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!!!
