In January, I turned 65 and decided to mark the occasion and my retirement by making my 3rd trip to Uganda and Sabina Primary Boarding School. My husband and I first travelled there in 2006, not knowing what to expect.  We found ourselves utterly charmed by the children, teachers, and staff who are so hardworking and determined to succeed despite overwhelming odds. 

Happiness is a warm blanket ~ the children are overjoyed to receive Jeanne's generous gifts.

        Staff met us with a list of things we could do and we ended up replacing 75 panes of glass in the school, constructing a new water tank in the dormitory courtyard, and treating the teachers and staff to a night of Ostrich rides and karaoke at a nearby ranch! We also agreed to sponsor Winnie Nakalembe, a recent high school graduate living at Sabina, to university.

          4 years later I returned, this time by myself. Winnie met me in Kampala and we shopped and shopped for the children, ultimately buying 7 bales of used clothes, 75 bras, flip-flops, 100 pairs of shoes, and 100 mosquito nets.

        Shortening the time between visits, I made my latest trip to Sabina in March 2012. Once again, Winnie met me in Kampala, but this time as a university graduate, married, working at Sabina as a Social Worker, and expecting her first child (due in July).  What a success story!  I was also met by John Bosco (JB) Ssemanda, in his final year at university under our sponsorship, studying Procurement and Logistics Management.

JB and Winnie ~ sponsored by Jeanne to attend university.

        Winnie and I went shopping again, this time for 100 blankets, 3 bales of used clothes, 40 pairs of shoes and a little candy to brighten everyone's day even more.  It was so much fun to pull into the courtyard of Sabina, located 3 hours south of Kampala, and to recognize so many old friends and many new children.

Jeanne pictured with one of our new recruit's grandmother.

        While my husband preferred to spend his days six years ago doing hands-on construction-type projects, I enjoyed my time in a slightly more leisurely way - talking with the teachers and students, visiting the Permaculture project to see what is growing, and meeting with individuals about their progress.  In addition, Deborah Nakiduuli (Sabina Home Administrator), knows that I like to visit some of the grandmothers and aunties who are guardians of our children, bringing them tea, rice, sugar, beef, matches, soap, and other items they can't afford for themselves.  Deborah hires a local driver and off we go deep into the bush to surprise these destitute women who care for so many of Uganda's orphans.  It brings tears to your eyes to see how delighted they are for these basic items

        We also visited JB's grandparents who awaited us in front of their house, along with all of his aunts, uncles, cousins, and neighbors.  JB told me it was the first time a white person had visited their village.  We all crowded into their front room where they treated us to sodas and baked goodies.  After I presented my presents of tea, sugar, etc., they in turn gave me even more gifts - a rooster, matoke, pumpkins, passion fruit, eggs, a huge sack of white potatoes, and a reed mat.  It was a very joyous meeting and I realized how important it is to this whole family that one of their grandsons is receiving a university education.  JB comes from a very loving, close family and I'm honored to be part of it.

JB's extended family and neighbors celebrate his return home.

        To anyone who is considering a trip to Uganda, perhaps to see a child you're sponsoring or just to see a diffferent part of the world, GO!  You won't regret it and will forever be changed.