Inaugural Heart-to-Heart Connections Tour

Traveling to Uganda is one of the great joys of my life.  Traveling to Uganda and getting to share it with friends of the COU family – now, that’s something extra special.

This summer, I was honored to be on the ground with four of our incredible child sponsors including Rahil and Lauryn Taj, Nicky Fritz and Tammy Dube.  Seeing the children and country through their eyes – for none had ever been to Uganda before – was so exciting for me. Each of them had their own unique experience, but they all shared one experience in common – gratitude.  

On our first full day in Uganda, we visited one of Children of Uganda’s partner schools.  What a greeting we received!  Most students were on their term break; but, we met up with the candidates (P6 and P7) and each of them shared a brief story with us about their studies and hopes for the future.  We then spent three wonderful days in the Kyotera district at another partner school who hosted our summer camp (fully funded thanks to our supporters – see below for a recap!).  One of our visiting sponsors told me that during one of the exercises she actually took notes about communication and respect for others – so even the adults were learning! 

The children learned many valuable lessons via games, sports, one-on-one activities and lots of group interactions and discussions.  It was an absolute joy to see our children being children – running, playing, laughing and feeling empowered about their unique strengths and abilities.

One of the highlights of the trip was visiting a few of the women who participate in our Family Empowerment Program (FEP) – funded via The 100 Women Club.  Last year, we introduced you to Jenesta – who had grown a small garden into a vast banana plantation.  She has since increased her land, is growing coffee and started a piggery project.  As a result, Jenesta is able to pay school fees for her other children, as well as requirements and other home necessities.  To witness her progress from only two years back is an incredible blessing.  Her story is a testament to the power of making small investments in women – which in turns, uplifts entire families.

Many of our Children of Uganda alumni students also spent time with the sponsors – sharing their stories of success and independence as a result of being a part of our family.

But no question – the most meaningful for our visitors was getting to meet their sponsored child and their families for the very first time.  Lauryn and Rahil were overjoyed to hug their little boy, Johnson, and to travel to his home village to meet his family and friends.  Sponsor Nicky Fritz not only spent time with her sponsored boy Chrizestom during the 3-day camp, but also had the opportunity to visit his home and meet his grandmother.

I heard daily from my traveling companions how grateful they were to be a part of our first ever Heart-to-Heart Connections Journey and one couple (before leaving the continent) even recruited a family to join us next year!  We can’t thank our donors enough for making the trek over to Uganda to meet their sponsored students.  The impact their support has had on these young lives is immeasurable.  And to add an in-person meeting – you can’t imagine the sheer delight and exuberance these kids experienced.  

I left Uganda – after spending 3 of the very best weeks I have ever spent there – feeling totally filled up and energized for the next chapter of our story.  I hope you will consider being a part of our journey next summer.  You will be most welcome!