While the girl was in the hospital, there were lots of people who came to play with her or bring her toys and games that she could play while she was flat on her back.  The Child-life specialists are certainly a big part of what makes Lurie Children’s Hospital such an amazing place.  Of course, we also had so many friends who made the girl feel special and helped to pass the time quickly. The girl and I were talking about how blessed we are to have had so much support.  In the same conversation I told her about my upcoming trip to Uganda.  I will be visiting Kagando Mission Hospital.  I told her that the children there wouldn’t have many toys (if any) to cheer them up.  I asked her if she would like to do something for them to help them feel better faster.  She is very excited about our plan.  We are going to put together gift bags for the children at Kagando.  There are 50-60 children in the hospital (on average) at a time.  Many are infants.  We are going to collect as many matchbox cars and small dolls/animals (car-sized) as well as hats for the neonates as the girl’s mom can fit in her suitcase.  The girl and her friends are going to color paper bags (kind of like a get-well card).  It’s not much, but hopefully we can learn something about loving our neighbors!  If anyone reading this would like to help, contact the girl’s mom via email (kristenpage@gmail.com) or leave a comment.