Friday, November 11, 2016

Our trip to Uganda

Now that I have settled back in to life here and feel more organized again, I finally have a moment to share more about my trip to Uganda.  We have been supporting kids at the Kibaale Community Centre for over 6 years.  We loved the fact that all our money goes directly to our child.  None of it is spent on administration because the administration costs are covered by another organization.  The other thing that struck me when deciding to sponsor a child is that I can have a social worker visit their home and find out what their needs are.  And then I can donate money for those specific needs to be met.

When I was asked to help plan a fundraiser for the Kibaale Community Centre I accepted the challenge.  The New Life Gala raised over $200 000 in support of this organization.  And we are doing it again!  On February 18th, 2017.  I had no idea this event was going to be the beginning of a relationship and commitment by my husband and I to this charity.  And now that we have seen it all with our own eyes and really looked at the ins and outs of this place, we are more committed than ever.

The first time I saw these smiling faces I almost completely fell apart.  It was amazing to finally be in Kibaale.  They instantly captured our hearts!


We had the opportunity to do home visits to meet our kids and their families.  This is a picture of our friend's sponsor child.  Her dad passed away years ago, and her mom just died a couple of months ago.  This is her grandma with her grandma's new baby... I guess her uncle!

This is Jankias, one of our sponsor kids and her family - with the goat we brought them!
 

This is where they live.

This is Henry, another one of our kids, with his new toys.  He has the brightest smile and the loveliest personality.  He was just diagnosed with epilepsy.  Kibaale Community Centre has been able to take him to the Dr.'s and get him proper medication for his condition.  Because he is sponsored Henry and his family can get free medical care at KCC.

This is Vicent.  He is a beautiful boy.  His dad is able to work at KCC doing grounds maintenance which supplements the family's income.

Kibaale is one of the most challenging regions of Uganda.  There is mostly no electricty and no running water.  It is ground zero for the AIDS/HIV epidemic and one of the most impacted areas of Africa.  The Kibaale Community Centre is a place of hope for the whole district.  Right now they are experiencing one of the most devastating droughts in recent history.  The centre has been able to give life saving famine relief supplies to hundreds of family in the area.
 




This is Caroline.  She is a special needs student.  Without KCC she would be an outcast of society.  But now she is thriving in school learning many life-giving skills including sign language.

Not everyone is pushed through school the same way.  Each child is given opportunities that best suit their needs.  This young man is learning a trade so that he will one day be able to use to support his family.

We also visited 2 single moms whose lives have been drastically changed by their child being sponsored.  Their stories and more will be told at the New Life Gala on February 18th.  We are still looking for sponsors for this amazing event.  Click HERE for more details.


We visited other areas and other organizations too.  This is Steven.  He looks about 6 months old, but he is 2.  He was taken from a home recently where he was being mistreated and is now living in a orphanage.  I want him!



And then a little fun with our friends.  Going on a trip like this is amazing.  But going on a trip like this with some of your dearest friends...  is beyond amazing!



 

And then a safari in Queen Elizabeth Park



In recent months my charity works has become such a big part of who I am.  Im so thankful that you've taken the time to read the story of our trip.  There is so so much more to tell.