My Uganda Adventure

Graduating Students

2012-01-27T17:48:00.000-08:00

Our first graduating class of student all passed and are now in the 9th grade.
There were 24 students in their class
Peter placed 3rd
Josephine placed 6th
Regina placed 10th
I am so proud of all of them all!

5 of the 8 students passed the entrance exam for the secondary school.

Please consider donating to help pay for these children to continue on in school something they NEVER dreamed was possible.

The beginning of a New Year

2012-01-13T18:06:00.000-08:00

The children will be starting their new school year on January 31st. Next week the 8 students that sat for the primary 2 entrance exam should find out if they passed.

I will be receiving the class pictures of all of the students by the end of February. It is amazing watching these young children grow up. Many of the children I have their pictures from, 2008, 2010 and 2011.
My goal in 2012 is to raise enough money to feed 400 children everyday and to raise the teachers salary from $1.00 per day to $2.00 per day. Please consider being 1 of 200. If 200 people provide $5.00 per month this goal will be reached. 5 people have pledged to do this 195 more to go.

Or if you are interested in sponsoring a student $25.00 a month will pay their school fees and provide a life changing gift. The first gift they receive is a mosquito net to prevent malaria, a mattress most children sleep on the ground or on a pile of rags before they received the mattress. This year the first gift they will receive is a blanket to keep them warm when they are sleeping.

Farouq- update

2012-01-07T06:57:00.000-08:00

Hello All,
Several people have asked me how Farouq is doing. He is being treated for Spinal TB and is responding to the medication well. He is gaining weight and breathing better he does not have to go back to the Hospital until February. In February I am praying we will hear that he is well enough to have surgery on his hernia. Please keep this young child in your prayers.
Many blessings and much Love,
Mum Sandy

New Year Resolution

2012-01-02T04:08:00.000-08:00

This years goal - 100 children sponsored. $25.00 Per month or $300 per year.
(30 Children sponsored 70 more needed)

The sponsorship program is life changing for the children, their family, the school and the entire Village of Bakka.
The gift of a goat or hog is producing results. During my October visit to Hassan's home they were drinking goat milk. This milk was from the goat he received as a gift. In his letter to me he reported that he now has 2 goats. These goats will provide income for the women that he stays with.
Last year the children received mattresses. I visited 12 homes and all of the children and the families they stayed with over joyed and praised God for answered prayer. Most of the children slept on rags before the gift.

This year the children will be receiving blankets to keep them warm while they sleep.
The mosquito nets are protecting them from malaria,the animals are providing income, the mattresses are providing a good nights sleep and the blankets will help them to keep warm.

The Christian Mission Academy
This years Goal to feed 400 children daily and provide a raise for the teachers. From $1.00 per day to $2.00 per day. To achieve this goal 200 people donating $5.00 per month or $60 per year. (4 have signed up 196 more needed)
The incoming class of 2012 is 17 children, 3 of these children are sponsored.
2011 had 8 children that graduated, 2 of the children are sponsored.
2010's had 4 children that graduated only 3 were eligible to go onto secondary education.
Before 2010 NO child had ever graduated from the Christian Mission Academy.

In 2007 there were 100 children attending the school, because they had no other choice.
In 2011 there were 400 children attending the school, the school is providing hope, and it is now a source of pride to attend.

The children that attend the Christian Academy come from all religious backgrounds. All children are provided an education and are never turned away if they can't pay. Many children walk for 3 hours to attend the school.

Love, prayer and donations is the only way this can happen.
Much love, Mum Sandy

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Christmas Celebration

2011-12-24T04:04:00.000-08:00

The party was originally planned for the orphaned and needy children only but many more came. It was a day of celebration and hearing the story of the birth of Our Saviour Baby Jesus. The children received balloons, pop-corn , cake and a drink. When the children return to school, a gift of a slide and balls for the fute ball and net ball teams will be waiting for them. Thank you to everyone that contributed to this celebrations.
Much love,
Sandy

Christmas in the Village

2011-12-11T05:06:00.000-08:00

The year has ended for the children in the Village of Bakka, it ended with a celebration that included a meal, soda and candy for the children. The children with sponsors wrote letters to the families that sponsor them. They are very happy and thankful for the gifts, many of the animals we provided have had babies, the mosquitio nets have protected them from malaria, the mattresses have provided a good nights rest.
Many thanks to all the sponsors. Please consider sponsoring a child, it is life changing for the child, their family, the 400 students that attend the Christian Mission Academy and the entire Village of Bakka.

On December 23rd the neediest children from the Christian Mission Academy will be attending a Christmas Service. I am raising money to provide them with a meal and cookies or cake. Please consider donating to this celebration.
Many blessings,
Mom Sandy

Daytime with Donna

2011-11-30T04:35:00.000-08:00

Many thanks to our new sponsor Daytime with Donna, for working with us to help find sponsors for the children.
Check out the website.
Blessings,
Sandy

End of the School Year

2011-11-26T05:26:00.000-08:00

In Uganda the school year ends the beginning of December. This Friday the children will learn if they are being promoted to the the next grade. It is a day filled with anticipation and excitement.
Their vacation begins and they don't return to school until the beginning of February. During their vacation they will work in their families gardens or their neighbors gardens. They call it digging on the land.

I am attempting to raise enough money for the children to have a Christmas celebration of a meal, soda and candy. This is what every child in Uganda dreams of receiving at Christmas.

I pray you all had a blessed Thanksgiving and are filled with anticipation of the coming of Our Lord this Christmas Season.
Much love,
Mom Sandy

Donation Button

2011-11-23T14:16:00.000-08:00

Hello All,
Many people have been asking for an easy way to donate. I now have a donate button set up with PayPal on my blog.
My goal by the middle of December to have 200 people donate $4.00 each!
I will post the status.
The money raise will be used to provide a Christmas celebration for the Children at the Christian Mission Academy.

2011 review

2011-11-20T17:20:00.000-08:00

Thank you for all of the support you have provided this year for the projects I work on. Together we are changing a village by providing hope through education and showing God’s love. During my visit to Uganda in October I was overjoyed to see the children happily enjoying their school. It is a source of pride for them. They have a net ball team and a fute ball (soccer) team and a school choir. Praise God!
The women were rejoicing and praising God for the gift of a rental place for their sewing business.

2011 accomplished this year.

Through the sponsorship program, fundraising and donations
v 26 children receive mattresses,
v 11 children received mosquito nets.
v 400 children received a meal every day
v 8 teachers were paid monthly

Through fund raising, donations and jewelry sales
v The 3rd school building was completed
v 3 shipments of clothing and school supplies
v Supporting a couple, by providing the hospital fees to release their baby that died from the hospital for burial.
v A child was provided a nebulizer and asthma medication
v A child is being care for with spinal TB
v The women’s sewing business has a rental place
v The women are being trained to make pillow case dresses
v During my trip to Uganda I visited 12 sponsored children’s homes
v Donations paid for an emergency c-section.
v 3 children were sponsored for their secondary education.

Farouq-

2011-10-29T17:49:00.000-07:00

Farouq has spinal tb and is on medication to stop the progression of the TB. I am trying to learn how the system works to get him medical visa and treatment in the U.S.

They mom Farouq and the interpreter need to get passports

The Doctor in Entebbe has to write up something for a medical visa

I need to find sponsors for him and I think his mother and interpreter ??while they are here.

Raise money for air fare- 3 tickets I think. An interpreter because neither Farouq nor his mother speak English

Find a doctor here that is willing to help him.- I have contacted a doctor from Childrens Hospital recommended by another Doctor in Philly that treated a child with the same condition.

Prayers and money needed. No child should have to suffer as much as this child is suffering.

Uganda 2011

2011-10-24T16:40:00.000-07:00

Pastor Frank, Hope, and Paddy were with me everyday as I went on my extraordinary adventures. We were filled with Joy and Humbled while we were working for God.

My visit at the school was a true joy. The third school block is almost finished. The students continue to be proud of their school and like their teachers. There are 8 students in 7th grade this is doubled from last year.
While visiting we enjoyed a net ball game the teachers verses the students, The teachers won but the cheer leaders were definitely in favor of the students. There was a fute ball game, the school choir sang. I visited all of the classes met with the teachers. I enjoyed the 3 days I spent with them.

But I do have a major concern with the school. The children from ages ranging from 4-7 grade preschool through 2nd are released from school at 1:00. These children walk home alone many walk for 2 – 3 hours. To put in perspective there day. they have walked to school 2- 3 hours then they studied at school have a small snack at 10:00 and then walk another 2-3 hours home. This past week a young girl from the top class (kindergarten) was hit and killed by a car while walking to school.
When I asked why do the children walk so far to school why don’t they go to a school closer to home. The answer was they can not afford to go to the other schools. The Christian Academy is the only school that allows children to attend when they can’t afford to pay.
The school is supported by the children that are sponsored, I currently have 25 students that are sponsored. To meet the schools needs monthly approximately 84 children need to be sponsored. If you are interested let me know. I promise you it will be the BEST $25.00 you spend in a month. Less than $1.00 per day how many times do you spend a $1.00 without even thinking about it. $1.00 is 3 meals for a hungry child in Uganda.

During my time in Uganda I visited 12 of the sponsored children’s homes. While I don’t have the time to tell the story of every home visit I have selected a few to represent the intense joy and pain I experienced during my visits.
One of the first homes, we visited Lydia’s was quite a distance off of the road, so we walked through the bush. When we came into the clearing and the Grandmother JaJa saw us coming she dropped to her knees and looked to the heavens and praised God. She then hugged me and prayed for me. I did not understand the words she was saying but I felt like I was being hugged by God. Lydia’s JaJa then told us that during the rainy season this year their house collapsed (the pile of rubble in front of us.) she praised God that no one was killed and the community had built her a new home. The mattress we were delivering to her was an answer to her prayers. She invited us into her home which was an empty except for a baby sleeping on the dirt floor and the materials she was using to make mats for them to sleep on. Lydia’s, JaJa is a substance farmer they live on what she grows. I was truly humbled by this visit.

A visit to Hasan’s home, Hasan is a total orphan no family at all. He lives off of the road so we walked through the bush at the end was a tiny house. When I entered the house Hasans JaJa was sitting preparing for tea. Her first response was to look up and praise God, then she held my hand and prayed for me, another powerful prayer.
Surrounding the JaJa were 3 small children 2 sleeping on the floor. Ja Ja told us they had malaria and she was praying the treatment they had was enough
to heal them. None of the children she cared for were hers, they were all abandoned by their families. She told us when they become older she has to protect the children from being taken to work as slaves in neighboring gardens. I counted 7 children and the house was too small to hold the mattress we were delivering. It was not much bigger than a closet.

Now the home visit that caused me to take immediate action. Farouq a young handicapped child. It was not until my home visit that I learned about Faroug’s needs. He has trouble breathing, hunched back has a hernia on his chest, suffers from malnutrition and malaria. The mother said the hunch back was not treatable but the hernia was. She did not have the money to get treatment for him. Farouq was take to the hospital in Kampala on Wednesday. The hospital in Kampala said they were not set up to treat him so they sent him to the hospital in Entebbe. The hospital in Entebbe said to bring him back on Tuesday with the money for the tests. Please pray for healing for this child. Donations for his care would also be greatly appreciated.

On to my next project
I spent 2 days with the women’s sewing business. The pillow case dress project was received with great excitement. The women learned how to cut the pillow case dresses and started sewing. I have pictures of the children modeling them also young girls using them as blouses. They were all VERY excited. During my visit Pastor Frank and I also identified a place for them to rent so they could start their business. Rentals are done very differently in Uganda. My September Crafts from around the world shows raised enough money for 3 months rent. They should be moving into their space this week.

Hope and Edrian’s baby was born while I was there. The celebration was small because Edrian had just come home from the hospital from having a c-section. When I presented them with the shower gifts and money they were truly over whelmed with wide open eyes and huge smiles they kept repeating the Lord has blessed our baby.
The last full day of my visit was spent with my Ugandan family, our own Steven Kakiyia’s family. They are a humble family that care for so many people that I don’t think they know how many brothers and sisters they have. We began the day at the Uganda’s Independent day celebration. 10 children bouncing on bouncy rides and trampolines enjoying a day of fun.
We then went to home and spent time visiting with their Mom. The day with a family picture for me to bring to their beloved brother Steven.

This was my third trip to Uganda, it is very painful, I know and love the 400 children and many families in Uganda. I am in pain and tormented that their need is so great and my resouces are so small.
There are 2 billion people in the world living in the circumstances I witness in Uganda. God knows everyone of these people by name I can't even fathom his pain.

Checks can be made out to Trinity Covenant Church
mailed to
Trinity Covenant Church
7 Clematis Road
Lexington MA 02421
Attention Sandy Gannon
A donation of any amount would be greatly appreciated, as mentioned above $1.00 is 3 meals.
Love and Peace,
Mom Sandy

Crafts from Around the World

2011-09-06T18:00:00.001-07:00

Crafts from around the world began when a group of (5) women discovered they were doing the same thing for women and children in different locations around the globe.

This group of women all travel to the locations that they support. The trips are expensive and long the but the women feel personal connection of love and friendship with the women and children that are supported by these project. Come to one of the Craft Fairs meet these women and support their efforts in changing the world one village at a time.

