Life in Uganda: Update Eight

It's been a crazy few weeks around here.... these are a few pictures from the hoopla! 

 Visiting our friends in the village. It's been so fun to know the area and the people as we take walks. It's the time for bean harvest here, so there is lots of activity in the gardens. (I'm pretending that it feels like fall in the midwest, what I wouldn't give for a walk through the leaves with a scarf and a pumpkin spice latte!) 

 This happy guy is Ezra, one of the best reminders of joy. He has severe disabilities and was discovered alone in a corner of a house after his caretakers passed away, basically left to die. Since he has been cared for from some community church members, he is one of the happiest guys around. 

 Meet Esther, who has become a dear friend. She has recently begun a choir at school and has led a fascinating life. She grew up as an orphan and sang in the African Children's Choir from age 4-10. When she was done, she went to live with her very poor grandmother. Although she has the pipes to headline on Broadway (The Lion King is her dream show), she has chosen to provide a home for eight orphans and make them a part of her family. One of my favorite parts of life here is getting to hang out with her and learn from her. 

 Celebrating four years of the church with a huge feast and baptisms last Sunday. What began as a small gathering in a living room has turned into hundreds of believers and a transformed community. There is still much to be done, and much growth needed, but it is evident that God is at work here. 

 Since moving into our house, the kids had been begging for a party.....so a party we gave them. It was a "No Parents Party: Superhero Edition." Everyone had to come dressed as his own superhero. Above is Nate, or Underwear Man, whose superpower was to fling underwear at his enemies. 

 I thought my days of face painting were over, but I'm realizing I don't ever want to be too old for a little face painting. We ate dessert first, put a movie on during dinner and screamed our heads off. Not a bad night for anyone. 

 My time is rapidly coming to an end, and if you know me at all, you know what a basketcase I will be as I try to say good-bye to my new friends. I'm so thankful for my time here and a chance to love these people.