tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-71879557430373303222024-03-14T00:41:18.484-07:00KUYB Uganda Trip 2013Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11534436875334794426noreply@blogger.comBlogger14125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7187955743037330322.post-66828572922416146102013-07-31T10:16:00.000-07:002013-07-31T10:17:37.553-07:00A Trip Reflection<br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>My name is Colleen Andersen and our trip earlier this summer was not my first time traveling to Uganda. I had been twice before, on vacation with my family in the summer of 2009 and on a service trip with 26 other people in February of 2010. The beautiful country and it’s overwhelmingly welcoming people stole my heart on my first trip, and changed my life the second. I had extraordinarily high expectations for KidsUganda Youth Board‘s Adventures in Service 2013, but I can still honestly say that my expectations were exceeded, the reason being the 15 other people I was traveling with.</span><br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>It was late morning on our first full day in Mityana, and I was standing in the middle of the field at Nkonya, the school in the fishing village, when I realized that this trip was going to be different from anything I had experienced before. It was recess, and all the students and teachers were outside playing. On my pervious trips, I would have been standing with half of my group trying to follow the lead of the one or two out going people who were playing a game with the kids. This time, I looked around and saw each one of my fellow youth trip participants playing in their own section of the field with their own eager posse of young Ugandan admirers. Maggie was teaching some kids the ABC’s, Paul was running around playing soccer, Morgan had seemingly become a human jungle gym, and Caitlin was sitting on the ground making strange noises and waving her hands in the air while the kids followed in a game of Simon Says. No one seemed to be discouraged by the difficulties of communication, and no one was holding back for fear of being judged. I remember my first trip for the lessons I learned from Patrick, Eva, and their family. I remember my second for the inspiration I felt because of the students at Marantha. It was in that moment, as I saw all of my friends scattered around the field, that I knew I would remember this trip for them and everything they would teach me over the span of those ten days. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> While I learned many lessons from my peers when we were in Uganda, one of the greatest lessons came to me out of our countless discussions after returning home. Asking someone who their hero is a common question, however, it is one that I have never really had an answer for. Hero is a really big word and holds a lot of weight in my mind. I came home from Uganda this June with a clearer picture of what it is that Patrick and Eva do, and that new understanding has given me the confidence to call them my heroes. The Maranatha Integrated Schools Project is a school system, so obviously the education the kids receive is an important part of their mission. But beyond that, Maranatha is a safe place for their students. It is where they come to learn, to see their friends, to be feed, to be loved, to be happy. It is the one place where they are free to just be kids. People always talk about the joy that they see at the Maranatha Schools, which can be confusing because when we look at the lives of those children, there is seemingly little to be joyful about. Many of these kids probably are on the more serious and less playful side when they are at home, but when they come to school they are free to forget their worries. They are free to play games and be silly, to smile and to laugh. They are free to be themselves, and that’s a joyful thing.</span><br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Some people could look at a trip like ours and say what’s the point? They might even look at Maranatha and say most of those students aren’t going to go on to University. They are still going to be poor, they are still going to have to work hard jobs their whole lives. What difference does it really make? Even if a boy was to go to Maranatha for 10 years, and still end up working in the fields, struggling to make a living just like his father. For those ten years he was fed, he was educated, he was loved. He was given a childhood and to me, that’s worth it. We didn’t build anything at Maranatha, we didn’t teach the students about God, or give them medical treatment. We played with them. Held their hands. Gave them a friendship bracelet. Made them feel special for the week, or even just the afternoon and to me, that’s worth it. </span><br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>As our trip unfolded, I knew I was experiencing the best ten days of my life, falling in love with something new every day, trying as hard as could to live in every moment, and praying that I would never forget what it felt like to be so completely happy. To say I will treasure the memories forever is an understatement. The bonds I formed on this trip, with the Ugandan students and my fellow Mzungus, are stronger than I could have ever hoped for. There isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t miss Uganda, and if you were to ask me to go back with you tomorrow my answer would be yes in a heartbeat.</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11534436875334794426noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7187955743037330322.post-19955528339427184182013-07-31T09:44:00.002-07:002013-07-31T09:44:28.631-07:00Church Service Reflection- Emma Parkinson<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
The original speech that was to be given by Emma Parkinson on July 28, 2013. The actual given speech was slightly different. </div>
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<span style="line-height: 200%;"> My name is Emma Parkinson and I am
going to be a junior at Woodlands Academy this fall. My life is progressing
faster than I would like it to, and often times I feel like I am being left
behind. Yet 10 days in a different world can shift your perspective on things.</span></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Reflecting on my time in Uganda us like trying
to pack a suitcase. There are so many things to think about and I get all
jumbled when I try to pick out what I want to tell people. So please forgive me
if this seems unorganized. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Not
all of the red dirt is out of my KidsUganda shirt. In fact, I hope that it
never comes out. If you’ve ever been to Uganda, you know how eerily beautiful
the country is. The colors are so vibrant and this red dust is everywhere. The
people are just as vibrant as the colors around them.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I do not think that there is any way to
prepare yourself before going to Uganda or any country like it for the poverty
that you will see. I was often taken by the remoteness and simplicity of many
of the square structures made of mud and trees. The children that we met at the
Maranatha schools were as happy as possible when we saw them each day, but I
could not help but wonder if they ever smiled at home, and that made me horribly
sad. <o:p></o:p></div>
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I wish I could
tell you about a more specific memory that I have from Uganda that affected me
more than all of the others. But, the truth is, I do not value any moment from
out trip more than another. There is nothing that I regret or that I wish did
not happen. Every single time we were able to talk and play with the children
was as amazing as the next, and I will never get tired of remembering their
smiling faces. Just like the KidsUganda phrase, “Every child is precious,” to
me, every memory of the children and everything we did with them is precious.<o:p></o:p></div>
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A lesson I learned
in Uganda is something that I have always had a hard time explaining.
