Don't become friends with your bacon!

Strange title, I know, but there was a bit of a pork theme going on for much of the day today. On the way to the job-site there were several people walking pigs down the road with leashes wrapped onto one of their hooves, which was just kind of random. Then while we working this morning we heard a sound like a pig being slaughtered because there was a pig being slaughtered right next to the job-site. A few hours later, the same neighbor (who also happened to be a witch doctor) had another pig that was delivering babies. Needless to say, it's been a crazy & eventful day.

After lunch, Katie participated in a local brick-making experience. It wasn't until afterwards that she realized the mud was pretty much just manure. I don't think they're going to hire her any time soon.
I know it sounds like we didn't get much work done, but I promise that we worked our tails off doing construction and painting.
At 2pm, Tom from SIFAT brought us over to meet one of the neighbors, Mama Maria, who is an elderly lady that lives in a dirt hut the size of a typical toolshed in America. Mama Maria has buried 3 of her 5 children on her land that is the size of a garden. Her two remaining children are drunkards that just want to sell her house for the money. They take her food and mistreat her terribly. She is in pain from head to toe and can barely walk, but has to go fetch her water every day. I cannot even begin to fathom her life. A few of us were able to give her food, water and medicine and then we spent time praying with her. I don't even know how to begin to find words to describe this moment. I will just say that it was powerful and emotional.

Finally, at 3pm we headed to the current orphanage site in Lugazi, where we got to be with the children again and witness their living conditions. Again, we were greeted with a love and warmth that we do not deserve. They were so proud to show us their meager beds and living spaces. Their beds were neatly made and proudly displayed their bibles, letters from sponsors and penpals, and other small mementos. Their rooms were probably 10x12 with at least 2 bunk beds in each room and some had 2 to a mattress. We sang and played and just hugged on the kids. We are all so amazed and moved by the way that William takes care of these children. Truly he is a father to them. He has taught them such manners and respect towards others and each other. Most importantly, He has truly taught them the Word of God. We all have so much admiration and love for this man who has given his whole life for these little ones. Please remember to pray for him as he carries responsibilities and burdens beyond what most of us can imagine. We love and miss you all. I'm getting delirious again, so I have to go to bed. This was an insanely full day, so hopefully you can catch a small glimpse of all that's going on. More tomorrow...