Beacon of Hope gets a Face Lift

As an educator I feel very passionate about the learning environment for both teachers and students. When we arrived in December I was a little (ok, a lot) surprised by how run down Beacon of Hope Secondary School looked.  I knew that great things were happening at this school and lives were being completely transformed...but the outward appearance of this school did not reflect the nature of what was happening.

We are so pleased that our fundraising efforts before leaving the US, and the continuous and generous support of many friends, enabled us to address the look of the school and give it a face lift.

Before painting

Outside the classroom block

Inside, back wall, of a classroom

Wait, she's very cute, but too young to be a student at Beacon

Front of a typical classroom

During Painting

 

Classes continued outside while classroom were being painted inside

Finished product...looks great!

Administration block

Freshly painted interior classroom

Do you agree that the fresh coat of paint looks spectacular?  When I spoke with students and teachers it was so encouraging to see their faces brighten as they talked about how great the school looked and how proud they are of their environment.  A little paint goes A LONG way.

Give the Gift of Dignity...a smashing success

I just want to say THANK YOU!  By supporting my family through prayers and financial gifts, I am here in Africa and had the opportunity to help organize this amazing fundraiser.  Thank you for your generosity towards us,

and

THANK YOU TO THOSE WHO GAVE TO THE “GIVE THE GIFT OF DIGNITY” CAMPAIGN.

Last month we did an online campaign to raise money to purchase needed personal care items for the young men and women at Beacon of Hope College.  We had a donor who was willing to match gifts totaling $1500.  I am so happy to report that we far exceeded our goal of raising $1500 for the match, and instead raised $2730.  Awesome awesome awesome!

I was able to participate in the purchase of these items in town and then the distribution of items to the students.  It took two trips in the truck to haul all of the goods back to the school.  In total we were able to purchase:

• 426 packages of sanitary napkins/pads
• 2172 bars of laundry soap
• 1086 bars of personal body soap
• 350 toothbrushes and a tube of toothpaste

·   

"back alley" where we purchased the boxes of soap 

Load #1...laundry soap

Warden Patrick, myself, Andrea and Matron Edith

Each student will receive over the course of the year: 6 bars
of laundry soap, 3 bars of body soap, 1 box of toothpaste
with a toothbrush and for the ladies 3 packages of sanitary
napkins/pads.

Many many smiles that day

This was my favorite day in Africa so far!

Personal care items in the hands of fantastic ladies

Give the Gift of Dignity

Greetings from Soroti, Uganda!

We have been busy with various projects here in Soroti and at our high school Beacon of Hope.  Marc has also been very busy with meeting local church leadership in hopes of creating a partnership on Malaria projects. 

I’m writing today to present an opportunity to meet a very real and present need for many of our students at Beacon.

The students at Beacon of Hope School here in Soroti, Uganda are an amazing group.  These young women and men are always smiling, full of energy, extremely motivated, and very hardworking.  They are focused on making a brighter future for themselves and their nation through education, despite the fact that many of them have had to overcome unbelievable hardship and personal trauma to get to this point in their young lives.

This year, the staff has identified a number of students who have come to school without necessary personal care items…these include soap, laundry detergent (the students all hand wash their own laundry on Saturdays), and sanitary pads.  Because of last year's drought, many families in this part of Uganda have suffered economically and could not afford to provide these items for their young scholars. 

In order to meet these needs of approximately 350 students (boys and girls included), we need to raise about $3,000.  We have identified a donor who is willing to match up to $1,500 in order to meet this need, so every dollar you contribute is actually two dollars towards our goal. Your financial support would help provide a student with the gift of dignity and hygiene for the school year.  (If, by the grace of God, we earn more than is needed to cover all of the personal care needs, all additional money will be used to meet other direct needs at the school…think bed nets, indoor residual spraying for mosquitoes, school supplies, etc…) 

We are hoping to raise enough money by March 25th to ensure that these students have what they need to stay healthy, clean, and happy for the remainder of the school year.  Would you consider helping?

