Carrie-Anne Haufler, Uganda, 2012 | Blog #2.

Every Monday afternoon we split into two groups- some of us going to Fountain High School, and a few of us going to Fountain Primary (preschool- 7th grade). I have been going to the primary school, and for the first few weeks, I dreaded it. That sounds strong, but it seemed like we were just some kind of attraction for all the kids to flock to, and we had been having a hard time building relationships or feeling like we were doing anything productive there. The past two weeks, however, have been amazing and has made this school one of my favorite places to go.

When I left Williamsburg and my middle school girls small group I thought I had left all talk of Justin Bieber behind me, but I ended up hanging out with a bunch of middle school girls at the school, and what was one of the first things they asked me? Yes, it was "Do you know Justin Bieber? Do you like him?" Haha. These girls were amazing, and made me really miss my girls back home. Victoria, Miriam, Naomi, Julie, Rachael, Grace, Ruth and I talked for a while about differences and similarities in our cultures, music, movies (they were more pop culture saavy than me, but then again that doesn't take much), school, Bible stories, God and our families. Then it was time for school prayers (prayers here mean lots of singing with random pauses for prayer). These kids know how to seek the Lord, so much so that last week was the deepest I have felt the presence of God since I've gotten here. Sure, not all of them pay attention or care what is going on, but many of them are earnest, joyful, and so desperate for the Lord. I wish I could show you their faces and that you could experience their faith.

After prayers, the girls wanted to sing and dance for me. They were so good! I'll upload the videos when I get home. Many of them have lost one or both parents and have seen more suffering than I will probably experience in my lifetime, and yet they rarely complain, work extremely hard, and are overflowing with joy even in their pain. I've joked that I'm the mail lady of Fountain Primary, because they love to write letters and draw pictures all over them. They are literally the sweetest letters I have ever received- all they want is hope and a friend. I can't wait to spend more time with them. It continues to prove true that people who realize their need and hopelessness without Jesus are the ones who most intimately know Him and are used by him. I am praying that God would give me, and you, that kind of faith.