Gilby

I received a letter from Gilbert in the mail this weekend and what was inside?????!!!!!

An updated photo! This is GOLD in the child sponsorship world (artwork coming in at a close second). 

And you can tell a lot from one photograph:

1.) He is growing! He is so tall now. 13 years old and in P6, he is a smart boy studying chemistry, physics, literature, algebra, geometry. He likes science best.

2.) He has a belly! Amen, he has a belly! 

3.) He is such a boy. And I say this in a totally-admiring-pesudo-mama type way. We all know that dirty boys are happy boys. He is playing football and riding bicycles. He isn't tucking in his shirt or tying his shoes. Such a boy. Such a joyful, energetic boy.

4.) Check out that smile!!! a) He's finally learned how to smile on command for photographs  b) That is a truly genuine heartfelt I-am-happy smile!

Here's an excerpt from his letter:

"It is almost Christmas season in Uganda. For me, I am excited. What do you do at Christmas in the US? Thanksgiving is not in Uganda. I wonder what you do for that holiday in US? Are you still playing football? I am playing football everyday. My family is very well. How is your family? I do not know what ice skating is. Maybe Taylor can tell me. Is there snow? I am praying for you and that you visit me soon."

SURPRISE!!!! I am coming to visit. I haven't told him in any letters because a.) I want to surprise him and b.) I would be there before he got the letter and c.) I don't want to distract him from his schoolwork. 

When I am back from my trip, I will write a long post all about Gilbert. I would like to include photos of his family, his home, his classroom, his friends. I don't have those yet, but I will shortly.

I do have some adorable photos of Gilbert from my past two visits.....

Happy Monday y'all!

2007 Very first time meeting

Sitting with classmates in 2007

Learning different hand shakes

Beating my Temple Run and Fruit Ninja high score

Still learning how to smile for a photo

Playing drums on the iPad

With my high school soccer jersey

New backpack :)

Teaching Rukiga dance in a school classroom

Behind his Grandmother and in front of Obadiah

With fellow classmates at New Times School

Singing in church in 2007

(borrowed this video from a Youtube search)

Gilbert,

 We love you and I will see you soon!

Now praying for a letter from Bibian. This sweet little face I have yet to meet.