When we first entered Jinja, we had about four days to spend there before connecting with the Yobel team. We were planning to visit Sera's Caring Place. I (Marlena) spent most evenings with Sera and her boys when I was in Jinja for three months in 2009. This was a perfect time to be there. All of the children had holiday and we could spend each day with them. We spent lots of time with Sera too, talking with her about the challenges she is having and the joys that she has in being the mom of 27 children!! The last time I was with her she had 16 boys and now she has added more boys into her home and four girls. It was a beautiful experience to come back and see the same children and their new sisters and brothers. It was also a little different this time because all over the world when boys become men (which seems to be about 14 here) there is a whole new dynamic. They are more to themselves and mature. This was wonderful to see how Sera has given them each there own room to branch in different directions and really become who they are. For one instance, Richard is very involved at his church so he has been going into church for Bible study's and piano lessons. Another boy Gabriel is a good trainer (runner and weight lifter) as you would say here! He went on a nice long morning run with us one day and then did a cross fit work out with us too. It has been so so good to see the Lord work in there lives and to watch them grow.
I am always so moved by Sera, but I must say I have not been the best about keeping in touch with her. However without a doubt she will always welcome me into her home. When people ask what I do in Jinja I tell them I am going to spend time with my Rwandan sister. She feels closer than a friend and I do believe if we get to be here in Uganda she will be a big part of my life. I love her so much and am so grateful for our friendship. She is a wise woman and I always learn so much from her. I plan to stay in touch more frequently now that time has not separated us.
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