GLORIA and PETER get medical attention

For three years, I have been concerned about the health of Gloria and Peter. The pain, suffering and the humiliation they have endured from elephantiasis has been awful!! Peter, age 30, has the worst case of the two, and is in advanced stages of his disease. His infection reaches from his feet to his waist. And Gloria, 14, has suffered for possibly 7-8 years and her infection is centered mainly on her feet.

I began sending money to Gloria through Global Family Rescue in 2009. My students at OTHS purchased peanut butter sandwiches and other 'treats' that I provided and that accumulated money was sent for Gloria's care. She was in dire need of antibiotics and pressure garments that would compress the skin tissue and protect her legs from cuts as she walked through the brush. Because of the distance from any local medical facility, no personal funds and the breakdown of GFR, there has not been much change in either Gloria or Peter's condition. John and I had talked about how we could help both 'children' live a life free of this embarrassing and painful condition. And we were finally able to do this on this trip!! Praise God!!

Milton made arrangements for Gloria and Peter, and a guardian each, to go to a major hospital in Kampala, a five hour drive from Kamwenge! Can you imagine what went through little Gloria's mind as she left her small, quaint village for the big city??? So many NEW experiences, she'll never run out of things to share with her grandmother when she returns home!! She saw things she NEVER could have imagined!! She later told Milton that "this is the best day of my whole life!" Peter had been to this hospital a few years ago and was quite familiar with the routine. He had all his paperwork in order for the doctors. Dianne and I met them at the hospital and accompanied them upstairs only to discover that Gloria needed a referral from another doctor before she could be seen, which meant that Milton had to locate a motel for them and find a doctor to satisfy this request. God works miracles in ALL THINGS and in the following weeks, everything has worked out!! Praise God once again!!!

At this writing, we still haven't heard the results of all the tests that have been performed and whether Peter's condition will improve even with hospitalization, treatments, and medication. I just pray that there will be some relief for him as he is quite uncomfortable and depressed. The doctors feel that Gloria's chance at a full recovery, even though she'll need to take pills the rest of her life, is more optimistic so that is what we're praying for!! I want to buy Gloria her first pair of FEMININE, PINK sandals instead of the large, over-sized black, ugly sandals she has been forced to wear for the last few years. Won't she look pretty?? I may even buy her a dozen pairs of sandals in all the colors of the rainbow!!! She deserves it!

Dedicating GLORY PRIMARY SCHOOL

Dianne and I awoke from a restful night at Tooro Resort and were on our way to Kamwenge 1 1/2 hours later. We had all the gifts and supplies packed in the suitcases and were eagerly anticipating our arrival to the school. We both marveled at the beauty of the landscape in this area that is so deprived of life's most essential necessities. We saw so many people outside preparing for their simple daily life, albeit very difficult life--working in the fields, hauling water by hand or bicycle, preparing the morning meal, or just visiting with friends. As we neared the school, we turned down a very narrow, dirt 'road' and went just a short distance when we heard loud drumming and chanting! What was that?? We stopped the car and rolled down our windows to hear more clearly; THE CHILDREN WERE APPROACHING!! They literally marched toward us, flag raised, chanting and cheering their loving appreciative greeting for us. We all departed the car and joined the walk back to the school grounds as the kids continued to greet, touch, hug, sing and dance for joy as we walked along. I was chilled and thrilled to the bone to see such precious children all so excited to see these Mzungus who have come from so far away and have given them a new real school!

Once we reached the school grounds, we got our first glimpse of GLORY PRIMARY SCHOOL! It was painted a glorious light aqua color and shined like a gemstone in the otherwise bright green landscape. The shiny tin roof, windows and metal doors set it off as something really special!! I noticed a couple small balloons and a thin draped ribbon across the doorway, soon to be cut by us to officially dedicate the school and I almost bawled!! They had gone to extreme measures to make sure this was a special day for us!! I can't remember ever being so blessed in a mission. It was a simple 'ceremony' with Dianne and I holding the very old scissors, along with the man who oversaw the entire building process. What an honor!!

Having been to Uganda twice before, Dianne and I were quite certain that it would be a long day filled with introductions and speeches by everyone involved--and we were not disappointed!! Their one old chalkboard was propped against a pole for the makeshift ceremony tent and it listed ALL the speakers for the morning. It was going to be a long day!! I had located Gloria early in our walk to the school and I wanted her to be my guest at a chair near me which was honored. She looked so beautiful in her bright pink uniform, one of only a couple we saw that day or the next. Each speaker who talked that morning praised God and our efforts for making this school possible. They have all had a share in the school's completion from the man who gave his land for the project to the parents who helped work during phase one. JOY and GRATITUDE infiltrated this day in every aspect!!

