You Are Most Welcome

Undoubtedly, it's the phrase we've heard more than any other here in Africa: "You are most welcome." Dan and I (the mzungus) are consistently greeted with wide smiles and warm handshakes. A triplet of shakes, first the traditional, then the arm wrestle grip then back to traditional, often punctuated with a hug. They look you straight in the eye, these dark skinned, gracious ones and we are convinced. We are MOST welcome here.

This week, the children at Hands of Love in Kiteezi welcomed us with such exuberance we wondered if the Queen of England herself had secretly stowed away in the back of our car. "Wel-o-come! Wel-o-come," their sing song voices rang out like the munchkins when Dorothy's spinning house landed square on the wicked witch.
 

Our Welcome at Hands of Love... unforgettable.

But our yellow brick road leads us to a place under the rainbow. A place where 52 pairs of hands of love minister daily to 586 kids whose Father is the King of the Universe. A place where Jesus is Lord, love is doled out in double portions and education is paramount. Where "brothers and sisters" sleep 40 to a room. Bunk atop bunk, they nestle in under a mosquito net cloud. Where joy freely flows like the clean water that is pumped by thirsty uniformed school children enjoying a drink at recess.

A well made possible by generous US partners like you!

When a child is welcomed here at the Hands of Love orphanage in Kiteezi, she experiences an overnight radical life transformation. One day she is sleeping in the bush, drinking swamp water, stealing food and picking scraps off the garbage heaps. The next she receives protection, a safe place to sleep, clean water, consistent meals and above all: love.

The difference this makes to one life is challenging to put into words. Chatting with several of the school's shining stars helped me to better understand the weight of this ministry.

At fifteen year of age, one 7th grader confesses the fear she experienced after both of her parents died of HIV/AIDS. After being kicked out of their stepfather's home, Anna* and her siblings slept on random porches and ate from trash cans.  "Before I came here, I didn't have anything. [The Hands of Love Staff] gave me a mattress, bed sheets and blankets to sleep on. I started living a better life. And now I'm the happiest person in the whole world, because I am loved and cared for. I have a home here at Hands of Love. I have the best education in the whole nation. When I learn, I can earn a living.  I will have a good future. And I have the best parents who care for me," she beams.

Sponsorship is the cornerstone in the successful transformation of these lives. "We orphans, if we get someone to [sponsor] us, we find new life," states Maria*.  She is sponsored by an American family whose support and love has revolutionized her self-image and future. "We become happy and proud of [our sponsors] because they truly are our parents in our life. Without them we cannot live." Maria endeavors to continue her studies and pursue a career as an international journalist so she can investigate the world.

"What is the most important thing you've received here?" I ask.  It's difficult for them to choose. My friend Deborah* bubbles with joy as we discuss the empowering gift of knowledge. "Of course, the best thing I got was education. In the future I want to become a doctor. I know I am a mighty women of God. I have hope for a future now."

And sitting amidst these future journalists, judges and doctors I am keenly aware of the universal truth. The desire for love, community and belonging is knit into each of us. We crave it like water, shelter and food. In this dusty Ugandan schoolyard where goats bleat and children play, the power of belonging dazzles me. I am filled to overflowing with the joy that lives here. We are MOST welcome into this community of love that continues to transform lives on a daily basis, mine included.

* Names of the children have been changed for their security and protection.