Team 15 - are on their way home... Safari!!

Team 15 are now on their way home and as part of the reward for a job well done - they get to have a couple of days R&R on safari in Kenya... They traveled from Uganda to Kenya and have settled in at the Sweetwater Tented Camp in the Old Pejeto Conservatory. They have been priviledged to see lions, giraffes, buffalo, rhinos, wild boar (pumba), antelopes, zebras, bucks, and many more wonderful creatures.... they will be back in Australia on Saturday....

Team 15 - Final Day in Uganda.. at the Village of Hope

The final day for the team at the Village of Hope was filled with lots of fun and games, jumping castle, face painting a game of soccer, pork and chapattis. There were speeches, the presentation of certificates to the team members and dancing by the wonderfully talented VOH children - all in all a very emotional day.

There was a strong sense of accomplishment and unity amongst the team. Everyone spoke of great connections and a great organisation both in Uganda and in Australia and a team who came as visitors but left as true HopeBuilders.. it is our hope that the prayer on the guard house at the Village will be true for each of the team members...  "May all who enter be blessed, and may all who leave be a blessing!"

Team 15 - The Last few Days in Uganda....

The work has continued to progress very well at the Village of Hope. Whilst at times challenged with availability of tools and materials, the team has excelled and worked well together, and been able to get a lot done, in fact, more than was originally expected. The admin building roof has been extended along with the walls, the farm shed is almost ready for the walls to be put on and houses 9 & 10 are bagged inside and out - a very messy but "fun" job :) 

The team also visited Jinja Christian School and were impressed by the facilities and inspired by the commitment of Ron and Anne.

The also enjoyed dinner out with David, Emma and Ronnie - some of our faithful, hard-working HopeBuilders workers.. around the Village of Hope. 

The days are winding down, with some downtime in Jinja and making plans for a farewell celebration on Monday. The team enjoyed their last visit and celebration service at the local church - Abundant Life.. Along with our great VOH children and mammas.

Our second last night in Jinja was spent by some doing devotions with the children at the Village - which was followed by a very cool night with guitars, singing, sodas, bongos, crafts and chatting...  AWESOME!

Team 15 visit to Home of Hope

It is very hard to describe this experience, but going from the Village of Hope to the Home of Hope was quite a trip... not physically or logistically but emotionally and spiritually.

The Home of Hope is the only home of its kind in Uganda and it provides care of children with disabilities (multiple disabilities). It is generally believed in Uganda that a child with a disability is the result of a curse on the family, so these children are often abandoned, due to the stigma. This home had been struggling to survive and pay for food and staff, which is when HopeBuilders stepped in and now provide support to keep it going. The staff are incredible and inspirational, because of their dedication, care and commitment. The entire team was deeply impacted, but had a most enjoyable time playing with the kids. The kids were extremely excited to see the team and the faster the members ran while pushing their wheel chairs the better it was and the more they laughed, or smiled or simply were content. An incredible place and one that all at HopeBuilders are blessed to support.