Dianne and I spoke briefly about how happy we were to answer God's call to get involved in this incredible opportunity. We told the story of how the project began with an email from our friend, Milton, telling of the pole school's demise, and proceeded with gusto by donations large and small. It was others in our community of Ottawa, IL, and beyond, who really stood behind us as we did our fundraising! These family and friends were the backbone of our success and we made it clear that we were there representing them.

Gifts for the teachers and students included dolls, soccer balls, net balls, mathematical sets, number and alphabet lines, maps, pink backpacks with GLORY PRIMARY SCHOOL written on the back, medicines, the school bell my folks gave me when I graduated from college, and many other items. Each presentation was met with energetic, rhythmic clapping by all. On our second day there, we had a HUGE surprise that NO ONE even suspected!! On that day, we kept the children busy playing various games, singing songs and acting silly. Then, in the distance over the hill, Dianne spotted the bright blue truck rambling over the country-side, hours late, but still hauling a treasure that was sure to make adults and children alike squeal with delight and insure that this was a real school!!! The truck was piled 10 feet high with 21 hand-crafted desk/chairs. (one fit for 4 students) It was bedlam for awhile as everyone danced and cheered with such happiness and joy!! The truck was slowly unloaded and children, parents and teachers carried each desk/chair to the school and lovingly placed them in rows in the two decorated classrooms! (two sweet gentlemen had carefully hung the colorful, card stock coiled mobiles that Jade had made for them) It was truly a festive moment!! For over an hour, the children and teachers cheered, clapped, sang and danced with joy. It was excruciatingly LOUD but we couldn't help but feel deep gratitude for how God had worked His miracles to get this project completed so perfectly!!! These children had always felt inferior for years and now they had just been gifted with a beautiful 'model school' that would forever change their lives!!

Milton was truly a blessing to Dianne and me. Without his assistance and devotion to this project, it would not have happened. He traveled frequently between the eastern and western borders of Uganda checking on our two major projects. He is a man of God whose integrity guides his every decision. So, we were doubly excited when he was approached by a local radio host from neighboring Ft. Portal, who had heard about GLORY PRIMARY SCHOOL and thought it would make a great human interest story. He mainly focused on stories that helped give the 'voiceless' community a voice. First expecting to do a 10 minute news brief, he changed his mind and insisted that a one hour show would be the best way to tell the story of giving this once forgotten community a chance to be heard. We are so hopeful that this will give Milton a boost to his career as a true leader in his community. We look forward to future endeavors with Milton and the non-profit, ITI (Innovative Transformation Iniatives)

If you have read this blog and feel compelled to either donate financially or join us in an upcoming trip (possibly June, 2012) please let me know. It's safe, it's spiritual, it's life-changing and you will not be disappointed. Herb and Ellen Cook were our hosts in Kampala and it was a wonderful, safe, clean guest house with all conveniences, and then some!!! They are loving, Christian missionaries who know the country and promise to give you an experience you will not soon forget. (and I must mention that Harriet is a FANTASTIC cook!!) As long as you are in Uganda, we would suggest a safari!! We have recently become familiar with Pearlland Safari and trust that this company could meet our safari needs. We are already planning what we might do while there to bless the poor. Please pray for this future mission trip, that God would guide our choices for how we can bless the poor in Uganda. If you have any questions, please feel free to call or email me or comment on this post!!!

Amazing Grace, Amazing Love, Amazing Day!!

We spent several hours yesterday shopping at a local shopping center. Much like a Walmart, on two floors with a large escalator that carried us and our shopping carts up and down!! Milton helped us choose appropriate gifts for our families-Nakasi Justine and Robinah. We gazed upon the goods displayed very much like our grocery stores with rows and rows of items to choose from. Items for cooking were first placed in our carts--bags of salt, sugar, rice, porridge mix, a large container of cookies, peanut butter and margarine, 2 loaves of bread, apples and oranges, then also, 2 kinds of bath soap, laundrysoap, bath towels, and back packs for school. It was just a glorious adventure for us to wander through the store, looking for treasures to bless these families who have so little. Each sale was approximately $80.00!! We knew that these gifts would be received with great appreciation!!

"We loved shopping for our families!"

Upon our arrival back to Herb and Ellen's we had to sort through our bags of gifts. We filled two suitcases and two trunks with all the gifts we were taking to Namyoya. It had really stormed through the night with downpours soaking the red earth--I was dreading the trip, knowing the roads might be treacherous. But, we loaded up our goods the next morning and took off. Scenes of familiarity passed me by as we made our way to Namyoya. I wondered to myself how people continue this day in and day out and realized how blessed we are to live in such comfort!!

"Seeing my family for the first time in 2 years!!" JOYOUS!!

