Although our time in Queen Elizabeth was over, it was not quite time to return to Kampala. An organization my parents’ church had been supporting for the last ten years was only two hours away, so we decided to drive to Fort Portal to check it out. Over the next 24 hours, we were introduced to the excellent work that was being done by Christ Aid. Their programs ranged from bringing water to the village, building a school and a church, and financially supporting a group of grandmas.
When visiting Christ Aid’s school, my parents and I were given the most memorable introduction of our lives – never have we been (and probably will we ever be) so warmly welcomed. As we pulled up to the school, three hundred children lined the road dressed in purple school uniforms singing at the top of their lungs, dancing, and drumming – all in an effort to make us feel welcome. Upon closer observation, there were three little girls each holding a bouquet of flowers; a bouquet for my mom, dad, and myself.
 |
| My parents with David Mporampora, the founder of Christ Aid. I guess if we were celebrities, this is how everyday life would feel. |
 |
| The principal with his students |
 |
| Margaret and Margaret |
 |
| Hanging out with some of the students over the weekend. One of the little girls was showing me her doll made of banana leaves. |
As our visit to the school was just about over, the teachers revealed that they had a surprise in store for me. I was asked to come outside to discuss something with one of the faculty members. As soon as I stepped outside, I found the three hundred students gathered around my birthday cake and were singing to me. I have had some pretty memorable birthdays, but this may beat them all.
 |
| Enjoying cake together |
After visiting the school, we went to visit Christ Aid’s Adopt a Grandma Program. Although many organizations sponsor African children, Christ Aid saw a need to support the African grandmas. It is these women who often use all of their resources to support the children in the community. Therefore, by supporting one grandma, a sponsor is actually able to support several children.
 |
| Our visit was appropriately timed - it was the day for the grandmas to receive their sponsorship. We saw the gratitude and appreciation each one had as we handed an envelope to every grandma. |
 |
| My family with all the grandmas |
After being briefly introduced to only two of Christ Aid’s projects, it became apparent that this organization is doing great things and is positively impacting the entire community. Because of the work David Mporampora has been doing, he has gained recognition and has made some pretty important connections in Uganda. One of these connections was revealed to my family when we showed up at our “hotel”. David had arranged for us to stay in a bed and breakfast which ended up being the home of the former Ugandan ambassador for the United Nations. When I saw a picture of him shaking Nelson Mandela’s hand, it was pretty obvious that he was an important man…
 |
| The ambassador's wife, her housestaff, my parents, and me |
Hopefully, as the good work of Christ Aid continues, they will be further recognized and further supported so they can continue providing for and positively impacting the community.
No comments:
Post a Comment