Beacon of Hope Uganda - www.beaconofhopeug.org

Since I was a little girl I have always felt an odd connection with Africa without knowing why. I thought it may have something to do with the land…with Savanna Trees…maybe even with elephants. I never dreamed it could have been with the people.

And so it was that at age 58, I left for Uganda hoping to learn more about this place about which I knew so little, and to form a single alliance between a woman of the First World and a people of the Third World. In working as a volunteer with Beacon of Hope Uganda, I had the good fortune to live with the founder of the organization and his team, getting to know them, their extended families and neighbors, and learning firsthand about BoHU’s numerous programs of community outreach.

The first thing I learned was that Ugandan people as a whole, are the most hospitable, generous, and friendly I have ever had the good fortune to meet. I had expected to be somewhat intimidated or even frightened traveling alone to Uganda, but I can say that without exception I never felt either of those things.

Experiencing their sweetness and generosity of spirit is truly a commonplace occurrence. Suffice it to say, I love Ugandan people!

While in Uganda I kept a personal diary. I wanted to share something of it here, but could not decide what impacted me most and wanted to share with the reader—the children living at the Orphanage? The school visits? Hungry children? Young people coming to the house hoping that BoHU could pay their school fees or mothers hoping they could get help for their sick children?

The women who support themselves making crafts? How about something simple like the affectionate neighbor children who sang for us, held our hands, sat on our laps? Beacon of Hope Uganda conducts so many worthy programs that to discuss one seems to lessen the importance of another, and everyday life is in itself an adventure.

Thank you Beacon of Hope Uganda for the great experience.

The team in Uganda is very friendly, Lily and Isaac are the most amazing people I have ever met. They like what they are doing and are very committed to the service of the local of the local.

The work was diverse as I was not limited to one project and they made me see the "other side" of Uganda. The orientation and pre-briefing was great and I really liked almost all the projects, but for those interested in volunteering, I would recommend youth work or building. The orphanage was also great, working directly with kids. No pennies goes to Directors' pockets...you will always wonder, how the projects survive on limited funding...but they do.

Nothing seems adequate. But I would like to thank Isaac and team so much for giving me a full tour of your country and linking me to work with many amazing projects! It was a super fun month travelling around the country with you.

Thank you for making me fall in love with Uganda!