Day 8

Today we began our day on the top of monkey mountain - with a fresh breeze in the air we had to snuggle up to stay warm - but things warmed up as the big ball of orange worked its way through the clouds. We were then off to home of hope for an intense half day digging pumping and mixing - some sore bodies at the end of it.

We had the afternoon off spending some time at the Source of the Nile, the Keep - amazing milkshakes - the market and then to the Gately for dinner to end of another big day in Uganda. #godisgood #greattimes

Today was our last day at Hope of Hope which was bittersweet. It was sad to say goodbye to the kids because every time they saw you they were so happy and to put a smile of these kids’ faces felt so rewarding. We spent our last half day completing the laundry slab and digging a trench from the slab to the road to put a pipe in. A few of girls decided to take some of the kids in wheelchairs for a walk down the road and they got so excited. Because the staff are always so busy, they do not get a chance to take the kids out so it was good to get them out of the house. The girl I was pushing I had not seen smile for the three days I was there and then all of a sudden a small giggle escaped from her mouth and a smile spread across her face and it was so amazing to see. Such a small thing brought me so much happiness. Just taking these kids out for half an hour or so seems like such a small thing to us but to them it must mean the world. Being at home of hope was extremely confronting for me and very emotionally draining, however it opened my eyes to what condition some kids have to live in. However, seeing their faces light up when seeing you was really special and to think I have enriched these kids’ lives in some way is an amazing feeling; an experience I won’t forget.  – Megan 

1 week down!!

Hello from Coby my second time here and just as awesome you always leave some of yourself behind even after 2 years it is aunty coby everywhere teaching a bit of knitting I thought but I think there where about 30 kids a crazy morning but a few days later they walk around with the knitting very enthusiastic I know I have some more friends here even a few want to come and live with me looking after the old lady ha ha

The Home of Hope, such a beautiful place with beautiful souls. We spent our second day there pouring concrete, carting rocks and pumping bore water to create a laundry and a concrete area for the children to be on, rather than the dirt/mud patch outside the back of the house. In the morning Michelle, Ingrid, Maddy and Suzanne took 5 of the children out in their wheelchairs for a walk along the road…they were so excited. Walking past the school along the road we could hear music playing, something you don’t often hear. But it’s holidays at the moment, where was it coming from? The music became louder and the kids got more excited. Then from behind us, a man pulled up on a pushbike, microphone strapped to the front, a barrel strapped to the back – the Ugandan Mr Whippy Van. Children from neighbouring houses came running, he scooped small cones for every child and we bought our children a cone each. It was a beautiful moment, watching them enjoying their gift, something we consider normal – icecream. It’s those moments, seeing those faces and hearing the giggles that make your heart smile. We come to Uganda to help, serve and give but come away enriched, loved and changed by those who live here.  (Suzanne)

Edith was so excited about receiving her new computer and there was some truely African celebration in the office when Paul handed it over.

Another day in the life of team 17

Today was the first day working at Home of Hope; we are building their laundry and also paving the section at the back so the children don’t have to crawl around in the mud. Home of Hope takes in children with disabilities who have been dumped there by their families or been brought there by the police who have found the children either in the streets or in extreme cases in the bin. In Uganda disability is seen as a curse on the family, or is associated with witch craft and evil spirits. So these children who need special care and lots and lots of love have been abandoned by their families or even left to die. Edith is the founder of Home of Hope, God had blessed her with her son Derek who later after having a brain tumour lived with cerebral palsy, because of her choice to take care of this special boy she was neglected by her friends, family and her husband’s family, but her thankfully her husband still stood by her. She continued to take care of her son, and God continued to lead her to take care of other children with special needs. This led her to open Home of Hope and she is now taking care of 35 children with disabilities along with the other wonderful workers who give up so much of their time to love and take care of the children. Edith’s son Derek passed away last year in September, she explained that he has gone to be with the Lord and that his life has left a legacy. The children are so beautiful and it is hard to believe that some of these children before coming to Home of Hope were left inside a small room never to see light as their families were too ashamed. A little girl who lives in Home of Hope was saved by a guy walking past, she was about to be burnt by her mother but thankfully God saved her life that day. All the children who live in Home of Hope deserve to be able to live their life as much as anyone else, even though sometimes they can’t do things for themselves they still have emotions, they know when they are being loved and they laugh when they are happy. That’s why us visiting them is such a big deal because most people wouldn’t take the time as they are not “picture perfect”.  