To donate online go to the Pilgrim Africa page...

https://www.pilgrimafrica.org/donate/donate-online/

From here, choose the Beacon School option.  (For my Canadian friends…the site doesn’t work as smoothly when entering your address.  But spare not—it will accept your details!)

Thank you so much for your consideration…it really does mean the world to these students!

Want to read more about Beacon?  Here’s the link…

http://www.pilgrimafrica.org/education-for-development/beacon-secondary-school/learn-about-beacon/

An amazing group of young ladies

The girls dorms.  Note they are triple decker bunk beds!

Snack time at school

Curious Kate and the cracked tooth

I guess it’s not really an adventure until you’ve had a medical emergency.  The honest truth is that this was no adventure at all.  This experience tested every ounce of my faith and trust in the one I call Lord.

Last week, my sweet, curious and energetic 3 year old jumped in the pool and somehow managed to hit her chin.  Hard.  So hard that it cracked a molar and chipped a tooth.

We watched it all day and gave her pain meds to help, as it was obvious she was sore.  That night she woke up several times crying out in pain.  By morning her cracked tooth was visibly worse. 

We now knew the tooth was going to need to be taken out.  Ugg.  She’s 3.  We asked some local missionaries about the availability of a dentist in Soroti.  Yes, indeed Soroti does have a dentist, but my missionary friend did not suggest we use him.  His exact words were: “he’s rough.  It will traumatize her.”  SO. NOT. AN. OPTION.  We also consulted a doctor friend in Soroti and he thought the local government hospital would have the equipment necessary.  He would make the call if we wanted.  (Just to insert some background here.  When we first arrived, we were told to NOT go to the government hospital or to EVER take our kids there.  It is extremely unsanitary and would likely expose us to serious illness.)  AGAIN. NOT. AN. OPTION.

It was now Friday morning and we were making quick plans to make an emergency trip to Kampala.  We had to find a clinic that was open on Saturdays, as we knew we would not be able to make the 6+ hour trip to Kampala in time for closing on Friday.  We were given a referral to Jubilee Dental Clinic.  This is where many Muzungus (us white folks) go in Kampala for their dental needs.  Marc called and they were open on Saturday, but booked.  They encouraged us to come early and just wait and hopefully we would be seen.

So that is exactly what we did.  We were seen very quickly and had a consult with the dentist.  He agreed extraction was the route we needed to take.  Then the drama began.  Kate freaked out about the numbing gel.  Not even the needle.  The gel.  We quickly knew this was not going to work.  Even if we did get her numb, she still had to have the needle and then the actual pulling of the tooth.  Could we sedate her? Sure.  But not at this clinic.  BUT THIS IS THE CLINIC THAT 2 DIFFERENT DOCTORS RECOMMENDED. 

Now we had to contact a new clinic.  It was Saturday and we wondered if we would have to wait until Monday for the procedure.  Keep in mind, Kate was hardly eating because her mouth was so sore.  We contacted the clinic and were told to directly contact the anesthesiologist ourselves and arrange with him.  This is not the way things are done in AMERICA.  I started feeling anxious.  We arrived at the clinic and my anxiety did not improve.  By US standards it was in a location we would never visit or take our children to.  Uganda has reminded me “you can’t judge a book by its cover.” Most of the store fronts or clinics look like shambles, but the products or services inside are excellent.  We place a lot of value in appearance in the US, and not that this is bad…but in Uganda it certainly causes me to re-evaluate everything.

We met with Kate’s anesthesiologist and booked the surgery for Sunday morning.  Really? Sunday morning.  7:15 am.  I broke out in hives Saturday night as I anticipated what was to come the next day.  Sedation involved an IV.  Kate does not do well with needles.

As a mom my mind went to every possible worst case scenario.  What if she doesn’t wake up? She’s never been sedated before.  What if she gets seriously ill from lack of sterile equipment?  Are these doctors as good as American ones?  What if I lose my baby girl????  We are in a 3^rd world country having oral surgery.  For Kate I was keeping it together…but on the inside I was a wreck.

