Sunday, February 3, 2013
Update
I can't upload any photos right now because the internet signal is weak, but we have taken many (and the girls have become quite the avid little photographers as well). We will try to post a few when the signal is a little stronger.
We continue the bonding process. The girls have their moments of being solemn, but they are short-lived, and they are starting to communicate more.
In their culture, it seems to be discouraged for the children to express their grief, so they try to conceal it. When you ask if they are okay, they try to hide their face and won't respond. Flavia did not want to eat breakfast this morning (which is unusual, because these kids are eating more than we are), and I asked if she was okay. She hid her face again, and I asked her to come to me. She came over and I asked if she was sad. She raised her eyebrows once (which in Uganda means "yes").
Scot took her downstairs to her bed and she immediately laid on her bed and played with her doll. We gave a little alone time if she wanted to cry. I came down about 5 minutes later and we talked. I was able to figure out she is nervous about court. She says she still wants to come to America though, and they are enjoying learning everyones' names and faces in our photo albums. They are particularly fascinated with cousins Brian and Matthew.
They are very respectful, affectionate, and helpful little girls. The orphanage has taught them the value of hard work and cleanliness, so they make beds and do laundry readily. (They were confused and uncomfortable with me washing their undergarments because in this country it is considered disrespectful to ask someone else to wash your delicates.)
The girls love to sing hymns and Sunday school songs about Jesus. Flavia even sings in her sleep!
I cannot even begin to describe how beautiful the church service was.
Church is a 4-5 hour event. I will not be able to ever explain with mere words how the Holy Spirit was truly in our midst.
We met in a brick and mud tiered arena that sat about 150 people, where slim tree trunks held up tarps overhead to block the sun. The chairs were plastic dollar store variety. The pulpit was two 2x4's holding up a plywood book rest.
The people gathered, some from as far as a five mile walk through the jungle.
We sang, Rashid preached, Scot spoke to the crowd about our adoption and education.
These people gave testimonies about how God is working in their lives. They raised their hands in praise and sang loudly and beautifully. They were very kind to us, and cooked us a delicious traditional Ugandan meal.
It is amazing to me how with all our modern comforts that we easily feel we do not have to rely on the Lord as much as we should. These people hang their very existance on the provision of God. Every meal. Every article of clothing. To heal every injury and illness.
The village has no local hospital. The people have to travel a minimum of several miles, on foot, to get to the nearest city with grocery stores and medical clinics. They trust that the Lord will provide for them, and He has, and He does.
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Hi, Dana - you don't know me but my husband, Shane, and I went to school with Scot. I have been reading Heather's and their dad's postings about your adoption with great joy, and I will continue reading your story here. Thank you for sharing it. Just wanted to let you know we're wishing you all the best for the adoption process to go quickly and smoothly!
ReplyDeleteHey Dana I am filled with joy reading your Blog about your beautiful girls my prayers are with you and Scott and your girls as you go threw this adoption! Thank you for posting about your journey.....
ReplyDeleteDana and Scot~
ReplyDeleteSo happy you are there and the God-given dream is coming to fruition! Thank you so much for the blog posts. I have long wished to go to a church service in Africa some time because of all the things you described! Praying for the girls' hearts and emotions, and for the court and all the details to go smoothly. So excited for all of you!
Love,
Diane and Doug
The simplistic life sounds so very appealing and how I wish America would come back to some of those principles. I know that the Flavia and Aisha are going to be greatly blessed coming into your home, as what you hold most dear is your relationship with the Lord. I smile thinking of what God is teaching you both in being there.....and how He will use that. I can't even tell you how excited I am to meet them and hear their sweet voices lifted up in songs of praise! Much love and continued prayers! Patty and Russ
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