We started the day at VCCS where we met with Pastor Edward, Pam & Eddie to pray with them as they were starting the Emmanuel Drop-In Centre. There was a wonderful presence of God there to start the day. After this we left them to do what they had to do for the day. Edward borrowed my camera and took some photos of the children. They started today with a total of 10 street children (with no home) and 17 other children that just hang on the streets during the day. Here is a photo of the children and Pam and Eddie with them.
Though they are starting very simply, at this stage they are giving some porridge and offering a shower and maybe some clean clothes, as well as an ear to listen, the vision is much bigger. The end vision includes things such as helping with school fees and reconciling the children with their relatives if possible. Here are some photos of the street children that came to VCCS today.
We then went to Akanyijuka and while the rest of us took the children to play in an oval, Erica stayed with the matrons to begin some formal training with them, she said that went very well. For us at the park, we had a great time, playing with the children and being silly etc. Phil even managed to get them to play medicine ball with a soccer ball. It was quite an effort with the language barrier, but it worked out in the end. I think that being with the children and having them enjoying us being there makes everything we have done worth it. Today I was playing with Agnes for a while, and it was fantastic to see her smiling and even rousing at the other children to let her have a go. She is really getting better all the time.
In the afternoon Kathryn & I went with Edward and Prossy to buy some things that are needed to get Nursery School under way. We got most things off the list Prossy had done up, but still need a few things from there and some other things that Kathryn has to get to help out. We are looking at starting next Monday, and it looks like we may have everything prepared ready to go, which will be great for the children. We even bought a water pistol, which will be great for me to chase the children with.
