There are so many songs written about moments that people want to last forever. Moments that people want to live in for the rest of their lives. These moments are usually about love. Falling in love. Falling so, so deeply in love. 3 and a half months ago when I landed in Uganda, East Africa, I had no idea that God was about to start a love story in my very own life. I also had no idea that within a few months I would be given more perfect, joyful, I-want-them-to-last-forever moments than I could ever count. I didn't notice it at first, but I see it now- the love story that God has written in my heart and life since August.
My love story, however, is a bit different than the ones spoken about in songs. It is not one with Prince Charming and roses and cute dresses and late nights. It is one filled with slobber and giggles and sticky fingers. It is one full of dozens of little hands and feet... One filled with babies that have completely stolen my heart away.
I live in a babies home where 60 little boys and girls between the ages of 6 months and 3 years spend all their time. All of these beautiful babies have brought about so many moments that I never want to let go. Like when my favourite little 3 year old boy grabs my hand and says "Kakika, come, come!!" And takes me to a plastic house to play. Or when I watched my sweetheart, Blessing, take his first steps. Or how every time I walk into the toddlers unit, without fail, my triplets come running to me and throw their tiny arms around my legs. Or when my beautiful Esther points to my eyes and then my nose and then whispers "tummy" and tickles me with the biggest smile on her face. I wish I could take the moments when the babies run into my arms and make them last forever. I wish I could take the moments that they snuggle into my chest and keep that feeling. I wish I could take the moments they grin and laugh when I tickle them and let it go on for the rest of my life. I wish that these amazing babies could know how much I love them. Because the truth is that though these babies have been left abandoned and malnourished and alone, God has used them to weave the most beautiful love story into my heart. Through them He has brought so much more joy than I could ever begin to tell you.
Right here in a small village in the Mpigi district of a tiny country called Uganda, I have fallen in love. I have fallen in love with sticky fingers and dirty feet and huge smiles. I have fallen in love with babies that God has crafted more beautifully than you can imagine.
Right here in a small village in the Mpigi district of a tiny country called Uganda, God has written a love story in my life. One overflowing with moments that I wish could last forever.
What a blessing.