I started this blog because I feel I have reached a pinnacle in my journey. The pinnacle of Bunabuyoka. Sometimes in life, you have experiences that would be selfish to keep within. For this reason, I dedicate this to the most dedicated individuals I have ever known: the people of the Bunabuyoka village.
It all started almost three months ago, when we partnered with an organization called CFAI (Christian Faith in Action International). These two young locals (Tesila and Tabitha)have a vision of "reaching the unreached and touching the untouched." Soon after we met, a couple of us set out to reach one of these primitive villages. From where I stay in Mbale, it's an hour long, overcrowded taxi ride to the village, filled with people, animals, and anything else that can fit. Right before Baduda, we start the hike straigt up the mountain through some of the most beautiful jungle I have ever seen. The chilly mountain air, the warm smiles from the children and the jungle sounds make for a PERFECT morning. As I crest up the slopes to the top of the mountain, I hear the faint cries of children welcoming the "visitors." A group of nearly 30 chilren have come running, singing, and dancing with open arms to greet the mysterious "mzungus" (white people). They grab my pack and assist me up to the top where opening festivals and prayers ring through the mountain top. It's here where my words cannot communicate what I felt, but the love permeates every bone in my body. This magical place seems to surface every human emotion known to man. It is here, at the top of the mountain, surrounded by singing children and confronted with smiling, welcoming village leaders that I quickly learned this place was different. There is no pleading for monetary assistance, but instead, they simply ask for knowledge because, at the end of the day, they know that knowledge is the catalyst for change. In their own words: "For us, we are old, and await our time to die, but for the children, they have a chance at life. Please help us educate our young ones." Education is the key to unlocking the third world. The more time you spend in Uganda, the deeper you will become to believe that. I was hesitant, due to the complexity of the area, and overall needs of this community, to start anyting, but the weeks flew by and I felt the need to do something. We are lucky enough to have two awesome teachers on our team, and we have started some teacher training courses as well as finishing drawing plans to build a school. Currently, there are about 100 students that meet in different corners of the small church, beside the mango tree, or wherever they can find room, assisted by three volunteer, untrained teachers all wanting to enhance their skills as primary school educators.
In the planning stages, I was waiting on a final approval of our budget, when I was surprised by our next visit to the village. Upon arrival, the village had started building a foundation to the school before we had a final agreement. I was shocked and slightly upset! Quickly the Elders of the community come running up and stated in their own words: "many Ugandans are not serious about education. We wanted to show you we are ready. We don't need people to build us a school, we just need some help to partner." My heart dropped and the hunt for nearly 4 million UGX (about 1,500 USD) began.
This is a very "ground up" approach to fighting poverty. The project is underway and every stone and dropplet of water is being carried on the heads of the children who will attend the school and the parents who provide for their futures. These pictures you see have been taken in the past couple weeks, and more will come throughout the project. My aim here is to raise around 1,500 USD for the future of these people. All funds will be directed to this project and I hope you stay in touch and watch the dreams of these amazing people unfold before us. We, as brothers and sisters of another race, plead for donations no matter the size. Anything will help. Uganda has taught me the real power of human achievement. It's not about what we have, but what we give. Uganda is called home for some of the world's poorest people, but there a happy people. They give me so much, and I try so hard to reciprocate but feel I give so little. For me, I have never been surrounded by a happier people. They are the closest I have had to a family since landing on African soil.
Their prayers at the beginning of our meeting began by thanking God in fultillment of their prayers to bring white people to their land to teach their children. For most in the village, they have never even seen a white person. These people spoon feed me from their endless supply of compassion and joy and I hope tat you can unite with me in giving someting little back by giving hope to the children of Bunabuyoka.
ONE LOVE, ONE UGANDA
Devin, your blog touched my heart today. Seeing your gigantic bearded smile, knowing that you are touching the lives of our brothers and sisters all the way across the world...I see your joy. Thank you...
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