Today we got to stop by The Bulrushes for one last visit. We were lucky enough to get to see the babies just after nap and they were waiting with smiles and open arms for one last hug and play. I stopped by the clinic to check on my little one and guess what?? She has started drinking from a bottle! Up until yesterday, she was only fed through a tube inserted into her stomach but now she is a big girl drinking from a bottle. When we brought her home from the hospital a few weeks ago, she was 1.22kg. Now she is 1.78kg. She has come off of oxygen and is doing sooooo well. It was such gift to be able to feed her this afternoon and have one last snuggle and photo shoot :-)I tried to talk our host and driver into rolling her incubator out to the van, bringing it on the plane tomorrow as my carry on, but they wouldn't go for it....so I left her there to grow into a great little girl, a loving young woman and a future leader of Uganda.
For the past few days I have felt like my heart is breaking in two at the thought of having to leave this wonderful little corner of the world. I know that there is no need to worry about the children because I have seen first-hand how well they are being cared for. God has provided a loving home and a bright future for these children and hope for their country as well.
I just have more hugs, kisses and smiles left. I'm not quite ready to leave but would it be any easier in a month...or six? I don't think so.
So what is a girl to do? Head home and pray...pray that others will always be there to care for the children who need them...pray that even more people every day will be given opportunities for a bright and hopeful future...pray that maybe the opportunity will come for me to come back some day...pray that instead of it being that my heart is breaking in two, what I'm feeling is my heart multiplying to twice its normal capacity.
I can hardly believe that the last day of this journey has come and almost gone. This past month has been full of learning, excitement, adventure and love. There are so many who I have come to care about here in Uganda. The faces and stories are constantly rolling around in my head and heart and I think in the months to come, this blog will be a great place to write about them.
Thank you all so much for your prayers, for your support, for your well wishes, for your love. All of it has helped to make this trip one of the most memorable times in my life.
Love,
me
3 comments:
How beautiful to read your blog as you wind down from your trip. The end of your trip does not mean the end of this chapter, does it? It's only the beginning, my friend! I can't wait to have you over and hear every single story!
I love the way you described the feeling you have. I'm praying for a heart multiplied by two as you board the plane!
I know how difficult it must have been for you to come back Shannon...Dad and I are glad to have you back home to have you share your wonderful stories and treasured experiences. We are so proud and pleased that you were able to follow your dream. I am certain that you will share your heartfelt experiences with many, many people, and that we will all benefit and grow in heart through
your compassion for others...We will hold you close while you are here..love you Shannon...mom
I can't believe it's been a month already. Thanks for posting your blogs & allowing us to share in your amazing journey & incredible experiences. I can't wait to hear more!
Julie
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