beads, beads and more beads

Yesterday we went back to the Karamajong village to buy beads that Suzanne and Gwen have ordered to be used for 147 million orphans. As we arrived, the children ran to the van with warm greetings and joy! As we walked down the path to wear the women were waiting, they began to cry out with joy that we were there! Each of them was draped in at strands and strands of beads that they had made and were thrilled to sell! THis is just not saying it well...these women had no income, no way to support their families consistently. One day, Katie went in to the village and taught three of the women to make the beads, and they in turn taught more. Over the course of a few months, the number has increased and yesterday, SEVENTY women showed up to sell these beads! The money they earned is about half of what an average Ugandan makes in a month! When Suzanne and Gwen sell them, a percentage goes back to Amazima's (Katie's) feeding program and just one strand will be enough to feed a child here for a week! I took about 200 pictures of the people, the village, the beads and when I get to a place where I can upload some, I will. It was an incredible expereience!

Our humble leader, "Uncle" Mike left yesterday, and we will miss him! I have witnessed the heart of Jesus in him this last two weeks so many times. One of the characteristics of Jesus that touches me most is His compassion. I think of the verse that Jesus looked out over the crowd and was moved with compassion for the people. Or when Lazurus died, and Jesus wept. Jesus, the man, felt human emotion, and His heart was moved with compassion. I have witnessed that same compassion in Mike during our time here. He has wept often, he has chosen to be humble and loving when he could've been wounded and demanding. This same compassion is the thread I see joining the hearts of these parents who choose this difficult journey of adoption. i am so grateful.