We had an amazing day on Saturday. After our final presentation, at the Omega Healing Centre, we went to visit the girls in Ki-Mombasa and to distribute some clothes that had been donated for the women and their children. The girls were very happy to see us, and even more so when we told them of our plans and progress so far, and let them know that there are many people in both Africa and America who are thinking about them and who want to [...]
Today we had the opportunity to distribute items that have been donated by friends in Minnesota. Thank you to all who collected and donated items to load our luggage on this trip! First it was t-shirts that were greatly appreciated by members of a youth soccer club, whose goal is to help young men develop skills and attitudes that will help them grow to be good husbands, fathers, and members of the community. Next we distributed newborn kits–containing a towel, [...]
Editor’s Note: Betty Liedtke is in Uganda. The following column is one that she wrote in preparation for the trip she took to Uganda last October. This column was originally published on September 29, 2011. “If anybody offers you sambusa, take it.” That’s one piece of advice that was given to me recently regarding my upcoming trip to Uganda. I’m going to be there for several weeks, and I’ve been collecting information from friends – and friends of friends – who have been there themselves [...]
Lots going on since our last post. We did two "Finding the Treasure in Our Gifts from God" programs--one for members of the Community Healing Church in Kampala, and one for teachers at Buckley High School (which is actually a highly acclaimed Girls' Boarding Primary School, with students aged 6-15) in Iganga. After that program we were treated to an amazing performance by students who were leaving that afternoon (Thursday) for a National Music Competition in Kampala. From the moment they opened their mouths and [...]
We met last night with the first group of girls who are going through transitioning and training. The girls didn't all know each other before, but have already become good friends, and now have much to talk and laugh about together as they plan and prepare for a better life and a future filled with promise and opportunity, Tabitha and Betty
Our trip to Mbarara was to meet with Betty and Ishmael, who own hotels in Kampala and Mbarara and who want to help us help the girls in Ki-Mombasa. They told us they will offer employment in their hotels to girls from Ki-Mombasa once they have gone through transitioning and training. We are thanking God for Betty and Ishmael! We spent the night in Mbarara, and toured the hotel there. Betty and Ishmael were gracious and wonderful hosts. During a conversation with Betty [...]
We crossed the Equator yesterday on our way to Mbarara. We met with a wonderful couple, Betty and Ishmael, who own hotels in Mbarara and Kampala and who will provide employment to some of the girls from Ki-Mombasa after they go through transition and training. We will be on our way shortly to conduct a kick-off/demo meeting for what we believe will be the first Toastmasters Club in Uganda!
I arrived in Uganda safe and sound, and had a wonderful reunion with Tabitha and her family. While waiting for the gate to open at the airport in Amsterdam, I was talking with a woman from northern Uganda, and it took us less than five minutes to find a common connection, in the form of someone we both know. I'm always amazed and delighted to be reminded again what a small world it is! Tomorrow (Monday), we have a three-hour drive to get to our [...]
The first attention I paid to Hurricane Isaac was well before it built up to its full power or approached land. It was during a phone call with my daughter. My daughter lives near Orlando. Since Orlando is in central Florida and a fair distance from either coast, it’s not in as much danger of hurricanes as other Florida locations. Still, hurricanes there are not unheard of, and the area often bears the brunt of destructive and devastating rain and winds, even without full “hurricane” [...]
“100% scripted, 100% flexible.” That was one of the mantras we repeated over and over again when I was in Uganda last October, with an emphasis on the “flexible” part. Our plans and programs were carefully scheduled and prepared. But unexpected problems and challenges kept popping up, usually with little or no advance warning. We got used to it, and whenever something unforeseen happened – which was most of the time – we made whatever changes were necessary, and carried on with the program. I’m [...]