Blogs from Uganda, Africa - page 130

I knew the moment I met Stephen that he was someone special. There are certain people that just have a light around them... “good energy” I guess you could call it. Stephen Wante is 30 years of age and runs the El-Shadai Foster Home in Bugembe, right outside of Jinja town. The home offers shelter, compassion, counseling and support to app. 30 children, with ages ranging from 3 years to 20 years. The children’s background and home districts vary widely, but all tell the story of poverty, neglect, abuse, conflict and abandonment. The home is a family-style environment and the children treat each other as brothers and sisters, and “Uncle” Stephen as a trusted and respected father figure. There are no “care-takers” and all the chores are shared. The home gets by with the basic ... read more

It has been quite some time since I've written on this blog, and I think all of you are due an update on my whereabouts and adventures. I can't really remember the last time I wrote, so I'm not sure where to start! I think this may be long, so i'll try to divide it into chucks for you to read at your leisure. Please, if you read nothing else, read the last section on Uganda ( Boda! Boda!): Professional Procrastination: My thesis is coming along at a remarkably slow rate, due mostly to my inability to get anything done during the month of march. I blame it on the plethora of movies and events happening around Durban, and the ever nap-inducing humid heat of this city. Either way, post-the events I will describe below, ... read more

NOT FOUND... read more

Hi, I have arrived home safely from a wonderful week in Rwanda. My life continues to be bursting with goodness. I found out today that I got into UVM. I have decided that after all this traveling I am ready to settle into a community and become involved with a life consisting of a stable bed. This year has been the most incredible, life-changing, fun, challenging, experience of my life so far and as it winds down I really recognize my need for a stable home (at least for a little while.) Burlington is where I want to be. Funny, looking back a few years, I scoffed at my friends for staying in Vermont and look at me now. Back to my roots. These past two weeks have brought a plethora of experiences to my ... read more

CYORF is an organization I found online, and have been exchanging a series of enthusiastic emails prior to my visit with the director, Edward Mutumbe. By the end of the week my schedule is already full, but I did have a few bags of clothing and shoes to give. I contacted Edward and expressed my regret on not being able to spend time with them as a volunteer, but I would be more than happy to drop off donations and come for a “quick” visit. We arrive shortly at the CYORF office early Friday morning and I am seated on one side of a small dark hut-style house outside of town. The room fills with neatly dressed board members and community representatives with notepads and pens: “SISTER SHERRY. What do you desire to bring to ... read more