We are the handicapped: Life is good!

Today the three of us in Mahadaga began our visits to the homes of the 18 children in our program. Matt Walsh was kind enough to lend us his Rhino 4x4 vehicle, and Katie was thrilled to take the wheel. With about 10 excited children in and on the vehicle, we headed out, with Diabidi leading the way in her brand new electric trike that the guys completed two days ago.















As we drove, Abraham, a 7-yr. old boy with very low vision, sat in the middle of the front seat and sang at the top of his lungs, "We are the handicapped children; Life is good!" (Nous sommes des enfants handicapes; C'est bon!) When we got near each home, we all piled out of the Rhino and walked down the small trail to their home, the kids happily arm in arm or hand in hand.

At the home, we took 3-4 pictures, letting the kids choose the shots. We've been working with them to write sentences about their daily life, and this week they will read these into a microphone and create a digital picture frame that shows and says a little bit about their life.

Back in the states this August, we'll publish a book with these images and sentences and send each kid a hard copy. These are kids that the world rarely spotlights, so this is truly their day and their story.



















We do miss the guys who are now on their way home. But, for the first time since my arrival in the country, my alarm setting this morning began with a 6 rather than a 4 or 5! And there are fewer dishes to wash, more time to plan, care packages from family for Katie and Bethany, and the missionaries have graciously invited us to dinner in the next few days (real lasagna & birthday cake tomorrow!). So although we miss all the sandals outside the door, we are grateful for all we still have here.