Uganda Journey 2015- Second Report

I had a great day. The team did too, but for me it was like a gift-wrapped package from Jesus. We went to Kalonga to see how the various projects and businesses have progressed. It is seven months since I was here, and so I was very curious.

First, we went to the new widows' land that was purchased in January. The funds for this land came from all over the world, as a result of the Impact Nations Christmas catalog. The land is divided into 20 plots where widows and abandoned women with children, as well as refugee families, live. I was surprised to see how much of the land had already been cleared of trees, brush and weeds etc. Six houses have already been built and crops have been planted. Once again, I am amazed at how hard these people work.

From there we went to the farm. We have 20 acres which is used for crops, dairy cattle and pigs. Since I was last there, the number of cows has doubled to 14; this was a delightful surprise. As well, there are now 23 pigs; last December there were five. New sheds have be built, new cattle stalls and pig pens, new concrete water troughs. Everywhere there is excellence and great pride of ownership. Then we walked down the hill to see the large pond they have dug out and the crops. There is a diesel powered pump connected to it that pumps water 600 meters up the hill to the livestock. A lot of corn had been planted but, like everywhere around here, it has not done well because of the drought. The vegetables (which can be hand-watered) are doing fine, but the major crops are vulnerable to the increasingly unpredictable weather patterns that have come over the past ten years. I met with Pastor John and Richard to talk about what can be done. We will have a water engineer come next week to give us a price for an irrigation system for the lower fields. This will allow them to grow crops year round, regardless of rainfall.

After a looong walk up the hill, we drove back to the school and church. Some of the team played with the children while others explored and visited. It always amazes me how much can be accomplished with the Lord's help.

Something I have learned is that opportunity unlocks potential. I see it all over the world, but nowhere more than here in Uganda. Whatever help we give them, the people run with it, accomplishing more and doing it faster than I ever expect. Everywhere I go, the locals thank me (really, everyone connected with Impact Nations). But to be here for even a few days is to see that it is us who must thank them. Yes, we donate and raise money to help them; however, they are the ones who work form dawn till dusk, day after day, in order to make the most of what help they have received. It is deeply humbling

It is now a week later. The team has "passed the hat" and bought enough supplies to build two more widows' houses. For three days, team members have been working side by side with the locals building those homes. The funds for the irrigation system have been given and it will be installed this week. Because of this, John and his team will be able to grow enough food year round to feed the 40 orphans who live with him. Both spring boxes are working well, providing clear water all day, every day. This, instead of the dirty ponds that are full of disease and are breeding grounds for the mosquitos that carry malaria. We have visited the sewing school and the sewing business--several team members have ordered clothes and will pick them up in two days.

The transformation of Kalonga continues.