Meeting
Franco...
I had no idea the plans God had for me a couple of years ago
when He led me to build a well! HE began revealing the details of what I needed
to do and where the well was to be built.
It was a God-led journey to “Walk on Purpose…125 miles for water.” I began sharing my story to raise awareness
and support to build a well in Uganda. I set out on a 125-mile backpacking hike
in the fall of 2012, from Cumberland, Maryland, to Harper’s Ferry, W.V.
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On the
morning I began the hike I reached my $7,000.00 goal! The support continued to
come, and in the end over $9,000.00 was received. God knew exactly how much was
needed for the project, as the cost estimate came in within $100.00 of what was
given!
Following
the hike, I thought my journey was complete. I was so thankful that God had
allowed me to serve Him in such a way. I was overjoyed at the thought of a well
providing clean, safe water to people in great need. I was hopeful that those
that came to the well would learn of a God that loves, saves, and provides!
But God had
much bigger plans in mind for me. Our missions Pastor said I should begin
praying about going to Uganda to see the well and meet the people. I was
emotionally overwhelmed just at the thought of actually visiting myself. Before long
I knew that I would someday be standing with a team in Uganda! Many people
partnered with me not only to build the well, but also to help with the expense of
the mission trip! I am so thankful!
On December
28th the journey to Africa began! On the day we arrived in
Kamonkoli, Uganda, we drove to the site of the well. My first memory was of
several women standing over the community spigot, working on the daily tasks. We then entered the gated grounds where the new school and future medical clinic will open. In the grassy area was
another spigot to provide water on that site. We walked to the water tower and
pump station and learned more about how it worked. No words can describe the
feeling of turning on the spigot to see and feel the water flowing. GOD IS SO
GOOD!
It is hard
to understand the desperate need for water in Uganda, until you see it for
yourself. People have to travel and carry water great distances, and often the
water is contaminated. Water borne disease is a leading cause of death. The
wells that have been drilled require pumping, taking additional time and
energy. Having a water spigot is almost unheard of in the area.
I later
inquired about sponsoring a child in Kamonkoli. I asked if there was perhaps a
four year old boy, the same age as my youngest grandson. I was later informed
that there was only one four year old, named Franco. Of course, I agreed to
sponsor him!
I later
announced to the group that I now had a name and a photo of little Franco. One
of the team members asked the social worker, who just happened to be traveling
with us that day, if she knew Franco and where he lived. I will never forget
the way she turned and looked at me….stating “he lives by the spigot!” Well of
course he does....only God works things out in such a great way!!
What a
blessing it was to meet Franco and get to know him! I know he is the little boy
that God had laid on my heart long before we met! I can’t wait to hear about
his progress as he receives much needed medical care, help with personal needs,
and begins school! It takes so little to change the life of a child through
sponsorship!
-Karen Creighton
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