Watoto Baby Shower

How cute is this outfit?

Friends and colleagues...being the change.

So many gifts  :)

What a lovely afternoon to celebrate a baby shower for little african babies. Sue Colloty (an amazingly big hearted colleague) held the little gathering at a local Park boasting magnificent coastal views. A gathering of open hearted girls turned up with an assortment of clothing and blankets to be sent to the Colour Sisterhood @ Hillsong for shipping to Watoto.

The current babies home in Kampala, Uganda has had over 72 babies in its care since 2009 and has graduated 49 toddlers to the Watoto Children's Villages. The exciting news is that they are opening two further homes in 2010, one in Gulu, Northern Uganda and a further one just outside Kampala at the current children’s village site at Suubi. In order to fit out these homes they have compiled a list of requirements. What a privilege to be a part of this endeavour.

Read about this endeavour at - Colour Sisterhood Baby Shower

End in sight for the longest running conflict on African soil

I am so inspired by the work of 'Invisible Children' and was amazed to see their news today (Via fb) about the surrender of one of the LRA (Lord's Resistance Army) spokesman. Check it out at http://blog.invisiblechildren.com/2010/06/lra-spokesman-surrenders/

Invisible Children shot the eye opening film 'Rough Cut' which was filmed in 2003. This film highlighted the plight of the night commuters - children of Northern Uganda seeking refuge and safety at night from the night abductions by the LRA. Through their constant lobbying and presence over the last few years much has now changed for the children of northern Uganda. Most recently the signing into law of the LRA disarmament and recovery action at the White House last month has changed the course of history for this nation and the next generation of Ugandan leaders.....the children. http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2010/06/01/a-future-greater-security-and-hope-people-central-africa

In recent years peace was seemingly within reach, due to the Juba Peace Talks that took place from June 2006 to March 2008 in Juba, Sudan.The Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) and the Government of Uganda (GoU) engaged in a series of peace talks in order to end the ongoing war and conflict. These peace talks, supported by special envoys from the United States and other nations from around the world, allowed for the longest period of peace in northern Uganda’s 23-year war history. Sadly at that time peace talks ended without suitable negotiations being entered into by the LRA. It is therefore extremely significant that an LRA spokesman has finally surrendered this week. Hopefully more will now follow. Hope is on the horizon.

http://www.invisiblechildren.com/aboutic

Where did the time go?

I am currently experiencing a disappointing experience ... my children are growing up. How is it that the years just fly by. I remember thinking as a child how crazy adults were to use this expression, yet I now find myself marvelling at how true this saying really is. The years have indeed flown by and I am constantly amazed to find myself whizzing onto the next parenting adventure. If I shut my eyes I can still remember walking in the door with each of my babies, occasionally I even get to hum their lullabies when they have awoken from a bad dream, all though these days are now few and far between. How crazy that I actually miss a tiny body sneaking into bed and was reminded of this this morning as my eldest crawled into bed with me, a rare treat indeed. I was grateful that it was too cold to get up. The onslaught to get ready was soon on as we rushed around to make lunches, pack bags, etc etc. These days instead of brushing teeth and braiding hair I am trying to locate my missing hair straightner and misplaced makeup. The transition to teenager seems to come with a mandatory messy room procedure, how is this possible from a previously meticulous child? I am also amazed that the perpetual cry of every woman "I have nothing to wear" (which by the way is so not true in light of the fact that piles of clothing lay haphazardly on the bedroom floor) begins soooo young. Ahhh, the joys of parenting a teenage daughter.

"Journeying the wild and unknown way"

Venturing to places unchartered and new
My heart is the compass, leading me through,
An uncommon spirit is lighting the way
Infinite wisdom is needed today,
My mind is the map - detailed and clear
Courage and faith dispelling the fear,
Journeying onward to this unknown place
Continually singing of justice and grace.

© copyright k.weight 2010

linking up with the house of belonging for 'word woman wednesday'