1. Sandy Gannon –Trinity Covenant Church volunteers with Hearts and Hands for Uganda
2. Maria Haynes- First Baptist Church volunteers with Communities Without Boarders in Zambia.
3. Edie Swenson Volunteers with the Wings for Hope Lhasa, Tibet.
4. Ben Imsong volunteers with the Mercy Mission in Nagaland.
5. Robin McManus- Hancock Church volunteers in Ghana.

Crafts from Around the World Dates
 September 17 at Trinity Covenant Church 7 Clematis Road Lexington MA
 October 22nd at First Baptist Church, 1580 Massachusetts Avenue Lexington MA
 November 12th at First Baptist Church, 1580 Massachusetts Ave Lexington MA
 December 3rd at First Baptist Church, 1580 Massachusetts Ave Lexington MA

A Piece of Paper

2011-08-20T05:30:00.000-07:00

Another lesson.
How often do you think of the value of a single piece of paper?
The children in the Village of Bakka consider a single piece of paper as a precious resource and will make use of every space on paper,tearing off peices for different purposes, when the content on the paper is no longer needed they use the paper for wrapping and storing seeds or fueling the fire to cook.

The Children of Uganda

2011-08-05T18:55:00.000-07:00

There is something very important that I am not sure I have expressed clearly in my previous posts.

I learn more from the people of Uganda than they learn from me.

They are one, the family lines are not clear because they truly love their neighbor as them selves.
An example of this, last year when I visited, one of the sponsors sent a bag of candy to the child they sponsor. The gift was given to the child no one knew what was in the bag she received. She could have taken the bag home and no one would have know about the candy. It could have been her own Private stash. This little girl took out the bag of candy and with GREAT JOY shared the entire bag of candy with all the other children having only 1 piece for herself. The actions of this child was truly humbling and inspirational to me.

Heading to Uganda October 1st

2011-07-29T03:19:00.000-07:00

My trip to Uganda in October is booked!
I will not be staying in the Village, it would too difficult for my hosts.

I will be visiting the school, visiting some of the sponsored children's homes, working with the ladies in the sewing business. I have patterns and material for small items they can make and sell.
Visiting with my grandson Steven and his family. Working with the ladies in the jewelry business.

In September I have 2 shows scheduled- Products from Uganda and Columbia, and soon from the Congo.
September 17th at Trinity Covenant Church 10-2 after the sale we are having a baby shower for Edrian my coordinator in Uganda's wife. She is having a baby boy in October. I will bring the gifts with me when I go.
September 24th and 25th the Craft Sale is at the Women's Retreat in Swansey NH

Live your life with the heart of a servant. Give freely of your time your love and your service; make a decision daily to be the answer to someone else's prayer!
I will keep you all posted!
With Love,
MOM Sandy

Uganda 2011

2011-07-16T14:26:00.000-07:00

Hello All,
I will not be staying in the village, it does not have electricity nor a hotel of any kind. It would be a big imposition to everyone so I will be staying in Makindei.

The Women's Sewing Business.
I am trying to raise money for 3 months worth of rent $225.00for the ladies sewing business and enough to hire a trainer $20.00 per week, 240.00 for 3 months
The School
We still need to finish building the 3rd block $2,000.00 this project was under estimated and inflation is really bad in Uganda.

The Children
I am still trying to find 39 sponsors for the children. A couple of sponsors can no longer afford to pay because they are unemployed. I don't want the connection with the children lost because they can't pay so I try to raise the money for these children and send it in the sponsors name. Currently I am raising money for 6 to 7 children and 21 children have donating sponsors.

Returning to Uganda

2011-06-25T10:21:00.000-07:00

Hello All,
I am planning on returning to Uganda in October. This time I want to stay in the vilage of Bakka for a few days. (The only thing that makes me nervous about staying in the village is the BUGS. The ant hills are bigger than I am.) Too much time is wasted traveling back and forth. This will allow me to spend more time with the children and visit with their faamilies.
I still need to raise money to meet the expences involved in this. Please consider making a donatation.
Trinity Covenant Church
7 Clematis Road
Lexington Ma
02451 -Attention Sandy
On the subject line put Sandys Uganda Adventure.

Being God's Love

2011-06-11T14:49:00.001-07:00

God's love!

I want to thank the many loving people that have help change the lives of children in the village of Bakka. The sponsored children's lives have been forever changed by the goodness of your heart. I KNOW it is a sacrifice to give $25.00 every month. Thank you very much. You are a gift of LOVE.

This month is one of the most difficult health wise for the children in the village and the supporting team in Uganda. Amazing kindness of my friends and church family have made . A young baby died 8 months old. The hospital would not release the body until the bill was paid. One hour after I shared this situation enough money was raised and the baby was released for burial.
A pregnant mother had been sick for months, she could not afford the necessary test to find out what was wrong. Again 1 hour after the need was shared the money was raised. The young mother was diagnosed as having a very bad infection and put on antibiotic.
My co worker Hopes young son has severe asthma. He needs medical treatment costing $95.00 per month for the next 9 months. This is a HUGE expense for the family. Hope earns $165.00 per month. PLEASE consider donating to help this young man and his family.
Make a tax deductable donation to
Trintiy Covenant Church
7 Clematis Road
Lexington Ma, 02421
Attention Sandy Gannon

'Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry and gave you food, or thirsty and gave you something to drink? 38 And when was it that we saw you a stranger and welcomed you, or naked and gave you clothing? 39 And when was it that we saw you sick or in prison and visited you?' 40 And the king will answer them, 'Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.'

Amazing story of 2 little girls

2011-03-26T04:34:00.000-07:00

Two little girls in Melrose have the heart of Jesus.

When these two little girls heard about the Children from the Christian Mission Academy in Uganda they took action. They went into their room and gathered up their best coloring books, pencils, small toys and craft supplies. They gave an unopened art set and said to send this gift to a child on their birthday.

The same girls took action during Haiti's earthquake. When they read in the Boston Globe that soap could help prevent the spread of colira, they took action and did a soap drive.

They are in the 1st and 2nd grade and are changing the world. They are truly inspirational.

Comments from sponsors

2011-03-05T07:00:00.000-08:00

Sandra,
You are so sweet to let us know. I feel very certain this program is one of the very best. You work so hard and it shows.
What a sweet letter. Thank you so much for this Sandy, it means a lot.

It's great to get the letters and the pictures. Many thanks for coordinating the program - I'm thrilled to participate.

Thanks for the picture and the letter. It's great to see pictures of Barbara. Is it possible to send something to her? I don't know anything about mail or shipping but thought maybe I would send something for Christmas. Need your advice because I don't want to do anything wrong here.

Your work on this is AMAZING!

Thank you so much for the pictures. We love looking at them. How old are Geofrey's brothers? Are they available for sponsorship?

Children needing sponsors

2011-02-07T17:17:00.000-08:00

KASOZI GODFREY - Entering grade 3 his mother is a simple farmer and his father has died. He has been identified by the teachers as being one of the neediest children attending the school.

Najingo Ruth- is in P.5. She lost her father and she is staying with her mother plus her sister and brothers as seen in the family photo below. The mother is the one who takes care of them all. She is a simple farmer.

Please consider sponsoring one of these children.

2010 year in Review

2011-01-23T05:02:00.000-08:00

2010 a year in review
The children at the Christian Mission Academy in the village of Baaka, Uganda started off 2010 on the right foot. In January they began attending a brand new school equipped with better class rooms and an overall better learning environment.

Starting in February the Sunday school children of Trinity Covenant Church (TCC) raised money during lent for the children from the Christian Mission Academy. They raised enough money to purchase a backpacks for all 240 the children attending the Christian Mission Academy. In August the backpacks arrive in Uganda. During my visit there was a sea of purple backpacks every where.

The smallest gesture in the world can mean the world to someone else. This was the case in April when sponsored children received mosquito nets to protect them while they sleep. Malaria is the leading killer of children in the village. 98% of the children at the Christian Academy had malaria. For a donation of $10.00 a child will be protected.

In the month of May the paper back story Steven goes to school went on sale, at the Family Fun Fair held at Trinity Covenant. This book is about the day in the life of a child attending 1st grade in Uganda. The book sells for a $6.00 donation.

July each sponsored child receive a goat or a hog. This gift to the sponsored child and their guardian is life changing on many different levels. The child is valued more by the family. The family has another way to raise money.

In September The Burlington Cricket Club and Trinity Covenant Church teamed donated enough money for a water tank to be built at the Christian Academy. And by November the water tank for the Christian Academy was complete The water tank is life changing for the school and the village. The children no longer need to walk 20 minutes to gather water for lunch. The people in the community are allowed to gather water from the tank when it is full. The water in the tank is being used to make bricks for the new school block to be completed in 2011.

In October I visited Uganda for a week and was very impressed by the progress and change that occurred since my last visit. The head mistress Margaret is doing a fantastic job. The school has its very first graduating class. The school choir is amazing, the girls netball team made the village tournament, the boys football team also made the village tournament. This is life changing for the children of the Academy.

Crafts from around the World is the selling of jewelry and art made by people from in Columbia and Uganda. The proceeds from the sale of the crafts raised enough money to purchase 4 sewing machines to start a small business for the ladies form the Jesus Power Church in Uganda.

I am very excited about the changes we can make in 2011!

Christmas in Uganda

2011-01-08T10:40:00.000-08:00

While there are similarities in the Christmas season such as it is an opportunity to make money. My friend Steven told us that as a child he look forward to Christmas because it is the one day in the year they would have a soda with a meal that included rice and beef or chicken. The parents have to work harder and longer to earn the money for this special dinner. Last year I was sent a picture of the children from the Christian Academy and they were all holding a bottle of orange soda. I now have very different emotions about this picture.

Goals for 2011

2011-01-07T18:27:00.000-08:00

2011 Goals
 By July have 35 children sponsored – 19 are currently sponsored
 Raise money for the 4th building which will hold the Library, Office and Medical building.
 Scholarships for the 4 graduating students. $400.00 each for the year.
 Increase crafts to include the products from around the world.
 Research Solar Panels for the school so they have electricity
 Set up Computer Training for the Girls from JPC
 Set up training for knitting for the girls from JPC
 Set up sewing training for the girls from JPC
 Coordinate pen pals for the girls from JPC

Child Sponsor Program

2010-11-14T04:37:00.001-08:00

12 Children now have sponsors, this is a true blessing from God. We have provided hope for these children and their families. Through the sponsorship program the children have received mosquito nets a hog or a goat, gifts and letters from their sponsors. Their school fees have been paid and the school has received steady income that pays the teachers monthly salary and feeds the students porridge daily and 1 special meal a week.
The goal this year is to have 40 children sponsored. This would cover the schools monthly operating costs.
The sponsorship program - $25.00 a month or $300.00 a year. You will receive letters, pictures and information about your child. It is powerful and amazing to see what a small amount of money can do to change a child, change a family, change a school, change a village.

The teachers have identified 5 of the neediest children for sponsorship.
Vincent Seninde - baby class
Joyce Nasazi - Primary 1
Ruth Najingo - Primary 4
Tony Kavuma - Primary 6
Kasozi Godfrey- Primary 2

Womens Sewing Business

2010-11-05T17:00:00.001-07:00

We met with the women and the youth several times during my visit. On Saturday Pastor Lydia, went into Kampala very early to purchase the sewing machines. She then arranged to have a pick-up truck bring them to the church. 4 machines were purchase 3 different types. 2 old singer sewing machine (like my grandmother had- no electricity needed) a binding machine and a heavy duty machine. The women were very excited I then taught them how to make pot holders using a loom, They called them table mats and come up with several ideas for additional products.

Next step for the sewing business is to find a place to rent. The rent is about $150.00 per month. I am selling jewelry, and other products to raise this money until they are bring in enough money to cover the rent.

The young girls were very excited about having pen pals from the US so if you are interested let me know!
There were also interested in learning how to use Computers, knitting and sewing. We have put a plan in place to take care of these requests.
Julie (my personal chef) taught the girls how to make friendship bracelets they were amazing coming up with new designs.

Together I had an amazing time with my Ugandan Sister and daughters.
On Sunday they gave me a gift of flowers made from beads amazing!

My Arrival in Uganda

2010-10-31T15:42:00.000-07:00

During my entire trip God was in control and I was truly blessed!
When I left Boston my luggage weighed as much as I did. My flight though long was uneventful. When I arrived at the airport in Entebbe I was greeted by my Ugandan Family -Hope, Andrian, Lydia, Rose, Julie, Nickolas,Isaac,Steven, Phiona, Agnes and Warren. They surrounded me and cared for me the entire week. Rose, Julie and Steven stayed with me at the apartment. I consider myself an early riser, I wake up at 6:00 am every day. When I woke up they were already up and my breakfast was ready for me.
Rose and Agnes would make sure Steven was ready for school. He is in the first grade. School starts at 7:00 am and ends at 4:30.

The first morning is one of 2 times that I was afraid. A bug the size of a mouse ran across my foot. It scurried into the girls bed room so I went running in to tell them that a big bug was in their room. They laughed and said "Oh Mommy Sandy that is not a big bug." I knew I did not want to see a big bug.

