-Justin (Hilary's brother in NYC)
Hey Everyone!
Musana has officially began! The children are finally sleeping in their very own beds under mosquito nets! On Tuesday, the 16th of September, we moved the first 40 children into Musana. Seeing the looks on the kids faces when they walked into their bedrooms and found their name tags on their double decker beds, made every struggle SOOO worth it. When they first walked into their rooms with only one plastic bag of the few possessions they own, they stood still in shock. They couldn't believe that this was all for them. When I gave them the demand to go find their names they all took off in excitement. When they found their beds they began screaming. It took hours for them to calm down. They all stayed on their beds singing and dancing. It was a priceless moment. When it came time to sleep many of the kids didn't understand that they were supposed to get under the sheet and blanket. We had to go around and explain how to sleep in a bed. I tucked every single one of the 40 in and gave them a huge hug and kiss on the cheek. It was by far the best and most rewarding moment in my entire life. I pray to God that these kids will never sleep another night on the rocky dirt floors they have spent their entire lives on.
Today, Wednesday, the kids played ALL day long with the jump ropes, soccer balls, art supplies, and books. After lunch I gave each child a piece of paper and colored pencils. I told them to close their eyes and imagine their futures. I then told them to draw what they see themselves being or achieving. Most drew houses with televisions, beds, and sofa sets. Some drew professions like doctors, soccer players, lawyers, and pilots. A few of the girls drew pictures of Musana. I hung their drawings up by their name tags in their rooms. They are so proud of their work… they have never been given a plain white piece of paper to just draw on. Some of the littlest things that we so easily take advantage of in America, like beds, tooth brushes, paper, and even soap, are acting as a paradise here in Iganga.
As joyful as the past few days have been, there is one thing that pains the kids as well as me about Musana. That is the fact that there are still 110 children left at Maranatha (their previous orphanage.) When we were picking the 40 kids up to transfer them, the others were sobbing because they weren't picked for this opportunity. I had to stay in the car because I couldn't look at their faces. It makes me physically sick knowing that we can't help all 150 but I know we can only take what we can manage and for now that number doesn't exceed 80. So we will move in the next 40 in the upcoming weeks and pray for the ones left. I have to keep reminding myself of a quote by Mother Teresa, "If you can't feed one hundred people, then just feed one." So we may not be able to include all 150 into Musana but we can include 80 and that is all thanks to you back in the states. Without your support none of this would be happening. So I sincerely thank all of you for your efforts. Whether it is finances, prayer, or spreading the word, we are all doing this together.Love always, Andrea
