Sweet Faces

A New Adventure in the Making

It has almost been two years since my adventures in Mawanga Uganda. Since then, much growing has happened on my end. Also too in Mawanga. New wells, buildings, sponsorship and hope have been brough to that little place on the map through the NGO ROWAN. Development has invaded this little place and I am interested to see how things have changed. This November I will be heading out there.

Mawanga will be only a small stop on this new trip to Uganda. My main mission this time is to hang out with friends in Kampala and do some nursing along side locals. Kirerema in Namatumba district has been a glimmer in my eye for some months. The vision was first given to Pastor Daniel and his wife Keddy. Pastor Daniel is aUgandad who has been working in Singapore over the last few years. There he fell in love and married his wife Keddy. The couple have a vision that take them back to Pastor Daniel's home of Uganda. His mission: to empower his village through prayer and education. Development being a by product of those things.

Kirerema is a rural community full of farmers. :) My type of people. The rural community is taking a big hit these days because the majority of farmers can not read and write. They are easily swindled into selling their products for the lowest price. And even sometimes given less money than was promised. The farmer not knowing the difference as he is unable to do simple arithmatic. As business becomes a regular part of the newer generation in Uganda, the older generation is falling pray to sketchy business. Not only is the older generation being negatively affected by "development", the young are also falling pray to the generosity of the first world. Gifts and charity have taught many children and adults in Africa to be dependant on handouts. This sad story is something I am passionate about. Giving, giving, giving is not the only part of the answer. No matter how good it makes one feel. As I walk through church, watch different young people get involved in organizations to help the third world, all I can do is cringe. Pastor Daniel is actively assisting his home community in a way that discourages dependancy and encourages empowerment and self sufficiency. How I love the vision! And in November I get to see the people of Kirirema.

My biggest excitment includes working with a local team of nurses and doctors. Working with them as a team in three different villages. Talk about being the minority! :) Talk about a learning opportunity!

The plan: Stay with local Ugandan friends. Nurse and encourage others.

The mission: Loving the people of Uganda, specifically Kirirema and Kampala.

The goal: Learn and get my hands dirty. Stay healthy.

I can't explain my excitement on here. But what I can say is this. HAve you ever talked about something that makes you excited? Something that makes you beam? Something that gives you enough energy to jump out of your chair and want to tell the world? This is it for me. :D