Sanyu Babies Home - First Day
Trip Start
Mar 16, 2012
1
6
8
Trip End
Apr 03, 2012
Kampala, Uganda
Monday, March 19, 2012
We arrived at this big black gate. Ian took the luggage in and Jill and I followed. Not afraid or anything, I just didn't know what to expect. I had my own picture in my mind but i don't think anything could have prepared me for what i was about the experience. I went into the office, small with 2 rooms, I introduced myself to the Administrator, Barbara, smart looking, nicely dressed and gentle. she was so greatful for all the gifts and the money. She thanked me and all of you who helped. Jill had decided to spend the day with me, just until i had some insite and felt comfortable, thank God, cause im not sure what i would have done without her. Jill had volunteered there a few months back, so she knew where to take me. I went into a play room where the toddlers were playing. the older kids were in a class. the newborns in their cribs. I was so excited to see so many tiny people, we had to remove our shoes before going in. as soon as i went in little baby Melissa came running, so cute, but stunk of poo. I changed my first diaper, on the carpeted floor, now i didn't use an easy pamper, nooooooo, I had to use a cloth diaper, there is a whole process, but im now a pro! anyway, after her came another, and another and another, all wanting to be held and so, I sat and they all hung off me, it felt good, a little overwhelming, but good. after play time, they have lunch. the older kids come out of class and then they all congregate in this one big room for lunch. the older kids sit in little wooden seat-table and the toddlers in one long bench with a table going across. plastic plates are filled with matoki some time of banana or yam stuff still have not asked. so i took a plate and a spoon and started at one end, 8 of them all excited to see the food, some wining, some cranky, but as soon as the spoon went in their mouth, they were ok. so each had a bit, i would say half the plate and then they get a bottle of milk/formula. i take them one at a time into the next room where they are cleaned up and changed for nap. i think it was after i changed that first diaper that i wanted to leave and never come back. I'm ok now, just gets to you, I felt useless, other women that work there know all the kids names, they care for them very well. after putting them down, i thought i was done, nooooo, i had to fold !mountains of laundry, now, I was beat. i kept asking Jill when we were leaving and she laughed, i wasn't kidding. I felt like i could not even scratc the surface. God bless these little babies.
Comments
Sounds awesome Connie! So rewarding. Tell Jill I say hi!