Christmas in July

Yesterday we had the opportunity to tag along with one of the Samaritan's Purse staff members here in Kampala to do an "Operation Christmas Child" shoebox drop at the home of a lady who has taken in over 20 orphans into her home. We know it is only July, but it was so awesome to see the kids faces light up as they received jump ropes, small toys, T-shirts and even toothbrushes! Roxanne, the staff member who allowed us to go along with her, works with the "Orphan Care Equip Project." She has a great job and is able to meet needs I had never realized before. For instance, the caretaker I mentioned has a remarkable heart and desire to care for these orphans! However, she does not have the resources to provide for all of these children. After Roxanne locates homes/orphanages like this one, SP comes alongside to help with the tangible/spiritual needs. We also went to 4 more orphanages and homes yesterday which all have similar stories. There are so many great people willing to come in and fill the void in these kids lives, they just don't have the tangible resources to do so. What an awesome project! I just kept telling Roxanne all day how much I love her job!

Please pray for Ruco and I because we are still so incredibly jet lagged! I lie in bed all night awake and occasionally Ruco will say, "Are you still awake??" Somehow it makes us feel better if we are both in it together!! :)
Hopefully we will be able to post some more pictures once we arrive in Kamwenge! I also have the cutest video of these kids but currently am not able to upload it, so maybe once we arrive later today I will try again. We miss all of you!

PS-If you want to get involved with the OCC shoebox ministry, I posted the link above! We toured the warehouse in Boone where they process the boxes and then distribute them, and its definitely an operation! Its amazing how many people send shoeboxes! I also think its really fun for kids to pack the shoeboxes! If you do send one, include a picture of yourself/your family...the kids definitely love receiving photos and seeing the faces of the people who provided this gift for them. OCC staff makes sure to tell them though that the love Jesus has for them is the reason they are receiving this gift!

Ruco with the kids opening their gifts-

A boy receiving school supplies

Roxanne handing out the gifts

Me and the cutest little girl who received some goodies! :)

You gotta love a slinky!!
Me helping with new gloves-note the new Nascar shirt as well!
A girl with a new toothbrush and mints she received in her shoebox