The Team with a Dream!
Prossy, Toto, Annet, Betty, Mary, Hilda, & Aminsi
Saying goodbye is always hard since I know it will most likely be at least a year before I return. Of course, I talk to our team every day, but it's not the same as spending time with them.
During the past 2 weeks, our incredible team in Uganda worked even harder than usual! They were with me the entire time as we went around to the communities to check in on all of our programs and projects. They put in long hours away from their families and other responsibilities.
I call them 'the Dream Team” because of all their hard work and what they accomplish!
But they are really a team with a dream of helping lift as many people as possible out of poverty. They have all had challenges in their lives and experienced some of the same struggles as those they are helping.
We had a wonderful team meeting and dinner with lots of sharing and laughter!
We did a lot of planning for the coming months, and some visioning for the future of the foundation.
There is so much need in the rural communities in Uganda and difficult decisions need to be made where we can focus our efforts to have the best outcomes as we work to lift people out of poverty.
I'm so proud of this team! Their commitment, compassion, creativity, energy, and dedication to improving life for others is boundless. It is this team, and the way they work together, that set the Children's Legacy Partnership Foundation apart!
They have a deep understanding and knowledge, work together quickly and efficiently, and in partnership with families. This allows us to make the most of your donations as we work to lift people out of poverty.
They have taken incredible care of me making sure I'm safe and comfortable, planning all of our visits. We have put in long, hard, hot days!
Toto drove us around avoiding every obstacle you can imagine - potholes, animals, bodas, and overloaded sugar cane trucks. I think we covered every kilometer in Kamuli District, mostly on bumpy dirt roads.
Aminsi did advance work on his boda getting supplies to families and taking hundreds of photos and videos. The other night he had a what he called “a slight accident” on his boda when someone ran into him. Thankfully he just had some bumps and bruises!
Betty, Prossy, Hilda, and Annette arranged visits and programs, and translated my words into Lusoga for everyone. They are strong advocates for all of those in need and are exceptional at the work they do for our children and families! The progress we've made is because of their hard work over many years!
We also have several volunteers in Uganda who give their time in the communities. Derrick helps with our Connecting Cultures program gathering the letters from students in Uganda and emailing them to the teachers in the US. He reads each one!
Lawrence helps with projects in the regions farther out. Franco advises on the school gardens, kitchen gardens, and tree planting. Doreen has helped with other tasks that needed to get done.
We have excellent programs in place and now we are only limited by money. Isn't that always the case?
And, thanks to all of you who continue to donate, and who donated for the special projects during my visit (more about those next week). Everyone here in Uganda sends their gratitude and love for what you make possible. It's a kindness they will never forget.
We are all proud of the progress we've made in the past year and are excited about the future and what can be accomplished to improve life for children.
With Gratitude,
Mary
P.S. I've been trying to post more pics and videos on FB and IG when there is Internet connection if you want to check them out.