We finally reached Nakasi's house and as I gazed out the rain drenched window of our van, I could see her scurrying around her property totally OUT OF CONTROL with excitement!! As I stepped out of the van, I was nearly tackled by her and the children and some neighboring women. I don't think I could ever tire of this 'homecoming'. Talk about feeling special!!! We proceeded into her dark home with only the light from one small window to illuminate the room. Hugging the children felt so good as each greeted me with special words of love. Sitting on mats on the floor, we began unpacking the gifts I had brought to them. As I handed the children clothes, each tried them on over their clothing. Mercy Anne had mostly pink clothes, Asiimwe Marvin, wore purple and Mutovu's shirts all displayed sports logos. I think they were pleased with my choices!! The toys were greatly appreciated, but it wasn't until I brought out the large black trunk and opened it that I really saw their eyes light up!!

"The kids loved their new dolls and soccer ball!"

Cookies, peanut butter, fresh bread, fruit--all food items that they rarely feasted on! Their eyes told the story!! Each took a turn smelling things and I'm sure they were anxious to try out all the new foods. How truly spoiled we Americans are with our numerous choices of foods--all generally affordable to us at any time of the year. Many of these food were only purchased at holidays IF it's gotten at all!!

I saved the biggest joy for the end of our time together. I had brought a small photo album of family photos of our reunion in 2009 and some current photos of John, Derek, Carleigh and me, plus other family members. I had written a letter also which was graciously translated by Milton and Jeffrey, community leader. I mentioned to them how sad John and I were that their home had become so unsafe and that it leaked when it rained. We wanted to bless them with a new brick home, complete with doors, glasses (windows) or wooden shutters, plus, steel corrugated roof. Nakasi and the children squealed with happiness and they proceeded to dance with joy with their friends. All were joyful as they praised God for their good fortune. I could hardly contain myself as I observed their surprise and excitement which would cost us so little in comparison to American homes. This new home will guarantee that the children will have a 'forever' home to call their own.

"WE'RE GETTING A NEW PERMANENT HOUSE?? PRAISE GOD!!"

After a delicious dinner with Justine and Jeffrey, Dianne repeated the above activity with her family. It was equally exciting for me to watch from the sidelines as Robinah and her grandchildren received the blessings from Dianne.

Each of us spent about 1 1/2 hours with our families--not nearly as much time as we wanted, but it was time well-spent for us. We will see them tomorrow at church as look forward to hearing the message from Pastor David at his church. Our ride back to the Cook's house was filled with recounting the entire day, happy event by happy event! God certainly was working his wondrous ways today.

GLORY PRIMARY SCHOOL BECOMES A REALITY

(The men of Kabarole join in on this Labor of Love project--Building Glory Community Primary School!! What a great way to show love to the community!!)
(Milton shares a moment with our sponsored family: Nakasi Justine, Anne, Marvin and Mutova.)
(Gloria studies at the old school. Notice the blackboard in the foreground, one of the only teaching tools used.)

(The brickwork required professionals to complete the task. The children found this interesting and exciting as they watched their new REAL school be completed!)

I have always felt deep concern for the poor, starting in my elementary school years. As I grew older and my faith deepened, I realized I was being obedient to God's calling about my life! My mission work began about 1996 when I joined the youth at First Presbyterian Church as one of their leaders and I went with GROUP work camp in Iowa. We worked for a week along side a couple hundred youth and adults from all over the USA on homes that needed minor repairs. It was a time of great fellowship with the youth and other adults on the trips. There were a total of 5 local GROUP mission trips out of state in addition to working nearly every Labor of Love project in Ottawa. Later, our church youth group traveled to Guatemala to be a part of Craig and Peggy Harvey's mission team. We worked in the tiny village of Jobompiche doing a variety of project and I have grown to love the people in that village. God continued to tug on my heart to go even father to serve the under-resourced people in the world.

As a child, I had always dreamed about going to Africa but I wasn't sure how to get involved. Then, in 2007, I visted another church in Naperville and discovered that mission teams were forming to go to Uganda! I immediately felt a strong urging to get involved! I talked to others who had been to Uganda and signed up to be a part of an upcoming mission trip.

Global Family Rescue's major goal was to get sponsors for the poor in Uanda. After a 3 year commitment, it was believed that the family would then be self-sufficient. The money was handled by the GFR Ugand staff. They worked with the very poor, teaching them the skills they needed. I was able to travel to Uganda in 2008 and 2009. Our team of 10 to 12 members met with the various sponsored families and through interpreters, we developed a loving relationship. They truly saw us as God's servants who had come to help better their lives. We were God's hands and feet. Sitting with my family, Nakasi Justine, a grandmother raising her 3 grandchildren, Anna, Marvin and Ibrahim, we exchanged gift. Besides our financial commitment, I gave them clothes , toys and medicines. And for me? A chicken and eggs!! I was overjoyed and humbled beyond words to know how much they sacrificed for me. But they felt like they were looking into the eyes of Jesus, who was providing for their needs!

