A little over a week ago, we facilitated a SLAM service camp on our property in Kabonge, Uganda. There was much anticipation leading up to this week, knowing the incredible impact weeks like this have on you, especially east African youth. I couldn’t help but think about the kids who I met and connected with last summer at SLAM, praying that I could see them again.
We had a quick turnaround from our leadership conference in Entebbe, then starting the first SLAM day soon after. There were lots of preparations that needed to happen, that I was helping to prepare, hoping that we could give these youth a proper welcome and start to this very special week.
As kids started arriving, very slowly, the joy of the Lord began filling my heart. As I welcomed them, I couldn’t help but begin praying and dreaming of the ways God is going to use them and speak to them during this week. Even better, as kids started coming in I saw familiar faces from last year! I got to say hi to them by name, asked if they remembered me and us both being surprised that we remembered each other.
Because of circumstances registration went pretty long, this just means we were waiting on lots of students who show up late due to delays from traffic and other issues. It was dark, we were still welcoming kids throughout the night, and then a van pulls up for more kids. I was at the front directing them where to go.
Then a sweet young girl who I met a couple hours ago named Sheba came up to me and said, “my sister is here I want you to meet her!” She grabbed my hand and hurriedly walked me towards the crowd of people. Before she got the chance to introduce or even say hi, her sister turned around, screamed my name and hugged me so tightly.
Her name is Joelah. I met her last summer and we had a really special time together. After spending the first day and a half with her last summer, one night as we were all going to bed, I saw her crying alone on a walkway, I came and talked with her, trying to understand what’s going on. She ended up telling me her mom was upset that she was missing school so she might have to go back but she really did not want to. She still seemed unsure and very upset at the circumstance. So that night we held hands and prayed. I got to tell her that God will use her no matter the time she spent with us, that she is loved and will be missed, and that God can still be present in her home. She ended up leaving that night after we prayed together so we never got a proper goodbye.
From then on, I have been praying for her throughout this past year. And seeing her again just filled my heart with so much hope. After our long hug, she said “Kiah I never got to say goodbye, but I’m so happy to see you.” Then she turned to her sister and said, “so you have made friends with my friend how nice!” it was a special moment where the Lord redeemed her situation last year, not being able to finish the week but now being able to attend the full week, but with her sister as well! God answers prayers and is faithful to prioritize time with those who seek his word faithfully.