They're really doing an amazing job of not only providing for the physical needs of these kids, but providing a house of discipleship. They're teaching the kids servant-leadership by example, taking the kids out into the community to pray for the sick at the hospitals, to clean up the trash on the road, and many other things. I couldn't get over how many smiles I saw on these children's faces at Door of Hope, because I'd spent a lot of time with some of these children when I was in Uganda, and yes, I've seen them smile, but now, I see radiant smiles. And it makes me so happy to see photos and updates that they've been going on outings to visit the relatives of the children when they are able! They really act like a family!
I also wanted to share a few of my favorite pictures of Door of Hope and their ministry activies:
Look at the Dormitories at Door of Hope:
Those bright pink beds in the girls dormitory look so inviting! And no only are the beds new and not in disrepair or otherwise dangerous, the beds are properly outfitted with sheets, blankets, and pillows. Maybe that doesn't sound so amazing from an american mindset, but I saw more than enough beds that did not have so much as sheets that could be washed on them, and pillows were quite few and far between.
And did you notice the beautiful painting on the walls inside and outside the dormitories? Volunteers painted the walls in the girls dormitory with butterflies, flowers, and scripture. It looks so inviting and welcoming!
The kids are all receiving a quality education at local primary and secondary schools. They look so sharp (or "smart" as the Ugandans would say) in their school uniforms!
They celebrate birthdays at the Door of Hope. Can you see those bright smiles? I think many of those kids have never had their birthdays recognized, let alone gotten treats like blowing out candles on a birthday cake!
'Some more favorites:
And the kids even go on outings, such as this one to the beach. They look like they are having soooo much fun!
Door of Hope family Cleaning trash of the street for an outreach project:
Babra praying for the sick at the hospital:
Rita Beach demonstrates "the glamorous life of a missionary." Amazing how God chooses to use us! One moment you're praying over the sick in the hospital and next minute you're on top of a garbage heap; just doing the job that needs to be done! That's the happy heart of a missionary..JPG)