Internets, today I played Throw The Ball And Run AGAIN.
ME! PLAYING SPORTS! TWO DAYS IN A ROW.
I’m telling y’all: somebody needs to read Ephesians 3:20 out loud for the class. Because if I am throwing and catching and running and whathaveyou IN THE MIDDLE OF UGANDAN FIELDS, we need somebody to TESTIFY to the Lord’s faithfulness up in this interweb right now. God can do anything, oh yes He can.
Hallelujah.
We spent most of today in a village about ten miles outside of Kampala. To say that the ride was bumpy would be a huge understatement; in fact, at one point I looked over at Shannon and Anne and said, “Funny. I didn’t know that my calves could jiggle.”
But let me assure you: they most certainly can.
We visited a Compassion project that’s run through a local church, and the children there absolutely made my day. In fact, we had no sooner parked the bus than this little fellow ran over to us and reached up toward the window for my hand.
Just try to look at his sweet face and NOT smile. You can’t do it.
There’s a remarkable difference between the children we’ve seen who are sponsored through Compassion and those who don’t have a sponsor yet. The Compassion kids have light in their eyes; they have hope. They have adults who love them and disciple them; they have a support network for their families; they have food and medical care and clothing – all provided through their sponsorship.
These kids live in unimaginable conditions, but I’m telling you, when you see their faces? It’s like God turns up the sunshine to full blast.
We were able to play with the kids for most of the afternoon. Shannon and I actually sang “Jesus Loves Me” three or four times with a group of about ten kids, and they knew every single word. Then I showed them how I like to say “YAYYYYY” once I finish singing a song and how I sometimes take the “YAYYYYY” to new heights by clapping for myself.
Needless to say, they thought I was absolutely insane. But for whatever reason, I think this particular group of Ugandan children appreciated my crazy. So obviously I will be moving here in the near future, just as soon as I can get home and round up my people to come back with me.
And by the way, we yayyyyed and clapped like nobody’s business.
Because the children, they need to know these things.
A few hours after all the yayyyying, when we were just about to leave the project, a little boy – he was about 11, I’m guessing – ran up to me and started saying a name over and over.
At first I thought he was introducing himself to me, so I smiled and told him my name.
He shook his head – and then continued repeating the name.
I finally realized what he was saying, so I looked at him and asked, “Troy? Are you saying ‘Troy’?”
He nodded like crazy – with a smile so wide that I wondered if his face could even contain it – and as he looked me straight in the eyes, he said, “Yes. TROY. USA. Is my sponsor.”
And in that moment, it hit me.
Troy – whoever he is, wherever he is – is that boy’s link to the world. Through his sponsorship, Troy bridges a gulf of human indifference that separates those of us with the means to help from the kids who so desperately need it.
And while Troy has no idea, make no mistake: there was a child in a remote village of Uganda today who was shouting his name in gratitude.
I just think that’s extraordinary.
Every child needs a Troy. Every child deserves that.
February 14th, 2008 at 12:04 am
Mmmm….powerful stuff Boomama.
February 14th, 2008 at 12:14 am
Beautiful pictures. Love the story about Troy. Huge impact. And jiggly thighs? I often have those. :)
February 14th, 2008 at 12:47 am
wow BooMama,
I am following your travels with amazement and alot of interest, I love the photos.
the part about Troy made me cry. I’ve always kind of wondered if the sponsors are actually paired up with real kids..or if it was symbolic…I guess I have my answer now.
just wow.
February 14th, 2008 at 12:58 am
See…THIS gives me hope! I have never sponsored a child because I don’t know who to trust! Who knows where my money is really going? But to see it in action is awesome. To know there’s at least one truthful group out there that is actually making a difference gives me hope that I could now sponsor a child through this group and it would help someone.
February 14th, 2008 at 1:03 am
We sponsor two children and I have traveled to Tanzania several times… I have seen those kids and have been to Compassion centers…
So (although I was excited for your trip) I didn’t expect to be as emotionally impacted as much as I have through these blogs.
Thank you. Your words and pictures are making a differance.
February 14th, 2008 at 1:41 am
Wow. Many times over the past few days your (and your teammates’) posts have left me speechless and with tears in my eyes. Thank you for this first hand glimpse into a world so easily forgotten in the busy-ness of our comfortable American life. We have one child we have sponsored since we were newlyweds (over 10 years now), but I’ve been challenged to see what can be cut from our budget so we can do more.
You are all in my prayers! (And my hat is off to you and your recent God-given surge of athleticism (is that a word?)….you’re a better woman than I am!)
God bless!!
February 14th, 2008 at 2:12 am
You know what BooMama? You and the Lord have changed me! I was somewhat sceptical when I first heard about your trip – like, what difference is that going to make? Would there not be a better way to spend money than on flights, hotels etc to fly a bunch of bloggers to Uganda.
