How can I help?

It was almost one year ago, that I first learned about Sister Schools.  My girls were asked to be in a benefit choir at their school. Katherine Berry and Fernwood Elementary, put a Benefit Concert on every year to raise money for the program.  They are doing it again this year!  It is a great way to support Sister Schools.  You will get to see photos and footage from my trip, and more important Ashley will be performig in the marimba band this year.

Come Join Us:
Thursday, May 24th at Bastyr University Chapel
The show will start at 7:00pm

Another great way to be a part of Sister Schools is to come to the Gala.  They put on a great Gala at the Museum of Flight.

Save the Date:
October 13, 2012
Museum of Flight

Final Days in Africa

Next year on the donation list.....Barbies

 I remember one time I was giving to an organization, and my brother said, but how do you really know that the money is going to where they say it is?

I have had the pleasure of traveling with Sister Schools for the last two weeks.  I was able to see their work first hand, and see the difference that they have made in so many children's lives.  They travel very simple and work extremely hard.  They are wonderful human beings.

On Saturday, we split our day between two orphanages.  In my head, I made up every excuse to get out of this day, because orphanage days are that hard.  My team joked with me and said, if I made it through, I would get to stop for an iced mocha.  We both kept our promise.

My time in Uganda has been a roller coaster of emotions, but mostly I walk away feeling blessed and greatful to have had this opportunity.  I have been with so many amazing people.  All of whom look at life, like a glass half full.

Uncle Terry taking a moment to hold a little girl that just needed to be held

Some games are universal, like playing in a tub full of water.

Yes, he is that cute!

Janet's Jump Ropes were always a hit

The kids love to have their picture taken, and then having us play it back for them.

The day that Sister Schools comes is a good day.

Shavon's mom died of AIDS.  He is the youngest at the orphanage.

The End

Hard to believe that all of these children were found in the streets just three months ago.

Uncle Michael, or in this case, Grandpa Michael

Wanted to take them both home.  They were cleaning up with my baby wipes.

Doing their part.

A day of rest

Field Trip

Goodbye to my group.  I am better for knowing each and every one of you.

Abilities

This is Tom.  One year ago he was found secluded in the back of his house, this due to that fact that he has disabilities.  The director, Joy said "after a year at KSPH he has made huge progress and is starting to socialize".

We danced and danced and danced some more.

Nobody has to tell these children to help.  They just do.

This little guys disability, is that he has no arms.  When he came to the school the staff jumped to help him eat.  He looked at them and said, I can feed myself, why don't you go and help some of these other kids that need help.

They had an event for every child with every ability.

She captured my camera.  I  found her to be adorable.

I fell in love with his smile....today he smiled a lot.

No words can describe how amazingly beautiful this is.  I will forever be grateful that I had the opportunity to see such beauty in person.

Today was the sports day at Kampala School for the physically handicapped.  One year ago, I saw a video of last years sports day.  As I watched the video with tears rolling down my face, I knew that I had to go to Uganda, and I knew that I wanted it to be with Sister Schools.  The day was as beautiful in person, as it was on video.  The children focus so much on the abilities that they have, versus their disabilities.  You just can't help but to be encouraged by them.  Today I danced, I laughed, and I cried tears of joy.  It was a good day.

Ugandans have laws...they just don't always enforce them

I'm back!!! Due to power outages, internet problems, and just pure exhaustion I was not able to post for a couple of days.  A week into my trip, I have discovered a few things about Uganda. Like for example, there is a seat belt law, however, nobody wears one.  I have no idea if there are any laws around Boda Boda's (sm motorcycles), but I can't imagine that riding 4 or 5 deep is legal.  You just wouldn't believe some of the things we see on Boda Bodas.  However, not everybody can afford a taxi or Boda Boda.  The sides of the roads are packed with people all hours of the day.  It doesn't really matter what time they arrive, because everybody here is on Uganda time.  Also, Uganda is definitely not for the hearing impaired or impatient. Ugandans speak very quiet and very slow.  Literally, pull up a chair, it is going to be a while.

