Lacor, Uganda

On Saturday, we were to meet Patrick (Patrick is an aid worker with World Vision) at another village. It was north; therefore, closer to Sudan. It is the same village the short documentary “Invisible Children” was made. The film documented thousands of kids fleeing every night to sleep under the verandas at St. Mary's hospital so as to avoid capture by the rebels. St. Mary’s hospital is the same hospital that saw the horrible Ebola outbreak in 2000. Funny enough, there is another Ebola outbreak in the Congo and a drug resistant strain of TB floating around Uganda.

 
Finally Patrick came to us and we drove to the refugee camp. When we got there, chairs were placed at the edge of a circle.  The children lined up and began to dance.  The first dance they did was an honor dance for a King or Queen.  They said we were like Kings and Queens; therefore, they did the dance for us. They were treating me like a queen and it was moving. kids danced their hearts out. They drummed and danced and sang like crazy. They looked so happy. Many in the camp came to watch the kids. It was amazing. There were so many laughs and smiles. It was fun watching the younger kids on the outside of the dancing circle – they were trying to imitate the older kids. They were concentrating so hard and trying the moves – it was so cute.

 

When they finished dancing, we were asked to speak a few words to the kids.  Once again, I told the kids that they were special and that people are not objects. The kids said a few words to us. They asked us not to forget them. They told us how much  they like the dance group and how much it helped them.

One girl got up and asked us to help the camp. She asked for us to build a small building that would include a store (it would cost about $900 USD to build it). She said it would help the village. She said that the dance group meant a lot to the children there and they wanted to create a welcoming place so when the other abducted children are released and come home they will find a welcoming place. They will find a place where they are not stigmatized and they are loved and welcomed. She wanted them to see her and other formerly abducted children and how well they are doing so they would know that they have hope for healing. Her hope was inspiring.  She had been raped and beaten and taken away from all she knew and love; yet here she stood proclaiming hope with every fiber of her being.  It was so moving. 

While she was talking, the village people brought us cold bottled Cokes and a sweet snack. They didn’t have anything and yet they were blessing us. Their hospitality moved my heart and made me feel so good inside. 

The lady next to me was named Mary and she said, "You should see the dance when they have all the instruments and costumes."  She chuckled deeply and said, "Then one could dance all night!"  I was all about having the kids dance all night, so I asked her to make a list of everything they needed. She did and I talked to Patrick about getting the instruments.  He made a few phone calls and told me that it would cost about $350 to get all they needed.  I immediately reached for my wallet and gave him the money.  Next time I am there, I want to go to an all night dance party!  Wanna come?!

Comments

[Mom]

Hey Tam,

I am so proud of you. I know it's God working through you, but you did say "yes" to the call that came so many years ago... even before the "I'm going to Africa ..." came along:-)
I cannot imagine what these children must be dealing with. It is truly an understatement to say that no one should be treated this way. Thank God you are there to extend His love to them, a love that never fails, a love like no other.
I love you very much and join the Prouse bunch (whom I also love very much) in saying be safe ...
Love, Mom

[Paula Clare]

Hi Tammy,
I have never been to Africa (although I'm game to tag along next time for the all night dance party!) but I have been on the foreign mission field and know that out of immense pain comes hope of Christ...it has been that way for over 2000 years. Glad you're there encouraging kids to "tell their story" Surely a book of stories can/should be published, yes? Blessings!