Unconditional love. But what does that really mean? After thinking about it for
a very long time, I still cannot articulate what it means to me. I can only
explain it as what I feel after coming home from Uganda. It is when a children
comes up to you and grabs your hand like a lifeline, and says that they missed
you yesterday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is 16 people, and our
bus driver, sitting on a bus singing anything and everything as loud as they
possibly can. It is the determination to brave a bumpy bus ride and see some
smiling faces even when you were violently ill not an hour before. The only way
to explain it is to say that unconditional love is what I feel for all of the
children and all of the people who came with me. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Everyday, I look
through some photos from our journey. I see how we became less tense around
each other, and how eager we became around the children. I see us talking to
people who we had never talked to before, and enjoying every second of our
crazy bus rides. I see children who are so incredibly grateful for our off-key
songs and sweaty hands. Everyday, I miss Uganda a little bit more. Just like
that red dirt still staining the collar of my KidsUganda shirt, those children
and their smiles, and my very own trip companions that I can now call friends,
will never leave my heart. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11534436875334794426noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7187955743037330322.post-75541476039476615962013-07-20T09:56:00.001-07:002013-07-20T09:56:57.624-07:00One Month Later<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; text-indent: .5in;">
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">A month has passed since our group of remarkable people returned from Uganda. Reintegrating into the lives we lead back in the United States, we have all reflected upon what we saw and how if affected us. Out of all of us, we have more than 2,000 photos of everything we saw. While many of them are head on with smiles toward the camera, there are a good number that capture genuine joy and happiness in the moment. I think those are the most beautiful photos because they best represent what our trip was about. Here are two such written accounts and photos that speak for the entire group and what our incredible trip gave us.</span></div>
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<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; text-indent: .5in;">
<b style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Reflections and Lessons Learned</span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">By Caitlin McCarthy<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"> Prior to Uganda, I had not traveled
farther from my home than Mexico—and I took that trip back in fifth grade,
accompanied by the safety net of my parents and the luxury of a beach. So
needless to say, as the date of our departure for Africa approached, I found it
quite difficult to prepare myself mentally or even emotionally for the
adventure that lay ahead. I didn’t know what to expect. I didn’t know whether
to be nervous or excited, terrified or thrilled. I tried to feign nonchalance
as my eagerness nearly consumed me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"> Our flights from Chicago to
Amsterdam and Amsterdam to Entebbe were uneventful. And I remember, after our
16-hour journey, stepping off the plane in Uganda and thinking in the nighttime
air, “I’m in Africa.” However, the true magnitude of this statement didn’t
quite hit me yet. The next day, even, when I saw Uganda in the daylight, I
still couldn’t wrap my mind around the fact that I was in a different
continent, that I was halfway around the world.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"> In truth, I don’t think it ever
quite hit me that I was in Africa. And, surprisingly, this somewhat lack of
recognition gave birth to one of the greatest lessons Uganda taught me—that the
world isn’t all that different. In the Maranatha schools, yes, the children
spoke a different language, yes, they played different games, yes, they ate
different foods, and yes, they lived different lives. But the essentials, the
essentials like a thirst for knowledge, a nurturing of ambition, a hunger for
justice, a never-ending search for joy, and a commitment to love, these
essentials, well they are the same in Uganda as they are here in America, and
despite my limited travel experience, I would venture to say that they are
similar to those of all people around the world.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"> I don’t think I ever felt like I
was in Africa because I felt like I was at home. Patrick, Eva, and the
environment they have cultivated at each of the five Maranatha schools are one
hundred percent responsible for this. I didn’t just experience a sensation of
welcome or hospitality, I was completely inundated with love. What makes the
Maranatha students so remarkable, so unique, is their willingness to love and
be loved. And again, this all stems from the marvelous and unparalleled
foundation that Patrick and Eva have laid. The students depend on, trust, and
devote themselves to one another. They wholeheartedly accepted us, the
KidsUganda Youth Board, into their unbreakable family, and from that moment
forward, only more love, confidence, faith, and respect could emerge. This is
also one of the greatest lessons that Uganda taught me—that all we need is each
other. A comfortable house, available food, adequate clothing, clean water,
yes, these are needs. However, if we strip ourselves of these tangible
necessities, we will find that the most basic need is the love, companionship,
and support of another human being. Belief in this fundamental necessity
radiates from the Maranatha schools. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"> Our ten days abroad, eight
on-the-ground in Uganda, absolutely flew by. Not a single one of us wanted to
leave; we all felt so comfortable and at home that we wished to stay for the
rest of the summer. God-willing, I’ll be back in Mityana and working with the
Maranatha schools in the future—perhaps for a summer during college or for a
year before I enter the workforce. My time in Uganda interacting with Patrick,
Eva, and the Maranatha students, showed me that love and joy are simple, and
that too often, these straightforward feelings are polluted by the perceived importance
of money, status, and image. Let myself, and the fifteen others who went on the
trip, attest to the fact that Patrick and Eva’s schools positively impact the
lives of countless students and that the ongoing support of KidsUganda makes
the fulfillment of their mission possible. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3cTrYMnEdL4/UerAYpZtDCI/AAAAAAAAAGo/2TdGesk7SZM/s1600/Screen+Shot+2013-07-20+at+11.47.25+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3cTrYMnEdL4/UerAYpZtDCI/AAAAAAAAAGo/2TdGesk7SZM/s1600/Screen+Shot+2013-07-20+at+11.47.25+AM.png" height="239" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Red Dirt and Love</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>By Emma Parkinson<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"> Something
you notice about Uganda right away is the intense color. Fruits seem more
vibrant, and the sky seems bluer against the background of green trees and
winding roads. People’s clothes stand out against their dark skin, and the
