UGANDA- In the mountain region of Bwindi, I was brought to a family of 7 children living alone. The children are orphaned and have been living alone for the last 2 years.
The oldest brother (14 yrs old) was out looking for food to feed his siblings, and the oldest sister (13 yrs old) had taken on the role of mother (they were still dressed in school uniforms.) I was amazed at how they were surviving. They live in a small one-room hut and all seven kids sleep on two small beds. Three sleep on one bed and four sleep on the other.
These children didn’t complain or beg. They were just living by actual faith. The eldest girl broke my heart (see the 3rd picture below). A dreamer, she sees good in everything but expects nothing. When I sat on the bed, I realized that it was just a board with a blanket over it. It was pouring rain that day, but it stopped for just enough time to get to the village and pick up some mattresses and get them to the kids dry. They had no idea we were coming back – especially with new beds, sheets, blankets, etc.) We brought food as well. I’m hoping to raise money to build a little house next to the church where they can live.
For the needy shall not always be forgotten; The expectation of the poor shall not perish forever. (Ps 9:18)
