Written by Shamsa Joy, Child Advocate

During this pandemic, I have had to opportunity to be quarantined at the Project Orphan’s Pearl Village campus.  I’ve been here with many of our most vulnerable children and other staff.  At first, I was so worried about how life was going to happen for me while under quarantine.  I normally work with our children who live near our main headquarters in Kampala.  Staying at the Pearl Village was new for me.  I’ve visited here but I have never spent all my days and nights at the campus and I’ve not always worked alongside these children.  So, the experience was a bit stretching for me.

When the opportunity presented itself for me to go - a still, small voice had told me this is yet another opportunity to serve your organization. I embraced the opportunity with so much joy because I looked at it as a chance to grow. And while here, I have learned so many things!

This opportunity has given me the chance to work with our special need’s children. Before this, I had never had so much time with children who had disabilities. I did not know how to make them smile and I never knew the right words to say to them.  During this season, I have pushed and have made a point to spend much time with them and pray for them! Now, I am attached and one of my favorite parts of the day is walking into the room and immediately they smile!  

Through my quarantine - I am learning the importance of community and how it is important to push ourselves to be flexible!  My heart loves children – I could spend every day of my life caring for kids and teaching different skills and values.  I don’t have children of my own but through this pandemic, I am serving as a mum to many.  I’ve been helping grow our children through mentorship, discipleship, and spiritual.  With limited resources, my creativity with the kids has gotten better since they are always looking up to me for a better day!

I am grateful for this season. I know that may sound silly, but it has taught me so much. God has been faithful, and He has enabled me to be at peace with children who needed Project Orphans.  All of our children are doing so well and honestly, they do not want to hear about going back to their homes. They would all stay here if they could. Our kids are all healthy - the children with special needs kids and our other PO kids. We appreciate fellowshipping together; we gather every evening and pray because we know it’s all about Jesus! He is sustaining us and taking us through this season by His grace.