When I find myself getting tired or wanting to stop I remember how orphans who are now living in unbearable circumstances will be given a home and will be loved and cared for. Although at times I feel like I am not doing much I know that the little that I am doing has a small impact on the lives of others. The truth is the people of Uganda have given me more than I’ll ever give them, they remind me that happiness does not come from having all the things that give you comfort in life, but that happiness can simply come from loving one another more than we love our car or house. They are not hidden behind brands and labels they are happy with who they are and not with what they have. I cannot wait to learn more from this beautiful place, I know that each day I am learning more and more from God. 

Maddie

Day 5

With only a half day of work ahead, there was a slight skip to our step as we made our way up to The Village. Some of us got stuck back into the messy job of rendering using a cow manure concoction, managing to finish this job in house 11! Others got a workout while carrying mud bricks up from the farm, with lots of little helpers tagging along, brimming with enthusiasm and conversation. The team headed out in the afternoon to visit Welcome Home; an orphanage for HIV/AIDS orphans. The happiness of the children was infectious, as the simple act of playing and laughing with the children filled them with so much joy. Bubble blowing was a hit, and it was awesome to see the team engaging with these beautiful kids. It was wonderful to think that some of these children would be going to loving homes, but this was also paired with sadness for the ones who may not get adopted out.

Our first shopping day in Jinja was exciting, exploring the beautiful paintings and traditional souvenirs as we tested out our skills in bartering (even if it was only over a few dollars!) Our dinner out was slightly delayed when we encountered a minor vehicle malfunction, so we abandoned the bus and piled into a cosy van for the trip to the ‘All Friends’ restaurant. This delicious dinner out was a good time to come together as a team to relax and reflect on our experiences so far, and there were also many laughs to be had.   Sophie

Day 4

The cool mornings and gentle breezes make the early starts much easier to deal with, especially as some of us are still adjusting to the current time zone and sleeping in unfamiliar beds.  Today we finished bricking the last external wall on house 12, then shifted the scaffolding inside to finish off the internal walls. With the final half dozen or so bricks to lay, the mujanga ran out and a game of football (soccer) broke out nearby.  Oh well, time to down tools and find out how good the kids’ football skills are.  Turns out they’re pretty good, as the kids easily navigated around the clumsy Hope Builders Team to score a 3-1 victory – one goal coming from a majestically headed corner that just seemed to pierce the six defenders and the goally as if they weren’t there.  Wonderful to watch the kids enjoying a game they love.  We headed back to Suubi for another outstanding African meal, then relaxed with a few card games. The 500 players have started to emerge and competition is heating up…   [/Paul]

Day 3

Today we got down and got dirty as we began finishing of the brickwork on house 12. The Ugandan tan was evident at lunch and end of the day as people took of their gloves and socks.

We got off to a slow start as we began to find our found our rhythm and got the scaffold set up and mujanga mixed and bricks were soon being laid.

A beautiful cool breeze made working conditions quite pleasant while Dale pulled out his past bricklaying experience teach many of the team how to lay down some good brickwork. A great crew of Ugandans kept us on the straight and narrow and produced some mighty fine mujanga. No sooner said than done we had the extra 4 courses done on 3 walls.

Coby did a great Job teaching half the village how to knit. Many Aunty Coby calls were made as the children picked up the skills of plain and pearl. Some of the children who have been learning at school are quite accomplished.

A great African meal of posho and beans & greens finished of the day with a few hilarious card games had us all laughing (by far Haley was the best!!!) as we said good bye to day 3 in Uganda.

Team 17 on the ground

Yes we have arrived and we have all met at the airport as planned - the whole team together for the first time as we had team members coming from London and other parts of Africa. After a long journey and long bus trip we dumped our luggage at Subbi house and headed tot he village and were welcomed by beautiful singing and beautiful children.
Sunday we headed of to church for a great African worship experience as Pastor George introduced thee church theme for the year of "Go and Make Disciples". It was an up lifting and enjoyable service with lost of singing and great African drumming.
Home for some lunch and then back to the village taking some more time to meet mothers and children.
A quick trip into Jinja to get some money and a milkshake and then home for a great meal of spaghetti.   Today we get into some building at the village - I think we are all pumped and ready to get into it!!