Changing Uganda - One Child At A Time

What I have learned...

Africa could be one of the richest nations. It has so many resources...down to the soil that is used for making bricks. But it has coffee, tea and much produce. It also has many people with many traits. I think it is the government and the division of unity because of tribes that has created the poverty in the nation...at least in Uganda.

Watoto has three villages...one named Bbira (meaning "forest"), another named Suubi (meaning "hope"), and the third is named Buloba. We will visit Suubi and see what is happening there, and we will be working at Bbira. Bbira has a primary and secondary school, and this is where our team will be building a kindergarten room and a teacher's home. Suubi has a primary school and is in the process of establishing a secondary school. Suubi also has a vocational school. This village (approximately 150 acres) homes 816 kids.

It is Watoto's goal to have 10,000 kids in their care.

Watoto is like our foster care system here in the states. So it is the government who approves each child in their care, they also have the ability to take the children away.

A Testimony to what Watoto is doing and how they are impacting Uganda...

At one point the Ugandan government was having political disagreements with one of the tribes, thus causing the tribe to voice their concern that the children in the hands of the Watoto were going to be brainwashed with their beliefs. At the request of the tribe the government removed sixteen kids who are associated with this tribe and put into the tribal care and housed in a teacher's home. The kids were disappointed. The teacher went out with her class and left the kids that just came from Watoto. It was the oldest child that stated to the other kids "OK guys, Watoto has taught us to be leaders. So leaders we will be." And with that they cleaned the teacher's home, straitened up the home, and organized her books. When the teacher returned and saw what the kids had done she went to the tribe leader and told him that the kids don't belong here. And the kids returned back to Watoto into open arms.

Our Day -

After breakfast we all piled into the buses and drove to the villages. It took an hour to get to the first village (Bbira). We went through Kampala and the outskirts of it. I saw so much poverty, more than before. Again so many stores. People's homes are stores and they live in the back.

We entered the first village - it it such a beautiful and peaceful setting. There weren't many kids seen. We toured the facility and visited with some kids and adults we had seen. We piled back into the buses and drove up the road (about 1/2 hour away) to the next village, which sits at the top of the mountain. Not only is this village peaceful and beautiful but also has a breathtaking view. We toured and a student-worker (part of the vocational school) gave me a personal tour. They teach welding, wood working, and brick making and building. Sewing is also taught in another building. All the things built in the school and built for the school (for example: the cribs).

We were able to walk around in the village where all the homes were. One of my highlights was an eleven year old girl who came up to me, grabbed my hand and took me on a tour of the homes. She made me feel welcomed, and she was so proud and thankful for where she lives. She had only been with Watoto for a couple of years, so she's old enough to know what life was like without the hope Watoto has given her. Watoto has given so many a second chance - just like Jesus. I was sad to have to say good-bye, but I rejoiced knowing that she was in such a healthy and beautiful place.

After the tour and lunch we headed back home.

Dinner was spaghetti! The food has been really good here...nothing like I had expected. And again, Coke or Fanta is always served. Our team gathered for a time to get to know each other - where we shared our names, where we are from and our testimony of why we are involved with Watoto and now in Uganda. So many trials and so many stories were shared. God revealed that He does have a purpose and a plan. He has gathered these people from all over the world and put us together. I also think that many of the people back home think I'm here to bring light to Uganda, but I think it is us - me that is coming here and receiving light to bring back home.

People here are very friendly and welcoming. Is there bad here? Yes, but isn't there bad at home too? Where ever we may be, whatever country we are in we are people who choose our selfish and sinful lives. But it is God that changes the life of His people.

One thing I realized today is I haven't seen any "elderly" since I have arrived. But then I remember the lifespan of the Ugandans, and the medium age being 15 years old. How sad to not have the older generation to share in the life of the young.

Kids here can be greedy just like at home. Kids are kids where ever you go. Here the kids call out for "sweeties" (referring to candy) because so many Mazungus (white person) have brought and given the treats to the kids.

My God Moment -

I remembered how God gave me a heart for orphans back in my teenage years. God is reclaiming my heart and igniting a fire within!