Wednesday we were off to the Orphanage bringing with us a big bag of candy and biscuit's and several bags of school supplies for the teachers.
When we arrived there was a sea of children with purple back packs that the Sunday School children from TCC had provided the children. The children were lined up forming a path for us to walk through. They were cheering and chanting my name Mommy Sandy. I can't begin to describe the emotions that I was feeling. For as far as I could see there were desperately needy children without shoes, worn out clothes, skin disease, extended bellies cheering. I felt intense joy at the same time intense sadness. At the end of the path of children there was a ribbon for me to cut a dedication ceremony for the school.

We started the greetings and the rain started. 240 children teachers and our team all crammed into a classroom that could hold 50 students comfortably. The joy did not fade. We greeted the children then they went to their classrooms where we visited each classroom and passed out candy and biscuit's. Each child bowed and thanked us when they were given a small piece of candy.

At 3:00 the children enjoyed a special meal rice and beans. We then had another assembly where we presented the Director and the teachers with the school supplies.

Day 2
Thursday- On our way to the Orphanage we stopped to do some shopping for the special meal they would have on Friday, 25 pounds of rice and tomatoes to cook the beef in.
Thursday was the day were doing home visits for the Sponsored children. It started raining as we were heading to the school. The roads are red clay that wash away and becomes very slippery and filled with pot holes when it rains.
When we arrive at the school the sponsored children are all gathered into the office. It is very cramped, wet and dark. The village has no electricity the office is in the old building and the roof leaks and it was very dark. I passed out the gifts the sponsors sent and let the children know how much they are loved by their sponsoring families. (Consider sponsoring a child)

The rain is washing out the roads so the decision is made to visit the children's homes that are closest to the school. 6 Sponsored children The Head Mistress Maurine and Esther all get in the van. After driving for 20 minutes we are close to the first child's home Alice, but the road is washed out so the van can't make it. Alice gets out and walks home.

The next stop is another 20 minutes we visit Miracles home. Miracles Aunt is there to greet us. Miracle is very excited about showing us her hog she received as a gift. There are several babies in the care of Miracles Aunt and it is obvious that it is a sacrifice for Miracle to attend school.

Next visit Gregory, when we arrive his siblings are washing their uniform and dishes out side. His guardian is taking care of the baby. Everything is done very manually and it is obvious again that it is a sacrifice allowing Geofrey to attend school.

The rain is coming down really hard as we are heading to the next stop Olivias, again the road leading to Olivias is washed out so Olivia gets out to walk home.

Next stop is Nasani another 20 minute ride over very rutty slippery roads. (I was glad I was not in the Van when it turned around.) We arrive at Nasanis home he is now living with a gurdian. After the visit I found out that Nasani has been sickly and has been sent home from school several times. We are arranging a Doctors visit for Nasani.

The rain is coming down and the roads are very rutty and washed out a decision needs to be made bring the teachers and the last student back to the school or go to Masitulas home. Masitula really wanted us to visit her home. Maurine and Esther agreed to take a Boda Boda back to the school so we could do the final home visit. Boda Boda is a motor scooter which both would get on the back of and travel back to the school on the washed out slippery roads in the rain. The Head Mistress and teachers are AMAZING!

We visited Masitulas home, she is very excited about her visitors and gathers her step mother and sisters. Masitula is absolutely a joy, she sings in the Choir, was serving us, caring for the younger children and always has a smile on her face. Out of all the Orphans Masitula has the saddest story, too evil to even post, this little girl is an inspiration to me.

After we dropped off Masitula, the roads were very BAD, I truly thought we would end up in a ditch or stuck. Jesus took the wheel, and we made it out of the village safely.

Day 3
When we arrived at the orphanage a special program was planned for us. PLUS a surprise! One of the sponsored children was no longer at the school many times children are trades for slaves. She was found and returned to the school. That was one of the highlights of the week. Jesus gave us an example that the Shepard would leave 99 sheep to find one lost sheep. Ritah was found!
Parents Teachers and members of the church were all present for the special program.
The School choir sang, I was in the presence of Heavens Angels! There faces were radiant as they sang. They danced traditional tribal dances. It was one of the most memorable moments of the week.
The church choir also sang and danced it was very special. They put so much energy an enthusiasm into their traditional dancing it was impressive. After the program Hope and I spoke with the Parents and staff. I praise them for the changes made.

I am VERY impressed with the Head Mistress Maurine and the changes she made at the school. The children are happy attendance is better the children are involved with the school, they have a school Netball team for the girls, that made it to the tournament, a football team for the boys, school choir, parents committees, the school is use by a church many of the children attend.

THE BIGGEST accomplishment is the first 4 graduating students. The students, teachers and parents have all worked very hard to achieve this goal. I promised them that I would do everything I can to provide the students scholarships. Without a scholarship their education would end at the 7th grade. (Please pray God provides a way).

We then went to the water tank to take a picture. The teachers, students and cooks are all very excited about, this gift that will make their lives so much easier! Thank you to the Burlington Cricket Club and Trinity Covenant Church members for making a dream come true.

We then met with the teachers to find out what their greatest needs are.

Number 1 Closing in the classrooms, currently they have to carry the chairs and desks into the storage area at the end of everyday and set them up again in the morning. The windows and doors are being put in this week.

Number 2 Enough desks and chairs for all of the students. Being built this week.

Number 3 A new building the school has out grown the 2 buildings that they have and are still using the old school which is falling down.
They are coming up with a plan for a building that has class rooms that can be converted into an assembly area, Office, medical room and library.

To end the visit and the week the children were all provided a special meal rice, beans and beef.
Leaving the school was sad, I wished my stay was longer so I could get to know more of the teachers, students and their families.

Uganda 2010

2010-09-25T07:50:00.000-07:00

My trip as I envision it.
Leave Boston 7:05 10/11- Flight 6030 KLM
Arrive Amsterdam 11:00 am 10/12
Leave Amsterdam flight 561
Arrive Entebbe 7:50 pm 10/12

Leave Entebbe 9:50 10/17 Flight 562
Arrive Amsterdam 5:15am
Leave Amsterdam flight 6031 2:00 Pm
Arrive Boston 4:00 PM 10/18

Tuesday Evening I would like to go straight to the Guest Suites and visit.

During the time we are travelling in the van we can take time to discuss the Sewing business and jewlery business

Wednesday Morning arrive at the Orphanage at 9:00 Am - 3:30
Greet the children
Visit 2 classrooms read a book
Meet with the teachers and the head master individually

Review the Government test
Review the attendance logs
Visit some of the sponsored childrens homes

Wednesday late afternoon
5:00 - 6:30- Meet with Lydia and the youth (I am still working on the plan)
6:30 - 7:30 Dinner
7:30 - 8:30 meet with Lydia and the Women
Book we will be using to for our discussions - You are not alone. (I have asked the Covenant to provide books)
8:30 Back to apt.

Thursday Morning arrive at the Orphanage at 9:00 AM - 3:30

Visit 3 class rooms and read a book to the younger children-have a discussion with the older classes
Meet with the Gurdians
Visit some of the sponsored childrens homes

Thursday late afternoon
5:00 - 6:30- Meet with Lydia and the youth (I am still working on the plan)
6:30 - 7:30 Dinner
7:30 - 8:30 meet with Lydia and the Women
Book we will be using to for our discussions - You are not alone. (I have asked the Covenant to provide books)
8:30 back to apt

Friday Morning arrive at the Orphanage at 9:00 Am- 3:30

Visit 3 classrooms read a book to the younger classrooms and have a discussion with grade 6 and 7
Meet with the teacher and say good by
Say goodby to the children
Visit some of the sponsored childrens homes

Friday late afternoon
5:00 - 6:30- Meet with Lydia and the youth (I am still working on the plan)
6:30 - 7:30 Dinner
7:30 - 8:30 meet with Lydia and the Women
Book we will be using to for our discussions - You are not alone. (I have asked the Covenant to provide books)
8:30 - back to Apt

Saturday-

Purchase Jewelry
Social time with the women
Discuss next steps with Lydia

Sunday - Church - Airport
PRAYERS WELCOMED!

Returning to Uganda

2010-09-20T18:18:00.000-07:00

Hello blog readers,
I will be returning to Uganda on October 11th. This weekend at the women's retreat we raised enough money to purchase 7 sewing machines for the ladies.
3 weeks ago the Women from Uganda identified this as a business opportunity they would like to pursue. God hand is in the success!

Semester Break

2010-08-23T18:12:00.000-07:00

The Christian Mission Academy semester ended last week. They will return mid September.

During the break the school will have windows, doors and a new bathroom installed. New benches will be added to the class rooms. The children will now all have a place to sit. The teachers will no longer need to carry there supplies to the storage area every night.

August 7th update

2010-08-07T13:06:00.000-07:00

The children received their backpacks this week. The pictures are priceless the younger children have no idea what the back packs are for, there facial expressions look very confused. LOL I am sure they will get the hang of using them. They all enjoyed the lollipops.

2 more children are sponsored! Praise GOD!

6 children did not return to school, they are battling many illnesses malaria, anemia, tumors, abdominal pain, skin disease. Please keep them in your prayers!
Stephine
Phiona
Fred
Maurine
Faroug
Steven

An additional 16 children received mosquito nets thanks to 2 people make a special donations.

Sponsorship Program

2010-07-31T04:53:00.001-07:00

Hello All,
Last July we started a sponsorship program for the children of the Christian Academy. The program started with 5 children identified by Pastor Frank, the neediest with the most potential. The program was a huge success. The children have received mosquito nets and last Saturday the children received either a goat or a pig through the sponsorship program.

Through the sponsorship program, other fund raising activities and generous donations the children now have 2 teams the boys football team and the girls net ball team, all of the children enjoy participating or watching these activities. All the children in the Academy will receive backpacks. 20 more children will receive mosquito nets. The girls 12 years old or older will receive underwear. They all are learning the love and caring heart of our Lord and Savior, this gives them hope and allows them to dream.

This year the goal is to have at least 40 children sponsored. This will meet the operating cost for the school, and changed the lives of 40 children and their families. Please consider sponsoring a child, I promise you it will be the best $6.25you spend in a week.

Sponsorship Program $25.00 monthly or $300.00 per year.
School receives $20.00 to provide all the children with a daily meal, usually the only meal they will have.
Child receives a gift with the remaining $5.00. The monthly gift of $5.00 is saved until something can be purchased that will improve the child's life. In April the children received mosquito nets and last Saturday they received either a goat or a pig.

Geofrey Kaibwe is the child of the week. Geofrey is 10 years old. He loves to play football and math is his favorite subject.
He suffers from Abdominal pain,malaria, skin disease and has tumors.

Water

2010-06-25T18:52:00.001-07:00

We take water for granted. When the water main broke in Massachusetts it was a big deal. We could not drink the water from the tap, it was a big inconveince.

The children at the Christian Academy have to walk twenty minutes to a boar hole to fetch water. They usually have to wait in line for twenty minutes. The adults in line push a head of them. They then carry the water on their heads home before they walk to school. The boar hole is only open for a short time every day so the water does not run dry. The children often fetch water from swamps because they were not able to fetch it from the boar hole.

June 4th

2010-06-04T19:08:00.000-07:00

I am very grateful that Masitula has a sponsor now! If anyone is interested in sponsoring a child let me know. The school has 210 desperately needy children and only 10 of them have sponsors. s-gannon@hotmail.com.
Or if you would like to make a donation to purchase mosquito nets the cost is $10.00.
Any donation is greatly appreciated!

Pastor Frank- 5-30-2010

2010-05-30T16:38:00.000-07:00

Pastor Frank is visiting us in the U.S. for a month. It is wonderful to see him. I am continuously learning from him. Although what I learn makes me sad. We were talking about the children from the Orphanage and their dreams and childhood memories. He shared one of his happy childhood memories, when he was 13 he remembered having his first piece of bread and how wondreful it tasted. I am sure he was not aware of how his story touched me to the core of my being. It had never occured to me before that many of the children have never tasted a sandwich.

Masitula Namugeyi (age 11) lives with her father. Her father is a drunk, she is usually home alone until late into the night when her father comes home drunk. Her father abuses her. Masitula comes to school hungry but is always anxious to learn. Pastor Frank wants to take her away from her father and have her live with someone else. If she had a sponsor this would be easier. Please let me know if you are interested in sponsoring her. She is a precious child.

Sposored children

2010-04-24T04:54:00.000-07:00

Hello All,
The 6 sponsored children received mosquito nets yesterday. This is the first step to help them prevent additional cases of malaria. We need 204 more nets to provide protection for all of the children. My plan is to try to raise enough money every month to provide a mosquito net for at least 10 children.

