When I was in Uganda

In the month since returning from Uganda we have had time to spend with our families, had days out and vacations and enjoyed the last of the summer holidays before school started again. We've also spent time reflecting on the trip. We've shared stories with our friends, we've realised how lucky we are to have days off and have not forgotten how our summer began preparing for our adventure. I'm pretty sure people are getting fed of me starting my sentences with, "When I was in Uganda..." not that that shuts me up! My thoughts are constantly turned to the staff and children I met in Soroti and Abeko. I reminisce about the giggles and faces of awe the adults had when presented with bubbles and pocket money toys. The excited squeals and shy smiles the children gave to us as we sang and played games with them. Most of all I remember seeing the impact the training had had, seeing the adults engaging with the children and understanding that they can make progress, and will achieve more. I feel proud; proud of the team, proud of the children but most of all proud of the teachers, play workers and sponsorship co-ordinators who took the time to come to our training. 

Two weeks on and the team was back together. We gathered around a dining table and began to debrief from the trip. We talked about what went well and what didn't, and what we can do better next time. We are all eager to repeat this experience and hope to bring even more people and expertise along with us. We thought about the impact of our visit and how we are merely a drop in the ocean. At times the trip had been truly eye opening, harrowing even! Many of the conditions we witnessed were so far removed from our own experience; poor sanitation, the most basic of accommodation and a culture that places little importance on people with special needs. However, we were privileged to meet people who saw beyond this, the very start of a revolution; people who were fighting for change, for better lives, offering education, care and opportunity to these children, and it was an honour.

Our hope is that our drop in the ocean creates a ripple. A ripple effect that spreads its impact across Ugandan schools and communities, much like the amazing committee we witnessed in Abeko. It is imperative that the strategies we have presented are self sustainable and that the effects are ever evolving. Our partnership with Global Care and The Ark is by no means over. We have set the delegates the task of carrying forward their knowledge and sharing their new found skills with the children and their colleagues. Over the next few months we will be keeping in contact via skype and email, continuing to offer our support and to ensure some accountability. We will also be continuing fundraising and promoting awareness of the great work Global Care does. We have already presented talks to our churches and the staff and pupils at Two Rivers... wearing the dresses Hope made for us obviously!

Even though our trip was short, and our contribution small we return to our daily lives feeling humbled yet positive, knowing that this is just the start. Like Global Care says you "can't do everything, Mustn't do nothing, Can do something." If you would like to do something go to www.globalcare.org, I'm so glad I did!