The Slums

I have had the opportunity to see one of the slums in Kampala, as we entered the slum, my heart began to ache. I began to see people sitting around everywhere, many of which were little children, smiling, waving and wishing to get attention from me. There were also teenagers and adults, who generally eyed me, wondering why i was there, and looking ashamed that i was there. we approached the home of one of the past choir children, which was a small hut with dirt floors and cement walls. when arriving in the house, i was shocked to see an old woman laying on the floor, wincing in pain, as her daughter struggled to help her. Abraham, an African chaperone explained to us that she was very sick with AIDS. we talked with the family for a few minutes, and at the end, the grandmother asked me to hold my hand, and in the Ugandan tongue, said "God bless you." after that i walked out, grateful i had sunglasses to cover up my tears. we began to walk around the slum, many people staring at us. i had to watch my feet because of the open sewers, but the thing that was the most shocking was the children. toothless, snotty-nosed children from all over ran up to me, giving me hugs, smiling and holding my hand. it hit me on a new level that these kids had no future but this, no education, no job, or means of even leaving the slum...ever. one girl looked directly at me, a sad look on her face, and i could have taken her out and adopted her right there. these people need help, it gave me a new sense of purpose in what i am doing with my life right now. God has called me to this ministry, and i'm seeing how my work, while i can't help everyone, will help some people, and will make a difference to them