Webale. Merci. Asante. Thank You...

I've always found it nice to thank donors by name, but I know all the wonderful people who contributed to my project did not do so for that reason. Even still, it was important to me do create some sort of a “Donor Honor Roll” if you will. My time in Uganda, without a doubt, would not have been possible if it weren’t for the thoughtfulness, generosity and kindness of the people listed below. I included just below a short rundown of some of the highlights from where the donations went (aside from my rent & food!!). Below that I wanted to write a little message to each person because after all, it’s those special connections that motivate and keep the friendships going!

• 14 kids school fees for the entire year so they could remain at school without being chased away for not paying fees.

• 3 kids debts wiped clean from years past so they could continue attending school and not have to stay at home for their debt, plus 3 kids lunches paid for 2 terms.

• 15 school uniforms and 16 new pairs of school shoes so the kids can look and feel their best everyday.

• 55 notebooks for dozens of kids and 13 art books for budding artists to flex their creativity muscles…not to mention an infinite supply of markers, crayons, pens & pencils!

• Football clothes and shoes for 11 boys and 6 girls to continue striving toward their dream of becoming professional footballers. 1 mother and 2 boys a new start at life with a new house and 6 months rent paid in full, and a new job to begin to be able to support her family.

• 1 father a sugar cane plantation which he will begin to harvest in July in order to get money to feed his 3 boys and reunite them with their mother who has to live in the Congo until money is gathered for her bus ticket.

Because of what these donations did, there’s a new sense of hope in the kids and their parents. The kids are healthy and have a new outlook. They are working harder in school. They are running faster on the pitch. I'm humbled to think of how these kids have changed since we met them last August. The Youth Center, too, has become a more lively, fun, youth-friendly space, decorated with bright colors and is full of books and learning posters, games and educational toys.

There’s so many fantastic people in my life I owe thanks to for this past year, I’ve split it up: Chicago listed first, then NYC and old S-C pals and last, friends from all over the States.

Chicago…
Alesandir – What a trip it would have been if we got to do this together?! Thank you for being there, from the very, very beginning, and helping to push me on when things got tough. Sometimes it’s hard to remember I’m the older one. You’ve grown into an awesome friend and I’m so proud of you and excited for what lies ahead!
Behnke – Even though I know you thought this was a bit of a crazy idea, thank you for taking an interest and, of course, for your donation in supporting. Maybe I can swing a visit to Oz?
Coll – Though it’s been quite a year, knowing that had the support of friends like you back home made it more possible. You’ve always supported and believed in me and have been a great best friend through everything. Thank you for always being there.
Mr. & Mrs. Denecke – Thank you for donating to my work in Uganda. I am thankful that growing up I got the support from both of you, and that I still can today is a special thing.
Mr. & Mrs. Foertsch – I was glad to be able to see you at the going away party and am looking forward to a welcome back one in our backyards later in the summer! Thank you for donating.
Mr. & Mrs. Gats – I never got to thank you when the donation came in, but it meant a lot to hear from you. Thank you for supporting the work with the wonderful kids in Uganda!
Gioia – Thank you for the donation, even though I had to stare you down in Panera first…I’ll be seein you back in Chitown later this summer!
Mr. & Mrs. Jepson – I cannot thank you enough for what you have done for me, both through your donations, but more especially the letters and cards you sent while I was here. Every one brought a smile to my face and brighten my day. They meant a lot to me, and I can’t wait to show you pictures once I get home!
Meg – You know more closely than anyone what someone can go through in being here, so your support and hopeful, honest words really meant the world to me. I love having you in my life and am endlessly blessed by our friendship. I can’t wait to be back in the same country as you…finally!
Min – Best friend a girl can have! Thanks for being my secret helper in the post office business. I love you sister.
Mr. & Mrs. Lewis – I’ve always been thankful for your presence and support in my life, and even now when I end up around the world, it is nice to feel that same encouragement. I will be happy to see you both once I get back!
Meggie & Kevin MacDonald – Thank you both for always being there for me. I’ve been getting updates on the girls and I can’t believe it’s been so long. I really do hope to be able to see everyone once I get back home. Thank you for being wonderful friends to our family.
Mr. & Mrs. O’Brien – It’s really been something that I can always count on your support. You have been so much like second parents to me and I feel so grateful for that. Thank you for donating to my work here and I look forward to sharing pictures and stories with you soon!
Mr. & Mrs. Parent – I know it helped my parents, especially my mom, that you supported my work here and especially in knowing that Mr. Parent had been here before (and made it out to tell the story!). Thank you for being good friends to our family and helping them adjust to this crazy idea.
Amy Poepp – What a good surprise I got when I heard I received a donation from you – that really made me feel confident and encouraged. Thank you for your kind messages, too!
Mrs. Schmidt – I’m so happy you we got connected and feel so grateful for your support and interest in this project. I will see you very soon!
Jill Sperling – I’m not sure where to begin – Your donation made such a great impact on me and this program that words just don’t seem enough. I have though about you and Bruce, too, so often in being here. It’s inspired me to know what is in your heart, Jill. There are two boys in particular that I can’t wait to share with you! Be seein you this summer…
Steph & Mark – Skeebses. You donation for the children’s school fees brought so much happiness to me the day I got the notice. You are a great friends, I love you! Oh and thanks for having your wedding before my departure to Uganda… Congrats on the upcoming anniversary!
Mr. & Mrs. Stith – I want to thank you for the support you’ve always given to me, unconditionally. I look forward to sharing pictures of these great kids with you once I return!
Sveen – Girl we are days away from gmailing to our hearts content. Still remembering you were IN AFRICA at the same time as moi, but understanding how crazy and hectic it is…One day we will come back here together, I’m feelin that trip.