But I was very wrong, and I am sorry. This whole experience, and the ability to follow it through the eyes and blogs of so many, has been a priviledge.
So last night, I discussed it with the family, and today we will sign up to sponsor a child through Compassion.
Through this experience you are changing the lives of many.
So go exercise some more, jiggle a bit more, and come back and share some more.
Hugs and prayers.
February 14th, 2008 at 4:34 am
Boo seriously. I am in bed with my seven prescriptions and I can only take so much of the crying. I am going to have to start scheduling my major illnesses around your international sporting events.
February 14th, 2008 at 5:00 am
Boo, you have changed my perspective on this whole situation. I always assumed that sponsoring children in another country was sort of a gimmick, but by you actually being there and reporting of the impact we have in these children’s lives, my opinion has changed.
Thank you for enlarging your heart and your comfort zone for those children and for me.
February 14th, 2008 at 6:37 am
“Troy. USA.”
just made me ball like a baby…
February 14th, 2008 at 6:38 am
Oh, sponsoring a child through Compassion is no gimmick! I’ve been a sponsor for 7 years, and I’ve learned to love my Leya in Uganda. My thoughts and prayers are with you numerous times throughout each day, Sophie.
February 14th, 2008 at 6:48 am
Sweet sister in faith and jiggling! I made my DH listen to this one – I knew the scripture ahead of time because in our lives – HE already has done, is doing and we believe will continue to do immeasurably more – thank you for your commitment, stamina and hey – we need to see a flat Howard picture girl! I need something else to cry about while I’m trying to catch up with y’all!
February 14th, 2008 at 7:04 am
Well I’m glad I read this today BEFORE I put my make-up on – because you have made me ruin it every other day with all the crying!
We signed up last night to sponsor a little boy – I couldn’t BE more excited!!!!!
February 14th, 2008 at 7:04 am
I was doing okay until Troy. Thank you, Sophie!
February 14th, 2008 at 7:11 am
YAYYYYYYY TROY!!!!!
February 14th, 2008 at 7:13 am
God bless you Troy USA and every single sponsor across the globe! Sign up today people if you have not.
Bless you Sophie! We are praying for you!
Hugs~
Fran
February 14th, 2008 at 7:24 am
I can barely see to type, so I echo what Fran said up there . . .
God bless y’all!
Praying for you, dear Sophie.
“jiggly calves” = Giggly Pam : )
February 14th, 2008 at 7:27 am
I love reading your perspective on the trip…I almost feel like your blogs are audio posts.
Thank you for giving your time to let the world know what is going on in Uganda…how easily someone could impact one of those beautiful children…and their whole family.
February 14th, 2008 at 7:36 am
I have always been drawn to missions and now I know why. What an amazing testimony – thanks for sharing!
February 14th, 2008 at 7:43 am
Beautiful. I’ve got goosebumps ALL over after reading this. Yes, we can make a difference! Those kids are so precious! Thank you for allowing us to share your journey with you!
February 14th, 2008 at 7:58 am
YOU need a tissue alert @ the top of your blog.
February 14th, 2008 at 8:01 am
Oh man. I didn’t expect to be crying THIS early on Valentine’s Day.
February 14th, 2008 at 8:09 am
OK, I was doing pretty good until I read “Troy. USA. Is my sponsor”.
Nothing cleanses the soul like a heart wrenching cry on Valentines Day.
YAYYYY for Troy.
February 14th, 2008 at 8:15 am
I’ve known about Compassion for years, but have never made the move to support a child. Your blog post did it for me.
Little five year old Omongot Ambrose in Uganda has a sponsor now.
February 14th, 2008 at 8:19 am
Thanks for telling us about this trip – I’m enjoying reading every post here and at the other blogs. Oh and Troy made me cry too.
February 14th, 2008 at 8:21 am
Between your posts and my hubby’s sweet valentine card I’m a weeping mess. Thanks for making Uganda so real and personal. You are doing a great job Sophie…Yaaaaay! Go God!!!!
February 14th, 2008 at 8:23 am
Our family are proud new sponsors of
Kyakusimire Shivan in Uganda (9 year old little girl).
We are thrilled!
Keep the blogs coming, we follow with anticipation.
Kelly in Michigan
February 14th, 2008 at 8:29 am
Oh Sophie I am just so blessed by your trip.
Thank you for going – you and the other bloggers are doing an amazing job of making this all so real to those of us who sit comfortably across the world from you.
Thank you for your sacrifice. Because of this my family is so excited to begin sponsoring children.
February 14th, 2008 at 8:31 am
God bless Troy
February 14th, 2008 at 8:43 am
Dang Girl! You really got me with that one! I don’t know how y’all keep from scooping all those kids up in your arms and hugging them to pieces.
February 14th, 2008 at 8:47 am
Awww, God bless Troy. I hope he gets to read this and be blessed by this!
