Our hour journey to Kayonza was with great laughter and conversation. Robert, our sponsor son, who will be attending the university in January, Yvonne, an Esther Home girl, and two ANLM staff members, accompanied us. We pulled out bags of Beef Jerky that we had brought from the States and the bags were emptied in a matter of a few minutes.
Once we arrived at the New Life Academy (and even in the midst of the all of the laughter and conversation) I could feel the anxiousness of Nicole - her eyes were wide and in search for Esther. We made our way to the parking area by the large cafeteria and I could see Esther coming across the property in search for us. She ran into Nicole’s arms and tears filled both of their eyes – everyone stood there with such emotion in their hearts and tears in their eyes. The 80 children from the orphanages quickly gathered around us as they all were anxiously waiting for Nicole’s visit with Esther. After we composed ourselves we extended hugs to each of the children – one by one. We then made our way to Esther’s orphanage where we visited with the children. They sang for us in their beautiful voices and then Esther, Barbara and Sara danced the traditional dance. It was so sweet and enduring. Again our eyes filled with tears.
Esther took Nicole to her bedroom that she shares with five other girls. Under each bed was a backpack stuffed with their clothes and private possessions – Esther’s photo album and letters from us and other special treasurers were locked in her friend’s backpack. Together, with a group of girls and with such pride, Esther went through the photos one by one. The girls were all very aware of who was who in our family and made comments about each of them. They said that Opa (Ron) was someone who is in films (basically they thought he was a movie star). Then they said that when they have a chance to watch films (movies) they would often tell Esther that maybe she will see Opa in the film. Nicole and I had to chuckle at their characterization of Ron.
Once we arrived at the New Life Academy (and even in the midst of the all of the laughter and conversation) I could feel the anxiousness of Nicole - her eyes were wide and in search for Esther. We made our way to the parking area by the large cafeteria and I could see Esther coming across the property in search for us. She ran into Nicole’s arms and tears filled both of their eyes – everyone stood there with such emotion in their hearts and tears in their eyes. The 80 children from the orphanages quickly gathered around us as they all were anxiously waiting for Nicole’s visit with Esther. After we composed ourselves we extended hugs to each of the children – one by one. We then made our way to Esther’s orphanage where we visited with the children. They sang for us in their beautiful voices and then Esther, Barbara and Sara danced the traditional dance. It was so sweet and enduring. Again our eyes filled with tears.
Esther took Nicole to her bedroom that she shares with five other girls. Under each bed was a backpack stuffed with their clothes and private possessions – Esther’s photo album and letters from us and other special treasurers were locked in her friend’s backpack. Together, with a group of girls and with such pride, Esther went through the photos one by one. The girls were all very aware of who was who in our family and made comments about each of them. They said that Opa (Ron) was someone who is in films (basically they thought he was a movie star). Then they said that when they have a chance to watch films (movies) they would often tell Esther that maybe she will see Opa in the film. Nicole and I had to chuckle at their characterization of Ron.
1 comment:
I always knew Ron was movie star material . . . . smile smile . . .
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