NYC…
Amarals – Thanks not only for your donation, but for the support while I was in Uganda. It was hard but it’s been nice to be back home. I’m bringing lots of coffee back Cheryl so we’ll get to enjoy it black…by ourselves!
Beckles - Thank you girl for comin through at the 11th hour. It was so needed and it brightened my day. Hope the Hamptons are goin so well, I will be out soon for a visit!!
Bosto – You have always been such a supportive friend, no matter what we are doing and I surely need to take the time to just tell you that! Once I get back, there’s no excuses, we are making time to go out again!
Catie – Honorable mention! Thank you for being such an incredible friend, from the birthday outing to the paper chain, you made being away a little better because I knew things would be ok!
Chee & Ra- Thank you guys so much for the package. It was perfectly timed for a rainy day when I was stuck at home with some kids and the skittles made everything better :) I cannot wait to see you two again; I've really really missed you both!!!
Christoph – You know I am going to ask if I can get put into every one of your classes this summer…right?! Hope you are so well and thank you for supporting me in this. I appreciate it so much. More game nights this summer, ok!
Evan Ladensack – Your donation was one of my first and it meant a lot to hear back from you so quickly. It’s very kind of you. Hope BKs rockin.
Fe – Thank you doesn’t cover it. You know what this has meant to me and your support meant so much. Finally time is workin out!!
Fox – Cheerio ol chap. Thanks for the awesome donation, I wish you were still in NYC! Thank you too for always being there, your friendship is a great one! I’ll be counting down to Summer 2012!
Jaymie – Thanks for your support from the beginning with helping me scour NYC for donations and for making one yourself, too. Countin the days to meeting Lexi, but most importantly seeing you, Natter too!
Jen – I’ve missed seeing your bundled up face on skype! Thanks for giving to my project…lookin forward to many, many bbq’s this summer with you!
Jill & Rosette – Thank you for the donations, both times, they were so awesome. Missin both your smiles and great laughs. You’ve been good friends and it means a lot.. It’s going to be a great summer that’s for sure!!
Kelsey – Thank you for supporting me here, knowing a bit about what it’s like here I’m sure you can relate! Should you and Grant find yourself in a situation where you need support, you can be sure I will be there, too!
Marina & Brian – Thank you both for responding to the birthday ask, and for always having such kind, positive words to say about this experience, especially through the photos. Hoping to see you shortly after I get back…I’ll come up to the Wick so I can see the new studio!
Mike & Katie – Both of your friendships has been such a blessing on me. I feel so lucky to have gotten to know you and can’t wait to be together again starting so soon! Katie, your package brighten my day more than I can tell you. Thank you both, again, for your donations to my work. I can’t wait to see you soon!
Nikki & Evan – Although I want to say thank you for your donations to my work here, I’ve just got October on my mind! But your kind words and support while I’ve been here has meant a lot to me. I miss you both and can’t wait til fall!
Stina – Well I know you could “never see me” here and to be honest there were definitely days I doubted it myself, too, but with a little confidence and a lot of support you know anythings possible!! I’m so excited to get to see you on stage once I get back, too!
Windsor – Commuter to NYC that is. Sissy, I’ll be seeing you soon. Thank you for the awesome donation, my African family is going to be thrilled to receive it and now we can start saving to go see them when they get to the U.S. They will teach you to bootydrop!

