A Boy Named John (Uganda)

Today was so special for me to spend quality time with a boy named John. I met John last year at Cannan’s Children Home and he touched many people’s heart who spent time with him. I feel like I missed out getting to know John, due to holding my Allan the entire time. John walks with crutches. He’s 15 and strong in heart and body! He’s gentle, kind, curious, and protective. We decided as a team to play Ugandan Football and headed to an open field. A few girls (my niece, Alex, Audra, Brittany) played too! I was the sideline cheerleader and had a blast sitting with the kids and cheering Canaan’s on to victory. After about 30 min. a few of the big boys decided it was time to move to the large field and play with the local kids.  John had just arrived (walking in the area was difficult for him) I asked him if he’d like to join us and he told me it was a long walk. I asked him.. how long? He just smiled and said it was not too long, but he could not go up there with his crutches. I HATED leaving him behind, but I was the “adult” in the group and needed to venture out with the teens playing soccer.

We started our trek up the hill and I found myself in the middle of paradise. The village is stunning and so lush and green. We hiked for about a mile and I started feeling the burn. I’m thankful for the few days I spent on the treadmill before coming on the trip. Haha I kept asking the kids… are we there yet? They would keep telling me… just around the corner or we’re almost there. They were sooo lying!! At one point, the jungle turned pretty jungly… I had to stoop down really low to the ground for almost ½ mile. I thought… how embarrassing to get stuck in the brush and have the kids drag me out by my feet. I was really wishing I had spent time doing squats.. I needed super thigh strength.

We FINALLY made it to the big open football field and it was worth the crazy hike.

The fresh breeze at the top was so refreshing. There were about 50 boys getting ready for the game and the girls were so disappointed when they were refused the opportunity to play- one of the locals said- no girls. What they really met was no Mzungus- but they did ask our 2 boys to referee!  We sat in the shade and cheered the game on for about an hour.

I noticed coming up the hill was John and a few of the team. He made it!!! I have no idea how he managed trekking though the jungle with his crutches, but he did it! I headed over and gave him a big hug and he knew how happy we were that he was there with us.

He asked me a few questions- what was my hobby? And then I asked him what was his dream when he grew up. He smiled and started sharing with me that he wanted to be a doctor and help others with his special needs. I told him he would make a great doctor because he has such compassion, love and strength. John stopped and hugged me in the middle of the road. I melted in the middle of the road.

Later, he wrote me a letter and thanked me for being one of the first people to believe in his dreams. I also asked him if I could be his mom for the time I was there visiting his home. He thanked me for letting him me my son.

Taking the time to give the blessing to a child who obviously has had such a difficult life is so important. He soaked it all up like a sweet sponge. I’m praying for opportunities everyday to give the gift of blessing to the children who are fatherless living in Uganda. Thank you Lord for sending me back to this piece of heaven. It continues to change my life taking advantage of the little God moments He gives us each day.

Thank you John for reminding me what perseverance, courage, compassion, and hope really means.  Since being home, John now has Facebook and we keep in touch.