Every day we have been to at least one school or orphanage.  At one of the schools, I had a student tell me that his parents have to pay for transportation to and from school each day.  If they do not have the money than he has to walk.  It takes him 2 1/2 hours each way to walk.  The Head Teacher told us that when students walk the long distance to school, they are exhausted by the time they get there.  Then, it is important that they leave school early enough to walk home, so they are not walking in the dark. 

The orphanage visit was incredibly hard, but not for the reasons I thought it would be.  I imagined it was going to be the babies that broke my heart, but surprisingly it was the high school boys.  They were such sweet boys and they really took care of the younger kids at the orphanage.  I opened my bag of stuff to give them, and they just wanted something to fit.  I took one look at the shirts that "The Mountain" gave me, and thought there was no way they were going to be big enough.  They didn't care.  Three of the boys couldn't put the shirts on fast enough.  They told us it was okay that they were tight, because it showed off their muscles.  We left with a closing song and prayer. That was the beginning of the end for me.  Their voices so beautiful, so full of hope, with no knowledge that soon their orphanage, their home, may be closed due to funding.  It was tough stuff, and we still have two more next weekend.  We were going to do two in one day, but there has been a sudden change in plans.  The team has decided to go to Jinja (the source of the nile) on Friday for a big re-fuel before the weekend.  Then we will visit one on Saturday and one on Sunday.  I wonder if my uncontrollable tears had anything to do with the change to the itinerary?

The kids went running to greet Uncle Terry and Uncle Michael.  They remembered them from  the previous years.  This was one of the highlights of my trip so far.

Uncle Michael!!! 

103.7 The Mountain, donated these t-shirts for the kids in the orphanage.  These boys were thrilled with their new shirts.

Just so happy about his new undies

Each school has prepared a presentation to do for us when we arrive.

Little flirts at Mukono Town Muslim School

The corner by our guest house.  This picture shows both the Boda Bodas and Taxis.  The taxis are so stuffed full, I'm surprised they can even move.

Terry said it best, there is no shortage for bananas in Uganda

This was a booth from one of the schools showing how Sister Schools has helped them with their education.

One adorable village child

Too cute, but can't go to school because his parents can't afford the $30 a term.

The children were showing us how  they make books out of the supplies that Sister Schools gives them.

The kids make their own balls out for bags and string.  The other thing is a musical instrument. When played by somebody who knows what they are doing, it makes a beautiful sound.

This is a very typical store front in the town that we are staying in

It is so common to the the older kids helping out the littles

Today and Yesterday were still very rich, but much lighter days.  At Mukono Bording School we were the guests of honor at a collaborative event, put on by all of the schools who receive Sister Schools supplies. They had booths to show us how they are using the supplies.  The schools are incredibly grateful to Sister Schools and do an amazing job showing their gratitude.

80 to 100 kids per class

Today was the first day that I rode in the front seat of the taxi to the schools.  I wouldn't highly recommend it.  I'm just saying....the view is just fine from the back seat.  Have I already mentioned how many kids are in this country?  It is unbelievable.  Today I found myself completely overwhelmed. My senses are definitely on overload.   

This school has over 1000 kids.  Classes have anywhere from 80 to 100 kids in them.

Bishop East has around140 kids that have Special Needs.  Most of them are deaf.   Today, was their last day of school for the term.  They will be at home with their families for the next 3 weeks.

Thank you Trina for taking this picture!

He didn't cry, and I was oh so happy to be holding him.

And today in my bag of tricks....bubbles!
I blew the bubbles and Trina shot this photo.

I think my picture said it best yesterday "Water  Is Life"

Students

Classrooms

The children prepared an amazing performance for us today with dancing and drums.  Such talented kids!

Last day of school.  All packed and ready to go home.

I loved capturing Trina in her element.  Sister Schools is lucky to have her for their new Executive Director.