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Rainy Days and Bridges Built: A Journey in Uganda
🌧️☔️ Rain poured down on us today, reminding us of the familiar weather from the West Coast. ☔️🌧️ The morning began in darkness—literally. A power outage at 4 a.m. left us scrambling to prepare, but instead of letting it hinder us, we embraced the moment. By lantern light, we gathered for a cozy breakfast of omelets, chapati, bananas, and hash browns. The dim light created an intimate setting for meaningful conversation.
Morning Reflections: Sustainability and Stories
Our first discussion was centered on Sustainability of Efforts. We are not here to simply do the work but to ensure it continues after we leave. Our mission is to empower communities to address their challenges and create their solutions. It’s about making our work their work.
“Give a man a fish, and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish, and you feed him for a lifetime.”
The second part of our morning revolved around Sharing Stories. Storytelling has a unique power—it connects us across cultures, fosters understanding, and builds bridges between our worlds. We spent time reflecting on the importance of sharing and listening. Every story holds untold strength, and as Maya Angelou said:
“There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you.”
Ask us about the stories we’ve heard; we’d love to share them with you.
Rainy School Visits and Songs of Hope
🌧️ Despite the steady rain, we ventured to a local primary school, said to be the best in the district. Along the way, we practiced greeting in Lugandan: “Wasuze otya” (Good morning).
At the school, we met Ivan, the principal. His journey to leadership was inspiring—despite challenges that steered him away from his original dreams, he discovered a passion for teaching. His dedication is now shaping the lives of many children.
When we asked the teachers about their greatest need, the answer was unanimous: a gate or fence to protect the children at school. We prayed for the safety of the students, teachers, and this community’s future.
The students treated us to heartwarming performances, singing two songs that radiated joy and resilience. Afterward, we divided into groups, speaking to children in separate classrooms, sharing wisdom, and learning from their bright spirits.
Lunch was simple—beans, potatoes, and beef—but a blessing as the rain ceased.
Visiting the Fishing Village: High Energy and Heartfelt Moments
The local fishing village had requested our presence. There, we divided our efforts again—some spoke with adults, discussing needs and challenges, while others played with the children. The kids’ laughter filled the air as bubbles floated and stickers and toys brought endless delight.
We also managed to visit two families:
• Grandmother Medina, caring for three grandchildren. Her gratitude was overwhelming, and her joy was contagious as she grabbed our hands and danced with us.
• A mother of five children, left to raise her family alone in a home with a severely leaking roof. Her story was heartbreaking, yet her resilience was inspiring.
A Race to the Ferry and Farewell to Friends
The day ended with a hurried drive to catch the ferry. Squeezing the last van onto the ferry was a small miracle, but our other car had to wait for the next ferry. Thankfully, the captain allowed us to stand comfortably on the top deck.
We bid farewell to part of the Uganda team—Samuel, Isaac, Joseph, and Vincent. Their absence was immediately felt, but their impact will stay with us forever.
Evening Reflections and Gratitude
Arriving at our next lodging, the hot showers were a much-needed luxury, washing away the day’s dust. Dinner was a delicious buffet, a moment to sit back and process the day.
Today, we heard countless stories and witnessed the stark contrast between our privileged lives in Canada and the struggles here in Uganda. But amidst the challenges, there was undeniable beauty—a strength in the people, a joy in the children, and a sense of hope that bridges the gap between us.
🇺🇬 Uganda has touched our hearts, and we are grateful for every moment.
webale nyo - thank you very much
