Meet Openj Innocent

I dont think I have ever met a brighter or happier kid in my life!  Innocent is 7 years old and is Primary 1 at Negri Elementary.  He was born without arms and has a lame left foot, but you wouldn't know it after you meet him.  He can do EVERYTHING for himself.  He feeds himself, clothes himself, and has even learned to write with his foot.  He can do all his exams, homework, and reports in school and is VERY bright!  It seems to me that God gave him an extra helping of brains and talent to help him overcome his physical disabilities. 

 

 Innocent is drawing me a beautiful picture with his foot!  This young boy will be famous someday for his talent and his sheer determination to lead a normal life!  He is supported by the Sisters of St Monica.  They pay his school fees and take care of him during the school breaks.  He makes people laugh and he has an awesome spirit about him.

Here is a picture he drew for me.   

 I am so thankful to have met Innocent.  What an amazing boy! And I think I have problems? Hmm!

Another picture he drew for me of a bus.  Look at the detail!  It's almost 3D! 

The Days Go Marching By....

This is the third picture of me at the Nile.  The first one last year was in Jinja, Uganda at the source of the Nile.  The second picture in my previous blog was taken at the Nile River in Abjumani.  This picture is taken just about an hour away from where I live.  This is the Nile River at Karuma Falls.

On April 14th, I attended a Friendship Rotary Meeting consisting of 5 area clubs; Gulu, Kitgum, Lira, Arua, and Kampala.  It was the first one ever. The meeting was great and informative.  We shared fellowship, swallowship, food, music, dance, some hiking, and lots of fun. 

Some of the attendees to the Rotary Fellowship.

On May 3rd, Rotarian Peter Keller, Executive Director of Aid Africa, presented his Rotary Club's flag to Past President Grace Amono of the Gulu Rotary Club.  Peter has been in Gulu for the last month working hard with the staff of Aid Africa.  The work he is doing is a blessing to so many.  Thank you Peter for all the personal sacrifices, in so many ways, you make so that Aid Africa grows and changes lives.  It is rare to meet such a generous man.  Truly rare.

On one of my visits to St Jude Orphanage, I came across this scene.  I couldn't help but think how this young man looked like Jesus surrounded by all these orphans.  He is so relaxed and happy.  I wish I could remember his real name.  His next stop is South Sudan. 

This little guy is Simon Peter.  He lives at St Jude's Orphanage.  Such a cutie!

Kyla and I at BJZ Night Club.  Kyla is from CA, USA and came with Peter Keller.  She has been working hard with the staff of Aid Africa.  She has come to love Gulu and is already making plans to return again for a much longer time.  What is it about Gulu that makes people love it so much? I really enjoyed hanging out with her.  She reminds me of my own daughter, Kayla, who I miss so much.  

Jenna and Naimat (Okelo).  Jenna is our Peace Corp Volunteer at Aid Africa.  They are both exhausted in this picture after a long day of work in the field, but they joined us for Quiz Night at BJZ.  Okelo and his friend from Pakistan, Shamz, has brought new pump technology to Gulu.  His dream is to make drilling boreholes a much cheaper process.  These two kids are going to change the world! 

Abjumani with the Sisters

Abjumani is the pale yellow place at the top left of this map of Uganda. South Sudan is above Uganda. Now you can see Abjumani in relationship to Gulu and South Sudan.  To the left of Uganda is the Congo.


I had the opportunity to travel to Abjumani with the Sisters of St Monica's on the day after Easter.  It is their ONE day of rest and relaxation all year.  I felt very honored to be asked to share this special day with them.  I have only seen them in their work attire and constant service to others.  It was so fun for me to see them kick back their heels, laugh, talk story, share their stories, eat great food, rest, dance, and did I mention that we laughed alot?  What fun they have in each other's company in true friendship.

Sister Rosemary and volunteers Hannah and Elizabeth are enjoying some of the first of the season Mangos.  It was about a 3 hour bumpy ride to Abjumani.  We are staying with the Sisters who run a primary school for about 1,200 children.  It's a day of resting and enjoying company with each other.

A few short minutes drive and we were at the Nile River.

The papyrus along the river bank is so beautiful.

The children of the school sang for us beautiful songs of Easter and appreciation for coming.

We are sitting on the porch listening to the beautiful voices sing.

There are only 111 kids in this one classroom.  It is not the highest either.  Another classroom we visited has 150 children in ONE classroom.  Can you imagine being the teacher for 150 kids all day for all subjects?  Think of the papers and tests you would have to grade every night.

This is what 111 kids in one classroom looks like :)

The Sisters work so hard everyday to care for all of these little kids and provide them with an education.  One day, they hope to be able to board some of the poorer ones.  I am SURE their prayers will be answered....they are some powerful women...and my new friends!  How lucky am I?

Siser Margaret is the Head Sister of the school.  She is standing in front of the daily roll call board. The first column is the grade (P1 is 1st, P2 is 2nd).  The next two columns are the number boys (543) and girls (502).  The last column has the total in the class for Tuesday, April 10th (1045). The largest class has 136 kids in it on this day.