finale

good morning ... on the longest day ever. i woke up at around 4:00am, which is not uncommon, but instead of milling around and then going back to sleep, i spent the morning defending my life and my (guest)home against the biggest bugs i've ever seen. i don't know know where they came from but i'm sure they were baby pterodactyls. or small airplanes. whether it was all that running and jumping or the fumes from the israeli bug spray, i was unable to take my wake-up nap. and, being the witter that i am, i was pretty much packed and ready to go like two days ago. so today i'm just waiting until we head to the airport.

this entry closes the chapter on my african adventure ... at least this one. at least this blog. last night i went to all eleven cottages and said goodbyes and thank yous to all the children and mamas and aunties. overwhelming and peaceful. that's about the only way i can describe it. i wanted to "end" with some quotes from the amazing prayers of the kids ... but i changed my mind. i'm not ready. i want to keep those in my heart for now. i was truly blessed. weebale, uganda.

a prayer from my best bud, john

mercy always seems to know when there's a camera around

P.S. - the last of the photos are up on flickr. you can see pics of me with all the residents.

i've learned ...

when faced with “disaster”, i flee. when the opportunity to flee is unavailable, i face it head-on.

i drink too much coffee.

there aren’t many things more dangerous than a four year old that speaks two languages.

unfortunately, there are some things distance can’t change.

fortunately, there are some things it changes drastically.

dr. seuss is a genius and curious george is kind of a jerk.

rice clogs things.

i’m pretty handy under a kitchen sink.

“you are where you are because God has
strategically put you there.”

fourth graders are relentless.

there's no hurry in africa.

of all my nicknames, teacher laura (lora) is my favorite.

i love my friends and family and home dearly.

as much as i hate to admit it, i'm grateful for facebook.

in my neighborhood in the states we fret over the economy, traffic, and the final score.

in my neighborhood in uganda we fret over child sacrifices, clean water, and classrooms without books, tables or chairs.

matoke is AWESOME.

no matter what kind of day i've had, it is always made better by seeing these faces:

my new best friends are naomi, john, james and frank.
they're four years old.

i don't know if i will ever return to this beautiful place or see these beautiful people again, but i will love and remember my time here always.

sponsor an orphan with rafiki

one of the things i am learning while here in uganda is how (and how NOT) to best help those in need in africa. especially the orphans here at rafiki. it's not just a matter of buying 95 pairs of shoes or sending a bulk load of crayons ... there are proper steps to take and channels to go through. i'm surprised to hear that so many americans get annoyed when they hear they can't just make their donation without putting some thought into it. it is important to find out what the specific needs of a location are. otherwise, a rafiki location could end up with a boxful of unusable dvd's and not enough toothbrushes or socks. take time to get to know what the need is, who you are helping and how your possible donation will be used.

one essential way to really help make a difference in a child's life is to become an orphan sponsor. this program focuses on the long-term development of a child. faithful child sponsors are needed ... here in uganda and all the rafiki locations. every day i have to remind myself that these bright and loving children are orphans.

martin and thomas

you'll hear much more about this from me when i return home.
below is information from the rafiki foundation website:

Orphan sponsorship helps to provide for all that is needed to raise a child. Orphan Sponsors and/or the person you designate to receive the gift of orphan sponsorship will receive a photo and description of the child as well as regular updates for as long as the sponsorship continues. For a minimum of $25 a month you can give a gift from the heart that will make a difference in someone’s life.

How to Sponsor a Child
Rafiki Orphan Sponsors share financial and prayer support that provides for the needs of a child who is brought to a Rafiki Village. You may sign up to sponsor a child by contacting us at orphans@rafiki- foundation.org or by calling 407-557-2850. Or you can get started by clicking on the Donate Now button (on the website) and Rafiki will assign you a child.

These children face a hopeless future. Many of the children have minimal access to medical care, education, or even food. A large number of these children make a living on the streets or may have no home at all. Children who come to a Rafiki Village have no prospect of family to care for their needs. These children often suffer from malnourishment. Many have been unable to regularly attend school.

Rafiki provides a loving home environment for these children within a community. The children attend school at the Rafiki Village where they receive a quality Christian education. The Village also has an infirmary staffed by medical professionals that provides quality health care for the children. Orphan sponsorship plays a key role in our ability to acheive this as described below.

Orphan sponsorship provides for all the physical, educational, and medical needs of the children. Rafiki has a long-term commitment to these children caring for them until they are eighteen years of age. Orphan sponsors are critical to meeting this need.

Sponsors may commit to a minimum contribution of $25.00 a month for a year or more. A sufficient number of active sponsors are assigned to care for a child for their entire stay at the Village.

We pray that God will provide full sponsorship for over 2000 children placed at the ten Rafiki Village currently under construction or waiting funding.

What Sponsors Receive
Upon receipt of your first contribution a sponsor receives an initial profile of the child. Regular updates with a current photo are sent to the sponsors for as long as the sponsor continues to sponsor the child.

Sponsor Involvement
Rafiki sponsors may correspond with their child. Sponsors may send their child a photo of themselves. The sponsor may also send a card to the child at Christmas and on their birthday. Sponsors are encouraged to contribute $10 each year for a birthday and Christmas gift. The ChildCare director purchases all gifts for the children based on the child’s interests and skills.

Prayer Requests
Rafiki Orphan Sponsors are encouraged to pray for their child and the Rafiki Villages even before a child is assigned to them. Please join us in prayer for the following needs for God’s children:– Please pray that God will bring forward the funds to complete construction for Rafiki Villages.– Pray that God will provide national mothers who are committed to caring for the children.– Please pray that God will quickly bring children to the Villages.– Pray the children will come to know Christ in His fullness at an early age and be committed to a growing relationship with Him.– Pray that the children will quickly adjust to their new home and come to love their Rafiki mom, brothers, andsisters. Please also pray for their health and safety.– Pray that each child will grow up to be a godly contributor to their home country.

Rafiki Foundation, Inc.
PO Box 1988
Eustis FL 32727-1988
407-557-2850
E-mail: rafiki@rafiki-foundation.org