Little Ones on My Lap

The last couple of days have really been a mix of emotions for me.  I have been completely overjoyed at times and then missing home a lot too.  I love the time I get to spend with the children, but never having a chance to be alone has been hard for me. 

On Friday we had the chance to join all of the school kids in chapel.  It was so sweet watching all of them sing and recite their memory verses!  I love that their little faces light up when you give them a smile, they truly have the most joyous laughter. After chapel we went into Namatala and started our plans for a keyhole in the village.  We piled up our stones and rocks and then broke for lunch.  We had one of the I Choose You girls come stay the night with us afterwards!  We painted nails and played UNO, she really seemed to enjoy it!

On Saturday we had a family day for I Choose You. The kids had so many songs prepared for us, and they have such beautiful voices! The moms were so grateful for everything, their speeches left us in tears.  During the whole thing I got to hold this little girl, Masse. She grabbed my hand during break and never let go!  She is so precious and is just content sitting in my lap. I also got to hold another little girl, Marion, they call her the humble one since she has so few words.  She was a tough one to get to smile, but when you could it was like a little treasure! Both girls couldn’t be any older than 4.  As for Saturday night, we had a few more overnight guests.  This time we had 3 of the I Choose You Girls: Vicki, Winney, and Justine.  They went swimming in the afternoon, got their nails painted, played some UNO, and had a bubble bath!  They loved getting to sleep in the big bed, but they were up pretty early! 

Today (Sunday) we went to the church service.  I was forewarned that the church services here can get quite long, and that is no lie.  First we all went in and prayed and sang, then they dismissed the kids for Sunday school.  It was our job to teach the lesson, so Jennifer took on the task of teaching David and Goliath. The kids loved looking at all of the pictures, but the ones around me were very distracted by my hair, my skin, and my watch.  Its so funny how fascinated they are with things like veins and freckles. My little shadow Masse found my lap quickly in Sunday school!  All of the kids love to hold our hands, and will sometimes even fight to get to.  After Sunday school we went back into church for singing and prayer.  Sweet Masse stood on the pew for most of the songs, but she fell asleep quickly when we sat down. 

The little girl on the left is Ester, she held my hand the whole time.

After the singing and prayer the kids were released again to go outside.  I went with the little ones( how could I not with little Masse on my hip?!) and we played ring around the rosie and duck duck goose!  The little ones loved it, but they weren’t the best at keeping a circle!  After the parents were released from church, all the children got in line to get  little gifts.  There were so many in line, and they got all kinds of different things!  Some of them got socks, some candy, and others toys.  They were so excited and eager to show one another!  Everyone went home shortly after, and we went to go eat lunch and then spend the rest of the evening at the hotel!

Here is another picture of my sweet little Masse!