The S-C gals
Ann – Your comments on my pictures and blogs has really inspired me to keep writing and snapping! I love that kind of support and it really is a great motivation. Thanks, too, for rallying the S-C troops for the communal donation. So excited to hear more about the new work you’ve been doing.
Dylan – I miss coming by your office for a much needed laugh during some stressful days – I could have used your humor around here! Thanks for your support…I’ll be by soon enough for some lunch!
Mallo – Your camera kept me goin the 2nd time around, you know that! I’m lookin so forward to seeing you in the next couple weeks and planning it all out…Thanks for supporting my work here Mallo bar.
Marnie – Your support and encouragement from the very beginning of this whole journey really helped to shape it. Hearing about your time over here helped me focus on what I wanted; while I was here, advice on how to keep going through it all has really stuck with me! Can’t wait to learn about more crazy similarities of this place!
Milena – My walking buddy! And fantastic accessorizer! Have I got something special for you! Thank you, Milena, for being on my side, helping to convince me things were right when my mind started to wander. Your support and undeniably good advice has always meant so much to me, so thank you!
Namyi – I miss you! This past year just wasn’t the same without having you there every day…it took some adjusting at first! I’m so happy to hear about everything happening with your family right now and can’t wait to hear more..in person this time! Thank you for being there for me, no matter what!
Nancy – Well, I can’t wait to hear more about all these life changes! I hope SF is treating you two well! Can’t wait to see some pics, and hear more about the lil one. Thank you Nancy, too, for being there cheering me on from day one. Hearing about all you have seen and done really was a big push. I wish you and Paul could have made the visit but seems like there’s enough going on right now! Congrats!
Nic – What a year it’s been for us both. This summer will be a great time of reunion & catching up, that much I know. I’ve missed being able to see you everyday but am so happy to have the next couple months. And you know I will be down in NOLA the first chance I get once you are back. Miss you sister.
Sarina – I was so surprised (in the best way!) but your generous donation when I first got it. I wish that we got to spend more time together but I hope you are doing well. I hope you’ve been able to read this blog – I do remember all your encouragement when I was beginning to write this!
Stella – Thank you again for your kind words throughout my time here; it meant a lot every time I got to hear from you! I'll be by soon to see you!
Susan Haddow– I am still feeling upset that I never got to say goodbye to you before I left, but I will be sure to stop by and see you first thing once I get back to town. You have always been an inspiration to me and I have always valued your advice. I want to thank you not just for your donation but more importantly for being someone I can look up to in this field of work!