Orphanage update

2010-04-18T17:33:00.000-07:00

I have received detailed information on 125 of the students at the Christian Mission Academy.
ONLY 14 of the 125 had no reported major illness
89 students have malaria
44 students have continuous abdominal pain
26 students have problem seeing (they have never had their eyes checked)
8 have continuous chest pain caused by carrying wood and water
1 Child has tumors
1 child has heart problems
ALL 125 students have some kind of skin disease, jiggers, burns, sores or lice

2009 a Year in Review

2010-01-31T14:05:00.000-08:00

The Christian Mission Academy Orphanage Program
2009 a Year in Review

2009 started off very rocky, as the year began we became aware of devastating corruption in the village of Baaka that continues to have a long term impact.
Pastor Joseph was tempted by the corruption of money and gave into the temptation.He sold the land and the school we had purchased for them.
An American and his family (whom will remain unnamed because I do not have all of the details) went to the village of Bakka and began working with (paying) Pastor Joseph to identify children that would qualify for adoption. Many rules were broken in the qualification process and 40 children were taken from the Village, 8 children were adopted. The American was identified as being suspicious and the Ugandan Government began to investigate his legitimacy. Pastor Joseph and his family ran and have not been heard from since. The devastation they left behind was overwhelming. Pastor Frank took out a loan and purchased new land (closer to the original school) and started rebuilding.

God does work in mysterious ways. The American Family was an answer to my prayers. While they were in the village of Baaka they tested and vaccinated all of the children. None of the children tested positive for aides. Vaccinating and testing the children is something I had only dreamed of, because building the school was expending all of the money that was raised.

The beginning of May, Pastor Frank notified me, it was urgent to complete the new school, the old school was falling down and the bathrooms were unusable. It would take an additional $4,000.00 dollars to complete the work. My first thought this is IMPOSSIBLE I can’t do fundraising. I don’t have that kind of money and I don’t know anyone who does. God answered another prayer in perfect timing. The Titus Foundation gave the Christian Mission Academy a grant for $4,000.00. Todd delivered the money during his trip the beginning of June.

Todd visited the Christian Mission Academy and handed out the letters to every child. The school was given jump ropes; the teachers were each given small gifts. Todd met with the families/guardians of the children taken. They were angry with us because they thought we were connected with the American team. Todd assured them we were not connected with them and our intentions were to help them.

July we started a pilot sponsorship program. 5 orphans were identified by Pastor Frank as being the neediest. The sponsors pay $25.00 per month or $300.00 per year. $20.00 goes to the school and $5.00 goes to the child’s guardian as a gift. The Sponsor receives a picture of the child receiving the gift and a thank you letter from the child. This program has been successful, Hamilia will be returning to the 7th grade this is a first. Since 2006 no child has returned to the school in the 7th grade they are far more valuable to their guardian family working in the fields or worse.
The pictures below are Miracles home, Winnie receiving her gift.

In October the Christian Mission Academy officially opened! December the plastering and veranda has been completed.

December a year end miracle, I have been haunted all year wondering what happened to the 40 children that were taken, where the children that had been adopted were. On December 30th I learned that 5 of the children were safe. I have seen pictures that show they are happy and loved.

Please pray for these children, they were not allowed to return to school in 2009.
When I was in Uganda I talked with each of them and asked them what their dreams were they all dreamed they would be able to continue on with school some had specific goals:
Nalunkuma Deborah –dreamed of being a tailor
Nakakoway Jackline
Nabouerega Mary – dreamed she could become a nurse
Tumusime Tim
Kiddu Moses
Katumba Henry

These are Pastor Joseph’s children that are now on the run.
Segawa Efrahm
Manasi Peter
Nasali Edith

Starting in the New School

2009-10-04T17:07:00.000-07:00

Hello All,
It has been a while since I have updated my blog. I have been without a computer for a couple of month.
The first building has been completed enough for the children to start attending. They will be going to the new school on Monday. I have some pictures which I will be posting.
This is the final semester of the year.

Stories behind the Pictures.

2009-07-05T05:18:00.000-07:00

When we were leaving the school last year the children chased the car for a long time. This is still a very strong memory. The children are desperate and need help. I promised them I would do everything I can do to help them.

This year my goal is to set up a sponsorship program for each of the children. There are now 180 children and when the new school opens they will have the capacity for 300 children. A pilot program has been started. If you would be interested in sponsoring one of the children please let me know. S-gannon@hotmail.com

Mohamad and Miracle from the Christian Mission Academy's homes. The children do not have the basic needs in life. Their homes are like barns and they sleep on the floor with no bedding or comfort. This is the condition that most of the children from the Christian Mission Academy live in.

The sponsorship money will go to the school and a portion will go to the guardian for the children. The guardian must agree the child will attend school everyday, and the child must be allowed to attend church.

My latest Projects

2009-07-02T03:44:00.000-07:00

Hello All,
I have started an on line jewelry business. The jewelry is made by Women in Uganda. They use the money I pay them to purchase food and send their children to school. Every shippment I receive is different many pieces are unique and I have only 1. This shippment has many paper beads, beautiful pieces of artwork created by rolling strips of magazines.
The glass and plastice beads are also made from recyled material. (Very scary how they recyle it) Check out my new Web site.
http://www.sandysjewelryforhumanity.com/

Best,
Sandy

Steven goes to school

2009-06-21T15:06:00.000-07:00

I have started another blog for a book project that I am working on. Another first in my life.
The book is for 1st and 2nd grade students in Uganda, but is a good book for children in the US because it shows the school life of a child half way across the world.
I am reaching out for assistance in getting published.

http://elementary-uganda.blogspot.com/

The school will be finished!

2009-06-10T02:59:00.001-07:00

We received a gift from the Titus Foundation of $4,000 the final amount needed to complete the school. This money is being sent this week! The children should be attending the school this summer!
Praise God for providing miracles even in this economy!

WE DID IT!

2009-05-13T16:45:00.000-07:00

Hello All,
We had a goal of raising $1,000.00 to complete the roof on the building so the children would be able to start attending the new school. We raised and I sent it today.
THANK YOU TO EVERYONE THAT HELPED!

While I am very excited there is still more to do. We need to raise another $4,000 to complete the school.

I NEED YOUR HELP!!!!!!

2009-05-02T15:12:00.000-07:00

My heart is aching I have a family in Uganda that I am not able to provide for. There are 110 children that I made a commitment to almost a year ago. I am still short $5,000.00 to complete the school for the orphans. The only commitment that I have been able to keep is I send them enough money for them all to have a daily meal of porridge while attending school.

The new school is not completed so the children have been attending the old school for their first 2 semesters. The conditions of the school are horrible. The outhouse is over flowing the school is in the process of being torn down. The old school is condemned and the new school is not complete. This will prevent the 110 children from attending school in June. While the school is not ideal, the teachers are not qualified to teach. It is a place for the children to go and be LOVED. The group of women that teach the children are very kind an loving and teach the children of God’s love. The school is their only hope of a future beyond being a slave.

Some Americans and Canadian visited the children in the fall. The children were all tested for Aids (all are negative) they were vaccinated and dewormed. This is wonderful and an answer to many prayers. The Canadians provided mosquito nets, and a couple honey mooning in the Village of Baka were able to hang 9 of them. Then the Americans from Texas took 40 children from the village to sell for Adoption. 4 of the children were adopted the remainder have been scattered. The Government in Kampala found out the intentions of this individual and shut the project down. I am not sure all the details will ever be known. Please keep these children in your prayers they may be in situations that nightmares are made of.

The Pastor of the school ran off with some of the money for the building project. The families the children are staying with are not allowing them to go back to school. The adults that surround these children are not kind. I have received letters from these children thanking me for providing food for them and enabling them to attend school.

Fund raising is extremely difficult in this economy. I have never directly asked for money it is a very difficult thing for me to do. These children are desperate and I can not be proud. PLEASE consider making a donation.
I promise that 100% of the money donated will go to the children. ANY size donation would be gratefully appreciated. My Sunday school classes has raised over $500.00 by collecting change. ( I am the Sunday School Superintendent )$1.00 is enough money for 5 meals for 1 child.
1 Meal .18 cents
1 Teachers salary $45.00 per month
Please send all checks to
Trinity Covenant Church
7 Clematis Road
Lexington MA 02421
Attention Sandy Gannon
Be Blessed,
Sandy or as I am known by the Orphans “Mammy Sandra Gannon”

Orphan Update

2009-04-18T04:27:00.000-07:00

The children are attending school in the old school, the conditions are not good. The bathroom (hole in the ground) is over flowing. The land lord is charging a high rate for them to stay. Many of their school benches have been stolen. We still need to raise another $5,000 to complete the school, and fund raising is difficult in this economy. Please pray for a solution. and if you can send any size donation would be greatly appreciated!

Their were a few teams of people that went to the village of Baaka. A team from Canada brought 39 mosquito nets to the village. A couple on their honey moon stayed in the village and helped them hang many of the mosquito nets. There was another team that tested the children and village members for HIV, dewormed them and vaccinated all of them. (NONE of the children have HIV). It is amazing how God works to answer prayer.
There was also another group that took children out to sell them for adoption. The took out 40 children but only 4 were adopted before their motives were identified. Pastor Frank told me their is a case against them in Kampala.

Pastor Joseph the Director of the Christian Mission Academy embezzled money from the school project and took off with his family.

Orphange update

2009-03-15T15:06:00.000-07:00

There is much news about the orphanage. A team of Americans (supposedly) went to the village and took some of the children saying the would provide them with education. I have no idea where the children were taken. Please pray for them.
Many of the older children's guardians have not allowed them to go back to school. They are using them to do chores or beg for money. The teachers have been going into the village to try and talk the guardians into letting them come back to school. Please pray for them

I have received pictures an letters from the children. I posted one, I am now known as Mammy Sandra Gannon.
To Mammy Sandra Gannon
How are you mammy?
I love you so much.
Thank you for helping me.
God bless you.
Yours
Nakafeero Babra

Orphanage update

2009-02-21T04:44:00.000-08:00

The Orphanage is progressing, but the cost is more than expected. We need to raise another $5,500 to complete it. This is going to be a challenge in this economy.
We are planning another arts and craft fair the middle of April. I have purchased some really unique necklaces from one of the members of the Jesus Power Church; they are really beautiful.
The Sunday School Program at TCC is going to be learning about personal sacrifice to benefit others. During lent the children are going to be asked to give up a snack or desert and to save the money. The money will go towards meals for the children at the Christian Mission academy.
We are hoping to raise enough money for 3,300 meal. (1 meal for each child for 1 month
@ .18 cents a meal)
ALL DONATIONS WELCOMED
Trinity Covenant Church
7 Clematis Road
Lexington MA 02421
ATTENTION Sandy Gannon

Orphanage - Update

2009-02-08T16:21:00.000-08:00

While the school is coming along slowly. The rainy season has slowed the progress down considerably. The children should be attending their new school in a couple of month. I am still waiting for pictures and updates. When I receive them I will post them.

Changing the World

2009-01-11T13:20:00.000-08:00

Together we can change the world!
If we ask God!
April 9th , Maundy Thursday – April 10th, Good Friday
Our Father in Heaven sent his only son to live among us to be an example to us, and to save us from our sins. While on earth he gave us a prayer to say that is an incredibly powerful prayer.
Our Father who are in heaven,
Hallowed be thy name.
They Kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven,
Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors;
Lead us not into temptation and deliver us from evil, for thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory for ever.
AMEN
Can you imagine what would happen if all of the Christians in the world (2.1 billion people)were praying this prayer at the same time!!!! Let Kingdom come on earth as it is in Heaven! Can you imagine?
Our Father in Heaven says “For whenever 2 or more are gathered in my name I am there also.” Matthew 18:20. If the world is asking in ONE large voice I believe we would see the end of the world as we know it! I believe HEAVEN ON EARTH would happen.

I am hoping and praying that this message and request will make it around the world in time to have this happen!
If Christians filled the churches on April 9th Maundy Thursday and celebrated the last supper together, then stayed awake with Jesus praying the Lords Prayer in one loud voice every hour until Friday at 3:00 pm. I truly believe our Father in Heaven would hear our prayer and the world would change.

PLEASE PASS THIS ON PLEASE ASK YOUR CHURCH TO PARTICIPATE!

Orphans- Christmas Party

2008-12-18T19:12:00.000-08:00

While we did it we raise $200.00 for the Orphans Christmas Party. They will be having their celebration tomorrow. It is at their new school. They will have a dinner which will include soda and presents for all 110 children. Pastor Frank promises pictures which I will post when I receive them.

The Orphans Christmas Celebration

2008-12-12T17:59:00.000-08:00

The original plans for the Orphans Christmas celebration had to be changed. Pastor Frank has had many challenges in the past couple of month he was in a car accident, he and 2 of his children battled malaria and Todd Douglas Leon his baby had tumors removed.
We did raise $200.00 this money will provide a meal for the children and purchase a small gift for each of them. Pastor Frank is going to bring the Childrens choir from JPC to the Orphans Christmas celebration. They will celebrate at the new school. I hopefully will be receiving picture and letters from the students soon.
I will keep you all posted!

Do we know its Christmas

2008-11-29T17:20:00.000-08:00

While preparing for Christmas this weekend, I became painfully aware that here in the US, Christ is not in Christmas.
I tried to find Christmas cards with a nativity scene none to be found.
I tried to find small boxed Nativity scenes for the Samaritans shoe box presents none to be found.
I tried to find The Christmas story book to send to Little Steven in Uganda.
I tried to find Advent Candles -12 stores later I found a set.
I am really saddened by the commercialism that has taken over this Holy holiday.

