So in true African style, we were supposed to have a modem for internet about a week ago and are STILL waiting...so thanks for bearing with me as we still don't have internet and can only make it to the internet cafe every once in awhile! Things are great here in Tororo...we have all adapted well and we can't believe we only have 2 weeks left here! I already am dreading having to say goodbye to these kids :( UGH!
We have been able over the past week to do some Bible lessons with the kids...our wonderful skits have kept them entertained with stories like Jonah and the whale, Noah's ark, and just recently Daniel and the lions den. Songs and bible verses have accompanied them and I've really enjoyed going into the classes the day after our skit to review the story and verse as well as do a craft in smaller groups (and by smaller groups I mean groups ranging from 15 to 50.) Classroom management can be a challenge with the younger kids as they are just SO hungry for any paper or "colors", as they call our pencils and crayons, and they don't quite know othe meaning of wait your turn. It can definately get overwhelming but the look of pride on their faces when holding up something they actually cut and colored themselves makes it more than worth it. I have even seen a child in P3 the other day who I'm quite sure has never held a pair of scissors. I also got to step in and actually "teach" P3 the other day because the teacher didn't show up. P3 is the highest class offered at Smile but most of the kids in there are about first or second grade level ...and are about 10-13 years old. I really do love being in the classroom...I think if I had more confidence in their classroom I could see myself getting the hang of it! We got to do a math game and build on their previous science lesson on plants. Those children are just so precious!
I also just love being with the younger kids. There is one boy who I have particularly grown to love so much ...a little 3 year old named Abucha. He has just stolen my heart! He has quite the little personality (and I think now has come to think I am his own personal mzungu...oops.) and he just loves to talk to me in Swahili like I actually understand what he is saying! Although sidenote, I AM learning more of the language each day :) One day last week I entered through the gate of Smile and immediately noticed Abucha and that he was sick. My heart just broke seeing him so sick. All I wanted to do was hold him. His temperature shot up from normal to over 102 in just half an hour and his little chest sounded just terrible. I held him for most of the morning...I just couldn't pull myself away. He was terribly sick for most of the day and then almost out of nowhere he seemed to get better by the end of the day almost miraculously! Even the nurses with us said how could he get better so quick because he was really sick. I really and truly think it was all of the prayers! He is good as new now :)
Saturday night Pastor Ruth invited us over to dinner. I think it was quite possibly the best meal we've had since we've been here! Pastor Ruth is the woman who started Smile and the women's program. She is not usually actually at the program as she is a very busy woman! We were just SO blessed to get to spend the evening with her and hear the entire story of how Smile came to be. She is an amazing example of a woman of great faith and obedience and her story is one of God's faithfulness and provision. I think I may save the story for a day (hopefully soon) when I am not writing on a keyboard that you have to practically chisel the keys for them to work!
Sunday was a very "African" day I think.....meaning a 4 hour church service, going out to eat which took another 3 hours (nothing here is quick.), an hour to attempt to wash some laundry in cold somewhat dirty water by hand, and finally a movie with the girls. Its amazing what a blurry movie from a projector and a smushed York peppermint patty can do for you after a long day! We definately enjoy the small reminders of home here :) Yesterday was the first day that I missed home...and I don't think I was alone, we may have had a conversation or two about things we miss about home....real chocolate chip cookies and a washer and dryer being at the top of the list :) but God is so faithful and good and I'm so glad to be here. He brought me many great blessings through the children today. I'm hoping to post a couple pictures if we are ever able to get internet through the girls laptops at home! Until next time, love in Christ
~ ~ Janelle ~ ~

"By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers. But if anyone has the world's goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God's love abide in Him? Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth!"
1 John 3:16-18