Sometime, when you have time, could you tell us a little more about the difference between the children with sponsors and the ones who are still looking for sponsors? I’ve seen it mentioned in a few of the blogs now and am interested to know more. It doesn’t have to be right away, because I’m sure you have had so many experiences that you want to write about. Just when you have some time. :) Thanks! I hope you continue to have a great trip.
February 14th, 2008 at 8:54 am
YAAAAAAAYYYYYY! That was a GREAT post. Classic BooMama – clearly for Jesus. chills.
February 14th, 2008 at 9:04 am
Wow. You know, I love your post–I couldn’t help smiling at the descriptions of the children’s joy. I just feel horrible that Troy may not ever get to visit his own adoptee and see the light he’s given.
February 14th, 2008 at 9:15 am
You’re so right – impossible not to smile! I’m praying that Troy will somehow stumble on this blogpost and be encouraged. That would just be cool, right? And I think we have a God who is in the business of “cool”.
February 14th, 2008 at 9:16 am
Crying. Amen!
February 14th, 2008 at 9:19 am
YAYYYYY for this fabulous post, Sophie! The children are gorgeous, absolutely gorgeous.
“Every child deserves a Troy.” That line just took my breath away.
February 14th, 2008 at 9:30 am
Thanks for the Troy story, BooMama. Oh, and tell Shawn Groves that yesterday, I was standing in the Mac store admiring a computer bag that was practically screaming “buy me” from the shelf and that cheeseburger story he blogged about came flooding back to my memory. My oldest son and I sponsor a 5 y.o. girl thru World Vision, but I think it’s time for my daughter and I to sponsor a child thru Compassion. Oh, and wouldn’t it be VERY COOL if I could encourage moms and their daughters to sponsor a child together at all my upcoming “You and Your Girl” events? Have them sign up right then and there? Phooey on computer bags.
You are precious…keep the posts coming, dear one.
February 14th, 2008 at 9:34 am
Yayyyyy Boo-Mama!!! I’m so proud of you for getting out there and playing with those kids like nobody’s business! And you are so right….God can give us the energy we never thought we’d have. I wish Troy could read this post…I know it would make his day, wherever he is. Continued prayers.
February 14th, 2008 at 9:46 am
I read this story and cried and went to the website.There was a child who had been waiting 6 months for someone to sponsor him. I looked at that precious face and thought, why did he have to wait so long for someone to sponsor him?So I am now the sponsor of Thembo Joram.None of those beautiful children should be waiting for someone to sponsor them.People spend more on coffee from Starbucks in a month than it costs to sponsor one of these children.Thank you for posting this,I will keep going back.
God bless you,
Gayle
February 14th, 2008 at 9:52 am
Here’s to all the Troy’s of the world. Those children love you!
February 14th, 2008 at 9:57 am
Oh my word. I am just a crying wreck. That is the sweetest and most touching story. Thank you so much for sharing with us.
February 14th, 2008 at 10:06 am
I subscribed to the whole group’s blog feed and am loving all of your updates! If you should happen upon a very tall Ugandan named Kepher, who lives in Kampala, tell him hello from Shauna! (Even if it wasn’t the right person, it would be amusing!)
February 14th, 2008 at 10:09 am
Will you stop it already! The people at work here thing that I’m loosing my marbles because I sit here and cry everyday at your posts.
Really moving stuff. Great job.
February 14th, 2008 at 10:12 am
I am so loving these stories of the children!
Jiggling calves? I’ve known of those for years!
February 14th, 2008 at 10:13 am
I hope Troy USA gets to read this post somehow. Wouldn’t that be a miracle?
February 14th, 2008 at 10:22 am
We cancelled Netflix yesterday. We sponsered three year old Emmanuel from Uganda today.
Diane
February 14th, 2008 at 10:26 am
I couldn’t look at their faces and not MELT! Now a little girl named Naomi in Uganda has a Troy – and it’s me!
February 14th, 2008 at 10:29 am
Awesome post. It is so encouraging to see there is hope. God is so good. Thank you for being our eyes! Blessings.
February 14th, 2008 at 10:29 am
Thank you for sharing this wonderful experience. You have definitely given some credibility to this organization. I didn’t even know about them until you and the others started blogging about it.
As a result of reading about your journey I just signed up to sponsor Muwanguzi in Uganda. He and our 4 year old were born on the same day and he was the only one with that birthday.
What a blessing you are.
February 14th, 2008 at 10:37 am
Amazing things are happening on the internet this week, and I just had to post after reading Laura’s above, that we did the same two days ago: a darling 6 (almost 7) yr old girl named Irene, exactly five years older than my daughter (same birth date) — I pray that we can show her the love and support that she obviously so desperately needs, as well as teach my children about COMPASSION!! Hugs!!