Namanya Olivia's Story

2008-11-14T20:05:00.000-08:00

Namanya olivia lives at a village called Bakka of Wakiso district.She is 12 years of Age and attends school at christian friends academy in the fourth grade.
Her favorite subject is science Her favorite food is matooke (bananas) and pea nuts.
Her favorite game is Netball
Her house chores are cooking, carrying water and digging. She lives with the Aunt called betty, a single mother and a teacher at christian friend's academy.
Olivia has two sibblings a boy and girl at home but not brother or sister. Olivia's mother lives at a village called Bukomero 50 miles from Bakka and a single mother abandoned
BY husband olivia's father. The mother is a peasant farmer who could not give health care, education and Parental care to her child because most of the time she was away from home working for food by digging other
people's fields.

The reasons for the disappearing of Olivia's father are not yet known but thought to be inability to care and
meet the needs of the family, so like that he left saying he is gone for the work and never came back. Ever since then
no one knows whether the father died or lives some where else. The man left the child when she had not yet gone to school.
When the AUnt sister to the father realized the situation at Olivia's former home, she picked her to Bakka and enrolled her at christian friend's academy. At home they own a small garden where they grow cones,beans, and cassava to sustain their lives on. Olivia wakes up in the morning at 6:00 am to prepare her self for school and leave home at 7:00am, to come back 4pm when she does her house help work
She sleeps normally at 9pm after doing her class home work.

Mukisa Steven - adopted by Steven

2008-11-10T16:40:00.000-08:00

MUKISA STEVEN, KAMPALA UGANDA (EAST AFRICA)Mukisa Steven was born on 25th Feb,2003 at Mulago of Kampala District.
Steven ‘s Father and Mother separated after a severe state of poverty in their family, at first his Parents persisted for about two year staying together in this worse state of life. This was caused by retrenching his father from job of being a shop keeper.
Steven is third last born, followed by twins (Boy and A girl) , has three elder brothers and one elder sister.

Here Steven is in the deep up country at a village called Sii in mukono district about 50 miles from town where mother shifted with other siblings just to survive hunger which become a severe sickness in Kampala because the family was very big yet non of his parents was working.

In the Village still Steven struggled to have proper adequate food due to the big overwhelming family of his mother at their grand ma’s home in Sii where they found also other children. During day they would survive on Wild fruit until super when to have at least two pieces of cassava, hot water or Porridge.

His Sad Face, Skin can tell much the kind of life he is experiencing, summing up to total experience no parental love being the third last born, the two young Kids getting much of mother’s attention, first priority of food ETC. He was born in severe state of poverty during which parents were forced to separate, this caused Steven’s growth to retard, delayed his speech, never liked to play because all the time he was hungry looking for food resulting to resenting school. The school also was located about three miles to walk, again with poor facilities.

One day I happened to meet some one I knew before who told me about their situation which prompted me to make there a visit, then ended up picking Steven to lighten mother’s situation.

Here is Steven’s life changing with a big smile, now, able to learn many new words, his tongue getting perfect each day. The environment is now different from what he used to know. At least he can have some thing to eat twice a day , though not yet as proper nutrition, he can at least have some medication when he feels sick and has a dad to tell welcome back once in awhile as he appears.

Steven goes to school with at least minimum requirements, carries a bottle to school, got some shoes to put in his feet while going to school.

Steven’s mental psycho social power is increasing slowly, though he must be spoken too about five times to act/ do what he is told to do.
He needs to stay with people who understand him, love him and play with him. At school he is proofing to catch up though his age was late for school, teachers’ report is that he is very stubborn and despises so much, doesn’t fear to be spanked.

Steven attends church every Sunday and likes very much so, singing and dancing is one of his hobbies. He very player full though likes fighting a lot.

Among other siblings at home who have their Dads come by, Steven also is proud of his adopted dad as he always mentions that to fellow children. He is in the pre school level called baby class here, His favorite subject is writing, his chores at home is sweeping , favorite game is soccer. His Adopted dad’s work is assistant Pastor and student. Currently he is living with grand parents.

Stevens' Story -

2008-11-06T07:33:00.000-08:00

Many people have different perspective about Africa, She is a beautiful continent blessed by God so many times talked about in the Bible as cush the current Ethiopia (Genesis 2:13-14) , Land of Ham (Egypt; Psalms 68:31), Africa was a continent of refugee for our lord Jesus, Joseph and training place for Moses. Generally Africa is a land full of blessings and resources, despite all these many humble people like me have been tested and groomed in uncommon and unfavorable conditions.
While am sharing my story with listeners, know that I count my self so luck among many children or adult persons. I pray through all we are yet to testify God will speak to many dearest friends to get inspired into prayer, and committed to Human transformation programs across the whole world.

My name is Kakayira Steven born 18th June 1979 from a local village called Natete.
By this time Uganda’s former president Amin Iddi Dada got serious trouble in his leadership attacked by neighboring country’s Army of Tanzania. My mother had terrible times during my pregnancy towards my birth that she could not make it to any affordable hospital of that time other than making to birth in the bush.

This humble beginning of my life was so much resisted by the devil even then God prevailed, because my Dad had a big family of step brothers and sisters compared to the support he had, it became hard for our survival facing a lot of hostility, abuses, starving and political instability in the country. It is here I thank God for mothers like mine who persevere through all trials and never quit though, this was just the beginning of Tests journey.
Like it happens to many rural mothers of Africa despite unfavorable situation My Dad continued having four siblings with my mother more two brothers and two sisters on addition to my elder brother.

My parents struggled so much enough to educate us at school where we walked bare footed like most rural children so luck this time carrying some food (supper left over) in our small book bags. I remember very well how sugar canes helped us survive during lunch time and stay at school for afternoon classes.

The worst days of life happened when my Dad lost a job and could no longer support a big family so my mother and us had to vacate for a deep rural upcountry settlement where my mother could make a garden to feed us. We stayed for the whole year out of school, by this time I had not known how to dig and just after the Liberation war of 1986 in which we had lost every thing. I learned slowly by slowly about eating once a day, taking pieces of cassava with salt as sauce for supper but could survive on wild fruits during the day since we were not attending school.
The worst came to worst when my Dad had settled on a minor Job around 1989 when mother was called to join him back so that they could work to take us back to school. Like that I and my elder brother stayed in the village with close family friends who mom promised to be picking us so soon but the so soon became three years though three times a year she could visit with some support for school. With brother we grew to responsibility at early age, waking up for the garden before going to school and after school, we cooked our own food and other personal care.

One year later my Dad sold that piece of land to add money into the mothers business to generate enough support for the family, by this time my step brothers and sisters were attending secondary schools which were rare to find in place we stayed. It became so much a rough time for my mother to work a big family’s welfare though still she had no option, she left us with the neighbors in the village with a promise to join her after my primary level.
Days worsened for when my big brother left me there after his primary level in 1990 implying another rough year for my self to go, now doing doubled work mine and my brothers. I used to wake up at 5:00 am for gardening, coming back home with a 20 liter Jerrican and then prepare to go school at around 7:30 am. It became a practice for 11 month until I sat for my Primary leaving exams in November 1991, thanks be to God I then learned to do heavy work and survive in harsh conditions. You may not surprised why most rural students perform poorly at school, circumstances such as hard work, lack of infrastructural facilities, poor nutrition, low self esteem, diseases are the common causes for this effect.

Thank God by 1992, my parents promise to pass as I joined Lower Secondary School in Kampala for grade one but another challenge risen of walking 8 miles in the morning and evening to at least an affordable secondary in Kampala at my age of 13 years.
Because of poverty at home I realized my Dad could not buy any clothe for him, for mom, and us for fours, oh the worse critical situation I remember was that of a pair of shoes I borrowed from the cousin to use for one ended up serving a whole year. It become a problem to me returning it back because I had non to put on for school, again this very one had holes in sole letting a lot of dust in during dry season and water for rainy season. It also developed another problem of holed socks and smelling feet because I could wash them in the night again use them early morning. What sustained us through all these circumstances is our past experience of the village life and our desire to complete secondary education to rescue our family from poverty, thanks be to God we completed the four grades of lower secondary along side all the problems. It is here that Dad got my brother a job for serving in a restaurant for Clergy Nun sister who liked his hardworking and decided to contribute to his fees which lessened my father’s burden a bit, it is then I also looked for some work to support my mother and other siblings. Vividly I remember making wire toy cars, sell them got money and mom bought for us some used up clothes, though she used so much to patch most of our shorts and shirts.

As we grew up new challenges were emerging too but because we had a resilience mechanism another two years of upper secondary school were completed and I ended up to college where I was admitted on a cost a sharing scheme for an ordinary diploma in mechanical and production engineering my brother joined a nursing Diploma course.
So during my whole year of senior six Vacation I helped many people got some money and bought most of my requirements but also accepted the Lord in my Life.
I later realized that it was God’s will for me to go the college I joined though still I did not like at first because of how I suffered before and preferred better colleges.
The lord’s calling on my life became so intense through prayer, forming a fellowship at this college, evangelizing fellow students and getting engaged in the local church ministry, little did I know the Lord had prepared this way to process me to spiritual growth. For the two years spent at the college I eventually liked the place, God did many miracles in lives of students and community we reached. The formerly known college as of rapist perpetuators, thugs, drunkard students was transformed and currently a university started there Called Buganda Royal University.

After school in 2001 I joined Pastor Frank, my life and ministry has been growing every year through Missions to empower local churches, volunteering in Christian Non governmental Organization, and church activities’ Participation.
Within this period of time, I looked for a job but found none, then realized the lord wanted me to seek him further and keep serving him through church activities where I have gained good experience in child ministry, Community Development approaches, community dynamics and best practices for transformation.

In 2005 when I realized the Lord’s direction and purpose for my life I desired to go to school where I applied for a Bachelors degree programme at Mukono University, lucky enough I was granted the vacancy but failed to collect the tuition required. Because Faith never gives up the next two years I did apply until 2007 when I borrowed 50% of the tuition added on the little I had and was able to enroll for the first semester.
Miraculously this is the time the Angels came from USA after pastor franks’ visiting to US, and God connected me to Brother TODD KLIPP (Gabriel Angel with my good news). Through little interactions and communications he realized my need and sponsored my degree program at Uganda Christian University Mukono.

Am so grateful to God for brother Todd’s generous heart out of which my Vision for life is becoming clear and real, capacity for ministry is enhanced, my personal dreams will be realized in the near by future.

MY DREAMS

To become a good husband, able Father with a stable income and an effective leader for my Family.

To practice servant hood leadership at all levels in following the Lord Jesus Christ.

To alleviate poverty among, the poor and needy people and their communities.

HOW AM TO ACHIEVE MY DREAMS

Through establishing income generating projects like Decoration Company, Bee Apiary project, and Tree plantation project.

Through acquiring skills and knowledge of effective leadership for my ministry, learning more the word of God, attend improvement training workshops, reading more books.

Through establishing and working church based community Development programs, design project proposals, training other leaders.

“The local church is the hope of the world and its future rests primarily in the hands of its leaders”. Courageous leadership (HYBELS Zondervan Publications) pg 27.

Fund Raising Update

2008-10-13T05:51:00.000-07:00

Here is the break down -Gifts From Around the World Fund Raiser September 20th
BeadsForLife - Uganda $135.00
Urban Promise Camden, New Jersey- $140.00
Invisible Children - Northern Uganda- $80.00
Survivors Network World Wide- $136.50
Blessing Basket - World Wide- $230.00
Mission Academy Orphans -Uganda- $308.00
Great American Bake Sale- $190.00
Total Raise $1219.00

Fund Raising Update

2008-10-08T17:23:00.000-07:00

When I think of the needs of these wonderful children and how long it is taking to make a difference it makes me incredibly sad.
We have made progress we have raised a little over $5,000 for the school building the cost is $8,000. I am not sure how I will raise another $3,000.00 dollars by the end of the year but I am on my knees!
We will be participating in the Simon Mall Night of giving after hours shopping for charities. November 23. If you would like to purchase a ticket please send an e-mail to
s-gannon@hotmail.com

I have been back from Uganda 4 months and I am haunted by how truly helpless I feel in making a difference to them.

My hearts desire is to get a monthly sponsor for each child for $25.00. This would provide them with food, clothing, shoes, medical check-ups and medicine, it would pay the teachers that teach them. Please pray I find a way to succeed in this effort!

Fund Raising Update

2008-09-27T17:51:00.000-07:00

I took a couple of days off after the marathon fund raising week last week. The Chateau on Tuesday and the dinner on Friday with the Craft Fair Saturday and Sunday. I do not know how much was raised yet but will do an inventory this coming week.

The children are back to school now in Uganda. The teachers have not been paid for 2 months and they are having a hard time purchasing even the watered down cream of wheat.

I tried a Dollar campaign because I believe a little money from a lot of people can make a difference. The Dollar campaign raise a $2.00 (from my sisters). I am not sure why people don't respond I sent it to all of my friends and family.

It is weird I have been back from Uganda 4 months and I still see the children's faces in my mind. I still hurt for them, I still feel very helpless.
Olivia one of the children at the school walked 56 miles to go home and see her mother. Her mother is a peasant (slave)working on someones farm, she worked on the farm with her mother then walk 56 miles back to the village of Baka to go to school she stays with her Aunt. Olivia has 1 outfit she wears every day, no shoes and most days she has no food. I remember Olivia because her hug touched me to my very soul.
I keep praying to God to help me find the resources to change these children's lives forever and give them a future with hope. I love these children.