buildings they inhabit have a clear outline against the backdrop. Most obvious
is the brilliant red dirt that coats you like water, sticking to the clothes
you wear and embedding itself in your hair. We would be scrubbing it out for
days after we got home.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>On
June 9th, 2013, our group of 16 departed for a ten day service adventure in
Uganda. A rough 8000 miles away from Chicago O’Hare International Airport,
Mityana, Uganda houses the center of the Maranatha Integrated Schools Project,
of which KidsUganda is a close partner. Past projects have raised money to
build multiple structures and facilities at all five of the schools. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>For
the first ever KidsUganda Youth Board Adventures in Service trip, 13 Youth
Board members from three different high schools and two colleges gathered
together in the name of service. The community was eager to help as news of our
trip spread. Students gathered at CROYA to make friendship bracelets and
classroom items such as flash cards and math tools. Members of the Youth Board
wrote letters to top medical companies to ask for donations of any supplies
that they could offer. After many Thursday night meeting and hours of hard
work, together with our three chaperones, we braved over 16 hours on multiple
planes to our destination. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>With
only eight days in country, we did and saw incredible things. Children swarmed
us as we would unload our bus with things that had been donated by generous
people at home. As we tied on the hundreds of friendship bracelets made by
students all over the community, the smiles and gratitude were evident on the
faces of the children. Visiting all five schools in the Maranatha Integrated
Schools Project, we could see the good the schools were doing. The main school,
Mizigo Primary, was large and had many facilities such as a boys and girls
dorm, a sick bay, and a kitchen area. Across the street, Mizigo Vocational/Secondary
School hosted students of high school age. Nkonya, located in a fishing village,
was smaller but no less exciting. Kigalama and Kyetume were both remote,
hosting children of a younger age. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>At
Maranatha, love, much like red dirt, is tangible. There is an overwhelming
connection between the children and everyone around them. The bond from teacher
to student, and even student to student is incredible. We were lucky enough to
be swept up into this incredible love, and we felt it from each and every child
we met. The hard truth is that many of these kids have horrible home lives, living
in poverty, many walking miles to school in the dark. Worst-case scenarios
include sexual abuse and parents dying of AIDS. Despite this, the children are
happy to be at school and they easily give their love to you. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>During
our time in Uganda, we heard countless stories of tragedy and triumph that
shaped many of the children’s lives. Two boys named Steven and Jonathan
captured the hearts of our group. Young brothers, they had attended one of the
smaller Maranatha schools until very recently. Their mother died of AIDS and
their father is a legally blind alcoholic. He would make the two boys walk him
to the bar and he would drink until he was too drunk to take them home. Often
times they would sleep in bushes on the side of the road. When Patrick and Eva heard
about their situation, they moved them from the rural school to the boarding
accommodations at Mizigo, where they now live. When we first met them, they
were timid and sad little boys. But after a day of trying to get them to smile,
we were able to make them laugh and enjoy themselves, despite the recent
tragedy that hung over them. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Our
trip group learned about love and happiness. We have broadened our perspectives
and are aiming to focus more on others. Life is a precious thing, and we have
seen that firsthand. The KidsUganda Youth Board will determine what projects to
focus on in the future. We hope to improve the lives of the children that gave
us so much more than we can ever give them. Members of our trip left a piece of
themselves with those happy, smiling children at Maranatha. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11534436875334794426noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7187955743037330322.post-88903084686868195912013-06-21T13:31:00.001-07:002013-06-21T13:32:33.078-07:00Day Eight (Tuesday, June 18th)<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Our last day of our Ugandan Trip was a packed one. We spent 24 plus hours in traveling; on airplanes; in airports; on layovers etc. This alone would've merited a "packed day" but we as a group had a full day prior to our traveling fun.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We started off the day rising before dawn again, to go visit Mizigo’s early risers and all of the kids coming to school to meet Pat. Yet again, when they set eyes on us Mzugos, they come running up into a full hug. These kids that have walked miles in the dark never fail to jump into a spirited hug with anyone that offers it. Being our last time at the school, they say some good-byes and even give some gifts. Just ask Matt about his plethora of flower bouquets. Some were given notes; others were given woven crosses and even some tomatoes and avocadoes. Stephen and Jonathon said good bye to Jack and Colleen, just as Moses did to Matthew and so on. It was the perfect start to a sad ending. After the school we packed our bags of smelly, dirty, puke-infused clothes and boarded the bus for the city. Once we got to the city of Kampala, passing the hospital and lake, we got ready for the alleged pick-pocketers that never seemed to show. We spent hours in the market, haggling with the aggressive shop-keepers, and knocking down t-shirts from $6 to $4 (14 billion shillings). After buying our hats, shirts, and other African mementoes we again boarded the bus for what we thought was just a drive to a restaurant that we would no doubt have to order plain rice. Instead after an hour of driving through Ugandan country sides, we pull into a resort on the lake. We ate dinner while the sun started to set over Lake Victoria. With the backdrop and scene of a much different Uganda as our last image, it was quite the contrast to what we’d seen. Eva had an amazing dinner planned along with dessert and bonfire. It was a good way to end our Ugandan visit.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The bus ride to the Ugandan airport was a somber one. We were drained of energy from the long day’s activities, but knew we still had a day full of traveling to go. While we checked in we said our good-byes and thank-yous to Eva, Helen, Jason and Pat. We all decided that one day, we would be back. The plane rides were something else. A lot happened in the day of travel that has still gone unnoticed. While this post is days late, I still think that some things should be recognized.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<ul>
<li><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Paul had a rough first half of travel; looking pale and sleepy, almost passing out before getting to his seat. But he can do a mean goat noise.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</li>
