We had our first full day out in the field and sitting here a few hours later I'm still trying to process all of the amazing things we saw today. We traveled out to the area of Atiak, near the Southern Sudan border. We had the opportunity to visit with and minister to the community there, as well as pass out almost 50 beds to the children of Atiak. We also spent time singing together and playing games with the kids.
Between playing soccer, the parachute game, and attempting duck, duck, goose it was great being able to interact with all the children and hearing them laugh and enjoy the afternoon playing. Afterwards we handed out quilts made by some wonderful women in Fairmont, Minnesota and then gave each child a new bed, malaria net, and bible.
Before we left we had the privilege of seeing one of the child's homes. It was an incredibly moving experience to see where this family slept at night and know that for the first time in their lives they will be able to go to sleep, not on an old straw mat on a dirt floor without any blankets or pillows, but they can sleep soundly knowing they are comfortable, warm, and safe from diseases. As we were setting up his new bed and net, the little boy just kept staring at it and I didn't understand why until someone told me that it was because he had never seen a bed before. It was hard for me to wrap my mind around that thought because most of us take for granted something so simple as a bed, because it has always been there in our lives.
I will never take for granted things like that again though and my prayer is that this child and all the other children will never have to go another day of their lives without knowing something so vital and so important. Here in Uganda a bed and mosquito net are truly life-saving and I want to thank each one of you who donated so that these children are able to for the first time sleep sweetly.
I wish I could describe more fully how God is working in these people's lives and how generous each of them are, even with so little they give so much of themselves. To be able to see how each one of them cares for not just their families, but everyone in the community especially the children, it is the most humbling and awe-inspiring things I've ever been able to experience. I am so incredibly thankful that I was able to come on this trip. Please continue to keep our team in your prayers as we continue on this journey.
Blessings and Love from Uganda,
Kandice Kirby
If you would like to help either by donating, raising funds, or just finding out more about Sweet Sleep please visit their website: www.sweetsleep.org
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