My dear friend in Australia reminded me: “Everybody is praying.  We love you and we love Kate. But, more importantly, you need to remember that the same God that kept her safe in the US is watching over her in Uganda.  It may be harder for you and me, but it is NO more difficult for Him there than anywhere else!”  Thank you Ellie!

Kate woke up Sunday refusing to leave the house.  She screamed and cried.  I felt so sick, but kept telling myself I had to keep it together for the sake of my whole family.  But all I could think about was what if I lose her?  And trust me I have had to work through this fear already when we agreed to this grand adventure. 

At some point on the trip to the clinic, the God that I LOVE SO MUCH, sent me a small note of encouragement.  A taxi van drove by with the verse “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord.”  Jeremiah 29:11.  Oh God I needed that.  This verse has been an anchor for me for the last 10 years of my life.  His plans.  Good plans.  The verse continues…“plans to prosper you and NOT TO HARM YOU.  Plans to give you a hope AND A FUTURE.”  I held onto the promise that no harm would come to Kate and that she would have a bright future.

Kate did amazing.  She really is the most brave 3 year old I have ever known.  Marc and I had to physically restrain her while the IV was inserted.  She screamed and said the most heart-breaking words.  I put my face in hers so she would see me and not the needle.  I spoke reassuring words to try to calm her down.  I prayed to Jesus to protect her.  Once the medicine was injected she was out within seconds.  At that point her body went completely limp and I burst into tears.  Marc welled up with tears as he handed her over to the doctor to position her properly on the chair.  Our precious little baby girl was out cold and it was scary.

BUT…the doctors were both AMAZING.  So gentle and kind.  The equipment completely sterile and opened from brand new packages.  All my fears were slipping away.  Almost.  The procedure was over and my girl still had not woken up from the sedation.  Spencer came in and talked to her.  Marc talked to her.  I talked to her.  We rubbed her arms and legs and coaxed back to this reality.  And when she opened her eyes…. Honestly I can’t put into words all the emotions that took over at that moment of those precious blues opening and focusing on me.  I knew all was right with the world when she instantly asked if she could have her treat now.  Oh my girl!!

My brave brave girl did amazing.  Thank you to all who prayed and sent words of encouragement.  In hindsight (like in a few years) I may look back and laugh at how worked up I got over this…or not.  This would have been traumatic in the States.  It certainly was traumatic in Uganda.  But my God is big and I am so grateful we were not alone.  Not for one step.

 

The tooth

Our little drugged girl

The Story of Esther

Two days ago Marc and I had the opportunity to sit down with this amazing young lady and listen as she shared her story.  A story that testifies to the goodness of God.

Meet Esther. This is her story.

Esther is the youngest of 7.  Shortly after she was born her father abandoned her family.  Her and her siblings were raised by their mother.  A woman of faith, who Esther often overheard praying to the God of the Universe.  She cried out that God would protect her children and be a father to the fatherless.  Esther didn’t yet know or understand this God, but she knew her mother had a deep faith in Him.

When Esther was 7 she was abducted by the LRA (Lord’s Resistance Army).  She and 3 of her sisters were hiding in a tree, but she was caught.  Caught because she was a curious 7 year old who was peeking from the branches to get a better view of the men in uniform.  When they found her, she did not reveal the hiding places of her sisters.  Can you imagine?  7 years old.

As I write this I find myself staring at my son.  He is 5 and will turn 6 this year.  I can’t imagine.  I can’t.  I can’t fathom the depth of pain a mother would feel when she discovers that the baby of her family has been kidnapped by the atrocious LRA.  The fate of these children was certain death. 

The first day Esther travelled.  Far.  On the second day, she hid in the bushes and managed to escape.  Again, 7 years old. Imagine the fear of being found again.  The fear of trying to return home.  But return home she did.  The fear of the LRA was a constant companion to those living in her small rural village.  To the point that Esther completed her final year of primary school as a boarding student in Soroti (the town we currently live in).