And all over…
Mrs. Bartholomew – You’re missed around Hope but your spirit is definitely felt, and with donation I’m thankful to your supportive spirit, once again.
B Bomber – B! I’m really thankful for your unconditional support no matter where we find ourselves in this world. It’s something that’s taken us from London and back but also that no matter where we are, I know we’ll be friends.
Carly – Thanks for responding to this from the beginning, you’re a good friend though it’s been too long since the last reunion. Lookin forward to the summer one and then of course another wedding!
Darren – It was really wonderful to have you here as our first visitor to the program. You are doing some incredible work and we were happy to share together. Good luck and thank you for giving to our project in more ways than one!
Glen & Jaclyn – “Thank you” doesn’t even seem adequate. The two of you truly embody the words generous and thoughtful. Your donation came at the perfect time in the program and served as a much needed boost to the work here. I feel so thankful for your amazing kindness.
Harry – Thank you for your donation to my project here; you were the first one to donate – how’s that sound? thank you thank you, Cyz
Mark & Marvelle – Your generosity towards my work has been such a blessing. Both your donations helped improve lives for many kids. Thank you for your support, from when I was a kid...and now when I’m working with them!
Pastor Nancy – I’m really glad we were able to connect on this project and so happy to have gotten a donation from you. It was generous of you and too, your thoughtful comments on my pictures were so nice to read!
Staci – You too were one of the first people to respond and how fitting since I’ve probably known you the longest! I’m so happy we can still stay connected these days and will look forward to another NYC visit of yours in the future, it’s also time for me to come out to CA. Thanks girl for your unconditional support.

I actually had one anonymous donor – so if the mystery donor is out there reading this…THANK YOU!!

And lastly, my Parents – thank you doesn’t seem to even cover the half of my gratefulness to you. It’s without a doubt because of your support, both financially and emotionally, that this was possible. As hard as it was, I am forever grateful that you didn’t let whatever reservations you had stop me, but also that you helped me get through everything from day 1. You let me try this adventure but it’s because of your generosity and kindness that I wanted to do something like this in the first place. I love you so much.

Lightbulbs

I didn’t plan to write a sweeping blog on Life Lessons I Picked Up in Uganda but certain questions have been on my mind as I finish up here: How has this past year affected me? In what ways has it changed me? What will I take away from this experience? And simply, was it worth it?

One thing that was reinforced right from the beginning was that I was going to need to keep as open a mind as I could; knowing that my initial goals may not match what the community had in mind. The goals I set would be changed and that I would need to compromise based on what the community wanted and where their understanding was of their own situation. One such goal I had was establishing a consistent, weekly girl’s football program. When things began last year, this proved to be a bit more difficult than I anticipated. In Uganda, girls typically are the ones with the most chores around the house; cooking, cleaning and even acting as the ‘caretaker’ for their younger siblings. Many girls were not allowed to attend our after school activities and Saturday attendance at football trainings was slow going in the beginning. However, as we got to know these girls we saw their desire. We learned about their duties at home and tried to work together to find a good solution that would both allow them to attend our programs and to fulfill their responsibilities at home. We got to visit some of the girls and their families/guardians. And fortunately in doing this, we got quite a good boost to our girls program, doubling the number from where we started! We see many of the girls every week and I can leave knowing there is indeed a girls football team for SWB Ndejje. However, I do wish I got to spend more time with some of the girls and really talk with them about their life and the issues they face. They are an incredible group of young women and carry an enormous load. I’m excited to see where their futures take them; I know they all have the potential to do some incredible things and it’s evident most of them just need a little support…

As with creating a consistent girls program, another goal we had was to establish an after-school program for the community. This has been, and still is, our most difficult goal to achieve. Initially we met so many challenges because the idea of an “after-school” program was so foreign to the community. Parents can see the benefit in math, science and literature but it’s a lot harder to get them to see the benefit in physical activity, art and especially puzzles. To parents who struggle to gather school fees, the idea of an after school program seemed like just a time for games and frivolous activities; time the children could better spend doing something more productive. Although we saw value in our ideas, I learned quickly that our idea of ‘change’ wouldn’t be supported unless we got this community behind us. Just because a community looks in need to an outsider, doesn’t mean they’ll welcome any idea with open arms…

