It’s been sixteen months since I’ve seen Henry.
He was the first Ugandan boy I met while on the Compassion Trip in 2008. Our team departed for one of the schools only to find when we arrived, the school had let out.
Teachers were able to get word to some of the parents and caretakers that a group of Muzungus (white people) were at the school and eager to meet them. After spending half an hour touring the project (including my first experience with an African outhouse), a group of students had gathered in the meeting room.
Dressed to the nines in fresh school uniforms, the headmaster requested each of them stand up, tell us what they wanted to be when they became adults, and sit down.
A doctor.
A teacher.
An engineer.
A navigator.
As the boy in a yellow uniform sat down, I wasn’t quite sure I knew what a navigator was. Do they navigate ships? Planes? Is that like an air traffic controller?
The rest of the children finished sharing and our group began exiting the school, mingling with the students on the way out.
Uncomfortably aware of how my western social skills were failing me, the boy in the yellow uniform came up to my left side and tapped me on the shoulder.
“I’m Henry,” he said. “You’re welcome.”
It didn’t take long to learn “you’re welcome” was a greeting in Uganda, not a response to being thanked.
And we were.
Very welcomed.
I asked Henry how old he was.
“Twelve.”
He asked where I was from in the States.
“A place called Oklahoma,” I replied, attempting to find a way to describe it to him.
“It’s very red…like the dirt here. But there aren’t many trees.”
He asked me if I knew the Petersons. They were the family that sponsored him through Compassion. I asked if he knew where they lived.
“A village called Wisconsin.”
Henry and I continued to walk and talk for several minutes. I asked him about his family and his school, and what a navigator did. The kind he was referring to was like a boating guide for tourists.
I took out my camera and asked someone to take our picture.
He was fascinated by it, and after we had our own photo made, asked if he could take some pictures with it.
Henry was able to get a couple of photos in before our team made it back to the bus. He asked me to tell the Petersons he loved them, if I ever happened to meet them.
I promised I would.
Now, as I sit on this plane from Nashville to Chicago, soon to be Chicago to India, I fondly remember my time with Henry. I wonder if he remembers me.
And I wonder about the little boy or girl I’ll meet tomorrow in Kolkata. I wonder how old they are, who their family is, and what they want to be when they grow up.
Because one day at a time, they are growing up.
And sixteen months from now, they’ll be even closer to that dream.
Just like Henry.
Comments
16 responses to “Henry”
Great post Anne. Wow. Can’t wait to hear about the children God puts in your path. About their dreams and passions, their lives. It will be eye opening for those of us here in the States.
Tiffany?s last blog post..Big news
I remember you talking to him… I think I have a picture of it… praying for you… for all you guys…
this memory made me smile :)
Maureen?s last blog post..Hurting for what I know to be right
Hmmm…great post. Made me really think about those I’ve met. We travelled to Russia in 2004 to adopt our daughter Emilie. I met so many wonderful Russians. We support a church there now and are so blessed to be connected to that part of the world. Your post makes me wonder (and pray ) for those that I met while in Russia. Thanks :-)
Laurie in CA?s last blog post..The Mud Run cometh….
that is a beautiful story. i love that he has a family.
danielle?s last blog post..Compassion Bloggers Trip
*smile*
Just wanted to let you know I found your blog through the Compassion site and I love your blog! I will be keeping you, the entire Compassion team, and everyone you will be reaching in my prayers this week.
Mia?s last blog post..This Is How We Do It In The SouthPart 1
Great story. I hope one day I’ll get to hug the little girl we sponsor. What a job that will be!! Praying for you guys as you pour into these precious kiddos!
Kara-Kae James?s last blog post..Compassion Bloggers
I look forward to following your journey, and to the day when every child in the world can have the opportunity to live out their dreams.
Ed?s last blog post..Marriage – Two Stories of Breaking With Tradition
Oh Anne, that was beautifully written about Henry. He is a handsome young man and I pray all of his dreams come true, and that the Pattersons are so blessed for being there for him….even if they never meet. I can’t wait to hear your stories about the children in India. I am on pins and needles checking everyone’s blog. You must get onto Angie for not posting anything yet and tell her Melissa is miserable as a result! I am reminded of my time in Zimbabwe…..there are so many hopes, dreams and aspirations in these children who are living in the worlds worst situations. I weep a lot for them, and I continue to pray. Be safe, but be radical. Please write more more more more more more more more more.
Melissa?s last blog post..HOW-DEEEEEEEEEEEEEE
Praying for you guys to see with Jesus’ eyes and captivate our imaginations with that vision.
WOW, Anne! great post! I miss you but am so glad you all are there and serving! We are praying for all to go great, and cannot wait 4 u 2 get back and share all about it!
Luv u
lisa?s last blog post..Let’s play a game….
Kids have the best dreams don’t they? And yes, they do grow up fast. Can’t wait for my trip to the Dominican and try to help make some of them a reality.
chrissulli?s last blog post..The Principle of the Path by Andy Stanley
Love this post :)
Praying for all of you in India!
Great story, Anne, thanks for sharing. Too precious for words. Praying for you and the team daily. Looking forward to hearing about your amazing journey! Love and miss ya, girl ;)
Eve Annunziato?s last blog post..WHO ARE YOUR VIPs?
Anne- I am praying for all of you compassion bloggers- praying that you will all feel well tomorrow (no more tummy issues for any of you!!) and that you will be strengthened and feel His wonderful peace as you rest tonight. Tomorrow, that you will have the eyes to see, ears to hear, the words to encourage. I thank you all for your willingness to serve our great God- praying that many will be touched through you as you serve Him. because of Jesus- AmyinMN