<li><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Caitlin, Sofia, and Paul showed the crowd on the second plane that kids still wear capes and run around, regardless of age.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</li>
<li><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Komi will resort to eating food off the plate with his mouth at the lack of any Purell.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</li>
<li><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Matthew’s digestion system went through some dramatic changes during his Ugandan trip. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
</li>
<li><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Colleen is not someone you want sit next to for 15 hours on a plane. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</li>
<li><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Morgan will do anything if dared to in an airport, including tipping over a cleaning cart.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</li>
<li><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Dan Salzman does NOT get along with some receptionists at the airport.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</li>
<li><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Margaret is partying in Amsterdam at the moment.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</li>
<li><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Mrs. Andersen’s famous quotes aren’t able to be shared. Ask Jack for further explanation.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</li>
<li><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Reid can’t hold his own bowels.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</li>
<li><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Emma writes a mean story when she gets to know you. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
</li>
<li><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Nell’s nickname is Taco and we aren’t sure why.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</li>
<li><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Maggie isn’t someone to mess with if she’s tired, hungry…or in Uganda.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</li>
<li><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Harold, number 14, is the man.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</li>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Joanne’s conversations for a full three days were all started with the phrase “What does your poop look like?” (Our group was much too open by the end of all this)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Coming through the Amsterdam airport was our last group debrief and our question to answer was what we took away from our trip. This was one of the deepest discussions of our trip and here are some of the things we took away:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Be happy for the little things. Be positive, grateful, and find joy. Remember what we have and have had. Broaden your perspectives. Be happy with what you have. All we need to be happy is each other. Stay in the moment. The kids did more for us them we did for them. We can make something out of nothing. We should be proud of the work KUYB accomplished. Don’t worry about what others think. Keep your doors locked. Keep life simple. Check the luxuries. Take risks for the greater good. Brake the teenager stereotype. Think positive. Focus on helping others. <o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Coming home from Uganda, the sixteen of us have grown a lot and widened our perspectives on life. We are learning to be much more grateful for what we have, and try and ask for less. We are all more compassionate and try to judge less to understand others’ situations. We’ve seen a lot of new and saddening things, we’ve experienced incredible moments, and most importantly, we’ve helped. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11534436875334794426noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7187955743037330322.post-1740044022592445202013-06-17T12:44:00.001-07:002013-06-21T13:32:18.912-07:00Day Seven (Monday, June 17th)<br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"></span>Today was bittersweet. It being our last day with the kids made for some somber goodbyes. We took a long drive to a new school called Ketume. This school, being incredibly new (and incredibly secluded) only had kids from baby class up to “P4” or the equivalent to our 3rd graders. We had them all line up after receiving friendship bracelets and they each got a toothbrush and some toothpaste, something they had never even gotten near. After a solid 10 minutes of the kids’ contemplation over their slightly-boring new toys, Patrick bit the bullet and gave them a tutorial on how to properly brush your teeth. This was met with some laughs until they realized he wasn’t doing it wrong. Here was also when Komi went on a hike with Patrick to see the school’s previous water situation. Before they had the money raised for their cisterns, they (the kids) used to have to walk a mile or two in the forest to get to a small trickling river and then drudge all the way back with the water they gathered (with no shoes as usual). We all realized how lucky we were and how important the littlest things can be for these kids. After this we played a lot of games with them.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"></span>These games included singing by Maggie and Matt (lots of country songs) and some volleyball with Reid and the Ketume teachers. It was also supported by--finally--a cool and overcast day that promised some rain. After the kids showed Jack their acrobatic skills and they taught Joanne a countless number of confusing games we boarded the long bus ride ready for a well-deserved nap. Instead we ended up having a relaxing, music-accompanied, scenic drive through miles and miles of beautiful landscapes and cityscapes. We even went through some of the biggest tea leave plantations any of us have ever even seen. Miles and miles of tea leaves that looked better than Snapple has ever advertised. Some of the tea collectors started jumping and waving at the sight of our touristy appearance and camera-filled bus windows. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"></span>After the bumpy, but beautiful, scenic drive we came to the nursing center at Mizugo (the main school) to drop off and pack our donated medical supplies. These included Emma’s first aid kits and gloves, Caitlin’s bandages and gauze, among others. Here we also handed out Jack’s (Donna’s) generous contribution of numbered uniforms which the kids were eager to try on and play in. They looked very professional and we wanted to thank the Williamses for their effort in this. After that, Eva took us on a tour around the girls dorm and to the Secondary School (their high school equivalent) and we met and preformed for the kids. They were a little hesitant to talk and mingle with us, being our age, but after awhile they were teaching us things and even had Jack record a video of some pretty impressive break-dancing.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"></span>Overall the day was a big hit for everyone involved, while still hitting a somber note, being our last full day with the kids. While we are eager to get back home, we are dreading the good-byes to come tomorrow. </span></div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11534436875334794426noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7187955743037330322.post-67949855519193221172013-06-17T11:35:00.001-07:002013-06-17T11:35:09.935-07:00Day Six (Sunday, June 16th)<br />
