I crossed over the equator on my way to Masaka, traveling with Catharine and Sarah. It was my first time going there since I’ve been back in Uganda, and I’ve been longing to go. Masaka is about 2 ½ hours southwest of Kampala. It is a small town, and the journey down there is beautiful. The way is marked by rolling hills, a variety of trees, papyrus, and lots and lots of green. I love having a chance to get away from the city. The climate is a bit cooler there too, which I definitely enjoy. (I even wore a fleece and socks one night!!!)
After we arrived, we visited the primary school where most of our students attend. I am forever fascinated by how school is conducted here…but that is material for a future blog☺. We then had lunch with the mentors, and I had some very sweet reunions with them.
Saturday was a special day. Besides attending Saturday club and seeing how things are run there, we also were able to meet and take photos of twenty boys and girls who were being enrolled! How exciting it was to see these fresh, new faces; some little and some big, all somewhat unsure and nervous, but hopeful, daring to believe that they would no longer have to worry about school fees and that they’d have a place to belong. It was also neat, too, to watch some of the older Hope Alive! students take time to greet these new ones and make them feel welcome.
Catharine talked with the new ones for a bit, telling them about Hope Alive! and letting them know how glad we are to have them be apart of the project. God definitely has heard the prayers of these children and their families, and He has enabled us to be the help they need. What a privilege and a blessing! Thank you to all who are involved in sponsoring children, whether through World Vision, Compassion, Hope Alive!, or somewhere else. You have no idea how much change it brings to one child, forever impacting their families, their communities, their future.
