We are looking for people to come serve for one month to a year at Rafiki Children's Home in Uganda this year! Read about Abby's time at Rafiki and consider coming to serve, to be changed, and to make memories of your own.
Abby&Hannah at Rafiki Children's Home:
My time thus far at Rafiki has been such a joy. I arrived at
the beginning of May, and cannot believe how fast time has gone by. Through my
journey so far I have gotten so many unique opportunities to grow spiritually,
mentally, and physically. The staff here is amazing, and they’re all such hard
workers. I have been especially touched by Mama Monica. They say she speaks the
least amount of English, but I still find our communication to be quite effective.
She has such a servant’s heart, and is so good with the little ones. I love
watching how gentle, and kind she is to each and every kid. She’s always
working in the kitchen, or helping with baby Florence. Her heart and love for
every person in this ministry has truly inspired me.
I have gotten the opportunity to meet kids that have previously
lived at Rafiki, but now have been resettled in their homes. I loved visiting
Emma (Emmanual) whose family lives in a village and has a little farm with
chickens, pigs, and sheep. Rafiki helped the family start this farm, so they
could help provide financially. It was really neat to see the happy reunited
family, and to see how greatly this ministry had impacted their life.
I have also gotten the opportunity to shop in the local
markets, which is always an adventure. I have also gotten the opportunity to
serve at Sanyu Baby Home, which has been really eye-opening and neat. I have
loved doing outreach here and look forward to going to volunteer at more
organizations!
The kids here are so sweet, and well-behaved. It’s been
amazing to see growth in the kiddo’s in such a short time span. One of the
younger boys James has grown from the baby room to the big boy room, and has
really played the part. It’s really neat to see how he has matured, and now
helps with other little ones. I have been touched by each of the kids in
different ways. Just to name a few Hannah has really improved her listening
skills, as well as Ruth. The older kids are very well-behaved , and are always
willing to help with the little ones or lend a helping hand in the kitchen or
in washing their laundry. Since I have been here, we have gotten the addition
of two other children Baby Florence and Max. What a blessing each kid has been
to me, and to each other. Max is now fully immersed in this life, and used to
the routine. At first, we thought he was a baby, so it’s incredible to see how
much he’s grown physically and just in helping take care of himself. Mom Sara
and Uncle Joseph have been incredibly welcoming to me, and have invited me into
their home on multiple occasions. I have loved getting to play a small part in
this ministry, and just see how God weaves everything together here at the
orphanage. The African lifestyle is one
to be admired. I have learned to bathe kids in minimal time using minimal cold water.
I have learned to not be phased by finding ants, bugs, or baby spiders in food
we’re preparing. I have learned to cut onions without crying. I have learned to
prepare the breakfast of buttered bread sandwiches for every kid in a speedy
amount of time. I have learned a few Luganda key phrases I will use every once In
a while. I have learned to perfect the African fried omelet. Throughout
my time here, I have learned quite a few things, but most of all I have learned
to not only embrace, but love the African lifestyle.
God is doing amazing things in this country. In church last
week, they showed how much the community has grown physically in 30 years,
& how you couldn’t find a café 30 years ago. I love seeing people so passionate
about advocating for Uganda. Uganda is a stunningly humid and green country, that
I have fallen in love with. God is doing incredible things in this and through
this organization and I’m so grateful to be part of it if only for a short
time.
Written by Abby Stream
For information on how you can serve for a week at Rafiki Children's Home in Uganda,
For information on how you can serve for a week at Rafiki Children's Home in Uganda,
