Shopping Spree for Sudan!

This Christmas, my extended family took up a collection for Rachel and I to use sometime during our time here when we found a worthy cause. People were extremely generous, and Rachel and I are so grateful that they saw our work here as something they wanted to contribute towards! Being here, it's sometimes hard to decide what constitutes a "worthy cause" because there seem to be worthy causes everywhere you turn. So many people are struggling, whether it's to get together enough money to send their children to school, someone is sick and needs medicine, or rent has increased and they don't know where they are going to find the extra money. Sometimes it's overwhelming because there's no way you can help everyone. As soon as we got to Sudan and spent a few days at St. Bartholomew's, we knew it was a place that we were supposed to do something for. We were very impressed at the progress that has been made at St. Bartholomew's in the past 5 months since the babies home opened but we also saw it as a great opportunity to use some of the money that has been donated to help make some improvements.

We spent all day yesterday in Kampala, the capital, shopping and deciding how the money could best be used to get things that would be useful there but also be fun for the kids. We were able to buy 4 baby bouncy seats, 3 outdoor baby swings, and 5 boda-bodas (little ride on motorcycle toys) for the kids at the babies home. In addition to providing some entertainment for the kids, we hope that these things will help the kids spend less time in their beds and more time interacting with the staff. The bouncy seats will make it easier for the mamas to bring the babies outside when they have to do work outside and will offer some stimulation. The baby swings will be perfect for the older babies who are just beginning to walk and love spending time outside. We thought it was really important to get some things for the older kids, as well, because they work so hard and although their needs are provided for, they have nothing as far as toys or things to do for fun. Despite this, they are some of the happiest kids I've ever met and have so much fun playing with each other, singing, dancing, and playing games in the dirt. Yes, they are lucky in that they have food, clothes, safety, a place to sleep, and someone to take care of them when they are sick, things that we may take for granted but are luxuries for children in a country like Sudan, and they are so appreciative of everything they have. They never ask for anything and are so grateful for even the smallest things: an afternoon treat of chapati or mandazi, or an offer to come and do artwork for the afternoon. Although they didn't need any special toys, they deserve because they are children and children deserve all that is possible. They deserve to get excited about a gift and have something special that is just for them. We bought a basketball hoop and 2 basketballs for the older boys, some hula-hoops, and multiple packages of string and beads for the older girls to make necklaces and bracelets. The older girls loved doing artwork while we were there and we thought they would have a great time making jewelry that they could then wear! We gave them to Caleb, a volunteer that will be heading back up in the next week and we are hoping the kids can get their new toys on Easter. We also bought some candy that they can have for a special Easter treat.

We had so much fun shopping for these kids and are so thankful for everyone who donated to make it possible. We're bummed that we won't be there to see the look on their faces when they see all of the new things and realize it's all for them, but we know it will be a great day for them!