Open Hearts in Namalemba

I (Irene Ganiriza) have been spending more time in Iganga, at the Daystar site and in the surrounding village of Namalemba. I've had a good time to pray for this work and am very convinced that the Lord will do great and mighty things. Last week, on my way back, I decided to visit the home of a family with kids who are waiting to come to Daystar. What I found was so alarming. I found little Kulusein, 18 months old, in very critical condition. He had been sick for two weeks; his skin was peeling off, and he had symptoms of severe malnutrition with oedema. He was very weak, restless, and having difficulty breathing.

Kulusein's grandmother, a widow, is the caregiver for five grandchildren including Kulusein, and she has no job. She wept bitterly, as she described how difficult it's been to support these kids. She's completely lost touch with the children's parents, and she feels powerless as she watches her grandchildren suffer. She lost a grandson last year, and she told me she was waiting to bury Kulusein too because she has completely lost hope.

In the entire sub county, which has about 8 villages, there is nowhere to get affordable medical help. Even transportation money to get to the hospital is often not possible. I offered to pay for transport and hospital fees, and finally convinced Kulusein's grandmother to take the boy to the hospital and to have faith in God.

We arrived at the hospital, and Kulusein got started on the F75 formula milk used to manage malnutrition. I left the grandmother with a little money and bought them diapers, medicine, and other essentials for the time they would be in the hospital. I left exhausted, but full of hope that the boy would make a full recovery and his grandmother would find hope to keep going.

Three days later, I received word that Kulusein had breathed his last breath. I grieve for him and for his grandmother, and for all the children and widows in similar situations. This is the call that God has given Daystar--to walk alongside these precious families and ensure that malnutrition, disease, lack of education, and bitterness do not steal away their precious futures. Kulusein has helped me realize the dire needs in Namalemba, and I feel a deep conviction that God wants us here in this particular village at this particular time. The village and the family greatly appreciated Daystar for the support and for fighting for the little boy's life. They feel already that the services of Daystar are much needed to help the community learn about child care and early health-seeking behaviors. God is opening doors for us to show love to this primarily Muslim community. When I came back to Iganga, one Namalemba man followed me to the Daystar site. "Maama," he said, "I heard you wanted to put some banana plantation down there, but you had no money. I am ready to dig and even put in the banana plantation for you for free. The child you helped was my distant relative, and the love you offered has challenged us all." Praise God for the ways people are already glimpsing the heart of Jesus through Daystar. I showed him the place where I want the plantation, and we agreed to start banana planting when the rains come.

Last week, a friend asked me if it was okay for her to give Daystar some clothes and shoes that no longer fit her kids. I thought she was giving a small bag, but then received a full sack of 100kgs full! They all look so amazing and she told me to let her know when I was back from work and she would send me another one. I bless the Lord. Miracle after miracle! Although we will save some of these donations for the kids who will live at Daystar Home, it has been a great joy to give some clothes and shoes to the kids of Namalemba. Many of them have been helping on the site to carry items closer to the house or other small tasks. They were so excited to receive the donations!

This boy in the black shirt got his first pair of shoes in his entire life. I can't believe I forgot to take a picture with his new shoes on! Putting on shoes for the first time was the order of the day. We taught the kids how to tell which is the right shoe and which is the left. The little boy on the right got pants and a sweater, donated by another friend of mine.

This little girl with the new pink boots is the sister to the late Kulusein. She still cries and calls for her brother, and at mealtime asks why there is no plate laid out for him.

There are so many needs here, but also so much life and joy. Some of the children have started calling me "Mama Namalemba," which is sweet and a lot to live up to. May we introduce these children to their Heavenly Father who loves them more than they can imagine, and may they experience that love through us.