I should sign off because this seems a little depressing which is not my usually style.

Pastor Frank

2008-09-15T17:07:00.000-07:00

Last Friday Pastor Frank, his wife Lydia their baby Todd Douglas and a couple of church members were in an accident when the where going to Rebecca's fathers funeral. (Rebecca is the women that was in labor for a week.) No one in the car was badly hurt just bang up. Pastor Franks car is badly damaged and he is found at fault because his tire blew out. The other driver is willing to settle if Frank pays him $450.00. Money Frank does not have. I am a firm believer in the power of pray, so I am asking for all of my readers to pray for a resolution to this problem. Pastor Frank is very stressed!

September !

2008-09-07T12:00:00.000-07:00

Hello All,
The Flat Bread Fund Raiser - $436.36 - wow plus the raffle $244.00 -$680.36 total

September 13th - (Saturday) Waltham Mayors picnic - I will be selling Beads for life jewelry with the Congregational Church from Waltham

September 16th (Tuesday)the Chateau Fund Raiser you need a coupon for the money to go towards the charity. S-gannon@hotmail.com if you would like a coupon.

September 19 (Friday)Mission Night at TCC $6.00 Lasagna, Salad, Rolls and desert. Come and hear about the trips to Camden NJ, Reynosa Mexico, and The Village of Makindai (JPC)and the Village of Baka (CMA)Uganda. Please let me know if you plan on coming so I can get a head count for the food.
Dinner is served from 6:00- 7:00 program starts at 7:00 and wraps up by 9:00

September 20th (Saturday)The Gifts from Around the World- Arts and Craft show at TCC. The money raise from this event will go to children living in poverty from around the world. Camden NJ, Boston MA, Reynosa Mexico, Uganda, India and more...

The goal is to raise $8,000 before the end of September so the school can be completed by the end of the year.

I will also be setting up a sponsorship program for the children from the Christian Mission Academy. The total monthly cost for each child is $20.00 I am hoping people will pledge $5.00 per month.

Flat Bread Pizza

2008-08-30T16:48:00.000-07:00

The Flat Bread Pizza Fund Raiser was a hugh success! Thank you to everyone who attended and helped make it happen. I do not know how much we raised but will post as soon as I find out.

The 50/50 raffle raised $244.oo Scott Regan won and gave half of his winnings back.
THANK YOU SCOTT!

I am asking everyone I know to send $1.00 to Trinity Covenant Church. I am hoping to raise $8,000.00 to pay for the school by raising $1.00 at a time. Please ask your friends, family and coworkers to send $1.00 to
Trinity Covenant Church
Attention Sandy Gannon
7 Clematis Road
Lexington MA
02421

Uganda Orphanage update.

The children were provided 1 meal every week. The semester ended with the purchase of the land for their new school. These were wonderful gifts that brought hope to the children, the teachers and the community.

The challenges that were face during the month The Gospel Rally had to be cancelled because it rained; the plan is to hold it in September when the children come back to school. Eight of the children were very sick with malaria, they were provided medicine. To pay for the medicine for the children, Pastor Frank had to use the money that he would have paid the teachers with. The teachers monthly salary is $42.00. (No I did not forget a 0)

The plans to build the school have been started. The projected cost is $8,000.00 the completion date needs to be the end of December so the children can start their new school year there in January. I am asking everyone I know to mail $1.00 to TCC attention Sandy.

The Flat Bread Fund Raiser was a big success! Thank you to all that attended, I do not know how much was raised but the place was packed.

September 13th We will be selling the BeadsForLife Jewelry at the Waltham Mayors Picnic 10:00am – 3:00pm with the Covenant Congregational Church from Waltham.

September 16th Fund Raiser at the Chateau Restaurant – In Waltham 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm 25% of the money raised will go towards the school for the Orphans. You must present a coupon at the time of order. Coupons will be available in the narthex.

September 19th Will be a Summer Mission Team night come and have dinner and hear about the mission trips to Camden, Reynosa and Uganda. The cost is $6.00 and the meal will be Lasagna, Salad, rolls and desert. Please let Sandy know if you would be willing to make a lasagna for that evening. Tickets will be on sale after church for the next couple of weeks.

September 20th – Gifts from Around the World – Arts and Crafts sale from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm
Hand-made crafts from Uganda, India, Camden and Boston. If you have a craft you would be willing to donate for the sale it would be greatly appreciated. You may choose which charity the money raised would go to. We are also looking for Baked Goods for this day sign up is in the entrance way.

November 23rd –Burlington 7:00 – 10:00 Tickets are on sale for $10.00 now for the Simon Evening of Giving. This is an after hours charity event. The sales and giveaways are as good as the day after Thanksgiving. $7.00 of the cost of the ticket will go toward the school for the Orphans. $3.00 goes toward education and training for At Risk Youth. Please see Sandy for tickets and details.

Rebeccah from JPC

2008-08-15T20:02:00.000-07:00

Rebeccah had her baby I can not imagine being in labor as long as she was. She started labor on Friday August 8th and she was transported to a larger hospital on Sunday August 10th because of complications. She had a baby girl on Thursday August 14th. I guess they do not do C-sections in Uganda. They also do NOT use pain medication. WOW.

Her husband Alex drives a Boda Boda in Uganda to provide for his family he rents the boda boda and after paying the rental fee and gas he makes .20 cents per hour about $2.00 a day. I have sent out an appeal to all motorcycle stores in the area to take up a collection of a $1.00 a peice from every employee to try to raise money for Alex to purchase a boda boda.

Friday was the Gospel Crusade in the village of Baka I can hardly wait to hear the details from Pastor Frank. I will share with you all as soon as I find out.

Uganda Connection Overview

2008-08-06T17:18:00.000-07:00

Many new Readers feel like they are reading in the middle of a book, so I am putting in a summary.

One Man’s Stubborn Faith!

Pastor Frank’s arrival in the US
Unknown to all of us in Lexington God’s plan was in action years before we knew about it. The Jesus Power Church in Uganda made a decision that they would send their Pastor to the United States to find a connection. They had to save for many years to purchase the ticket that cost more than most of them would earn in 3 years. They had to sacrifice far more than is imaginable to most Americans. The journey began when their Pastor got on a plane and headed to America with a phone number of a person to contact in the United States. He landed in New York and called the number (the person he was calling had no idea who he was). There was one small problem the contact person lived in California. They provided Pastor Frank with a number of a person in Billerica. He called her and she did not have a car or any way to pick him up in New York. He took a bus to Boston and had to wait in the bus station over night before the women in Billerica was able to pick him up and welcomed him to her home.

Pastor Frank surfed the net looking for Churches to connect with. He visited many churches and was received but found no support. When his visit was coming to an end a member of the Wayland church paid for him to extend his visit because he had not found the support that he needed. It is amazing how thin a thread held it altogether. During the next week Pastor Frank found his way to meet with Pastor Doug from Trinity Covenant Church in Lexington. They met for lunch and the connection began. Pastor Doug invited Pastor Frank to our church to meet the members of TCC. The connection was powerful between Pastor Frank and many of the people of TCC my self included.

Pastor Frank told us of the sacrifice his church members made to send him to the US. He told of his life struggles starting with being born in the bush on the side of the road. His mother was in labor and was being transported to the hospital on the back of a bicycle. He told how when he was older he became a street child. While living on the street he heard a group of people from Australia talking about Jesus. He liked the people and the way they lived so he listened to them and made the decision to accept Jesus as his Lord and savior. He began preaching the word of the Lord and became a Pastor respected by many people. He met and married his wife Lydia also a fascinating story. While he was a Pastor he still needed to support his family so he would dress in his suite and ride his bike to a cement factory where he would change into his work clothes and work moving cement. At the end of the day he would change back into his suit and go to Church and preach to the people. He had to do this so that he would be respected, if the people knew he was working he would loose their respect. One day while working at the cement factory the cement bags fell killing some of the workers. Pastor Frank ended up in the hospital for 6 months. He knew it was God’s message that he was to preach and God would make sure his family was provided for.

Pastor Frank then talked about the Orphans that his church was supporting by running a school for them. The children were not able to attend school because the school was 10 miles away and they did not have the money to pay to attend. He said many orphans were not able to attend the school they provided because the orphans did not have any clothes. These stories touched the hearts of many and action was taken.

The shipping dilemma
Pastor Frank identified the need for computers to set up training for the members of his church so they would be qualified for jobs. Education is the key to changing lives and helping people get out of poverty. We gathered up 6 computers and monitors and shipped them to Uganda. The shipping was a couple hundred dollars and it took 3 months for them to get their by slow boat.

We then did a clothing drive and shipped 7 large boxes of clothing to the Orphans this shipment took 3 months and cost $400 dollars. We were on a roll with clothing drives there was a goal to provide every child with the clothes they needed. We filled 23 boxes every child in the Orphanage program would be provided a blanket, t-shirt, sweat shirts, beanie baby and clothes. The cost to ship these boxes was $1,400. The fund raising efforts paid for the shipping was by selling beads and a bake sale, and by selling things that earned $1.00 a purchase. The beads we sold were from Beads For Life – women in Uganda roll beads out of recycled paper and make beautiful pieces of jewelry out of what we would throw away. So our fund raisers did double duty by raising money for the orphans and the widows from Uganda.

The shipment took 8 months to get to the Uganda; it was caught up in the turmoil in Kenya no ships were allowed to unload so they had to stay off the coast until they were allowed to unload the middle of June 2008. When they arrived in Uganda customs tried to charge Pastor Frank $300.00 to receive them. He had to prove that he was associated with a Church and provide documentation. A letter had been attached to every box indicating that they were donations for the Orphans so they charged him half.

The 3 wise men from Trinity
Pastor Doug, Todd and Dave from TCC decided to take Pastor Frank up on his offer to visit Pastor Frank and his church. In June of 2007 they made the first trip to Uganda. They came back with videos/ pictures and stories of the love they were surrounded with. They felt the Power of Jesus in the Jesus Power Church. The glow on their faces as they talked it was clear that they had experienced something very powerful.
It must have been addicting for they went back 6 months later in January and had the first annual Pastors conference. I did not see the videos but I know it was powerful, when I went to Uganda in June; Pastor Frank was approached by many other Pastors asking if there was going to be another conference.

JPC and The Christian Mission Academy
Pastor Frank is an inspiration to me; his daily life is filled with more challenges than most Americans encounter in a life time. He has a stubborn faith and is not stopped or even slowed down by adversity. While dealing with all of the challenges he has being a Pastor of a church attended by 600 plus people living in extreme poverty and disease. He still took the time to answer my unending stream of questions about the orphans. He provided me with pictures and details of the orphans, and the history behind the Christian Mission Academy.

How JPC and the Christian Mission Academy became connected. The Christian Mission Academy is located in the village of Baka about 27 miles from the village of Makindye where the Jesus Power Church is located. One of the members of the Jesus Power Church wanted the gospel preached in her home village. So Pastor Frank and other members of the church went to the village of Baka to preach the gospel of Jesus. While in the village they discovered that many children were orphans and did not attend school. JPC seeing this need started a school and orphanage in the village. The end of 2006 the Orphanage and the school program were shut down by the ministry of education because they were not teaching to the education standards. Many of the orphans died of malaria in the early years of the program. The orphans were scattered until the Jesus Power Church rebuilt the school in 2007.
Approximately 110 orphans attend the Christian Mission Academy, there are 6 classrooms 1 Pastor/Director 4 teachers,
1. Pastore Segawa Joseph and his wife Grace Segawa Nalwadda.
2. Nasolo Betty
3. Mugerwa Vincent.
4. Kaitesi Margret
5. Birungi Esther.
3 cooks and many widows that take care of the children. The children attend school from 8:00 am through 5:00 pm they start their day by attending a church service conducted by Pastor Joseph. The school provides one meal every day for the children. The meal is watered down cream of wheat. Twice a year JPC provides a full meal for the children, it consists of meat, rice and beans served with a soda. The cost of this meal is a little more than $20.00 it is served Easter and Christmas. The school is a brick building with no floors, windows or doors. The class rooms have a few benches and a black board. The orphans live in very primitive conditions there are no running water or electricity in the village. When they are not in school they are working for the family they live with. Digging and working in the gardens, carrying and fetching water, taking care of their younger siblings. Some are used as slaves and worse.

My call to Uganda
I am not sure when I realized that God had a plan for me to go to Uganda. I had never traveled overseas; I did not have a passport, I had never been on a Mission Trip before. It was Gods will that I go and there was nothing that would hold me back. I loved the orphans and felt that God wanted me to go to Uganda to tell them that he loves them and he has called me to be his hand, feet and heart to be an answer to their prayers. So the end of May, 4 of us went to Uganda, Todd (his 3rd visit ) Hillary (Todd’s daughter) Michael and myself.

When I visited the Orphanage, I was completely over whelmed by 2 things. God was present in the beauty of the children was absolutely glowing in their smiles and the joy they were showing. I felt his presence and his love very strongly. The second thing I was overwhelmed by was the conditions of their bodies. Many of them have skin disease, there stomachs were swollen. I was told many of them have worms in their stomachs and they needed to be dewormed. The cracks in their feet and skin were nests for insects. The signs of dehydration were apparent in their skin and lips. I was told many were being sexually abused and had syphilis. The 15 year old children are the size of an American 8 to 10 year old. Many of the children were wearing the same clothing they had on a year ago. The last full meal they had was at Easter. The conditions I saw were far worse then they anything I had seen on TV.

