Thursday, April 16, 2015

Patricia a girl beyond her years

When you find yourself six years olds and you just watched your brother be laid to rest. How do you respond to something so tragic? Your mother is so distraught she can't even stand just cries my boy, my boy. Your brother who was here just a day ago has died, died of a fever. What do you do, where do you find yourself?

This is how it was for Patti. I was there I witnessed it, the tears of her mother, the sadness and unfairness of it all. I was there and wondering how something so little as a fever could kill a little boy the same age as my very own little cousin. But because I was there I can also tell you how Patti responded. With resilience would be the only way to describe it. Some might think she was just to young to understand the sadness of it all, but I think it was really her strength and ability to care. 

Patti has always been a light with her bright smile against her ebony skin. She lives two houses down from the boys home. Most often you can find her there, whether it is for the daycare program that RUHU puts on for village members who can't afford school or when she is just there to play and maybe get a meal from the mommas as well. 

While living in Uganda I would have to walk past Patti's house each night to get home. It became quite a circus! Patti and her sister Sylvia would put on a show. I would be walking past and Patti calls out Aunt Alyssa in her oh so sweet accent. Usually she was either feeding or washing her sister, meanwhile making silly faces at me as I walked by. Later on when it was getting dark and I would be in my apartment making dinner again I would hear Aunt Alyssa! I would go out on my balcony and see sweet little Patti carrying her sister to church. 
You see that is where the strength part comes in, she is a leader. She may not know it yet but she is going to do great things in this world. 

And the great thing is that so many of the kids at RUHU are going to do such amazing things someday. They have dreams and they aren't afraid to chase them. They were given a chance and they are forever thankful for it. 

I am so pleased to share with you that Patti is now attending school. Because of a generous sponsor she is now in school.
Without generous sponsors none of the kids would be where they are today. So we thank all of you! Everyone who has supported in anyway. Through prayer, going and volunteering, sponsoring a child, donating item, giving financial support, or sending your love in any way possible. We thank you without all of you none of this would be possible. 

We do have more children of RUHU that do need sponsors, while on our mission trip to Uganda this June. We hope to get an updated story and pictures of those who still need sponsors. Then I hope to share it with all of you! 
I also encourage you to go check out these websites learn more about Beautiful Response and RUHU
*Beautiful Response is a non-profit in the United States that helps find sponsors for the children. They also do more so go check out there organization.
*RUHU was started by Patrick a Ugandan with such a big heart that wants to help as many people as possible. Praise God for his and William's giving hearts.

Thanks all for reading
Mukama akuwe omukisa- God bless you
Love,
Auntie Alyssa




Tuesday, April 14, 2015

Items for the children

I hope today finds you all well. This past weekend we had our brat fry to raise funds for the mission trip we will be taking to Uganda. While Friday was very cold and rainy...we had great help and really had a great turnout. Saturday the weather was beautiful and we were so busy we couldn't even keep up (would rather this than no one come at all)
I want to thank everyone that came and got some food and supported our cause.
While working hard all weekend we had some time to brainstorm and talk with Patrick in Uganda and Sonja from Beautiful Response on things they need. We came up with this package we would be putting together for the children on the streets
And this is a list of the things we will all be collecting for the RUHU children and street children. 
Items for Uganda mission trip
RUHU kids
-        Gently used backpacks
-        Books for all ages (not super American ones like A Snowy Day)
-        Bars of soap
-        Washcloths
-        Flip flops or crocs (all sizes)
-        Sanitary pads for girls
-        Clothes (all sizes)
-        Coloring books
-        Crayons/colored pencils
-        Toys (on the smaller side)
-        Tooth Brush
-        Tooth Paste
-        School Supplies
o   Pencils
o   Pens
Street kids
-        Cinch back packs
-        Bars of soap
-        Tooth Brush
-        Tooth Paste
-        Protein Bar or On the go Peanut Butter
-        Washcloth
-        New Testament Bibles
-        Shirt (size Youth L-Adult M)
This is what we have come up with any donations are greatly appreciated! We will have a box at Bethel CRC that items can be dropped off at. Otherwise my house will work as well! Anyone feel free to email me with any questions amp9461@gmail.com
Thank you for the help and please keep our team in your prayers. Please share with friends! 
Also we leave June 2nd! Stay posted I will hopefully be blogging to keep you all updated while in country 
As always, Yesu Akwagala-Jesus Loves You, 
Love, Auntie Alyssa