Thoughts On Uganda

Sara Weinman, a 16-year old member of Journey UCC, and part of Engeye Teen Connection was part of a group that traveled to Uganda recently.  Here are some of her thougths on the trip.  You can read her whole blog http://engeyeteenconnection.blogspot.com

I loved the trip to Engeye in Uganda and I can't wait to go back. I am even more motivated now to fundraise and help the children and families in Ddegeya. I want to return to Engeye as soon as I can. I think one hard part about going to Engeye is the travel. It is soooo far away. I wish it were closer. But despite the 7 hour bus ride, 16 hour plane ride, and 3 hour car ride, it is worth all the time it to get there. It was great to meet everyone at Engeye Health Clinic and to work with the Union Fellows at St. Gertrude's Primary and the Engeye Afternoon Program. I was also able to help at the clinic and log in patients and assist with vitals. One of the most challenging moments was when I was asked to teach a class at St. Gertrude's school by myself. But it turned out to be so much fun. . I've never met such amazing kids. We would teach them things that they had never even heard of, and in a language that's not even their own and they would completely understand it by the end of the class.

I was so fortunate to be able to go to Sydney Paul and Bishop Ddungu to meet all of the Scholars. One of the most memorable parts of my trip was spending time with Susan and meeting the boy I sponsor through Engeye Scholars, Wilbur. It really reminded me how much I missed Susan, and how the $250 I send each year to Wilbur is really doing something important and making a difference. I realized that we are really helping this amazing little boy. I always knew that the Engeye Scholars program was doing great things and helping a lot of kids. But when I actually met the scholars and I personally saw how bright and full of life they are, I was overwhelmed with joy and pride.


I have to admit, the national elections happening, no bathrooms and getting sick, certainly created some challenging moments for me. But, it was crazy how everyone would just focus on what had to be done and push these concerns to the back of their mind, and make it the least of your worries. I also realized every time I saw any of the kids that they live this every day and, I just had to endure it for a short time and then it puts it into a biggerperspective and it is not such a big deal for me. I was so glad to be a part of a team that was just so much fun! We were laughing and joking on the car ride to JFK so I knew that we were going to have a great team. Everyone had a great experience and I loved getting to know the Ugandan staff. I also loved spending time with the kids from the village and sharing things like music, bubbles and pop rocks - they were so happy and fun to play with. Being a part of this trip has helped me find some clarity on my college plans and I am now considering looking at schools that will provide me with an opportunity to minor in Social Justice and Peace studies.


I plan to spend the next year working with Engeye Scholars and Engeye Teen Connection to find ways that we can help the local schools and children. I would really like to help the two schools I visited, Sydney Paul and St. Gertrude's Primary School. The schools literally have little or no books to teach with. Many of these kids have never held a book in their hands and I am hoping that by this time next year to have been able to get every child in every grade at least one book, and to work with the members of ETC to help provide the teachers with the text books that they need to give the students an invaluable education.


Sara Weinman