Just returning from my 9th visit to Uganda, the team I lead is different every time. The work we need to do is different. I am continually humbled by the families in Bakka, their lives are filled with endless manual labor.
Our visits number one priority, to identify potential sites for additional Bore Holes in the 6 zones, that currently don't have a clean source of water. This required us to go deeper into the bush than I've been in the past. We met with families willing to donate their land for this gift to the village. They are currently getting their water from stagnant puddles, no more than 8 inches deep. The need is so great and seeing their water source in person is overwhelming. Picture on the side.
During the week we visited several families, helped a 15 year old girl with a baby find a job. Visited several schools and gave out shirts and sweaters that were donated. Held a deworming day for children and their families. Matt and Fred played a song they wrote at the deworming event. We walked through the village and passed out dolls, balls, jump ropes and had fun with the children.
We were known by the children in the village as the sweetie van, we passed out sweeties (lollipops ) from the van every day. When we saw a child on the road Matt, Fred and Julie would yell sweetie and toss them a sweetie. All the children's faces would light up with the brightest smiles. A sweetie is a rare treat.
On Saturday we brought 7 children that are in the 7th grade on a shopping spree. These children's sponsors sent them money. They were all given the money the sponsors sent they could spend it however they wanted. They will be talking about this day for a long time. All 7 purchase a new outfit and shoes and had money left over. Why did we select only 7, we had to limit the number of children based on the van capacity, 7 with the team made the van 2 over capacity.
For all other sponsored children we either gave the money to the child based on their age or we delivered it to their parents.
We attended Church at New Harvest Christian Church. We were reminded how dangerous the world is when we had to be scanned before entering the church. I failed the scan, my bug spray can set off the detector. We brought greetings to the church and Matt and Fred played the song they wrote for the children. The church liked it so much they chanted for an encore.
Monday the children of Kisoboka Academy had a presentation for us. They had traditional singing and dancing, put on a skit of HIV awareness. Matt and Fred played their song for the assembly. The children loved it and joined in singing and clapping.
We wrapped up the week in the village meeting with the Chairman and the Police. It is important that we keep them involved with the work we are doing. It is important they support our work and we are on the right path meeting the needs of the village.
A week is never long enough so much more work to do. So much more to learn, I am already praying for our next visit.
