We hosted two Ugandan boys this past weekend who are in the area touring with Matsiko Children's Choir a group of orphaned and at risk children. Matsiko means hope and reflects what is in their hearts and the message they are spreading. Julius and Gideon are only 9 and 12 years old, but they have joy, wisdom and love to share that belies the adversities they have faced and inspires those they meet.
When we agreed to have them in our home, I thought we were giving to them. It turns out they were a precious gift to us. Their amazement and thankfulness for the simple things left us feeling rich. Through their eyes we saw anew the magic in snow globes, music boxes, Christmas ornaments, snow flakes, snowmen, snowball fights, the wind blowing the snow, all the food they could eat, a warm house with cozy beds.
We had fun showing them our village of Orting, taking them to see Madeline Jones African Art, Northwest Trek and the Sumner pool to fulfill their request to go swimming. We bundled them up in front of the fireplace with popcorn and hot cocoa and granted their wishes to watch Home Alone 1 and 2 and listened to their giggles and commentary that the star of the show Kevin would 'do ok and survive because he is a wise boy.'
I was touched to tears as they said their bedtime prayers. Instead of asking for anything for themselves, they prayed for us, referring to us as Mum and Dad. Safety was a big topic of their petitions for us. They went something like this..."God thank you for Mum and Dad and for their home and food, and keep them safe, and keep the dog safe, and keep their children safe and keep their grandchildren safe and especially the one in the photo who is a soldier, keep him safe and help him have courage and know he is doing a good thing and protecting others and helping us have freedom."
I watched proudly as they performed in song and dance. I couldn't have been more proud than if they were my very own children. As I listened to the children voice their past adversity and future goals and determination to accomplish them, I was inspired.
If they could overcome against such incredible odds, how can we not do the same? While our economy groans and adjusts, I realize in the light of their existence, we are rich by comparison. Like Matsiko, may we have hope. We will survive.
The group will be going home to Uganda January 8th. If you'd like to see them while they are in the area, find a schedule of performances at http://www.icnchildren.net/choir/tour.php
When we agreed to have them in our home, I thought we were giving to them. It turns out they were a precious gift to us. Their amazement and thankfulness for the simple things left us feeling rich. Through their eyes we saw anew the magic in snow globes, music boxes, Christmas ornaments, snow flakes, snowmen, snowball fights, the wind blowing the snow, all the food they could eat, a warm house with cozy beds.
We had fun showing them our village of Orting, taking them to see Madeline Jones African Art, Northwest Trek and the Sumner pool to fulfill their request to go swimming. We bundled them up in front of the fireplace with popcorn and hot cocoa and granted their wishes to watch Home Alone 1 and 2 and listened to their giggles and commentary that the star of the show Kevin would 'do ok and survive because he is a wise boy.'I was touched to tears as they said their bedtime prayers. Instead of asking for anything for themselves, they prayed for us, referring to us as Mum and Dad. Safety was a big topic of their petitions for us. They went something like this..."God thank you for Mum and Dad and for their home and food, and keep them safe, and keep the dog safe, and keep their children safe and keep their grandchildren safe and especially the one in the photo who is a soldier, keep him safe and help him have courage and know he is doing a good thing and protecting others and helping us have freedom."
I watched proudly as they performed in song and dance. I couldn't have been more proud than if they were my very own children. As I listened to the children voice their past adversity and future goals and determination to accomplish them, I was inspired.
If they could overcome against such incredible odds, how can we not do the same? While our economy groans and adjusts, I realize in the light of their existence, we are rich by comparison. Like Matsiko, may we have hope. We will survive.
The group will be going home to Uganda January 8th. If you'd like to see them while they are in the area, find a schedule of performances at http://www.icnchildren.net/choir/tour.php