She worked hard that year because she had the HOPE of going to secondary school.  You see in Uganda, primary school is publically funded.  Secondary school is not.  The options were simple.  Earn high enough grades to qualify for a scholarship and attend a secondary school.  OR return home to the village and be married off.  Esther explained that although it is technically illegal to marry so young, it is common practice in the village.  Many brides are 13 and 14 year old girls.  The sadder reality is that some girls, feeling no hope of a future (because they did not earn high enough grades to get into secondary school) commit suicide. 

Esther’s story continues.  She was chosen as a scholarship student for Beacon Secondary School, run by Pilgrim Africa, here in Soroti.  In 2007 Esther started her first year of Secondary School.  Through her time at Beacon, she discovered there were others students who had suffered the trauma of the LRA and abduction.  She quickly found comfort that she was not alone.  During her 6 years at Beacon, Esther also found HOPE.  Hope that isn’t based on circumstance.  Hope that isn’t based on feeling.  Hope that is firmly planted in the person of Jesus Christ.  In a faith that offers second (and third and fourth) chances.  She found HOPE in the God of the universe.  The God that her mother constantly prayed to.

Esther is filled with joy and thankfulness.  Beacon provided her a quality education and allowed her the opportunity to discover her personal talents.  Based on the gleam of happiness in Esther’s eyes, one would never know she faced such trauma at a young age.  She is the living testimony of someone who didn’t allow her past, to dictate her future.

Esther is currently entering her second semester at Uganda College of Commerce, here in Soroti.  She hopes to be an accountant.

THIS. IS. WHY. WE. ARE. HERE.

“To restore the hope and dignity found in Christ to those who have been devastated by war, poverty or disease.”   This is the VISION of Pilgrim Africa.  This is a vision that we support.  This is why we moved our family half way around the world.  This is why we live in a rural village in Uganda.  “Our work doesn’t bring HOPE.  HOPE is the work!”

Celebrating Christmas Abroad

We have only been in Uganda 2 weeks, but there is a lot to get used to.  A LOT.  Everything is different.  Sometimes vastly different and sometimes just a tiny bit different.  But different.  

This year we will be celebrating Christmas away from friends and family in a foreign country. It'll be different.  Which is ok.  Different isn’t bad.  It’s just different.  I could spend my thoughts and energies focusing on the different.  That would be exhausting and discouraging.  I could be frustrated by the differences.  I could.  But I’m trying really hard to accept what’s different and work within it. 

Before we left the U.S. my sweet friend Christina gave me a bunch of Christmas crafty things to bring to Uganda.  I had found a few things too.  Gearing up for Christmas in shorts, t-shirts, and sandals is a whole new experience for us.  But we are making the most of it and creating some fun new memories, as well as enjoying some traditions we have created as a family.

decorating our Charlie Brown Christmas tree

Making a Gingerbread House

Creating ornaments to place around the house

Some crafts and activities still to come

An absolute HIGHLIGHT every morning for the kids

Regardless of all the change.  Regardless of the temperature outside.  Regardless of our geographic location.  Regardless if we have plenty or find ourselves in want.  Regardless of it all…we know who we celebrate this Christmas season. 

                “Then the angel of the Lord appeared, ‘Don’t be afraid!’ he said.

                              ‘I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all the people.  

The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born 

             today in Bethlehem, the city of David! 

                      And you will recognize him by this sign: You will find a baby 

                             wrapped snugly in strips of cloth, lying in a manger.’”  Luke 2:10-12

The Christmas Story

Our dear friend, and security guard, Phillip joined us
 for a retelling of the Christmas Story

Planes, Trains and Automobiles...medics, ambulances and EKGs

Another title for this post may have been “DISASTROUS start, with an Excellent ending.”

Our time in England, as previously mentioned, was excellent.  Although we were flying out on Saturday morning, our friends in England had a family affair to attend and left Friday night.  My friend called a cab company to come pick us up and take us to Heathrow airport the next morning.  We were quoted £95 for the trip.  We had no way to contact the company, so just prayed they would arrive at 7 am the next morning.

We woke early Saturday morning to start our anti-malarials, then finish packing and get the kids ready.  I wasn’t feeling very good, but just attributed it to stress, lack of sleep, and waking early.  As the morning progressed, I just started to feel worse.  Very very nauseous (a known side effect of the anti malarial).

