Visitors

HUGS invites volunteers to become involved and participate in its missionary activities. This year, three women - Susan, Cheryl and Leanne - stepped up to help the children in Bulanga.

Susan

Susan is a wonderfully energetic woman from the San Diego area. She arrived at the beginning of October and stayed with us for a month. Right from the start, Susan fit right in with everyone in Fred's household. The children fell in love with her, instantly seeking her attention and time at play.

Susan was extremely helpful around the house and with the children. She would offer her help with all activities, never holding back her time or energy. At one point, Susan was able to help prepare dinner for honored guests of Fred and Ruth. The evening was a big success, due largely to Susan’s efforts and entertaining skills.

After Susan’s arrival, we journeyed to the Source of the Nile River for a day of splashing in the water. Susan enjoyed herself immensely this day, saying that just being here was enough to bring tears to her eyes.

Out in the village, Susan was loving and understanding with everyone with whom she came into contact. Her smile and laugh live in all our hearts to this day. During our day in a remote clinic, Susan proved she is a very fast learner by taking on the duties put before her with a minimum of explanation. Susan's interest in all of our efforts proved to be a real God-send on a number of occasions. We are grateful for her love and care and her interest in the children of Bulanga.

Cheryl and Leanne

Cheryl and Leanne arrived in Uganda October 11th. Cheryl and I both graduated from Point Loma Nazarene University with a degree in Nursing. Cheryl has quite an extensive history in the mission field with trips to many countries. She shared her interest in Uganda with her roommate, Leanne, who decided to join Cheryl on this trip. Leanne is a student of communications.

After Cheryl and Leanne arrived, they were given a few days to acclimate to the time change. It was during this time that we took them to the source of the Nile River a short distance away. It was a great day of fun. Along with Susan, we all went on safari later that week.

Cheryl and Leanne brought candy, toys and clothing for the children in the village. There are no words to express the enormous help both young ladies were during the 3 days of child interviews. Cheryl was able to assess the health status of the children and ask pertinent questions about their living conditions. Leanne was a God-send... she let her creative juices flow making wonderful cards for the children with their pictures, including a message of Love. The children of Bulanga have not seen an image of themselves, so they all cherished this card. Both women breathed fresh air and great ideas into our efforts.

Susan, Cheryl and Leanne joined us on a journey to the remote village of Dyango. We spent a day working at the Dyango clinic with the local women and children. During a break, they walked to the market in a field nearby where they took pictures of the locals. Upon leaving, our truck got stuck in the mud, completing the Ugandan experience.

Cheryl and Leanne had their hair braided during their stay in the village, which thrilled the locals. The braids gave them a very exotic look that was an attention grabber both in the village and at home. This process takes at least two days per head.

Leanne was a real champ when she tried her hand at cooking in a village kitchen. This was made more interesting when I learned Leanne does not cook! She did a great job with the meal, impressing us all with her newfound talent.

Leanne took "fitting in" a few steps farther when she boarded a coaster (small bus traveling between the village and Kampala) and sat in VERY close quarters with the other travelers. Once in Kampala, Leanne rode a boda-boda (small scooter) through the mud streets of Netete to the director's home.

We finished off the visit with a celebration in a Kampala restaurant. We were joined by friends Greg and Sandy Lemky, missionaries with Spring of Life Ministry, who live in Kampala and raise abandoned children. The evening insured lasting friendships.

The good humor, kind actions, energy for various tasks, and interest in the local customs were wonderful to behold. Leanne stated that her life would, "never be the same" after her time in the village.

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Susan playing with Rachel

Susan preparing a Ugandan meal

Cheryl & Leanne on safari

Leanne makes a new friend

Working at the Dyango clinic

Cheryl takes digital pictures of some Dyango residents, many of whom have never seen their own image