Since my two Ugandan trips, I have stayed in constant contact with my good friend, Tusingwire Milton, who was a community facilitator with GFR. That organization has since left Uganda but Milton has joined with another non-profit called Initiatives for Transformation Innovation. He is also a member of twoRotary Clubs.

In one correspondence in the spring of 2010, Milton mentiond to me that the school in Kamwenge had been destroyed by a storm. I ws stunned! This pole and thatched roof structure was dilapidated in its normal, usable condition. Hearing this news was devastating to me. I had met the many children in this village and knew their strong desire to get an education. In addition to that, my career has been in education and I just couldn't imagine these children without a schollo or proper education. Sitting in the comfortable OTHS building, I privately made a decision to get involved. God would not lead me to this opportunity without seeing me through. So it became a goal of mine to see to it that these children got the school that they deserved.

I spoke to Milton about my desire to build a new REAL school for the children and heproceeded to get me the information I needed. He talked to architects to get an itemized list for the cost of the school. After several adjustments to the list, the cost of the school would total $10,278. This was way more than I personally had, so I was forced to consider fundraising as the option to help fulfill my promise to the Ugandan children. One humorous note is that the original cost of the school was about $1200 cheaper--then the builders realized they had neglected to include a floor for the school!! Thus, the final total included a floor!

Furdraising was something I was not really comfortable or familiar with. My husband and I donated to many varied organizations, but suddenly, I was being thrust into the world of furndriaing for my own project! I knew that this was a viable mission and that my family and close friends would most likely donate to honor me. But how could I get others to donate? I composed a letter and sent it via email, facebook, and regular mail to anyone I thought might be interested in hearing my story. The donations trickled in and I was a bit discouraged. Milton cheered me constantly, encouraging me that once a few start donating, others would soon follow. He never lost hope in my dream. So I did not give up!! I told my story to anyone I could 'corner'! Gradually, friends, and even strangers, 'got on board' and soon began making donations in all sizes!! Wanting to do my part in the fundraising, I startd my own personal baking campaign at the high school to add to the Uganda school account. I baked and sold chocolate chip cookies for $.50 and quickly became known as THE COOKIE LADY as students learned of my mission to build the new school.

Having worked at the Ottawa Labor of Love for many years, I knew the value of working on projects together. Friendships deepen and a sense of owndership grows as people enthusiastically work together. Those ideas were shared with Milton as I suggested that such community involvement would be a worthy goal. After discussing this with the village representatives, it was determined that every Wednesday would be Labor of Love Day througout Phase 1. Every man, woman, (and child) came to the work site to see what they could do to assist! Men helped dig the foundation, hauled sand, and carried bricks one by one and walked miles with their jerry cans for water needed to mix the mortar, then manually mixd the mortar. The women joined the team as they made porridge to feed the workers as well as show moral support for the hard-working men. Even the children arrived to run and play as they enthusiastically watched their new, real school being built. They knew that this was the end of the teasing and taunting they had received from neighboring children because of their inferior 'old school' and they suddenly felt hope for a better future. This was finally a community project-all working together towards the same goal!! Once Phase 1 was completed, the remaining phases were accomplished by the skilled laborers.

Throughout the months of 6 or 7 fundraising, I was able to pay for the school. At one point, I received a panicked note from Milton stating that there had been an error in figuring the total cost. They had forgotten to include the cost of the FLOOR!!! Adding the cost of the floor increased the cost of the school to just above $10,000. We all felt such a sense of accomplishment when we sent that last payment. During the entire process, we had called this project Labor of Love/Kamwenge School Project. That was fine for business purposes, but we all felt that a more appropriate name for the school must be determined. From the very beginning, the children kept praising my name for helping them get a new school. This really left me feeling a bit embarrassed and empty, because that was not the intent or correct!!! It was God who guides our every step and places opportunities in front of us. It was because of Him that this school became known to me. So, I thought GLORY PRIMARY SCHOOL would be an appropriate name so the children would know that all the glory goes to God for their new school and this new opportunity that gives them hope for a better future. The numerous letters that I have received from the children, thanks to my friend, Milton, all suggest that they know who is their provider!! What joy that gives to all who have been involved in this project.

Even though the school is complete, my job is not finished. The beautiful school is empty of all needed furnishings!! I will continue my fundraising efforts but even that cannot go on forever. The list of supplies is almost endless--textbooks, chalk and chalkboard, math sets, desks and chairs for the teachers and children. The list goes on and on!! At this point, we must begin thinking of a project that will make the school self-sustaining--a project that will earn money so the school can continue to stay in session once our fundraising stops. That is our focus. I pray that there will be a way to keep the school afloat during these difficult times. Lives can be changed and improved and the great hope that exists will endure for years and decades to come.