Restoring hope, raising a Godly nation

At the beginning of the month I was being escorted home from the center by two of the larger kids, my “escaries” (security guards) they called themselves. We got on to talking about Birthdays and I accidentally let it slip that mine was this coming month. To which Azedi the taller of the two went extremely quiet for the rest of the walk home. At my door he stopped me and told me this “Uncle, I want to buy you a big BIG birthday cake, but uncle the money for me is not good. But one day, when I am rich and will live in England, then i will buy you a birthday cake” I didn’t know what to say; I could hear the frustration in his voice. The kids told me a few days later that I had given so much to them, that they wanted to give me something back; they wanted to teach me how to sing and dance and how to play their “local instruments” This gift was so much more thoughtful, more precious than any cake could ever be, it was priceless. – Ray

I had not intended on telling the children that it was my happy birthday, but my 2 friends Ray and Lucy clearly let the dog cat out of the bag. Having returned to Jinja for the night before to see some friends, I returned to Elohim expecting English, Maths, training and rice and beans. Instead I got a show, a feast of goat and rice, and presents from my friends. Preparing for an early night, I thought I would spend the evening playing cards and cooking supper, but instead I got a suprise party, complete with birthday cards from the children and my very own birthday song and cake – an enormous jackfruit to be shared between all of us! We had speeches and prayers, and organised dancing and eating of the jackfruit. We danced the night away to our own music and then settled down to watch a film on the neighbour’s portable DVD player – a huge treat! Without a doubt, the best birthday I have ever had!

One of the best musicians in Elohim is nicknamed Double Man, for his rather generous portions he gives himself come meal times. Double Man is 14 and was raised by a woman that he called his mother, yet was just a good hearted lady, doing what she could, until she got sick one day. Double is now with Elohim and is one of the most generous people I have ever met in my entire life. Elohim could not afford a matron at first, therefore Double would take it upon himself to make sure every child had their three meals a day, walking in to town in the evening to collect the Posho for the next days meal.

He calls himself a local doctor and was forever mixing up and crushing down various leaves and barks for the children. To help cure headaches, or colds or to help with anything at all. He would sit them on a bench and say “Welcome to my open plan hospital” waving his arms around him, a beaming smile on his face, as if all the banana trees and dust were placed as they were because that’s how he wanted it in his facility. He would even prescribe some of the boys scented herbs to wash with, for they would suffer with the “sickness of the underarms” and he would hold his nose as he said it.

One day at Elohim I wanted to give something back to Double Man to show my appreciation for him, I bought him a giant Paw-paw and invited him to eat it with me. I left him for a couple of minutes while I sorted something out only to return and find Double had chopped the Paw-paw in to 46 tiny little pieces and was going around the centre making sure every child has a piece. What little these children of Elohim have, they share, and I cannot express how proud I am of their generosity in times of need.

My first visit to Bombo and to Elohim was very moving for me. These children had known me for less that thirty minutes and they were already holding my hand and leading me around their new centre, complete with fishponds, their pride and joy! My next visit was to watch a show being held at Makere College. Now the children had already performed for me on my first visit, but it had in no way prepared me for what I was about to witness. By the end of the day my face ached from smiling and cheering so much! At last it was time for us to finally move to Elohim for our month long stay! I have more fond memories of this one month that I do of the entire year that came before it. I turned 18 while I was there, and the children gave me the best birthday of my life so far. They taught me so much, and I hope I taught them something too! We spent endless evenings sitting around our trusted lamps playing card games and sharing stories of our cultures, and they became my best friends and companions. I learnt to play the drums and to sing their songs, and each day we did English and Maths together, along with Dance, Choir, Arts and Crafts and Sports. Some of the highlights include the talent show, the sports day and the trip into Kampala! Elohim Child Development Association as an organisation also blew me away; never have I come across an organisation or project that is such a close, supportive family, and I am proud to say I am now part of that family. There are no words to describe how much this trip has affected my life, and how much I would encourage you to do the same. All I can say is that I would give anything to have it all again, and I am itching to return home to Bombo Town.