While we were there we brought them pens, notebooks, lollipops, crackers, soap, salt balls and a meal. The joy and happiness on their faces was like it was Christmas. The ball enabled them to play in the village tournament. Small gifts make a Huge difference. .

I made a promise to them that I will do everything in my power to keep. I promised them that they would have at least 1 meal every week. This was the easy one I send $100.00 per month myself for this but my real goal is for them to have a meal every day. I promised they would have uniforms, shoes, medical check ups and medical care and a safe school environment.

They were measured for shoes and uniforms, the school repairs started and then the next dilemma. The landlord where the school is located is selling the land so the school will have to relocate. We have purchased the land this will bring stability to the school and is important but the medical needs are not being met for the children, nor do they have shoes or uniforms. The only change they have that they can see in the 2 months I have been back is they have one meal a week. I am continuously moved to tears when I think about their needs and the hope they have in us to make a difference in their lives.

Any donation are welcomed
Please send to
Trinity Covenant Church
Attention Sandy Gannon
7 Clematis Road
Lexington Ma
02421

Papa Gino's Fund Raiser

2008-07-27T12:57:00.000-07:00

Thank you all to who supported this fund raiser by going to Papa Gino's today! We raise close to $70.00. Not bad when the only thing you need to do is eat pizza.
Through our fund raising efforts Pastor Frank (I pray) purchased land yesterday for the orphans. He put a down payment of a $1,000 dollars and I am hoping to pay off the difference of $1100.00 by the end of September.

The next fund raiser is at the Flat Bread Pizza in Bedford August 26, 2008.
$3.00 per large pizza and $1.75 per small pizza will be donated to the land/building for the orphans.
I will be there from 5:00 to closing so if you come I am sure to see you! We will be selling our paper dolls and having a 50/50 raffle (you don't have to be there to win) as well as showing a video of the trip. (Not the video that will be played at the Mission night)

September 16th we will be having a Fund Raiser at the Chateau in Waltham 5:00- 8:00 25% of the proceeds will go to the orphans.

September 19th at Trinity Covenant Church we will be hosting a Mission night. I will talk about the trip and show a video, we will also eat. What is a fund raiser without food. The cost for this has not been determined yet it depends on what we will be eating. (between 5 and 8 dollars per person would be my guess) If you attend this you will be able to get a sneak peak at the Gifts from around the world Arts and Craft sale. It will be opened for an hour before the dinner and and hour after the dinner.

September 20th at Trinity Covenant Church we will be hosting the Gifts from around the world Arts and Craft sale. (Including Lexington and Waltham etc....)

Fund Raising Events

2008-07-14T19:19:00.000-07:00

We have several Fund Raising Events lined up to raise money to purchase the land for the orphans.

July 27 th at Papa Gino's Lexington Street Waltham -11:00am - 4:00Pm - Certificate needed for it to count towards the fund raiser. E-mail me if you would like one. 20% of proceeds goes to orphans

August 26th at Flat Bread Pizza Burlington Road, Bedford 5:00pm - Closing

September 16th Chateau Restaurant School Street, Waltham 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm 25% of proceeds goes to orphans.

September 20th Arts and Craft Fund Raiser for Children Living in Poverty around the world.
Camden, Boston, Uganda, Reynosa.....

Orphan Update

2008-07-11T05:38:00.000-07:00

I received an update from Pastor Frank yesterday. The renovations are not taking place at the school because the landlord is selling the land. They will be uprooted by the end of the year.
They are looking into a 3 year lease to set up a temporary structure. I am praying that that we can get the resources to buy the land for them. $10,000 dollars will buy the land.

They are doing a Gospel Crusade in the village to bring the word of the Lord to the adults in the village. He plans to provide the children with the gifts we shiped to them at that time. They are inviting officials to witness this event so they will be able to see what the JPC and the Christian Academy are doing for the community. Please pray this is successful the Christian Academy is in jeopardy of being shut down. I truely wish I could be there.

Anyone out there?

2008-06-28T18:30:00.000-07:00

Hello All,
I am wondering if I am writing this for my own entertainment. If you are reading and want me to keep posting updates. Please click on the comments link and sent me a message.

This week I sent $1,200 collected from the fund raising efforts to Pastor Frank for them to start work on the school.
They finally received the boxes that we sent last November. (Talk about a slow boat). The cost of shipping was $1,700. (that took a lot of fund raising). Then when they received the boxes customs wanted to charge Pastor Frank $300.00 to receive them. The note I put on every box help them to recognize that they were for the Orphans so they reduced the charge to $127.00. The orphans should receive them this week. The shipment included a blanket, a t-shirt and a beanie baby for every child.

The balls we bought as gifts for the Orphans enabled them to compete with the region schools. Small gifts can make a HUGE difference.

The Flat Bread Pizza fund raiser is scheduled for August 26th. $3.00 for every large pizza and $1.75 for every small pizza will be donated to the children.
Mid- September we will be have a craft sale at TCC. I will keep you all posted.

I will stop posting if I do not receive any response so please send me a post.

Post Cards

2008-06-27T04:57:00.000-07:00

Hello All,
Ok I have yet another thought on how to send a message to the orphans that people in the U.S. care about them. This summer as we travel on vacation pick up a post card and send it to the Orphans. (It can even be a post card from where you live)
They do not have an actual address so they can be sent through the JPC (Jesus Power Church)
Jesus Power Church/Christian Friends Mission International
P.O. Box 34547
Kampala, Uganda Africa

The cost to send a post card is .94 cents

Links to pictures

2008-06-26T18:58:00.000-07:00

http://web.mit.edu/user/m/l/mleskiw/www/2008_uganda/index.html

This is the link to Michael's pictures. You will be able to tell by his web site how much fun he was to be with during this trip.
My pictures are on snapfish, where I need to send an invite to you to allow you to view them. So if you want my link send me an e-mail.

Orphan Shoes and Uniforms

2008-06-17T09:30:00.000-07:00

Hello All,
I am requesting support from my readers. Please help provide the Orphans with shoes and Uniforms. The need is only $37.00 per child in the US this is not much money but in Uganda this is more than a couple months pay. Please sponsor 1 child by sending a check for
$37.00 for both the shoes and uniforms
$31.00 for shoes
$6.00 for a uniform.

Trinity Covenant Church
7 Clematis Road
Lexington MA 02421
Attention Sandy Gannon

The total needed to fund this project is $4,440.00
There are now 136 Orphans in the school program this year. (There school years starts the end of May.)
The shoes are sturdy and will last for a couple of years and can be passed down as they grow.

Week of June 13th in review

2008-06-13T18:06:00.000-07:00

While the shipment of clothes and blankets have finally arrived in Uganda, but not without an issue. The Uganda customs is trying to charge Pastor Frank $300.00 to receive the the boxes. I have contacted our shipping company to call the Uganda Customs agent to tell them that the clothes are not for resale. Pastor Frank is being charged daily for the boxes staying in customs.
Please pray that this is resolved without any cost to Pastor Frank. I will keep you posted.

Pastor Frank has updated me that they are working on the school but he did not send me what the cost of improvement is. The Uganda Ministry of Education will be inspecting the school on June 20th.

Thursday I spoke at the Waltham High School about the trip to Uganda. The children were a very good audience listened to me and they asked many great questions. I have been invited back in the fall and they want to plan a fund raiser.

Orphanage Update

2008-06-09T17:53:00.000-07:00

Today Steven and Pastor Frank, transported people from the shoe store to measure the children for shoes. They need closed in shoes to prevent jiggers (insect that crawl inside there skin and lay eggs) They are very painful and distort the childrens feet. The shoes will provide protection.

A Contractor (my terminology) was also transported to the Orphanage to measure for windows, doors and floors. This will allow the teachers to leave their school supplies at school. (they have to carry them back a forth now). The floors will also help prevent the children from sitting in dirt while they are learning.

The next plan of action Pastor Frank is arranging a Doctor to come out to the school to check on the children. I will be provided a detailed report of each childs health needs. (I will be asking for support to meet these needs)

The children will also be measured for uniforms for school. (Many of the children are wearing the same outfit they had on last year when Pastor Doug, Todd and Dave visited them). We will also be providing them with draw string back packs to carry their supplies back and forth to school.

A BIG THANK YOU TO CHRISTINE FROM DANCE PLACE! She organized a fund raiser called Nourish the children which will be providing the orphans with a meal everyday for the next 30 days.

Walking In the Village

2008-06-07T16:37:00.000-07:00

When we walked in the village you would think that Hillary and I were celebrities. Children bowed to us, they wanted to touch us. They followed us calling Muzungo (White person).
Even little children barely able to walk would come up to touch us. We were the only white people in the village. We asked Esther why they wanted to touch us. She told us that our white skin looks so soft that the children want to feel the softness.
The streets were always crowed with many people walking around day and night.

Kampala Uganda

2008-06-07T03:46:00.000-07:00

While in Uganda I kept a journal so I would remember what I experienced. I will share these expereinces with you.
The city of Kampala is very much like any big city big building and much traffic congestion. The contrast is there were no lights to control the traffic, but here was no visable road rage. They have vans and boda bodas (motor cycles) to transport people to and from their destinations. The boda bodas amazed me they defied all safety rules. The did not wear helmets sometime they were transporting large packages, produce and entire families. The roads have speed bumps (some very LARGE) and are full of pot holes. I did not see any accidents and amazingly felt very safe on the roads there. Pastor Frank is an amazing driver.

Internet Cafe- and other business ideas

2008-06-04T18:58:00.000-07:00

The Internet Cafe is a business being opened by the Jesus Power Church. The location is great.
If all goes well it will be opening this week. This business will provide employment for several people from the church. Michael is working on this project with Pastor Frank.

The Women's group from the church are exploring the opportunity of opening a catering business. This business idea would provide work for many of the women. The are in desperate need of income. I promised them that I would work to find them sponsors here in the US.

Saturday the women's group met to cook. We made potato sandwiches which were delicious. Potatoes boiled and mashed, sauteed chopped onions, scallions, shredded carrots. Mingled with the mashed potatoes and put on bread and then toasted. Hedega provided the guidance and recipe for this meal. She went to school for Hotel and Restaurant Management; her skills are a great match for the catering business. This wonderful meal was created with out any modern convenience's.

Our Visit to the Orphanage

2008-06-03T18:46:00.000-07:00

I have posted pictures on snapfish, if you would like the link to it send me an e-mail.
s-gannon@hotmail.com
My time in Uganda was wonderful, but my favorite was spending time at the Christian Academy Mission Program where the orphans go to school.
The orphans were beautiful they were filled with the spirit of the Lord. There bodies showed the neglect of the world. They had just returned from their school break. Pastor Frank asked them what they did during their vacation. Every child that was asked had the same answer digging on the land.

There heads are crooked from carrying water on their heads from an early age. They have skin disease, many have worms in their empty stomachs, there feet are full of jiggers (worms and insects) that have crawled in through the cracks in their feet, some of them battle many other diseases.
The meal they have daily looked like watered down cream of wheat. At Christmas and Easter they have a full meal of Rice, beans, meat and a bottle of soda. Every other day they have the watered down cream of wheat. Their clothes are falling apart and dirty.
On our first visit we brought the children pens, note books, candy, biscuts, soap and salt. They were very excited and happy with their gifts.
On our second visit we provided the children with a lunch of beans and rice. The older children served the younger children. They did not have enough plates so they also had to wait until someone finished eating before they could eat. The meal of beans and rice for 110 children was $18.00.We also brought them 2 balls a netball for the girls and a football for the boys. They were very excited. When we left the orphanage they ran behind the car for a long time. I am sure the teachers did not get them settled down to learn for the rest of the day.
I made a promise that I will do everything in my power to keep. I promised that they would have a meal like that at least 1 time per week. They would have shoes for their feet and a uniform to wear with a small back pack to carry their school supplies in. They would also have the medicine that they need to help end their suffering.

I talked one on one with 13 of the older children. I wanted to know their dreams it was incredibly painful when I realized that they did not know how to dream.

Returned today

2008-06-02T11:19:00.000-07:00

I returned from Uganda today. I am tired after the the 18 hours of travel so my blog today will be short. I will post more tomorrow.
When we arrived in Uganda 24 people met us. Pastor Frank, his wife Lydia, his children Leah, Lincoln and Todd Douglas and 21 church members. Even though I only knew Pastor Frank, it was like meeting relatives that you do not get to see very often. There were 2 vans and a car.
The ride was quite an adventure, there are no street lights they drive on the left hand side of the road and there are many pot holes and speed bumps with MANY MANY people walking in the road. Over the week the people that met us plus many more have become my life long friends.
It was amazing to me that although the poverty was more than I imagined the beauty of the people was very powerful. I immediately felt like I belonged.

