Annie's trip to Uganda, Summer 2008
Your Name: Annie Fraser
Project Name: Kampala Children’s Centre
Trip Dates: 22nd June 08 – 25th July 08
Summary:
The project is aiming to give a home, education, healthcare and a happy childhood to children from war ravaged Ugandan villages, poverty stricken areas and HIV/AIDS affected families. Currently supporting 100 children but with a vision for over a 1000, they hope the children will grow into healthy balanced adults who can go back and be part of rebuilding their communities and transforming future generations.
Why did you go?
Initially I went to the project last summer. My experience then of visiting slums in Kampala and hearing terrible stories of suffering stirred such compassion in me, and the privilege of God using me to serve those who had been rescued was overwhelming. I was keen to go back again if that’s what God wanted, however up until May it didn’t look like it was going be possible this year. But then out of the blue, I was offered a new job which allowed me the time and finance to be able to book a flight and leave almost immediately in June.
 What did you do?
Upon arriving it was like meeting up with family, the staff and children were happy to see me and I felt immediately at home with them all. I taught maths and English lessons in the primary school again, releasing their teachers for training with a couple of other English teachers. I also spent time listening to the children read, doing arts, crafts, sports and music sessions. I spent time with the mothers in the homes, school and office staff and had lots of fun loving and caring for the beautiful children.
What impact did God have on you through the trip? God again stretched me beyond what I thought I could do. All of the words of knowledge I was given before I left were also confirmed for me. In the extreme vulnerability of being in Uganda alone, the only way to cope was stay close to God. By doing this, the blessings I received and the prayers I prayed for myself and others that He answered amazed me. He also protected my health completely - I was well all the time, and despite little sleep I had enough energy. There was a real feeling that He was taking every step with me, and that gave me confidence to trust Him, even in the most challenging moments.
What impact did God have on the people you met as a result of your trip?
I believe I had an impact on the children both times, as they were keen to learn from me and spend time with me. When I arrived the first day this year and they realised who it was, they came running up the track throwing themselves at me saying ‘Auntie Anne you came back’. I think that by returning to the project everyone there realised that I loved them and had remained faithful in supporting them which really encouraged them. I swapped prayer requests and stories with the people there, and our relationships definitely deepened. The English people who were there at the same time as me also commented on God’s character reflected in me and my strong faith in Him, and were challenged by that, when they heard my life story.
What’s your favourite story from your trip, of God at work?
It’s very hard to choose 1 story, there were so many precious moments that make you want to laugh or cry. However, here is one story of the change I saw in a little boy. He is the youngest of a family of 5 children, who lived in the North of Uganda. When he was 1 month old he was out in the fields with his mother and father who were working there. Rebels came through the field and killed both his parents, leaving him in the field alone. Several days later he was found by someone who knew the family and was taken back to the village to the other siblings. The oldest girl, who is about 12, looked after them all for a time. KCC found them and brought all 5 of them to the centre and they are now part of a family of 12 children, in a house with a lovely mother chosen by KCC.  Last year when I went to the project, he had been there about 6 months and was quite withdrawn and would play alone. He would let you pick him up and carry him around, but he wouldn’t speak and smiles were rare. This year, now 3 years old, he was bouncing around like a different boy! He wanted to be dancing, and singing and climbing over you, while telling you about everything and really laughing. An amazing miracle, that God has rescued Him and He knows He is safe, the restoration God is doing in the children’s lives through the project is incredible and it is an honour to have been a small part of it. |
