Tuesday was our last day at the farm,
and we really had a blessed time. Nadine and I took a morning walk
with Geoffrey to see little John, a boy with severe disabilities who
is being supported by Far Reaching Ministries. He had a big smile on
his face when we showed up, and it was amazing to see how joyful and
Spirit-filled he is, even in the face of so many challenges. He
reminds me of Tiny Tim from Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol.
After we walked back to the farm
and had lunch, we had another training session for the VHTs, this
time on maternal/child health and nutrition. As we trained them,
many community members started to arrive, so we repeated the lessons
a few times to ensure everyone understood. Judith, the new nurse at
Emmanuel Clinic, gave an engaging and informative lecture on the
importance of visiting the clinic for antenatal checkups.
We
climbed the ladder to the water tank-the view of the entire farm was
breath-taking. To view the school, Emmanuel Clinic, the
tukels (huts we sleep in,) the Nook where beyond delicious meals
were served and where many conversations took place, the diel ott
(goat house) and the fertile fields. The irrigation drip lines coil
like black snakes in the soil-symbolizing the potential for dry
season production and business opportunity for the villagers. It is
bittersweet to leave the Utopia of Canaan Farm. I say good-bye to
the Cockatieu that sang to me above my shower and to the lizards that
scampered about in our living thicket roof. I say a lingering
farewell to the Queen of the Night tree outside our tukel that
blessed us with its amazing aroma where its blossoms open only in the
evening to bless us. The hardest is to say good to our gracious hosts
Richard & Susan Angoma and their 3-year-old daughter Abby. To be
so openly welcomed in their home and hearts is humbling. Richard was
our chaperone, translator & negotiator with others for us at H2O
Life. We our forever indebted to them and I count them among my best
of friends. Wishing God's Blessings on their special family and all
the amazing workers/friends at Canaan Farm. Heather R.
I really enjoyed all the blogs since I left. Thanks Heather for all your sharing. It is always especially interesting to hear the impressions of first time visitors. It was a great blessing to share the trip with Nadine and Heather. Both of you invest yourself very deeply in the mission and the people of Uganda. And Mariel, you also made much personal investment in furthering your studies, and in applying them in Uganda. I also wish to express deep thanks to Richard and Suzan for their leadership and personal friendship. I'd like to thank my hydrology team of Vincent, Bosco and Denis for their help and support throughout my visit. Each visit imbues me anew with the steadfastness and joy of the people here, in spite of any hardships. It is such a blessing to share life and the love of Jesus Christ with our Ugandan friends. love, Tom O
ReplyDelete