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Arrival in Uganda

For the first night we stayed at a hotel in Kampala. The next day we met up with missionaries Greg and Sandy Lemky from the Spring of Life Ministry Africa (SOLMA). The Lemkys graciously allowed us to stay at their home. Each time we stayed there it was the highlight of my trip. They have seven of the most adorable Ugandan children that they have adopted, and I absolutely fell in love with them. Our time with Greg and Sandy and their children was always a refreshing time for us mentally, physically, and spiritually, and we were very grateful.

Soon it was time to head to Bulanga to begin our work. The four hour drive to the project was an amazing ride for me. When I left there last year I never thought I would have the chance to return, but now there I was seeing all the familiar places for a second time and through changed eyes. I was remembering all the things that I had learned on the first trip and was wondering what things may look like now. I was so eager to see all of the sponsored children, especially the little girl who I sponsor, Nazipha. As we neared the small dirt road that you turn down to get to HCCP we saw a large beautiful sign on the side on the road, a new addition since last year, that said “Hope Child Care Program” and listed all of the facilities that will be located there. This was the first hint we had to all the changes we were about to encounter.

When we reached the project, the first thing that I noticed was the completion of barbed wire fencing around the property. The gate had been opened for us and as we drove toward the house I looked out the window to see a large crowd of children jumping, waving, and shouting as they ran towards the vehicle. By the time we had stopped the car, we could barely get out because the children had surrounded the vehicle. They were all trying to shake our hands and touch us. Their faces were so full of life and happiness and their eyes sparkled with joy and excitement at our arrival. I quickly spotted Nazipha and bent down to hug her. The smile on her face was one that I will never forget.

As we waved goodbye to the children, we headed into Fred and Ruth’s newly finished home for a tour. Last year during our trip, the foundations of the house had just been finished. There was no paint, no furniture, nothing. We were so amazed at the transformation that had taken place. The house was beautiful both inside and out.

Outside a new boy’s quarters had been added with two rooms and another room that was used as the outside kitchen. Another new addition since last year was the hen house that had 18 chickens, one rooster, and two turkeys living in it. The changes we were seeing were almost overwhelming and we were so excited to see more. Fred walked us over to the newly completed two-room school house. As we walked into the building, I don’t think Vicky or I had dry eyes. It was an actual school, complete with chalkboard. Outside were cement foundations made for the water tanks, which were delivered a few weeks later. Still under-construction were the three room offices where two teachers and the clinic nurse will be able to work. These changes were so exciting and gave us the inspiration that we were going to need to get our jobs done.

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