Day 5~
Kids Day at Heshima
If I could freeze one day forever, it would be the Saturday we spent with the kids. From the moment we stepped out of the van, the courtyard at Heshima was bursting with life—children running, laughing, and playing together. Still, there was a quiet shyness in the way they glanced our way. They kept their distance at first, their eyes curious but cautious, unsure of whether to wave or say hello. Even so, their joy was unmistakable—pure, radiant, and contagious. It was impossible not to smile as their laughter filled the space around us.
But Kids Day was more than just fun and games. It was worship. In the middle of the laughter and songs, I caught glimpses of God’s heart—joyful, welcoming, and full of love. That day reminded me of what Jesus meant when He said we must become like little children: to trust fully, love freely, and find wonder in the simplest moments. In that moment, surrounded by their smiles and songs, my heart felt completely full.
A Morning Full of Joy
We fueled up first with breakfast and coffee, then piled into the van, still shaking off sleep but buzzing with anticipation. The ride to Heshima was bumpy, as usual, and I tried my best not to spill my coffee as we bumped along the dirt road. The van was filled with soft chatter and half-awake laughter, everyone both tired and excited for what the day would bring. By the time we pulled up, we could already hear laughter spilling over the walls—high-pitched giggles and joyful shouts echoing through the courtyard.
When we stepped out, the sight before us was almost overwhelming. The courtyard was alive with motion—children of all ages were running, playing, and calling out to each other. Their eyes sparkled with curiosity as they looked our way, and a few of them waved shyly before turning back to their games. It didn’t take long, though, for the distance to fade. Within minutes, they were edging closer, smiling, and casting longer glances in our direction.
To start things off, I led a dance warm-up. The children were all eager to learn, kids of all ages participating in the activity. One by one, they joined in—laughing, stretching, and trying their best to follow along. Before I knew it, the whole courtyard was moving together—bouncing, clapping, singing, and laughing in perfect, happy chaos. The air felt light and full, buzzing with pure joy. For that moment, nothing else mattered but being there, surrounded by laughter and life.
Afterward, my mom led her Mind Fully Fit format, adjusting it a bit to make it simpler for the kids. They loved it. She spoke words of encouragement and truth—reminding them how strong, capable, and loved they are—and David and Trinity (the children’s ministry leaders) helped translate each phrase into Luganda so that everyone could understand. The kids were loud and excited, repeating the words back with wide smiles. By the end, we even had a couple of them come up to the front to do it with us—me, my mom, and Judah standing together at the front of the group. Watching them speak those words over themselves was such a special moment—simple, joyful, and full of meaning.
Songs and Smiles
Worship came first, and the courtyard quickly filled with song and laughter. The rhythm of drums and clapping echoed through the air as the children led us in their favorite worship songs. They knew every word by heart, their voices bright with joy and their faces glowing with excitement. The energy was contagious—every smile, every raised voice felt like an offering of praise. The courtyard was simple and open, but it felt alive with joy.
After worship, the children performed a short dance presentation for us. The drums beat a steady rhythm as they gathered in a circle, skirts made of grass swaying with each movement. They danced in perfect rhythm, their faces full of pride and joy. It was beautiful to watch—so full of life, color, and energy. You could feel their excitement in every step and beat of the drum.
Then came the Bible lesson, led by one of our team members and translated by David. The children gathered around, sitting quietly with wide-eyed attention as they listened. During the lesson, we helped place little Holy Spirit flame headbands on their heads. The flames had been prepared ahead of time, so all we had to do was “measure” each child’s head and staple the bands together. It was such a simple thing to do, yet their delight made it feel special. They wore the headbands proudly, the paper flames bobbing as they nodded along and smiled. Seeing their excitement reminded me of how freely and joyfully they lived out their faith—completely unashamed and overflowing with love for God.
To finish, Judah and I taught the children a few VBS dances from home. They picked them up quickly, laughing and jumping as they moved to the beat. Then, in turn, the children taught us one of their own VBS-style dances. They danced with ease, knowing every step, and we followed along as best we could, their infectious laughter and radiant smiles filling the courtyard with energy and joy. For those few moments, language barriers and shyness disappeared, and we worshiped together in perfect harmony—one family, united in joy.
Little Hands, Big Hearts
During snack time, I found myself surrounded by a group of children. Little Blessing came first, timidly toddling over with a bright grin, gently brushing at my hair with her tiny fingers. One by one, more children gathered around, their tiny hands brushing against mine, stroking my arms, and playing with my hair. Their energy was pure and unfiltered—they pressed close, eager to share their excitement and laughter. One girl looked up at me with wide, shining eyes and said matter-of-factly, “Your hands are cute.” I couldn’t help but smile, feeling completely at home in the middle of their joy.
All the children were sipping from small cups of warm porridge, a soft, liquidy dish that smelled faintly sweet and filled the air with comfort. They held the cups carefully, sipping eagerly between chatter, their tiny faces glowing with delight. The simplicity of the meal and the happiness surrounding it made the courtyard feel alive in the most heartwarming way.