Leaving on Saturday

2008-05-22T19:00:00.000-07:00

That month went by very quickly. While I am a little disappointed that I did not reach my goal of raising $10,000 before leaving, I have not given up the past 2 weeks I have been too busy to do fund raising. Last weekend my daughters were in their dance recital. But I will hit the ground running when I get back.
I am Coordinating a Fund Raising Event at Flat Bread Pizza in Bedford on August 5th. Money is provided to the charity for all pizza's sold on that evening. Take out, or eat in. Plan to have pizza that night. They allow a fund raising table also; I have not planned all of the details for the table but will definitely have a 50/50 raffle that you don't have to be present to win.

Another disappointment this week the corporate sponsor bagged out of the committment to sponsor Immacualate for her education. I have started trying to find another corporate sponsor but no luck so far. If any one reading my blog thinks thier company would be willing to sponsor her please let me know. Details of the cost is further down on the blog.

I will try to keep you posted as much as possible while I am there. I will be bringing a video camera as well as a digital camera.

This is our travel information going

NorthWest Airline Flight 38 leaving Boston 7:00 PM 5/24/2008
Arriving Amsterdam 8:00 Am on 5/25/2008
NorthWest Airline Flight 8441 leaving Amsterdam 11:10 Am 5/25/2008
Arriving in Entebbe 8:15 PM 5/25/2008

I will be coming back alone (I could only take 1 week vacation)
NorthWest Airline Flight 8470 leaving Entebbe 10:20 PM Sunday June 1
Arriving Amsterdam 5:50 Am Monday Morning
NorthWest Airline Flight 59 leaving Amsterdam 8:25 Am
Arriving in Boston 10:25 Am

:)

Update from the Weekend

2008-05-12T17:55:00.001-07:00

We had a wonderful yard sale, we held it inside because of the threat of rain. We had many laughs and there was a good steady flow of people all day long.
The Poverty Awareness Table raised
BeadsForLife = $167.00
Invisible Children = $80.00
Blessing Baskets = $60.00
Urban Promise = $10.00
People project = $168.00
Bringing our total raised for the Orphanage to $1562.00

On Sunday Mike and I did our Ministry Moments, for the first time in my life I had more to say than my allotted time. I had to cut down what I had prepared. I was not nervous it was something I really wanted to do. I know that it was God working through me. Everyone who knows me, knows my fear of public speaking and that I am a woman of few words. I am willing to speak where ever anyone is willing to listen to me. (Many people don't want to hear about poverty, I think it makes them uncomfortable). I have volunteered to speak at the Waltham High School, I will connect with the Director of the History Department when I return. I am hoping that I can coordinate a fund raiser at the High School also.

Uganda Trip Update

2008-05-08T18:48:00.000-07:00

Our plans have changed we will not be staying in a hotel, we are staying in a house in the village. This is exciting because we will not spend as much time travelling back and forth. Pastor Frank has a car now so he will be able to drive us around. I am not sure if there is an Internet cafe near where we will be staying.

There are 13 Children that have 1 year left at the Christian Academy there options is secondary school (like our high school) or trade school. 1 year at the secondary school costs $200.00 and the trade school is $170.00. I will be talking with each of the student to find out what they are interested in doing. I want to encourage them to dream, then I will try to make it happen.

On a side note:
We set up for the yard sale tonight, we are prepared for rain so it is set up inside. If it doesn't rain we will move it out side. There is a lot of really neat stuff. We have a professional Baker that is bringing cakes for the bake sale that would be perfect for mothers day.

Church Yard Sale this Saturday May 10th

2008-05-06T18:40:00.000-07:00

At Trinity Covenant Church

Great Gifts for Mothers days

The Great American Bake Sale. This is to end childhood hunger. (Sponsored by the Acts of Kindness Children)
Mukasa Baskets these are baskets handmade by women around the world living in poverty. Bangladesh - Uganda -Ghana (Big hit this weekend at church)
BeadsForLife - Beautiful Hand made bracelets, necklaces, earrings made by women from Uganda (Big hit in January)
Invisible Children - Bracelets, videos, T-shirts (These are in support of the children that are called night travellers. In Northern Uganda children walk to hospitals or train stations to sleep so they will not be abducted by the LRA)
Urban Promise - Cards, TShirts, and Posters made by the children living in poverty in Camden NJ.

Trinity Women Cook Books - Books- Plants- Household items - Free Coffee- (There will be no clothing sold at this yard sale) Proceeds will go towards sponsoring a mission trip to an Orphanage in Reynosa Mexico (I am not going on the mission trip to Mexico but 13 people from the Church are going the first week in July) Trinity has been involved with the Reynosa Orphanage for about 6 years. Doing amazing things.

Fund Raising Update

2008-05-05T18:39:00.000-07:00

The update for this weekends fund raising activities -The baskets, beads, DVD's and the paper dolls (picture of them all on the right)
The total raised this weekend for people living in poverty around the world was $488.00. Of this amount $210.00 will go toward the Orphanage.
This brings the total to $1,317.00. My really aggressive goal is to raise $10,000 to buy the land for the Orphans before I leave on May 24th. I know it is a long way off but "With God all things are possible"

I still have 32 Orphans that do not have a prayer sponsor. If anyone is interested and willing to pray for one of these precious children send me an e-mail with your name and address and if you would like to a boy or a girl. I will mail you a picture and small bio of a child. There is no other commitment just prayer. For their health, their educations, their living conditions. I am a very strong believer in the POWER of PRAYER! s-gannon@hotmail.com

I have been asked by many people who have seen my blog how they can contribute.
All donations no matter the size are appreciated many people contributing small amounts can make a hugh difference.
please make the check out to Trinity Covenant Church and send it to
Trinity Covenant Church
Attention Sandy Gannon
7 Clematis Road
Lexington, MA
02421-7109

Church Partners

2008-05-03T17:03:00.000-07:00

Flip Flops
Today I met Abby from the Waltham Congregational Church and the church has collected close to 100 flip flops for the orphans. This is a blessing because most of the Orphans do not have any shoes. They have also collected the money to ship them. I will see how big a container they need and maybe we will be able to take them with us. I am very excited about this partnership and look forward to working with them in the future on more fund raising projects. I may be speaking at there monthly Pot Luck dinner when I get back. The paper dolls will be sold and displayed at there church next. Let me know if your church is interested in being involved in this project.

The goal is to raise $30,000 dollars to buy land build and furnish the school and orpahanage.
I will post tomorrow how much we have raised todate.

Corporate Sponsor Committment

2008-05-02T20:07:00.000-07:00

I have a commitment from a corporate sponsor to pay for 2 years of College for Immaculate. The cost is a little more than $2400.00 for a 2 year degree. She will start school in July enrolled in Human Resource Management.
Break down of a semester
Tuition fee .........................700,000 shilling - USD- $421.00
Consolidated fee................250,000 shilling -USD $150.00
Identity.................................10,000 shilling - USD $16.00
Medical..................................40,000 shilling - USD $24.00
Computer..............................40,000 shilling - USD $24.00
Research fee...................... 100,000 shilling - USD $60.00

Interesting Info about the Orphanage

2008-05-01T18:12:00.000-07:00

I have information for 78 of the 110 children. There are 36 boy and 42 girls.

Baby or not specified 17 - 8 boys 9 girls

1st grade 8 children 6 boys 2 girls

2nd grade 17 children 6 boys 11 girls

3rd grade15 children 7 boys 8 girls

4th grade 8 children 1 boy 7 girls

5th grade 6 children - 2 boys 4 girls

6th grade 7 children - 5 boys -2 girls

I pray and worry about them all but the children I am most concerned about are the children that are in grade six. There education will come to an end as the Christian Friends Mission Orphanage Program and they have no skills so they do not have many choices. While I am there my goal is to find out what can be done to help the children that have completed their primary education and can not afford to go onto Senior Education.

Back ground on the Orphans

2008-04-29T18:16:00.000-07:00

The Orphanage was started when the Pastor of the JPC went to preach in a village and discovered that there were many orphans that did not have any family and did not go to school because they could not walk the 10 miles to the Government school. So the Orphanage and school was started. In 2006 the school was shut down by the Ugandan Government because they were not teaching to the standard syllabus. (I guess no education is better than a poor quality education) Both the school and orphanage were torn down.

In 2007 the school was built (the picture) there is still no orphanage. The children live with widows, relatives or people from the village. My response was that is good they live with families that is better than living in an orphanage. I was assured this is not better for the children because they are used as slaves.

The children attend school from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. As a result of our support the school is now able to provide the children with 1 meal a day. The meal is usually rice and bananas. They suffer from malaria, skin disease and abdominal pain from poor eating. The children have been so hungry that they had to eat dirt to stop the hunger pains. The church pays for Doctors to visit the children but they do not have enough money to pay for the medicine needed.

Their needs are many, but these children are very greatful for everything they have.

Preparing

2008-04-28T18:54:00.000-07:00

Today I went for my last series of shots. Glad that is over, I have been lucky one member of our team became very ill from the yellow fever shot.

Here is an update on what I plan to do while in Uganda

My Number 1 is to visit with the Orphans from the Christian Academy Mission Orphanage Program and get to know them. I have been working on getting prayer sponsors for each of them. It is overwhelming to think that in Uganda alone there are 1.5 million orphans, these are children raising them selves.

Meeting Pastor Wilson who creates beauful Batik Art, he has 6 children he is trying to support , todate I have sold 2 pieces of Artwork My plan is to have a web site soon.

Meeting Immaculate she has adopted me as her maama , her mother died when she was 8. She is 23 and unemployed living with her father that is very ill. She is interested in going to the Uganda University to study Human Resources. I am going to try to find a corporate sponsor to pay for her education. The cost per semester in Uganda is only $600.00. I will be going to the University while I am there. (I am not sure if I will be speaking there or not)

I will be doing public speaking at Churches while I am there. I have no idea yet what I will be saying. I am not sure what other adventures Pastor Frank has planned for me. I will be speaking at Trinity Covenant Church in Lexington in a couple of weeks.

Interesting news update on Joseph Kony leader of the LRA is suppose to be signing a peace agreement hopefully on May 10th. People are still being abducted by the LRA in the past couple of months. The peace agreement was supposed to be signed the end of March but Joseph Kony got mad and killed all of the people that worked closely with him.
Please ask questions!

April 27th 2008- In less than a month I will be leaving

2008-04-27T16:55:00.000-07:00

Hello All,
I am becoming a blogger so that I can keep you all posted on my adventure. First a BIG THANK YOU to all that have contributed to building the Orphanage, the total raised so far is $1,107.

I kicked off 3 fund raising events today, the penny drive, cans and my paper dolls. Each paper doll sells for $1.00 and I put it on a big display board. The kids decorate them older people just put their name on it. (I sold 50 today).

May 10th we are having a yard sale at the church (Rain or Shine)the money raised from that will help pay for some of our trip. The yard sale will have a couple of special tables

The Great American Bake Sale. This is to end childhood hunger.
Mukasa Baskets these are baskets hand made by women around the world living in poverty.
BeadsForLife - Beautiful Hand made beads made by women from Uganda
Invisible Children - Bracelets and videos (These are in support of the children that are called night travellers. In Northern Uganda children walk to hospitals or train stations to sleep so they will not be abducted by the LRA Joseph Kony) HORRIFYING SITUATION.
Urban Promise - Cards and Posters made by the children living in poverty in Camden NJ.

I would love to see you all there.

I recently met Grace Akallo - Co-Author of Girl Soldier. She is an amazing woman. When she was 15 she was one of the 139 girls abducted by the LRA from the Aboke School. Her faith and strenght is inspiring

Tomorrow I go for my final series of shots, not my favorite part of preparing for this trip.

My Uganda Adventure

Graduating Students

The beginning of a New Year

Farouq- update

New Year Resolution

Christmas Celebration

Christmas in the Village

Daytime with Donna

End of the School Year

Donation Button

2011 review

Farouq-

Uganda 2011

Crafts from Around the World

A Piece of Paper

The Children of Uganda

Heading to Uganda October 1st

Uganda 2011

Returning to Uganda

Being God's Love

Amazing story of 2 little girls

Comments from sponsors

Children needing sponsors

2010 year in Review

Christmas in Uganda

Goals for 2011

Child Sponsor Program

Womens Sewing Business

My Arrival in Uganda

Uganda 2010

Returning to Uganda

Semester Break

August 7th update

Sponsorship Program

Water

June 4th

Pastor Frank- 5-30-2010

Sposored children

Orphanage update

2009 a Year in Review

Sponsored Children

Starting in the New School

Stories behind the Pictures.

My latest Projects

Steven goes to school

The school will be finished!

WE DID IT!

I NEED YOUR HELP!!!!!!

Orphan Update

Orphange update

Orphanage update

Orphanage - Update

Changing the World

Orphans- Christmas Party

The Orphans Christmas Celebration

Do we know its Christmas

Namanya Olivia's Story

Mukisa Steven - adopted by Steven

Stevens' Story -

Fund Raising Update

Fund Raising Update

Fund Raising Update

Pastor Frank

September !

Flat Bread Pizza

Rebeccah from JPC

Uganda Connection Overview

Papa Gino's Fund Raiser

Fund Raising Events

Orphan Update

Anyone out there?

Post Cards

Links to pictures

Orphan Shoes and Uniforms

Week of June 13th in review

Orphanage Update

Walking In the Village

Kampala Uganda

Internet Cafe- and other business ideas

Our Visit to the Orphanage