I woke up very early on Saturday morning but not to the sounds of lawn mowers, trash trucks, sirens, screeching tires attempting to stop or take off from the stop sign near my home in Irvine or the roaring freeway in the distance. Instead, the roosters were doing what they do best, the crickets were cricketing and little song birds were singing their hearts out. It was GLORIOUS! No one else was awake yet so I walked outside to see and hear my surroundings. Pastor Peter had kept the car from the night before so he came to breakfast and then drove Nelson and I to STAO. The road from Nelson’s house has barely survived some serious rains and we could have made great use of my Trooper. This was a serious “Off -Road” experience. As we drove through Jinja Town, I learned about their “taxi” system. It consists of small motor bikes with 2-3 riders plus cargo and maybe a live chicken or 2. The “First Class” drivers only carry one passenger. The “Economy Class” gets the bulk of the business and they are everywhere – passing you on the left while we are trying not to hit one that’s passing an oncoming car. Third class riders use the bicycles. You have to see it to believe it.
I wasn't prepared for the greeting that I received when we got to the Agape Children's Home at STAO. About 50 kids were waiting for us and chanting, "Jaja Laurie, Jaja Laurie, Jaja Laurie" over and over. When I got out of the car and spread my arms, I was mobbed. We almost ended up in a huge pile. Nelson gave me a short tour of STAO and then we took a short walk to the Medical Center. The Dental Clinic is the first thing you see and is in the middle of the complex. When we walked through it, I couldn't help but cry. We held hands and I prayed for all of the people that would that would receive care and for all of the special people that would give care. It truly was a very moving experience. We both know that it is a miracle. The used dental equipment that Nelson found is only 3 yrs. old so it will be very modern.
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