Oh Uganda

Uganda has been so fun and the days to leave are winding down as fast as they came to my arrival. I struggle to even find words to explain how fun and amazing this experience has been.

Recently I had the opportunity to work with Primary (Elementary) School girls in a soccer clinic/tournament. Every Tuesday and Thursday for four weeks we would gather to play football (soccer). Before we would begin we would have a small empowerment speech by one of the team members. I feel that everyone learned so much. We had speeches given on being confident, studious, responsible, involved, healthy, ambitious, and also on how to set goals and communicate with their parents.

One thing that I loved so much was to see these girls grow. Four weeks is not a ton of time, but it’s enough to progress. I was able to see these girls advance in all aspects. It was so much fun. By the end of the tournament there were girls laughing and talking out who would, before, shy away and be quiet. I saw a lot of girls who struggled to properly kick a soccer ball at the beginning, excel and do fantastic in the tournament. We all had so much fun and it was definitely a growing experience.

Along with the soccer camp we have had many other successful projects. We recently did a health outreach where we were able to teach people the importance of hand washing and teeth brushing, we were able to deworm a handful of babies, and we informed the mothers of sexually transmitted infections, and so forth. We were able to help a community build a chicken coop so the school children can use the chickens as a profit making project which will definitely benefit their lives. We were also able to help a young mother build a temporary restaurant which should statistically double her income.

I love the people here. They’re all so different and fun and even though there is a language barrier we always find ourselves laughing and having a great time together. I've made so many friends and it’s so fun to see familiar faces on the streets.

Really my friends, if you even have a thought that maybe a humanitarian trip is something you want to do, just stop and do it. It’s so interesting to experience a place that is nothing similar to where you come from. It’s a completely different world here and I love it. Don’t get me wrong, living in Africa has made me realize how blessed I am and how good we all have it in America. I've done nothing but grow since I've been here and it’s been such a blessing. It’s a good thing I’m coming home right before the holiday season or there’s a chance that I would never leave.

I appreciate everyone’s support, comments and questions and I highly recommend you all to keep them coming!

Much love.