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Today began as a tough day; we lost a dear member of our family, whom we had met the night before. But our day first began when we interrupted the boarders at Mzigo’s Bible Study. Eva offered us a short break to watch our dinner, a black and white goat (and soon to be red) goat, be slaughtered. Only certain members of the group had the stomach to watch. Even fewer had the courage to hold its severed head...</span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>In order to take our minds off of our loss, we returned to Bible Study, this time joining the kids. They had been split into groups--toddlers, kids, teenagers, and adults--in order to give relevant teachings to each groups’ lives. Their enthusiastic teacher brought bursts of laughter and energy to the children while continually praising God. Once Bible Study ended, we all gathered within the church on Mzigo’s property as one parish family.</span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Approaching the church, we already felt the energy as gospel music was blaring in praise to God. We entered the Church, and while we danced our way to the first two pews, the entire congregation followed behind us. As more and more voices joined our assembly, the Holy Spirit consumed us as we joined them in song. The singing and dancing not only inspired so much joy but also prayer and fellowship. After four or five songs, Eva invited all sixteen of us to join her on stage and introduced us to the congregation which we immediately felt a part of. Though the sermon was longer than any we had previously heard, the passion and conviction of the preacher kept us engaged even as it was translated from Luganda to English. Despite having carefully chosen and practiced four songs, we missed the opportunity to perform them in Church. But do not worry, we’ve gotten good use out of ‘Lean on Me” and “The Cup Song,’ as nearly every child we have encountered during our trip has asked us to sing for them. </span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Enjoying the afternoon off, we had a nice leisure lunch at Patrick and Eva’s and time to relax at the Enro...we even had time to teach our beloved bus driver, Harold, a card game!</span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>We then packed once more into our second home...the bus. Dodging pot holes, boda bodas, pedestrians, and wandering cattle, we arrived safely, once more, at Mzigo. We all had bottled excitement as we wondered what the Boys’ Dorm Dedication Ceremony would be like. Walking to the dorm, we each picked up a couple (arm-fulls) of children, finally arriving at the site of the ceremony with a sizeable herd of people.</span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The dedication began with an introduction by Patrick followed by an impressive impromptu speech by Colleen. Komi also spoke on behalf of KidsUganda. Colleen then unveiled the heartwarming plaque on the dorm covered by red cloth which was dedicated to the Youth Board and specially mentioned Colleen as the leader of KUYB and the Boys’ Dorm initiative.</span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Keeping the celebration going, we enjoyed sodas and snacks with all the Maranatha teachers and the Mzigo boarders. The sugar re-energized us, allowing some members of our group to keep up with the Ugandans in a futbol (soccer) game and others to play countless games with the remaining boarders. </span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>We had the perfect ending to a culturally eye-opening day, as we celebrated the birthdays of family members Solomon and Jackie back at the Walusimbi’s. Some had a hard time coming to terms with the fact that the main course was our, luckily unnamed, friend the goat; however, no one had a problem devouring the delicious birthday cake. We shared our talents with one another, opened presents, and then said our goodbyes. Day six in Uganda came to a close...can’t believe we only have two days left :(</span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">P.S. We hope that all of the fathers back home had an absolutely wonderful Father’s Day. Though we’ve all kidded (some not so jokingly) that we will stay in Uganda for another year or so (we’re on African time...), we miss and love you. See you soon!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2Qv0PpsHGz8/Ub9WWC8d00I/AAAAAAAAAE8/hcVzEFbb3zw/s1600/DSC00237.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2Qv0PpsHGz8/Ub9WWC8d00I/AAAAAAAAAE8/hcVzEFbb3zw/s400/DSC00237.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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</span></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11534436875334794426noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7187955743037330322.post-31622238862983953382013-06-16T22:00:00.001-07:002013-06-16T22:00:06.519-07:00Day Five (Saturday, June 15th)<br />
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Today was a big day! After a long-awaited group reunion we all (hesitantly) ate breakfast at the hotel. After a rough couple of days of sick kids and chaperones, it felt good to have everyone running on full cylinders again. With breakfast ended, and the gang back together, we headed off to Mizigo--the main Maranatha school. </span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Seeing Jonathan and Stephen happy and giggling was a sight that many of us will never forget. These two kids lost their mother a week prior to our arrival and their father is a blind alcoholic whose lack of care brought Jonnie-boy and Stevie to the new boys’ dorm. These two wouldn’t even crack a smirk on day one of Jack and Colleen’s desperate attempts to make them happy. Now, when the brothers see their new Mzungu friends they run and laugh ready to give hugs and tell us what we’ve missed. </span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The day on the schedule was called “Environmental Day” but we think that may have been a little bit of a misnomer. The environmental side of the day consisted of a talk given by the school head master, about preserving and rebuilding the habitat and landscape they have so generously been given. It taught the kids to care about where they live and try to build on the trees that were scattered as is, due to the constant need for fire wood. The speech was then followed by a tutorial on burning weeds and mixing the ash with some homemade glue type substance. While there was some general confusion spreading amongst the 16 of us about what we were actually doing <i>for</i> the environment, we followed along and got ready to play more games with the now restless kids. </span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The rest of the day consisted of fun games and songs at the school. Whether it was Dan and Paul’s Limbo chant that ended up as a rainbow chant, or Matthew’s much anticipated singing and dancing to various acapello versions of Mulan and Christmas songs. These songs, while they seem ill-fitting for the time and place, ended up being such a hit that Caitlin and Emma began to help out. </span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Playing with the older kids was much different but just as fun. We taught them (or attempted to teach them) bingo and they got the hang of it after awhile. Twister ended up being a huge hit as well. Colleen taught her old friend Bridget how to play the “cup song” and after while had the whole room trying it out. </span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>With the games mentioned and plethora of other games that seemed to drain the energy from us, we had some of the most fun we’ll ever have. The 5th day of our African Adventure was a success. