There Is Something Different About This Place
When I walked into the James Place for my first day in Jinja, I knew there was something different about this place. The staff welcomed me with open arms as if I had known them my whole life. The kids running and jumping into my arms giving me the biggest hugs each morning. Each one of them having unique and differing stories and backgrounds that have shaped them into who they are today.
Over my four weeks spent in Uganda, I started to realize that The James Place is different because of how it is a real life depiction of the gospel. The way that the childcare staff love unconditionally and take care of those children as if they were their own. The way the preschool teachers have so much enthusiasm and patience in the classrooms each day. The way Diana selflessly cares for all the children and staff members in the clinic not just physically, but also emotionally and spiritually. The way all the staff members would sacrifice everything for the children, other staff members, or even just their neighbor.
Jesus taught us in His word what it means to truly serve others, even if it means giving up all you have, and He promises that He will provide.
In Proverbs 11:24-25, it states:
“One gives freely, yet grows all the richer; another withholds what he should give, and only suffers want. Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered.”
These women have taken this command and applied it directly to their lives. There are so many earthly reasons why these women and children could choose anger or bitterness towards their life but instead they were filled with contagious joy. They have taught me what it means to be content with the things the Lord has blessed you with and to be generous with others around you. They have taught me that happiness and joy doesn’t come from the circumstances around you, but instead can only come from the Holy Spirit filling you up. These women have figured out the things in life that truly matter. These women have taught me what service, love, and grace truly looks like. I will forever be grateful for my time I was able to spend at the James Place.