After Marc finished loading the vehicles with our stuff (think 12 pieces of luggage, 2 car seats, stroller and numerous carry ons), I found out the company sent 2 cars.  Not 1 van as requested.  They expected £95/car.  Which was outrageous.  So after holding my ground and reminding them it was their mistake, we settled on a fair price for the trip and were on our way.

Heathrow airport is about an hour away from where we were staying.  As we drove I started to feel worse and worse.  At one point we actually had to stop the car so I could jump out and attempt to throw up on the side of the road.  Not cool!  By the time we go to the airport I was barely able to hold on.

This is where it gets exciting.  The guy who had our luggage quickly unpacked his car and took off.  So there are 12 pieces of luggage on the curbside.  No problem…we’ll just grab a porter.  But of course there was no porter within sight.  The kids are still in the other car staying warm.  I am on the side of the curb with my head in a paper bag.  At this point I am wavering between passing out and throwing up.  The cab driver was mostly patient, but he was eager to get going.  Marc was still looking for a porter.  And it was freezing outside. 

Marc came back without a porter and the cab driver saying he had to get going.  I couldn’t lift myself off the curb, let alone worry about all our luggage.  Marc went to the security and asked them for some assistance.  THEY WERE AMAZING.  They called a porter for us.  As they came closer, one of the security guys saw how sick I was looking and asked if I needed a medic.  After some pause, I said YES. 

So a lovely medic (Sally) rides up on her bike and offers to assist me.  Kids are buckled in their stroller, porter has baggage, and the security have now gone to get me a wheelchair.  We get inside, where it was so much warmer, and the medic does her check.  I can barely speak because I feel so sick.  Any movement and I am sure I will pass out.  Sally, my medic, can’t get a clear check on my vitals because my blood pressure seemed so low.  So she calls an ambulance to come. 

Needless to say, it was starting to get very stressful.  I felt horrible.  We hadn’t checked in and were supposed to be flying to Entebbe, Uganda in just a couple hours.  An almost 9 hour flight awaited us.  At that point we had to consider missing our flight and spending the night in the hospital (and what in the world would we do with ALL that luggage??).  I had an EKG done and Sally indicated I wasn’t having a heart attack (good to know), but that my chart indicated something that was not standard textbook.  Great!  She recommends I get that checked out.  Umm….I’m moving to Africa today.

The story takes a turn for the better at this point. Still dizzy, but I did not feel like I would throw up.  We decided to check in, and if I needed once inside the terminal we could call the medic back.  I stayed in the wheelchair as I could not stand up yet without feeling like I would pass out.  The wheelchair turned out to be a blessing in disguise.

British Airways had us go through the Business Class check in.  It was not stressful at all as they weighed each bag and tagged them.  And our amazing porter stayed with us through the whole ordeal!  He was amazing.  We needed someone to push the wheelchair as Marc was busy pushing the kids.  So BA provided one.  We went right through security (no lines for us).  Then was taken directly to our gate for boarding.  The guy literally pushed me right up to the door of the plane.  What started out as an extremely stressful morning was starting to go smoother.

The 9 hour flight to Entebbe went well.  The kids did amazing.  We even got a small nap in.  This next part of the trip was what I anticipated as being the most stressful.  It was midnight when we got in line for Immigration.  Kate started to melt down.  That worked to our favor, as we were ushered to the FRONT of the line.  I guess at midnight no one wants to hear a 3 year old screaming and crying.

We got our VISAs and headed to collect our luggage.  Again I was feeling anxious about collecting all of our bags and getting through Customs next.  Well the day ended amazingly as the Director of Pilgrim Africa had been on our flight and met us at baggage claim.  He completely took care of us.  We collected all our bags.  EVERY SINGLE PIECE ARRIVED IN TACK!  Then we walked right past customs to friends waiting outside.  Not sure how we skipped Customs, but I wasn’t complaining.

So although our very long day started out terribly, we are thankful for the grace of God as we see His provision in so many of the little details throughout the day.  Our day ended so well and we were all thrilled to be in Uganda safe and sound.