It was such a joy to watch our team reunite on Monday afternoon and evening as they shared their experiences from a long weekend on separate projects. The island team reveled in an American meal, hot showers, and good night of sleep.
The team began the difficult process of shifting focus towards their departure and journey home. Feelings were heightened and mixed as the act of saying "goodbye" and "hello" entered our hearts and minds. Our final days were more loosely structured and provided a variety of opportunities including time to share and reflect. We spent time with Trishelle, Kadi, and our friends at 100% hOPE; took one last trip out to Busuubizi; attended some local study groups; and gained additional exposure to the culture.
100% hOPE picked up a new born baby that was abandoned and some of the girls were able to assist with care until the child was returned to a family member. Others spent time off and on at Trishelle's home and at Hope Village helping with a variety of tasks.
Emma, Kailey, and Jen conducted a professional development workshop for the staff and teachers at 100% hOPE on Wednesday morning. The session, focusing on health and first aid, was designed to help the teachers and staff care for and educate the children in the program. Monica was able to spend some time with Trishelle exploring how future teams might partner with this charity to serve the children and community here.
The full team departed for Busuubizi late Wednesday morning. Haylee led a teacher training session assisted by Megan and Monica while the rest of the team shared stories with the students and played with them. Haylee's session was focused on teaching music and the use of music in learning. Following the team's story time with the children, Kimberly was blessed to help two boys from P6, Ivan and Cephas, invite the Son into their hearts. Please lift up these boys and ask that others may come alongside them to provide encouragement and teaching.
On Wednesday afternoon, Kimberly, Kari, Megan, and Haylee were able to attend a weekly women's study group in the home of the local woman and share words of encouragement with them. Sienna, Emma, Kailey, and Jen attend a group across town that Eric leads. Emma shared a study in Esther with this group.
On both Tuesday and Wednesday evenings, the team shared together during a special time facilitated by Krisann. Each member was able to talk about why they came on the trip; what they have learned from the Father; who they will continue to lift up from Uganda; who they will share deeply with at home; and how we can lift them to the Father as we return. This was a sacred and emotional time together and we were blessed to draw even closer to one another through it. On Wednesday evening, we were joined by our dear Aussie friends from 100% hOPE (Trishelle, Kadi, and Clarice) during our share time. This was an added blessing which also allowed us to properly say "farewell". The evening concluded with song, the gift of homemade mats from Eric & Krisann, and pictures with the 100% hOPE crew.
Packing, pictures, and farewells to the Peases filled our remaining hours as we prepared to leave for Entebbe. We will spend time shopping for final gifts and keepsakes, eating beachside at Goretti's Pizzaria & Seafood, and checking into the Entebbe airport. Please lift up our travel. Transportation had been challenging throughout our trip. We are deeply saddened to leave this beautiful place and the people we have met, but we are also eager to see the faces of those we love.
The island team dog-piling Krisann with a group hug upon their return!
Haylee and Megan teaching te teachers at Busuubizi Primary.
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