Saturday was our chance to have VBS with the kids at the Compassion project. All 350+ children were there and it was our opportunity to teach them bible lessons and play games. Every Saturday, all 80,000 sponsored children throughout Uganda will go to their respective projects to be fed breakfast and lunch, play games with their friends and for fellowship. It is a highlight of the week for the students especially when mzungu’s (ma’zun’goo) are here! Mzungu is the slang for a white person and we hear it somewhat regularly. Not as an insult, but a simple observation that, “There’s a MZUNGU here!!!”

In the morning, children helped us pray, sing, dance and praise God. We had some simple crafts that used colors to share the message of Jesus. Some made little books and older children made colorful bracelets. We taught them some children songs and they taught us some of their songs. It was a great way to spend the morning.

Saturday early afternoon was set aside to visit our sponsored child’s home. This was a first for Enza and me because we started sponsoring Shadrack after our trip last year. Shadrack is 11 years old and wants to be a doctor some day!

He had recently bought this goat from some of the money we sent to him and his family a few months ago. He wrote to us and told us about buying the goat, but it was truly special to see it in person.

Shadrack’s family presented us with some gifts as a thank you for the love and support we give to Shadrack. He is the only sponsored child in their family and has a lot of hope placed on his shoulders. I’m happy to report that his grades are very strong and despite being shy, he’s very fluent in English, reading and writing. Part of his responsibility at home is to teach his siblings and neighbors what he’s learning.

Neighbors joined us for this picture. They were all around while we spoke with Shadrack’s father and mother. We prayed for many blessings to be upon them and that Shadrack’s family will be a beacon of light in their village. It was a great experience to see Shadrack’s family even if it was brief.

After lunch, it was time for games. We came prepared with 5 different games for the children, but the biggest hits were the soccer balls and the parachute used by the little children. Squeals of joy could be heard throughout the project as children waved the 12 ft parachute up and down, jumping in excitement as they hid underneath it. The older kids loved taking shots on the goalie while others worked on their ninja skills!

It was an amazing day that filled each one of our hearts beyond what we thought was possible. These children are full of joy, laughter and hope because of the many sponsors from around the world that give new opportunities that wouldn’t have been possible without Compassion’s sponsorship programs. Thanks be to God for what He is doing in Uganda!