Momma T's bye!

Earlier I mentioned a place in the corner of the world that has captivated my heart: Momma T’s (more popularly known as Mother Theresa’s). This year, I have had the privilege of visiting this place at least a couple of times a week. I was also blessed enough to share my heart with the rest of the teachers on the exchange program. The Sunday that the group two teachers arrived, a group of us went to the orphanage. Since we have 30 different people on this trip, we have 30 different personalities. The teachers split into groups and were surrounded by children. A group led a circle of songs and dances ranging from “I’m a Little Teapot to the “Hokey Pokey.” Other teachers were playing Frisbee and football (soccer). Another group taught the kids hand games while yet another group were showing the kids what a slinky was (everyone loves one right?). The deaf and hearing kids started teaching a group of teacher traditional Acholi dances. The day ended with the kids putting on costumes and showing us what the traditional Acholi dances were really like. Everyone brought something different to the table, but like different pieces of a puzzle, it created a complete picture. Not a single person (American or Acholi) was left without a smile on their face and love in their heart.

Sometimes going to Momma T’s is hard, like hearing about how the kids will have nothing to eat that night, or seeing them crammed into such a tight space, or saying good-bye. However, I cannot ignore the feeling of love and resilience that is there. The kids will greet you and love you with an empty stomach but with a full heart. And even though I still struggle with seeing the fairness of it all, I know that whenever I start feeling like my life is empty, I will combat it a full heart. Even though I will have to soon say good-bye to this place, I know that I can always think of those smiling faces and warm hands…and I will remember everything that I have learned.