I do have to say that Adam, Courtney and I made encouraging strides towards our goal of an after school program. We reached out to other schools to show them our intentions and fortunately have retained quite a bit of those kids. Starting 2^nd term last week, we had established (what we hope is!) an agreeable schedule going forward. Unfortunately, most of these achievements came largely on our own. The few people we thought were on “our side” in this community or otherwise weren’t there to support or work with us when it came down to it. It showed us that although someone may appear to be working with you, s/he may be acting as so with ulterior motives, or even just to appease another. It was interesting to focus on people’s intentions and to discover the interpretation of their own (often perceived) authority. Though we recognized early on the need to compromise and meet the community where they were and take into account their goals, it became more evident that as the “outsiders” we were doing all the compromising and as a program, we were in trouble. Some things, though, aren’t worth fighting for so long as value isn’t lost or the ones intended to benefit aren’t left vulnerable. Yet, it can be all to easy to confuse compromise with being an easy target, outsider or not. In this type of work where a locally sustained program is the goal, it is essential to find ways to work together, not just stringing a continuous line of one-sided compromises together.

To that point, another tough lesson to swallow was learning how easy it is to be taken advantage of. The “give a mouse a cookie” saying comes to mind. Often times, it was difficult to do a small favor or nice gesture for someone because they’d expect something more, something bigger. Part of me feels a bit guilty for pointing that out considering the circumstances in which most of the people we encountered live, but I learned just wanting to “do good” won’t always matter, nor will simply putting money at the situation. If your heart isn’t in the work, people will be able to tell. No one wants to be felt sorry for or be made to feel helpless. Possibly that’s one reason why some continually hold out a cupped hand – if someone is made to feel less than they really are, would it be difficult to feel bad about taking advantage of another? As a worker, if your heart isn’t in this for the right reasons, it would be hard to teach others how to become sufficient and how to actually begin to make money him/herself rather than relying on someone else. You'll end up reaching into your own pocket, everytime.

On a personal level, I learned how really to be flexible and adapt to a new situation. I’ve always felt I am pretty open in this regard but coming to Uganda tested that in me, oh boy did it ever. In the beginning, there were times when I wanted to come home. Deep down I knew that wasn’t an option but still tried to convince myself otherwise. I learned that negativity spreads all too fast and can be hard to block out but it can be conquered just as easily with a dose of positive energy (Enter my amazing support system back home!!!). Looking for positives everyday and trying to make a new place feel like a home made adjusting go more smoothly. I really do feel like I’ve settled in here. I remember asking the question to myself last August if Ndejje would ever seem like home – maybe in retrospect it’s easier to say now, but I do feel at home. I know how to get along and feel comfortable. I have my favorite places to go and friends to see.

This year has opened my eyes to a whole other side of the work I want to do. It’s shown me the ground level. I’ve gotten to see how the kind of work I do in the US translates to a small village in Africa. I learned working with kids in vulnerable situations or with complicated backgrounds is what I’m meant to do. It’s where I where I most enjoy the work and where I find myself most effective. Though I’m not quite cut out to be a teacher or in a classroom setting (it’s a lot more stressful than I imagined!), I want to work with kids on their level. I want to build genuine relationships with them and get to know their families and their stories. I want to be able to help them fight for a better life because I know it’s possible for anyone, no matter what.

Though Uganda has claimed two cameras, an iPod, 5 pairs of sandals (4 left ones…see a pattern?!), a pair of running shoes and [some days] my sanity, I’ve learned more about myself, the world and what I want from it than I ever imagined. I’m proud of the work we did over the past 10 months and feel more confident in the path I’ve chosen to pursue. Material possessions are replaceable. The memories I made here and the relationships I built will grow forever. I look forward to coming back here one day.

Without a doubt I can say this year was worth it. As hectic and scary and exciting and intimidating as this year was, I feel confident in saying every interaction we had, challenge we faced and lightbulb that went off made this year worth it.