"I come from Zion..."

The main focus of our trip to Uganda was to work with the Zion Project. The Zion Project is the result of the prayers and hard work of Sarita Hartz and her dedicated staff (and family). Part of the Zion Project consists of a Children's Home that houses fourteen girls ages four to thirteen. These girls are orphaned or custody has been given to the Zion Project in order to keep these girls safe from a lifestyle that would be considered our greatest nightmare. At their young age, they have seen and experienced more than many of us ever will in our entire lifetime.
The girls were so excited to have company from far away. Each time we went to the house and each time we went to leave, it was like a flood of hugs. When someone grabbed a book to read, there may be one girl sitting at the beginning, but soon a crowd would be gathered. They loved their pictures to be taken. They would pose and then gather around to see. These girls have every right to be bitter and and angry; to not trust and shy away from strangers. Instead, they were happy and welcoming.
The first night we arrived, Mama Miriam who helps care for the girls, had helped the girls prepare a program. As the girls sang songs of praise and danced, I teared up. To be so young, yet so full of love for God. The girls sang with all their heart and prayed unlike I have ever heard any child pray.
The next time we went, the girls were so excited to sit outside and color! Their pictures were filled with vibrant colors. I knew Joseph had a coat of many colors, but I was unaware that Joseph himself was so colorful, until I looked at the pictures! :-) While playing outside, they would randomly break into song. One would start and soon others would follow. They were happy to spend time with us and with each other.
I have been surprised by people's reactions to my trip to Africa. For the most part, people are supportive and anxious to hear about it. But there have been the people who want to know how spending a week in a third world country filled with poverty, AIDS, disease, trash, stench, hunger, etc could be so rewarding. I try hard to respond by smiling and understanding that if you haven't been there to see and experience it, it would not make sense. Yes, all of these were present, but all it took for me to see a different side of Africa, was to pull through the gates of the Zion Project. Fourteen faces smiling, showing excitement. Fourteen sets of feet jumping up and down. More hugs being shared than I ever dreamed possible in a two minute period. These girls are a walking testimony of the healing power of our mighty God. This was the reason that Africa was so beautiful to me. It was through the compassion of these children and all the other welcoming people that I experienced Africa.