OK, just for fun, we were out the other day walking around the market buys some items for the home and we came across some ladies preparing some insects for sale. They looked so good, we brought them back to the team at Hope Children’s Home. ALMOST everyone tasted these little snacks, but Jordan really got into the moment as you will see. Just to lighten things up a bit!

Below is a post by Steve Bittner.  He is one of the leaders of the Santiam High School team from Corvallis, Oregon.  This is the second year this school has travelled to Uganda with Show Mercy.  Your heart will be touched as you read and see a true father’s heart perspective:

Friends,

This morning we again spilt up in groups and some interviewed children, gathering stories of their often difficult lives; some spent time in dirt-floored classrooms teaching eager learners, and some worked very hard at distributing, labeling, and packing new clothing for all of the ninety-eight children living at Hope.

There were several notable things about today; the first was Lauren and Nicole’s detailed organization of the clothing distribution process! With funds raised by Santiam Christian students, metal storage trunks were purchased for each of the Hope children. This afternoon, each child entered the main room of the home, were given a number; and a trunk was personalized with their name and number. They then went "shopping" and chose a new outfit for themselves. Finally, they packed their clothing in their new trunk and placed it under their bed. It sounds simple, but it was quite a process to personalize ninety-eight trunks and make sure all of those ninety-eight children received an outfit that they liked and that fit them properly! The smiles that were shining after the receipt of the new clothes was a sight to behold!

As we drove through Kampala, squished into an already crowded bus, the singing of the children was very touching. Picture this…You are sitting in a bus traveling through a crowded African city with a Ugandan child next to you or on your lap. The parents of that child are dead or have abandoned the child. You are thinking about the injustice of it all, when the children begin to sing in sweet, clear voices…”He gives and takes away, He gives and takes away. My heart will choose to say, Lord, blessed be Your Name…”