I’m just getting over being sick, and I want to thank all those who were praying for me. I was very thankful to be able to participate in the feeding program, for I was in bed during it on Tuesday.

As many of you may have read in Lauri’s update, we visited a Children’s Hospital on Tuesday here in Jinja. …I found it to be devastating. Seeing the illness and such poor conditions broke my heart. I wanted so badly to take the children to a clean, safe place where they could get well. This hospital was crowded, hot, smelly, and filthy - I can’t imagine a child having much of a chance of getting well in a place like that. I see now what Renee was talking about when she said that children have a better chance of recovery if she just brings them home. Thankfully, there are some clinics in town that are much better where Renee can take children if needed. The children’s hospital is free to stay at, but you must pay for your medication and F75, (a high calorie formula distributed by the W.H.O.) given to malnourished children. This formula is meant to be given every three hours, but sadly, most only get it every six or so. No food is given at hospitals or clinics here, so families will often be cooking outside on a charcoal stove to feed their families inside. Because so many of these children’s family’s are poor, they can’t afford a clinic, and their only option is a hospital like this. I could tell from the nutritionist, Joy, who gave us a tour of the hospital that she is sad that things are the way they are, but they are doing the best they can. I have a whole new appreciation for American hospital’s and the education that we have access to.

As you may also have read, SHC (Serving His Children) is about to start a pilot malnutrition program to work out the kinks and establish a reputation. We are starting with 3 children for a three month period. Renee’s heart is to not only nurse these precious children to health, but to educate the family’s so this is not a recurring problem (something the hospital often sees). SHC wants to teach these mothers heath, and hygiene as well as how to garden. I’m very excited to get this started, and I would ask for prayer that the Lord would send just the children He would have to be here, and that their mother’s would be willing and desirous to learn. I know Renee and I will need extra patience and strength when we are getting up every three hours to feed these little ones!

I have to say that after I send out the last blog, I was a bit embarrassed and wished I could take it back. Everything I said was true, but it feels weird telling the world what’s going on in my heart. I think in the long run I will be glad for it because I know I need the prayer support to get past a lot of the junk in my mind and heart. Thank you for all the encouraging comments.