While I did write one post a few months back: here . I wrote about why I think we disregard the African family for resettlement and family strengthening and instead continue to use international adoption and institutional models as first priority solutions in the care of vulnerable children here.
I've started maybe 6 or 7 other blog posts and can't seem to finish one. There are many things I want to say, most of it centered around or related to the normal topics we all like to debate within "orphan" care. [You'll have to excuse me for the parentheses, most of the children we refer to as "orphans" here in Uganda, are not].
But my lack of blogging hasn't been due to a lack of time, rather a growing desire to approach these topics effectively and with an intentional openness.
Being close-minded and opinionated hasn't gotten me very far in trying to encourage change within the "orphan" care community here.
What has it gotten me? The people who agree with me to agree some more and those who disagree to tune me out and stop listening.
Note: not an effective way to bring about change
What I am going to try instead?
To remember where I started on this journey and all the unique experiences that have landed me where I am now.
When utilized, this has allowed for patience and grace. Something we forget to allow for, regardless of how much we are in need of it.
I am convinced that we can move forward. It really shouldn't be a matter of which side you are on for issues of inter-country adoption, institutional care, family preservation or domestic foster care/adoption. There is not one solution that is best for every child.
So I am giving those posts-in-progress more time to sit. More time to pray about how I approach certain topics and an increased appreciation for the various interventions necessary to meet the multifaceted needs of vulnerable children here and across the globe.
Instead, I will recap the last few months. Here are some highlights.
We got down to business
Here is the new home of Abide Family Center in Bugembe, Jinja, Uganda!
We signed a 4 year contract to this property. The lease begins June 1st of next year. Look out Uganda, we're going to be full-time, socially awkward missionaries in 10 months.
We've had so many great meetings with different organizations and gov't officials who have encouraged us and pushed us toward improving our program model. Simon, a CDO (community development officer) in Jinja, is one of many.
We offered our first social work position to Adonai. We are excited to welcome him to the Abide team!
We worked on our NGO paperwork with our good friend Peter. He has to get a signature or two more and it should be filed and in process within the next two weeks. This is the paperwork necessary for Abide to operate in Uganda.
We were encouraged by strong caregivers and their families
A woman who is willing to provide care and love to an additional three children after their father died and they were left without any family to care for them.
A mother who cares for 11 children and wouldn't dream of putting them in an orphanage, even after her husband leaves her and takes their cow.
A Grandmother who adores her granddaughter and her granddaughter her.
We went on adventures
We drove all the way to Dokolo and back in one day.
We took the kids to the Jinja fair for lots of carnival rides, face paint and ice cream.
We went on walks and explored the Nile River. Not sure if we were looking for boats or crocodiles here...
We hiked at Sipi Falls and had the best weekend ever.
Our legs felt like jello for at least two days after but it was so worth it.
We are flying back to the U.S. tomorrow morning. This summer we accomplished everything we set out to and are so thankful for that. We have a year full of finishing school, fundraising, continuing to network stateside and soaking up our last year (at least for a while) with friends and family back home.
Learning to trust the One who is in and above all things for the big and the little.
-Kelsey
