Today I woke up at 3:30am to the loudest most insane thunder and lightening storm I’ve ever experienced. Took a bodaboda (motorcycle taxi) in the rain. Trekked through mud all day, slipped twice. Got peed on by a baby (most don’t wear diapers here). Took another batch of children to get new school shoes. Took children to Uganda Cares to get tested for HIV. Prayed as each finger was pricked and anxiously waited for the results. We then had to call a little boy into our office that I am super attached to… We had to look him in the eyes and tell him he is positive. It was one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do. We had to show in our faces that it wasn’t a big deal and he would be fine but underneath the mask my heart was pierced. I have loved that boy since the first time he smiled at me. After he returned to class, Peter and Ruth and I were sitting in silence in the office. They began to sing softly, Jesus Heals and I began to pray Jeremiah 29:11 over his life:
“‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.'”
After a long day of ministry work, I take off my muddy shoes, wipe the masacara from underneath my eyes, then turn on my computer to perform legal work. It’s tiring having two jobs but it is so worth it to be here. To be “here”… present in moments that matter. To be face to face with that boy today. To comfort him and hold him in my arms. To assure him that there is hope and there are good plans for his life. And I know my journey of hope-filled moments will continue this year to the prisons of South Africa and to new places he will lead me next year. I am beyond grateful to have the best office in the world right now. Even if I have to work in the dark half the time… I am blessed. Excuse me while I go kill some mosquitos.