We went to the New Hope orphanage today. It is a school/orphanage for about 100 kids. These kids either lost their parents to AIDS or were sent to the orphanage because their parents couldn't take care of them, mostly for financial reasons. The kids were so happy to see us and prepared two songs for us. It was really incredible to hear these songs and to know the amount of time it must have taken them to learn them. I have video of it and will show people when I get home. We bought them new mattresses (their old ones were stained and just pretty grosss over all), created a garden so they can grow their own food, and gave them a water system which is important since the water supply there is really contaminated and basically unsafe. Safe water is even more important for these kids because most of them have HIV and exposure to diseases (like typhoid) in the water is particulary dangerous. So, they are really excited to be able to drink, cook, and bathe in clean water. We brought them TONS of books, games, soccer balls, jump ropes. We took photos of them and printed the photos for them to keep and also did fluoride treatments for their teeth. THey had a great time today with us :)
But, what I'm generally feeling now is sad. I could see how hard is was for them when we left. They just looked so sad and some girls were crying. They are used to being abandoned and we came in, brought great stuff, made their lives better, safer, and easier which is SOOO important for them, but then we left too. Of course, we had to leave. We can't stay ther forever but it was just heart breaking to see the sadness come in as we drove away. I'm not sure what to do with these feelings at the moment. It's just the way it is here. It is like this all over Uganda (and Africa in general). The country is made up mostly of children. There are soooo many children here. Actually, one thing that has struck me is that all the kids seem so joyful here. It is kind of amazing. They are just happy kids full of laughter and life. They seem happy with their families, friends, and their big communities. There is a true sense of community and culture here. But the kids today seem more withdrwan and sad than all the other kids I've seen before today. I can't imagine not to have a mom or dad to hold you when you cry or to pick you up when you fall. The orphanage is run by a wonderful man who is doing his absolute best with his limited resources. I guess I need to be grateful that we were able to do something to make their lives better and safer. At least that is something.....
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The head honcho in creating the Segue (that weird two-wheeled upright scooter for personal use) has been working on small, inexpensive, and efficient devices to help out individual towns and communities in procuring drinkable water. It's eye-opening when you learn how many people on this planet have such little access to potable water while we're flushing so much of ours.
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