Road to Mercy: Redeemed

I’ve made a friend here named Kathy. It’s sort of hilarious how I’ve made most friends here. They are people I’ve met online, friends of friends, strangers at the grocery store. Kathy’s son and his wife adopted from Uganda about a year ago and I "met" them in a facebook group. So I got connected to Kathy through them. Kathy is an amazing lady. She is a grandmother and a nurse From Oregon, but God gave her a heart for the children of Uganda. Two years ago she stepped out in faith and started Redeemer House Orphanage outside of Kampala. Currently they have 15 children from ages 5-14 (I think!) Yesterday, Mercy and I had the privilege to spend the afternoon at Redeemer House. The orphanage is inside a regular home, not like an institution as you would think. It’s a simple home, but very full of love and that is very evident as soon as you walk in. The children were precious. As soon as they knew we were coming they started working on a program for us. So shortly after we arrived they did a formal greeting and then sang about 4 songs for us. I loved every second of it. Seeing the natural performers step out and shine. Seeing the more shy children try to hide behind their neighbor’s skirt. The natural rhythm and need to dance at any and all music. Then watching Kathy as she lovingly watched the children and also sang song to the Lord with them. It was great.

The kids loved Mercy and she loved them because they would do whatever she wanted. So she took off with several kids leading them around the compound, playing with dolls in their beds, getting them all to crawl around on the floor like her. Then the cook at Redeemer House, a beautiful young lady named Mercy, picked up my Mercy and fed her some lunch and juice. Within minutes I think Mercy had all of them wrapped around her little finger.

While we were there several people stopped by to talk with Kathy and ask for help. She so naturally greets everyone, visits and listens to their stories, passes out medicine and advice, and offers of prayer. While we were visiting she probably bandaged up at least 3-4 wounds of kiddos, gave some “advice” to kids on how to pick up after themselves, encouraged others with kind words, and also passed out a few hugs. I love to see people serving and doing so with grace and love, and that is exactly what Kathy does each and every day. Kathy could easily stay home, work a good job, play with her grandkids, and take fun vacations. Instead she works 24/7, shares her room with tons of supplies and also 2 people, and feels guilty spending any time or money on herself. She reminds me a lot of my dear Aunt Trudy. I’m pretty sure they’d be great friends. Maybe one day they will be.

Kathy is moving Redeemer House to Jinja next month. The rent, food, and school fees are all cheaper there. She just found a great place to rent and with the move they should be able to take on more kids for the same amount of money. What a blessing!

Redeemer House is partnered with “Hands of Hope” ministries. If you or your family is looking for a great mission project this Christmas, through Hands of Hope you can buy gifts for Redeemer House children. Kathy told me that two of their biggest needs, especially with the move, will be beds (bunk, mattress, and bedding) and or a start-up kit for a new child. But you can check out the online catalog here to see all of the possibilities. Gifts start at just $4 and include everything from toys, toiletries, medical supplies, bibles, goats, or chickens. In order for gifts to be ready for Christmas, all donations need to be made by Sunday, December 4th. I promise you this is a great ministry to support and any money given will be well used.

You can check out Kathy’s blog at http://www.redeemerhouseorphanage.blogspot.com/ And in no particular order, here are a few pictures from our visit. Somehow I didn't end up with pics of Kathy... you'll have to check out her blog now to see some.