I'm back safe and sound. The trip is hard to talk about because we did so many things, and there are so many stories it is a bit overwhelming. I think the most important thing I have learned is the importance of hope. The persona of people who are having trouble getting by here in America is depression and hopelessness but in my experience in Uganda this is not the case. Instead they do the best they can. They dress as well as they can afford and don't complain but instead make do with the things that they do have. It really made me think about priorities and the pointless things that so easily become our greatest concern. They are full of hope and their love for God is very evident. They trust Him and see Him constantly providing for needs in their life which gives them hope to know He will continue to take care of them. Even though their lives are not easy they give God glory and are constantly praising His name. Its beautiful to see and so encouraging to know we serve the same God who is looking after all of his children all over the world. In Godfrey's interview about the school building project he says that since God gave us funds for the two class rooms, "He will even give us funds for the whole project!"
I am excited to fund raise and get ready for next summer! We have lots of plans to help expand Simone's Kids to more than just building a school but to also reach out to the community and families in Nakaseke. For example, once the cafeteria has been built I want to start a dinner program. Most of the child at the school don't have parents. They live with either a grandmother or a guardian. Most of the adults died from AIDS or the war that ended about 20 years ago. The kids get fed a two meals while they are at school. They get a full cup of porridge in the morning and in the evening some beans. They also get vegetables such as roasted maize and some fruit like mango. But once they go back to their compounds they do not usually get anymore food. The families do not have money to feed their kids again. Sending your kids to school in a third world country is the biggest priority for parents and guardians. They place it over food. But since Simone's Kids now offers a free primary school to the children in Nakaseke we also need to help them with other needs. That is why I want to start a dinner program. I have not figured out all the details of what it would exactly entail, but I know the idea is possible if I do all my research. I also want to gather donations to be able to bring all the kids at the school back another pair of clothes. Because while we were their we had some donations that we were able to pass out, but not all the children got an outfit and it was really heartbreaking to see how upset the kids were who got nothing. So I have my work cut out for me and with God's help me and my team will be able to go back next summer and make these more than just ideas.
While we were at the school we gathered information and took pictures of each child in the school. That way we can get each kid sponsored to give all the children a free education. Its an amazing program and the money goes to teacher salaries, supplies, and food. It is only $12 a month. Simone is putting up pictures of all the unsponsored kids on facebook. If you are interested go like her page and check it out! She has an album on her Simone's Kids page. You can also check out more about the organization itself at SimonesKids.com
I can't wait to see what God does with Simone's Kids and Nakaseke. I am so blessed to have been able to meet Simone and get involved in this organization to help these amazing people! While I was in Uganda helping those kids and just being with them, I just knew this is where I was supposed to be. It will be exciting to see God move and grow this organization. Big things are happening in Nakaseke. Thank you God's Hope Primary School. I will miss you but I'll be seeing you soon.
Laura Grace