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MtcIUdS8kyk/Ub6XlFLdu7I/AAAAAAAAAEY/iiNFRUwRVRM/s1600/DSCN1279.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MtcIUdS8kyk/Ub6XlFLdu7I/AAAAAAAAAEY/iiNFRUwRVRM/s400/DSCN1279.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11534436875334794426noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7187955743037330322.post-75734611434186945152013-06-14T23:20:00.000-07:002013-06-14T23:20:22.665-07:00Day Four (Friday, June 14th)<br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Today started off, slow as people were recovering from all different kinds of upset stomachs. Unfortunately not everyone was well enough to join us at Mizigo in the morning to visit the baby classes. We left Joanne at the hotel with Emma, Matthew, Morgan, and Sofia as they slept away their illnesses. The absence of these group members was felt as the rest of us sat on the ground playing with trucks, working on puzzles, and giving out friendship bracelets to the littlest kids at the school. We weren’t the only ones missing the people we left behind, Moses, one of the adorable four-year olds, repeatedly asked Caitlin for Mateo (Matthew). Our morning at Mizigo didn’t last too long as we found ourselves heading back to the hotel to swap out some more group members before making an hour and half drive to Mubende.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The remaining eight healthy group members traveled away from Mityana to visit St. Mary’s School, that is not a part of the Maranatha Integrated Schools Project but is supported by Opportunity Education Foundation. We became connected to this school through Matthew and his Dad, and the idea of seeing how another school in Uganda ran was very appealing. I can’t honestly say that everyone was excited to visit this school because nothing is as much fun when you know that your friends are sick in bed at the hotel. However, by the time we were heading home everyone was saying how grateful they were that we decided to make the trip. The school had a huge afternoon planned for us. We arrived to a driveway lined with kids singing and clapping as they welcomed their visitors. After meeting the headmaster and learning a little bit about where we were, we got a quick tour of the school. The tour ended under a mango tree where the over 1,000 students were gathered waiting to see the “mzungus.” Speeches were given, by them and by us, songs were sang, and native Ugandan dances were danced. The whole school roared with laughter as Reid lead us all in an attempt to shake our hips like the Ugandans. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>After the presentations, it was time for lunch. We were served hefty servings and lead to a classroom where we ate with the teachers. This meal was different from all the rest and not just because we weren’t at Patrick and Eva’s house. The tables in the room were set up similar to tables at a wedding reception. We were the wedding party sitting in the front of the room as the teachers sat silently in rows of chairs watching us eat. It was a unique and humorous experience that I am sure none of us, especially Reid, will forget. It was getting late and we had a long drive home so we stayed to watch a few minutes of a soccer match and then headed home. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>When we arrived at the Enro our group was joyfully reunited with Joanne cheering as the bus pulled in. About an hour and a half later we did some more swapping of group members and headed to Patrick and Eva’s house for a light dinner. The time was relaxing, but none of us enjoyed being separated so were happy to head back to the Enro and call it a night. People were tired and Caitlin couldn’t even keep her eyes open for the two minuets it takes to pull of out Patrick and Eva’s driveway. Overall, it was a very informative day that reminded us just how special the Marantha Schools are. As we fall asleep tonight we know that everyone is quickly recovering and look forward to tomorrow when we will all be back together and at 100%.</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11534436875334794426noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7187955743037330322.post-70844117360594595682013-06-14T23:15:00.001-07:002013-06-14T23:15:50.744-07:00Day Three (Thursday, June 13th)<br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>A 5:45 wake-up call was not something many of us were used to, but everyone woke up quickly and happily this morning so we could drive to Mizgo and stand with Patrick as he greeted the children as they arrived at school. As Patrick stood in the middle of the street high five-ing each child and making sure they knew they were loved we lined up at the entrance to the school and struggled to say: “Good Morning” in Luganda. It was pure joy to see some of the kids start sprinting as they turned the corner, I’m not sure any of us would run for school unless we were late. Nell continued to have a secret talent of getting all the young children to love her and Matt was on his knees and had children running into his arms as they approached the school. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Once all the children had been dragged to class by their teachers we left the school to return to our hotel for breakfast. We had about an hour long break to eat, sort supplies, and rest before loading back on the bus to head to another one of Patrick and Eva’s schools, Kigalama. This school is about 30 minutes away from our hotel on a mostly paved road. The drive was gorgeous as we got to see a variety of landscapes and quite smooth as this was a paved road. We turned off the road at the Maranatha Schools sign and many of us were confused as to where we were about to drive. In front of us was a large pole in between two larger buildings, but, our bus driver Harold was amazing par usual and squeezed us through to the next leg of our journey. However, the sight in front of us was even harder to imagine then the one that our eyes had just lost. This road, if you could call it that, was almost wide enough for two people to walk side by side, with many branches growing onto the path. Rather then getting out and walking we just kept on driving which was quite a bumpy road. It wasn’t long before we saw two buildings, one relatively new and in very good condition that housed the Baby - P7 classes. