Saying Farewell to Uganda....

Oh how we hated to say goodbye to our dear friends in Africa! Our last afternoon was spent at the training center of Empower African Children where we danced, played drums, laughed, ate and treasured our last moments together. It was an extra special time because we were surprised by a visit from Sr. Anne and some of the girls and teachers from St. Catherine's school who were in Kampala for the day for a field trip. What joy to bring these three extraordinary groups of young people together for one big celebration!

Ms. Obranovich created a wonderful activity for this festive group - Participants dipped their feet in paint and danced across a giant canvas, creating a wonderful piece of collective art. It was so fun to dance and to be together in this way! We only wish it could have gone on longer!  

Today we are back in Dallas, remembering with great fondness our friends and good times in Uganda. We can't wait to see the Empower kids who will visit Dallas in the Spring. It's Thanksgiving time here in the USA and we have so much for which we are thankful - for the safe and healthy travels of the group, for all that we learned and experienced in Uganda and, most of all, for the friendships made and deepened. Thank You for welcoming us so warmly to your beautiful country and for teaching us so much! We love you and we can't wait to see you again!  



The Official Residence of the US Ambassador to Uganda

On our last morning in Kampala, we were honored to be invited to the official residence of our US Ambassador to Uganda. The home is a beautiful, fortified, multi-level home with a breath-taking views including a view toward Lake Victoria. Gracious as ever, Dr. Catherine Kannenberg, the spouse of Ambassador Lanier, welcomed us and gave us a great tour of the grounds. We particularly enjoyed all of the art in the home - some from Africa and some from North Carolina, the home state of Ambassador Lanier.   

Of course, the biggest hit of the visit was Kya, the first dog of the US in Uganda. She was nothing but love! And our students and teachers could not get enough of her! She is pictured in the middle of our official photo below - so precious!

After our visit to the official residence, we were welcomed at the US Embassy by Ambassador Lanier (no photos were allowed so we don't have any that we can share here - but it was a lovely and impressive building). We had a tour and chatted for a few moments about what we had seen and learned on our trip. All of the students said that they were suprised by the extreme traffic and the numbers of people on the streets walking, working, celebrating, etc. Each student also stated that she plans to return to Africa and that this trip was a great awakening to the possibilities of serving (Serviam :)! ) around the world.  We were also delighted to learn in more detail about the role of the US Embassy and about how those in the foreign service work to protect US interests and to further the cause of peace in our world.  

EAC Video featuring UA Students

During our time in Africa, EAC filmed this short video highlighting several of their projects and the beautiful children that they serve. They also included video of our students from our day at the Sanyu Babies Home. You can also see our dear friends, Agnes Kasule and Jeremy Philips, who were with us every step of the way in Uganda and who made our time there so phenomenal. By the way, this video was  edited by our very own UA alum, Rosie Bryan, who also accompanied us on this journey and who brought endless joy to the group.

Safari !!!!

Those aren't rocks in the background - they're hippos!!

Our adventuresome group spent Wednesday and Thursday in Northwest Uganda, at a National Park called Murchison Falls. It was the experience of a lifetime to see the animals in their natural habitats! We went on a boat safari in the afternoon and then on an early morning safari through the savannah. It was awesome!!!! And, other than a brief encounter with a rather bold baboon, it was the  perfect way to celebrate being in Africa.
Note: the last 7 photos are courtesy of Rosie Bryan - Thanks Rosie!!

Bead for Life

On Tuesday, we visited Bead for Life, an NGO working to teach women how to start businesses in order to lift themselves out of poverty. We had a fantastic experience as we discussed how transformative it is in a society when women are empowered. We talked and danced and were honored to spend time with these brave and strong women. And, of course, we supported their efforts by purchasing some of the gorgeous paper beads which they produce.

