Melisha's Grandchildren Update...

I have been meaning to give an update to all of you who supported Melisha and her 3 orphaned grandchildren over a year ago. Remember Melisha who was living in a house in Kampala which was only half constructed? The roof was wide open, and allowed for rain to easily pour into her home. The walls were also only half-way built. You could easily peer into her home from the outside. She and her grandchildren (one of which has HIV) slept on the damp, muddy floor. Ruco blogged about the story here (click link). Actually the cute kid who is sitting on the wall on Ruco's blog header is actually Charles...the youngest of Melisha's grandchildren. He is the one who has HIV.

After blogging about the need to repair Melisha's house, Ruco and I received an outpouring of support in order to help Melisha. So much so, that the house was fully repaired in October, 2008. We were also able to buy beds, linens, clothes, groceries, and special treats for the kids. It was wonderful, and so special. But I wanted you to know that the story did not stop there. My friend Dana, who worked with me at Rebuild Northwest Florida told her family about Melisha and her grandchildren. Dana's family decided to forgo Christmas that year, and instead gave additional money to Melisha's grandchildren.

The biggest burden for a parent here in Uganda is paying school fees. There are 3 school terms each year, and each term costs $375.00 for Melisha's 3 grandchildren. That's $1,125 per year. This includes paying for boarding school and food for the two oldest: Harriett and Ivan. It was so wonderful to continue supporting Melisha's grandchildren throughout 2009 with the help of Dana's family. All of their food, school fees, and boarding costs at school were covered! What a blessing!


A couple of weeks ago, while our friends were here visiting, we all went to see Melisha and the kids. They were SO excited to see all of us, and the house looked great! Melisha loved Mike- Crystal's boyfriend. He was almost double her size!! Speaking of size, she also had a thing or two to say about mine. She was THRILLED to see that I had "increased" or gained weight. Here, gaining weight shows you are healthy and happy. I have really had to learn the hard way that it is indeed a compliment. :) Melisha was so glad to see I had gained weight in Karamoja of all places, that she insisted on coming and visiting Ruco and I. She wants to see for herself this wonderful place that has made me so plump. Maybe I should tell her now that she will be very disappointed, as we can't get alot here. Lots of rice and carbs have been the main culprit for my "increase." ha!
Anyway, It was the start of the new school term, so Ruco, Mike, Crystal, and I set out with the kids to go and pay school fees. We went to all 3 schools, paid fees/boarding costs, and bought new school uniforms for the kids. Then, we went shopping for all the new school year items that they needed. They mainly needed snacks, soap, shoes, backpacks, stationary, pens, and other personal items. We were happy to get all that they needed! After a long day of shopping, we HAD to get something to eat. Someone suggested pizza, so off we went to get some pizza for lunch. NONE of the kids had ever tried pizza before. It was so cute. Charles loved the pizza, but Harriet and Ivan were a little more skeptical. I don't think they were entirely sold even after the meal. I guess pizza is an acquired taste!!! After pizza, the kids headed home to Melisha. She was THRILLED that all the kids needs for school were met. Harriett told me later, "Thank you. Now my Ja Ja (grandma) doesn't get scared and worried anymore."

So, I guess I wanted to say thank you. again. for what you did for Melisha and her grandchildren. She remains SO grateful, and the kids are still doing great! I will make it a point to update everyone whenever we see them, because you were such a big part of the ministry to these kids, too.

Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world. James 1:27