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>As we have in the other schools, we went around each classroom introducing ourselves, tying friendship bracelets, and answering their questions (in the older classrooms). We started with the baby class and those children followed us the entire tour, wanting to be picked up, smiled at, and tickled. It was such a drastic difference between the number of students in the baby class, which was around 60, versus the P7 class, which had only 2 boys and about 14 students. Once we had visited each classroom the children were allowed free time. The younger ones stayed in a group on one side of the field, while the older children went and played football (soccer), jump rope, and more with some outdoor equipment we had brought. At this school the teachers were very interactive and led games which allowed us to learn and participate. During one game, kind of like our Duck Duck Goose, the children told Margaret “Wowww you know how to run.” The teachers also helped translate when we wanted to teach the children one of our games, Little Sally Walker, which involves a lot of singing and dancing. After the games had died down everyone was in smaller groups playing their own games until Joanne decided to take out the iPod and speakers which the children loved. Surprisingly they knew many of the songs and created a huge mob around Joanne. We all got into the dancing, which they found hilarious. Soon however, it was time for us to go and we loaded the bus and headed back to the Enro.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">At this point many of us weren’t feeling great and we dropped them off at the hotel. We had a small break and organized all the school supplies and nursery supplies, packed them onto the bus and the healthy ones headed to Mizgo to put the toys and supplies away in crates Patrick had already bought for storage. Sorting only took us about twenty minutes and since this was right around the time the children got out of school we were able to go out back to the field and play games. Maggie was able to meet Ester, the child she sponsors, Dan met one of the girls sponsored by his college chapter, and Caitlin was able to meet the girl her friend, Eva, from home sponsors and give her a gift Eva had sent. This was very special for all of these individuals. After an hour of games we headed home to call it a night wrapping up with dinner and everyone sharing their highs of the day to remain positive even with many people not feeling well.</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11534436875334794426noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7187955743037330322.post-52449517700013533742013-06-12T23:26:00.001-07:002013-06-12T23:26:42.573-07:00Day Two (Wednesday, June 12th)<br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Today was a jam packed day full of screaming kids, lugging bags, and some of the best experiences of our lives. After a morning wake-up and slightly jet-lagged breakfast time, we showered and got ready for the bus. Harold, who’s been our guide around Mityana, drove us to a school called Nkonya, a small fishing village’s school. There we were greeted with all 150 kids rushing at the bus doors while we struggle out trying to meet everyone. They were eager to see the “Mzungu” (Luganda for White People) they’ve wanted to play with and they sure did play. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>After visiting the classrooms, handing out friendship bracelets, and meeting the teachers along with their students, the kids were let out for their recess. This is when our real fun started. Despite the growing heat and humidity, everyone from teachers to kids to Mrs. Andersen played some of the games that we had brought over from the US.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Some games were just a simple duck-duck-goose or simon-says but other games included a massive game of soccer, where Paul showed his stuff and did his best at playing the majority of students and their teachers. While this was happening; Caitlin was leading an arm-flailing, laugh-inducing follow-the-leader, Mrs. Andersen was double dutching and trying to show off her stuff to the kids that already had a leg up on us, and Matt was being led around by his ever-growing flock of admirers and adoring kids. This whole experience at Nkonya showed us how much happiness we can really bring to kids who couldn’t have had that experience otherwise. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The most gut-wrenching part of leaving Nkonya came on the bus ride home. The teacher asked us if we could give some of the kids a quick ride home, because we were going their way anyway. (The road into and out of the school by the way, is a wild bumpy, overgrown, messy excuse for a road leading to some queasiness from the bus riders.) After the kids boarded the bus we thought about some of our own walks to and from school or the parking lots and then we saw what was going on around us. We drove kids anywhere from half a mile to 3 miles down this winding road. The kids we were driving, having walked this everyday multiple times a day, were usually shoe-less, almost all of them went in large groups into incredibly small mud shacks, and were all much younger than the average 1st grader. Colleen mentioned later, that if a Lake Forest/Lake Bluff child walked anywhere with no shoes, their parents’ role would be questioned; if they made their kids walk the distances that these kids are forced to walk; there would have been a lot of DPFCS calls to LF/LB.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>After dropping these kids off we took a drive to Patrick and Eva’s home where we were treated yet again, to a spectacular taste of Uganda. Everything from stew and Matoke, to Spaghetti and Sodas. After thanking them for their immense generosity and hospitality we took a drive to our hotel to pick up a few things for the nursery we had gotten donated to us. On the drive we were exhausted. Some were trying not to dose off while others knocked back water bottle after water bottle, drained from the activities under the sun. But after lugging the medical supplies and toys onto the bus, Harold took our sleepy and drained crew back to the main school we visited yesterday. Seeing the genuine happiness and eagerness to play and talk by the students seemed to wake up the crew and we found there was just enough energy for some foot-races that Nell, Matt, and Dan gladly took home the silver and lower. Reid’s proudest moment of the day was when one of the boarders--having just defeated Reid in a run--turned to him to say “White boy can really run.” After playing with them and reuniting with some past friends (Matt and Moses, Colleen and Stevie) we boarded the bus home, even more exhausted but never as accomplished and proud of what they’d helped do. Today, by making hundreds of kids’ friendships and helping their school and nurseries, and most of all making them, at least temporarily, carefree and happy to be there, we had some of the best and most rewarding moments of our lives.</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11534436875334794426noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7187955743037330322.post-13562420452161700192013-06-12T23:16:00.001-07:002013-06-12T23:16:51.007-07:00Day One (Tuesday, June 11th)<br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Our first real day on the ground in Uganda, and we were very busy. To start off, we had a group breakfast at the guest house we had stayed in after landing late Monday night. Our delicious food consisted of eggs, cereal, toast and fruit juice. After eating, Eva took us on a walk to the top of the Catholic hill in Kampala. We were able to see the entire city from the steps of the cathedral seated there. When we were finished, the bags were loaded on the bus and we packed in. Seated semi-comfortably, we embarked on the one and a half hour journey to Mityana.