This summer I had the incredible privilege of traveling to Uganda with the African Children’s Choir. I was first captivated by the Choir when I first saw them perform at PCC over two years ago. So, I was overjoyed when, after their most recent visit in April, the opportunity arose for me to travel all the way to Africa to work with their organization.
During my time there, I was a part of a team of twelve people, and we led camp at three different schools, which are all sponsored by ACC. Needless to say, I was blessed and changed by the time I spent with the children at the schools. Both weeks each “auntie” or “uncle” had a prayer group they met with each morning before camp got started. During this time, we chatted about the topic of the day (our theme for the week was the Fruit of the Spirit, Galatians 5:22) and then spent time together praying. I was struck by the way the children praise God. Although they do not have much materially, they have an incredibly profound appreciation for life, an appreciation I deeply admire and have yet to experience in the same way. The struggle to survive is a reality for these children, and they know that education is a vehicle to a more prosperous life, which makes them overjoyed to have the opportunity to attend school.
From my perspective, the real beauty and attractiveness of Ugandan life lies in its simplicity. Life is by no means easy, but it is simple. Coming from a society that values success, comfort, security, efficiency, etc, I was surprised to see that a life without all the frills can be so fulfilling. As James writes, “Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised those who love him?” (James 2:5). Amen. I have never met a people of such faith and joy. God’s work is evident in their lives because they realize that they need Him and are willing to depend on His provision. The memories, stories and lessons I brought home with me are virtually endless, but hopefully I’ve given you a glimpse of it all. It is my prayer that the children we worked with were as blessed by us and we were by them. And, as they love to say: God is good, all the time. All the time, God is good!
