HUGS News
March 2009 - A dream come true for Vicky Gibson, President of HUGS
In March of 2009 a dream came true for Vicky Gibson, President of HUGS.
That dream was to share Uganda with a member of her family, up close
and personal. The arrival of her grandson, Nikolas, on the property in
Bulanga was the fulfillment of that dream. Joining Nikolas was his mother,
Vicky's two Ugandan daughters, Rose and Racheal, and three others interested
in the work done on the HCCP property. Although the stay on the property
was short, Nik and the others got to do quite a bit. Again, the women's
group came to the property to put on a show of dancing, singing, and
presenting the baskets, mats, and jewelery they work so hard to create.
Nik and the others joined in the dancing, trying to learn local dance
moves. Nik and his mother joined some of the children during an evening
drive into the local village to buy a soda and a small bite to eat. There
was dancing and celebrating all the way back to the property.
The highlight for Nik and his mother came when they went to the home
of the child they have sponsored for years. Seeing their child's home,
her bed, meeting the family, and seeing how far she had to walk to school
daily was humbling for them. A tighter bond now exists between Nik, his
mother, and the child sponsored.
During the stay on the property the team helped to interview children
and take their pictures for sponsors at home. Picture frames were made
and decorated by the children which would be sent to their sponsors once
they were taken back to the United States. This was one full day's work
for the team. With the frames and the interviews done, the team left
the property. Many tears were shed while leaving the property. The drive
to Queen Elizabeth National Park was quiet, while we all reflected on
what we had experienced during our stay with the children.
The next two days were spent at the National Park viewing animals and
talking over the team's reactions to the HCCP project. The safari was
just the ticket for those needing to unwind before going home.
There will never be another trip like this one for Vicky - and for Nik.