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> Along the way, we were able to see various markets and cities on the road. At one point, a few of us had a close encounter with a creepy crawler on the bus. We stopped at a side market of fruits and vegetables. Eva explained to us the different types and challenged us to identify those we already knew. We piled back into the bus and finished our journey. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Arriving at the hotel, we had to unload the bags yet again and situate ourselves in rooms. A little down time was spent unpacking, touring the hotel grounds, and relaxing. By the middle of the afternoon, we headed to Patrick and Eva’s house for a greatly desired lunch. We were welcomed into their home by countless members of their family and friends. Children were a large focus; many of us found friends among the toddlers. After a while, we were called to wash up and serve ourselves lunch. Foods included a common Ugandan dish, matoche, made of bananas, rice, avocados, crushed nuts, beef stew, and vegetables. We ate together and enjoyed the meal, trying many new things. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Once we had finished and cleared the plates, we walked across the road to the main Maranatha school. Immediately, we were thrown into the world of the children who are so cheery and smile all the time. We walked from class to class with Eva, each time with the greeting “You are welcome our visitors!” However, with their pronunciation, it sounded like “vistas.” We would tell them our names and various pieces of information about ourselves, and they would sing us songs. At each classroom, we would acquire more and more children that tagged along with us. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>As we walked along the grounds, we were able to see the new kitchens with three efficient wood burning stoves that help feed the children two times a day. We were also able to see the boys dorms that the Youth Board raised money to build. Our last stop at the school was to the church to talk with the older kids. We introduced ourselves with our names, ages, favorite foods and games and our aims of the trip. To try to entertain the students, we attempted to sing “Lean On Me” by Bill Withers. It did not go as well as we planned, but everyone laughed and they impressed up with a song of their own. Pretty soon, it was time to leave. We said our goodbyes and walked back to Patrick and Eva’s house. Loading the bus once again, we drove back to the hotel and rested until dinner. We discussed our day and had a final meal before bed. Hoping to get some rest, we are eagerly awaiting tomorrow! Mweeraba (goodbye!)</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11534436875334794426noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7187955743037330322.post-39103078677844249832013-06-09T13:52:00.001-07:002013-06-09T13:52:47.109-07:00Airport<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-RnNNdmO6ubw/UbTrF5AwcpI/AAAAAAAAACE/blBTmTr2VIY/s640/blogger-image-1998499226.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-RnNNdmO6ubw/UbTrF5AwcpI/AAAAAAAAACE/blBTmTr2VIY/s640/blogger-image-1998499226.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-ny_qE0Oid_Q/UbTrHUGjFnI/AAAAAAAAACM/kjWBz9-n67s/s640/blogger-image--1625204277.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-ny_qE0Oid_Q/UbTrHUGjFnI/AAAAAAAAACM/kjWBz9-n67s/s640/blogger-image--1625204277.jpg"></a></div><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-RnNNdmO6ubw/UbTrF5AwcpI/AAAAAAAAACE/blBTmTr2VIY/s640/blogger-image-1998499226.jpg"></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11534436875334794426noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7187955743037330322.post-36888284085654132532013-06-08T20:29:00.001-07:002013-06-08T20:29:31.196-07:00Malaria Pill #1All our bags are packed and we are ready to go. Hawks are in OT as I type and after this game not sure we will hear much about how they are doing. <div><br></div><div>Malaria Pill #1 taken and tomorrow we take off for the Kids Uganda Adventures in Service!!! We have been so blessed with such generous donations to be taking with us. We were even lucky enough for the Community Church of Lake Forest/Lake Bluff to have a send off Worship for us. Let's hope we have internet when we get there so that we can update all of you. Thank you all for your support!!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-I9HXSDfr8Mk/UbP2mOfsgFI/AAAAAAAAAB0/wG6RtbhEZSU/s640/blogger-image-1777646755.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-I9HXSDfr8Mk/UbP2mOfsgFI/AAAAAAAAAB0/wG6RtbhEZSU/s640/blogger-image-1777646755.jpg"></a></div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11534436875334794426noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7187955743037330322.post-13114062244799623732013-06-05T20:53:00.001-07:002013-06-05T20:53:30.791-07:00T-4 Days13 youth and 3 chaperones are getting ready to embark on a life changing trip to Mityana, Uganda. 16 bags packed all filled with medical supplies, clothes, toys, toothbrushes, toothpaste, school supplies and much more. All donated by generous people and companies contacted by the Adventures in Service participants. We are so lucky to be able to be part of such an amazing opportunity. So many groups have contributed to the cause including CROYA, National Honor Society and Men's Club.<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-bdUhyfBaZHE/UbAHrK4c9hI/AAAAAAAAAA0/4a7HOaFjD3o/s640/blogger-image--1153610005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-bdUhyfBaZHE/UbAHrK4c9hI/AAAAAAAAAA0/4a7HOaFjD3o/s640/blogger-image--1153610005.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-ptEjaB2lvSc/UbAHtrD53ZI/AAAAAAAAABU/E-Ogir9nng8/s640/blogger-image-31853764.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-ptEjaB2lvSc/UbAHtrD53ZI/AAAAAAAAABU/E-Ogir9nng8/s640/blogger-image-31853764.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-ODdSRHMdeUw/UbAHsUeY38I/AAAAAAAAABE/h65iv0rge5M/s640/blogger-image-841203340.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-ODdSRHMdeUw/UbAHsUeY38I/AAAAAAAAABE/h65iv0rge5M/s640/blogger-image-841203340.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6Q7cjtijXJs/UbAHqXSBztI/AAAAAAAAAAs/LZ9dyQrlGuQ/s640/blogger-image-1724436139.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6Q7cjtijXJs/UbAHqXSBztI/AAAAAAAAAAs/LZ9dyQrlGuQ/s640/blogger-image-1724436139.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vCIGQV6mhmA/UbAHs5IjmwI/AAAAAAAAABM/Ozb_vlU6zqk/s640/blogger-image-2042495194.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vCIGQV6mhmA/UbAHs5IjmwI/AAAAAAAAABM/Ozb_vlU6zqk/s640/blogger-image-2042495194.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-DmTC0Gy8moE/UbAHrvnbxYI/AAAAAAAAAA8/mO-JMUk4eh8/s640/blogger-image-684446795.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-DmTC0Gy8moE/UbAHrvnbxYI/AAAAAAAAAA8/mO-JMUk4eh8/s640/blogger-image-684446795.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-mKsgGdQJGgA/UbAHuUZdZ1I/AAAAAAAAABc/VQmU5sO2Txo/s640/blogger-image--786339202.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-mKsgGdQJGgA/UbAHuUZdZ1I/AAAAAAAAABc/VQmU5sO2Txo/s640/blogger-image--786339202.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-uvZ5W-tI3c4/UbAHp5egWhI/AAAAAAAAAAk/WgpVY9CcL48/s640/blogger-image-76379539.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-uvZ5W-tI3c4/UbAHp5egWhI/AAAAAAAAAAk/WgpVY9CcL48/s640/blogger-image-76379539.jpg"></a></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11534436875334794426noreply@blogger.com3