Before everyone began eating, Henry had gotten up in front of the group and offered a short word of thanksgiving. His voice was calm but full of gratitude as he briefly expressed thanks for the ministry and the time together. The children bustled around, some nodding along, and then eagerly returned to their porridge and play.
I loved the closeness of the children, the way they clung to me, tugging and holding and leaning into my space. It felt natural and joyful, not overwhelming at all. In that quiet, heart-filled moment, I realized this: God tells us, “This is what My love looks like. I let you cling to Me the same way these children are clinging to you. They are eager.“
I was completely filled with joy. God doesn’t push us away when we come close, when we crowd Him with our prayers, our questions, our fears, or our praise. Instead, He welcomes us, holds us, and calls us His own. Surrounded by laughter, hugs, and even the warm porridge, I felt the sweetness of His love—tender, overflowing, and joyfully inviting. My heart was full, and I realized I was in my happiest place.
Visiting Ruth’s Home
After the children all left for their homes, we visited Ruth’s home. Ruth is one of the helpers in the children’s ministry—she helps guide the kids, leading them in dance and worship at Heshima while pouring into their lives with care and joy. The moment we stepped into her community, the children we had seen at Heshima only a few moments earlier poured out from every direction, running and cheering as if they had been waiting just for us. Some called out excited greetings, others called their friends over—it felt like a small parade of pure joy trailing us down the red dirt road, their laughter ringing bright and carefree under the afternoon sun.
Inside, Ruth welcomed us with a warm smile and words of heartfelt thanks that humbled me. Her home was simple, modest in every way, yet it radiated a quiet peace that felt alive with God’s presence. Seeing her care so lovingly for the children, guiding them in worship and walking alongside them in ministry, reminded me that God’s presence doesn’t depend on what we have or the size of our surroundings, but on who we belong to and the love we share.
Youth Night at Watoto Ntinda
That evening, we attended a youth service at Watoto Ntinda. The outdoor church was full of teenagers, each one clearly excited to be there and passionate about Jesus. Worship was loud, joyful, and free—hands raised high, feet tapping and moving with the rhythm, voices singing out together in unison. They even had back-up dancers on stage with the band! The songs were full of energy and praise, and it felt like the whole room was alive. Our team’s favorite songs that night were OMG and Testify by Bethany Music and BJ Putnam, and Even Here Even Now by Lakewood Music (give them a listen!). They were on repeat on the trip and even are now, months after the fact. We couldn’t help but sing along and move with the teens, feeling completely caught up in the worship and joy around us. The clapping, singing, and movement made the space feel vibrant and full of life, and it felt like His Spirit was alive in their praise.
After worship, we broke into small groups to talk about injustice. I found myself sitting among students whose experiences were different from mine, yet our hearts were centered on the same God. As we discussed real-life scenarios and what God calls us to do in those moments, I realized how many challenges they face that I’ve never had to consider. Being in Uganda gave these conversations a new depth—questions like what to do if you’ve completed all your schooling but can’t afford to pay for your certificate, or how to respond when the systems around you feel completely unfair. Listening to their thoughts gave me a fresh perspective on what faith in action truly looks like. It reminded me that worship isn’t confined to songs or Sunday mornings—it’s lived out through empathy, courage, and community.
By the end of the night, I felt inspired, encouraged, and thankful. I had been part of a community that worshiped loudly, spoke honestly, and lived their faith boldly. The deep and meaningful conversations stayed with me as we left, reminding me that God’s Kingdom is wide, full of people devoted to Him, and always ready to welcome anyone willing to step in and follow Him.
Evening Reflections
We closed the night with chocolate, samosas, and rolex from a street vendor—delicious and messy in the best way. The chocolate melted on my fingers, the samosas crumbled with each bite. As I sat there eating with sticky hands and a full heart, I looked around and realized I’d just experienced one of the clearest pictures of heaven I’d ever seen.
Children laughed and danced nearby, their joy spilling into every corner of the street. Songs of worship rose into the evening air, voices blending together in praise. Hands clung tightly in hugs, and smiles passed freely from one person to another. It was a moment of pure, overflowing community, alive with love and celebration.
That’s what eternity will look like—God’s family united in joy before Him. In that simple, messy, beautiful scene, I felt a glimpse of heaven itself, full of life, laughter, and love.
Jesus said in Matthew 19:14, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” On Kids Day, I understood what He meant. Their joy, their trust, their freedom—it’s the kind of faith we’re called to. And I don’t ever want to forget it.
💬 What about you? Has there ever been a time when a child’s faith inspired you? Or a moment when God reminded you to return to a childlike heart? I’d love to hear your thoughts.
🌿 About Heshima Ministries
Heshima Ministries serves underprivileged women in Uganda by teaching them practical skills like tailoring, hairdressing, and small business management. But more than that, they offer dignity, hope, and the truth of God’s love. “Heshima” means worth in Swahili, and that’s exactly what they pour into each woman who walks through their doors: a reminder that they are valued, chosen, and worthy in Christ.
Click here to learn more about Heshima Ministries:
Her Pen, His Purpose 
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