distinction

“I spent a lot of time hiding behind my sunglasses in Uganda. The people were so amazing that I often found it easier to reach for the dark lenses than to explain why my eyes were watering all the time. I didn’t cry because I felt sorry for anyone, or because I was sad. I cried because the spirit there is so indescribably strong, and the people almost incomprehensibly genuine, that it seems unreal to someone from New York City. From my perspective, the adversity is almost insurmountable, but from theirs, it’s a non-negotiable way of life. So, when you’re standing in the middle of a village surrounded by such, well, hope, you don’t see the adversity anymore. You can only think. ‘Right, what do we need to do next?’; and then you promptly put your sunglasses back on.” Courtney

“It's one thing to look at a picture, or hear a story. You're able to connect, at least on some level, with your senses. Whether it be your eyes seeing something beyond comprehension, or your hand touching something unfamiliar, or uncomfortable. However, the remarkable happens... when one is able to fully engage in something with all five of their senses. As lori said, Africa is a place where one can engage life with all five of their senses. And this was Africa to me. My senses were on overload, if you will. I saw things I never imagined, I felt the tiny hands of a baby orphan and had the tears of a widowed woman dying of AIDS fall down my neck... I tasted the culture and enjoyed the hospitality of a beautiful people, I smelled differences in appearance and in hygene and heard the laughter of contentment, the voices of children singing, "wel-o-come to our visitors..." and I was captivated.

To be perfectly honest... I do not easily adapt. Though raised in a family that traveled... I think that change is something I have grown to dislike. =) On each of my previous trips, I had a moment of intense culture shock in which I adamantly longed to find myself in the comforts of home. However, this was not the case in Uganda. I felt safe, comfortable, and content. I loved the dirt, the chaos, the bright colors, and curious glances. I loved the dancing, the hugging, the immense joy that exuded from even the loneliest of souls. I treasured the prayers, and was amazed at the talent... and was so broken to leave. Though happy to be home... a piece of me truly was left in the little village of Iganga and with the people of Wiraika.

As I settle into reverse culture shock, I am amazed that it was all real. It already appears as a snapshot in my mind. I write this to say that this trip is not over. I cannot stay silent about the things I have seen, what I have heard, the strange things I smelled, the tastes of africa that are still left in my mouth, and the touch of the widows and orphans.

I cannot go back to who I was before this trip... as that perspective has been shattered. So gear up... i've got something to say... and I won't stop sharing.” Rebecca

“There was a moment on this trip when the world stopped spinning, heaven stood silent and I believe the angels were appalled. A young women was sharing how her father had just died from AIDS and she was infected herself. Before finishing her story, she broke into a puddle of tears. In that moment, I wondered how anyone could sit silent, remain unmotivated and choose disobedience over action. As I sat with her in my arms, her tears falling on my neck, I knew the heavens were quiet. I knew in that moment that every step it took to be here was worth it. And for me this is just the begining.” Rebecca

“The things I've seen you could never truly understand unless you've been there and experienced it. But my one snapshot from this trip that I'll try to put into perspective is the time I spent in the orphanage. When you first arrive you are in awe of the vast differences in culture and lifestyles. Being an American, one would think the people and kids would be in terrible shape emotionally because of these differences. But its not true. They are joyful and seem to find contentment in their lives. And when their faces light up and they yell "Mzungu", it gives you a feeling I can't explain because happy isn't good enough. Just when you don't think you can feel better the kids run to you, just to say hello and hold your hand. But there are hard parts in every situation and thats saying goodbye. You've been spending a week spending time and getting to know these kids. Getting close to them and sharing who you are with them, and the relationship you've built has to be put on hold, until you return, if you return. “ Teddy

“Its 8:00 am here and just beautiful! We had a good rain last night. The thunder was so loud. I have never heard it as loud and it just echoed through the hills and valleys! It was tremendous. I have so much to tell you all, but want to tell you first what has been happening in my own heart.

Uganda is like no where you can ever imagine. It’s a beautiful country, tropical like Mexico, green and luscious; the possibilities are endless except there are not the resources to develop it like in other places. There is no cement, everything is dirt. When I go home in the evening to shower and dry off, the towel is still dirty. It seems you never get it all off. There is burning always everywhere and the smoke of the burning stings your nose. It was the most memorable smell from last year and yet the stinging doesn’t bother me. Pollution is so bad. When you blow your nose it’s black from all you breathe in. In spite of all that, I have had no problems with my asthma.

I have been hoping for some time for the gift of tears. I feel like I have lost touch with so many things and even worried about things like my memory. My heart has become hardened and callous. Since I have been here, I have found that I can’t stop crying.

They say tears are a silent language, and for me I believe they are healing. I have found that when I talk to people here, I remember their stories and problems. I am so busy at home in the states; so much of it is that, just busy. We are like ants in the ant farm, always moving about and looking for things to do. The easier we make life, the more we find to do to occupy our time. We tend to focus first on our own needs and somehow miss the needs of others. People talk to me and then I don’t remember their needs the next time I see them. I realize it’s not my memory; it’s just that my brain is on overload!! I think I am in defrag mode here. I don’t have to worry about clothes, or makeup, or a car, or house. These are all part of our life and I can’t come home and ignore it all. It’s western civilization. But I am learning that I worry about so much that is unnecessary! The people here have nothing and I mean nothing. And yet, they are content and joyful and happy!
So as I see the enormous needs of the people here, food, water and shelter, and then mine seem so insignificant. Anyway, I am thankful for this insight and pray when I return I can hang on to just a shred of it!” Kathleen

how you can help

We believe that the orphan crisis in sub-saharan Africa is so complex and overwhelming, that in order for hope and change, all of us need to be involved in the solution.

Whatever your story, a teacher, an accountant, a student, a construction worker, a ________ (fill in the blank), we believe you can make a short and long

term impact caring for orphans and

empowering those who do

Together we can dream, step out and explore all the ways you can use your unique talents, skill sets, passions, education and resources to help make a change.