uganda: not your typical lazy sunday

when we pulled up beside the

new foundations community church 

on koro farm, and we were the only vehicle 

parked next to a packed church service,

i knew we were in for a treat.

a young lady named sunday led us in worship.

the teen choir joined her, and they danced 

and sang their little hearts out.

they were joyful, they meant every word of every song,

and i couldn't help but wonder if what i was witnessing

was a tiny glimpse of what heaven will be like.

oh, how i hope so.

after church, we visited the village of lajwatek,

and were greeted by the people in a way that

made us feel like royalty.

they were singing and dancing when our van pulled up,

and as we sat inside their tiny church,

the community showered us with more songs and dance, 

and made introductions for the next hour.

it was beautifully touching. 

this next shot is one of my favorites

because of what's happening with the woman

in the back, with the blue dress and red head covering.

dustin, our team leader, is addressing the 

villagers, thanking them for having us 

and sharing words of encouragement. 

the lady in the back has popped her eyebrows up, which is 

something all ugandans do. 

it's a very quick facial expression, coupled with a short "hmm"

and it's like saying "yes, i agree"

or, "ok" or, "gotcha."

it happens constantly in conversation, and 

we found ourselves doing this with each other 

and with the staff all week.  

i almost trashed this picture in post-production

because i didn't think anything interesting was going on.

then i zoomed in a little and noticed her eyebrows - and it

brought tears to my eyes. 

goodness, i miss these people.

the afternoon was spent

back on koro farm,

as we held another medical clinic for the community.

 the people who came to the clinic

were all so loving, and so thankful we were there...

... all of them, except this little 6-year-old girl.

her clavicle was broken 

(her mother suspected it happened at birth), 

and she cried anytime someone came close to her.

it took a little while, but with the help of

a sucker and some heart-shaped stickers,

the little girl and i managed to be friends for the afternoon.