 

Jinja and the Source of the Nile

Our week of adventure actually began on Monday when our group (plus some new friends from EAC) set out to the scenic spot of Bujagali Falls on the Nile and then to the town of Jinja to retrace the steps of the famous 19th century British explorer, John Hanning Speke, who is credited with "discovering" the source of the Nile river.  The source is located where the Nile and Lake Victoria come together. It was a thrilling expedition and I am sure that we were just as excited as Speke when we reached the source of the Nile, bubbling up from the earth (of course, we arrived by bus and then tour boat - surely his path was a bit more rustic!)  Unbeknownst to Speke at the time of his rather untimely death, he is indeed credited with discovering the source ahead of his colleague, Burton, and he is honored with a marker at this famous spot. 

We stopped at the shrine to the famous Ugandan Martyrs on our way to Jinja 

 Photos from Bujagali falls...

Lots of monkeys inhabit this region!!

Sr. Gretchen, nun AND explorer!

 We bid farewell to Srs. Anne and Gretchen and we continued our search for the source of the Nile...

The source of the Nile!!!

Good times with good friends in Jinja

Our group at the official marker ..

We are back in Kampala!!

Hello! We are back in Kampala after a truly awesome safari adventure. It's late and time to regroup and shower but more posts will be coming soon - just wanted all to know that we are safely back at the ARA. And, by the way, Yes, perhaps I could have written sooner if we hadn't spent a good deal of the morning with our bus stuck in the mud... good times! I thought all back home would enjoy seeing this photo...

A little message from the Africa delegation...

Greetings friends and family! We wanted you to know that tomorrow morning our happy group will set out on an overnight safari (yes, SAFARI!!) so we may or may not be posting as usual - Certainly we will make every effort to communicate because we know you are following us and we have much more to share. Please keep checking and don't be worried if we are not able to post - we'll be back, I promise! Secondly, we'd love to have some more comments and to know who is following our adventure. Thanks to those who have already commented - we LOVE your feedback and to hear from home!! Ask us a question or just give us your thoughts and impressions....

Goodnight from Africa!!!

Visiting Maureen's Home

As we become closer and closer with our friends from EAC, it's easy to forget the hardships that they have suffered and the challenges that they have faced. As you know, all are orphans and / or vulnerable children who, if not for EAC, would surely be left without an education and with little hope for improving their situation in life. However, being with them, we are far more aware of their joy and their gratitude than from where they have come.
So, it was important for our students to see the home of one of the EAC students. On Saturday afternoon, we were given this wonderful opportunity and we visited the home of Maureen, one of the older students in EAC. Maureen comes from a very humble home - her mother has lived in the same one room home (without a separate kitchen, bathroom or bedroom) for over 20 years. Maureen's father abandoned the family and her mother has worked hard in the pork business to support her family.  Maureen's aunt and brother live in that same room as does Maureen when she goes home from school and, until her recent passing, so did Maureen's grandmother.
It was an honor to meet Maureen's family and, even though we do not speak the same language (they speak Luganda, the local language), we were able to communicate our happiness at being able to meet one another. We took a small offering of groceries which were received with much delight and we were given some delicious roasted peanuts that Maureen's mother made just for us. So much of this exchange with Maureen's family and community was beautiful and spontaneous. And, afterward, our students said that they loved the visit (most said it was their favorite event of the trip so far) and that they had been eager to see a home. Take a look for yourself....

YAY Ally - She didn't drop the eggs (and there were LOTS of uneven surfaces!)

Each UA delegate received a big hug from Maureen's mom

Agnes and Sr. Anne chat with Maureen's grandfather

Thanking us for the grocieries

Maureen's mom shares a rare and precious photo with us

Sr. Gretchen cheerfully greets the family

Our peanuts - delicious!!!!

One of the children in Maureen's community - sticker on head courtesy of UA Seniors 2012

More fun, more stickers on heads

Examining the stickers with Mary Ann

Saying goodbye with big smiles

Maureen's beaming expression as we left her home - gorgeous!!

By the way, on Monday, Maureen took her final exams of high school and she plans to go to college next year!!