if you have the money for tea bags and sugar, they have every morning, and if you are able, maybe a banana or piece of bread. It made me think about the many travel mugs I have in my cabinet at home. And here, Charlie, is dreaming of one day having one. But how can he spend the $3 that could feed his family for the day, on something that is not a necessity?
His first priority is to make enough money in a day to provide dinner for his family. He needs around 10k (about $3.00) and then second is another 10k to pay off the debt for the motorcycle taxi that was stolen. He works about 12 hours a day. And only make about $6. On a good day... And he is so thankful. He works hard for his family and is an amazing father and husband.
We celebrated three FIRST birthdays. Not turning one year old, but their first ever, birthday celebrations. They have never had a birthday cake, never blown out a candle, never opened a birthday present, celebrating birthdays are for the wealthy they say. It had me thinking about all the things I do every year for our birthdays. Not that its wrong. But just to appreciate it so much more, that we have the privilege to celebrate our birthdays. To feast, to have presents to open, cake to enjoy and decorations.
Makumbi's 16th birthday. He didn't know when his birthday was so he chose July 5th. We could not find the candles so we improvised with q tips... that was a first. They do light well!
Charlies 32nd birthday. First ever, birthday celebration. June 28th. He had never blown out a candle, Rock held a match for him to blow out, because Uganda birthday candles are like fireworks.
Juniors (Iddi) Birthday, he too, did not know when his birthday was. He chose July 2nd. There was great celebrating and smiles as he opened his gifts (a backpack and a jacket). He felt so good. He turned 21. For the longest time he thought he was 17... But because of the abuse and drugs he has used he is more like a 17 year old. But he is the hardest worker. Every morning he wakes up and hangs the laundry, sweeps the compound and does other household chores without us asking. Before we are even awake. I am so thankful for him.
Other random firsts: Tacos, pancakes, washing machine, pillows, cookies, pedicure, painting, paper airplanes, wrist watch, learning the fruits of the spirit, bibles, hacky sack, sleeping on a bed, having fun with white people (this is what charlie told us), pizza, iced coffee, learning how to swim as an adult, watching the chosen, Nintendo switch, deodorant, having their own bicycle... the list goes on and on.
Prayer points:
We have entered our final month here. It is bittersweet to leave these people we love so much. That we can finish this last month strong and glorify the Lord in all we do.
For our health. 3 of the 6 of us have had and healed from malaria so far. Praise God!
For the strength of our marriage and family. We are very busy and often forget about being intentional with each other.
Juniors transition to the residential recovery home for one year. We are going to miss him around here. He leaves tomorrow AM.
Rocky, Junior and the teams journey to Kampala for Juniors medical treatment and transition.
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