Life in the Balance

By Mike Warneke,

We have had two very adventurous days in Northern Uganda this past Thursday and Friday. When spending time in Uganda, it is quite easy to see the differences between our children at our partner schools in the Central Region and the Northern Region. Here in the north, very few children run out to greet you, it is a rarity to walk hand-in-hand with children across campus and the language barrier is much more noticeable as well. It is not a secret why this difference is present, the LRA and Joseph Kony are at the root of the problem.

As we drove to the home of Denis Toolit, our Program Manager in Northern Uganda, we arrived at his family’s home compound on the outskirts of the village of Pader. We had the joy and honor of meeting the extended family of Denis, his parents, siblings, and the many orphans that invited us into their lives. We spent the afternoon listening to firsthand accounts of the atrocities that plagued this part of Uganda for far too long. Justin, Denis’ older brother, shared many stories of how he and his brothers time and again outran the rebels, or hid just out of site as they looted their home. Some of the details of their stories cannot be repeated at the horror of what has been done to this region. But in the midst of the retelling of this pain and sorrow, I found one of the most kind and welcoming families that I have ever met.

As I spend over a month in Uganda during this journey, I will be missing the birthday of my incredible wife, Abby. Denis just happens to celebrate his birthday a day after Abby’s and so today, we celebrated both of their lives. We took a cake on a three hour wooden roller coaster ride to Pader, and along with Denis’ family enjoyed the celebration together. The Toolit family gave me a goat, which I have named Asher, and some roasted peanuts as gifts from my wife’s birthday. I was beyond humbled to accept these gifts on her behalf.

On the drive from Gulu to Pader, you are forced to drive through the small village of Odek, which just happens to be the village where Joseph Kony, the leader and commander of the Lord’s Resistance Army, grew up as a child. As we bounced through this village, I couldn’t help but acknowledge that there is darkness in all of our hearts. We are all capable of both good and evil, and hopefully we will learn to always choose the former. I will never condone the actions of evil men, but I have seen time and time again that light always drives out darkness, and in the end, good conquers evil.

I am excited for the day when there will no longer be a noticeable difference with the way the children interact with us at our partner schools. I am excited for the day when hope is alive and well in Gulu , just as we have witnessed at our partner schools in the central region. We are serving in the realm of development and not charity, so patience is key as we move forward. Being in Odek today, made me despise Joseph Kony all the more, however, it is through these atrocities that I have found a second home, and a growing family in Uganda. Our path in this life is just about as bumpy as the road we traveled on today, filled with potholes, twists, turns, and even the occasional dead end. Uganda was not even on my radar ten years ago, but I am committed for the rest of my life to ensure that the children of this nation find hope, and discover that their dreams are within reach.

Day 12, Hope is a Basic Need, Gulu, Uganda

By Jennie Wellsand

Yesterday our small team of five journeyed to Gulu, a northern city in Uganda that is a
pproximately a 6-7 hour drive from Kampala on dusty, bumpy, half put together road.  Since ‘Frank the Tank’ was in the drivers seat, I was fortunate to catch a 20 min nap before we stopped for a well needed beverage.  The further north we drove, the hotter it got & the dryer it gets.  As soon as we crossed the Nile River, we were in the north region, there were baboons crossing the road & eating bananas & there was a different feeling in the air.

Today we went to five partner schools to hand out training jerseys, socks, cones & soccer balls.  Each of these schools are government run with a much bigger population in size than what we work with in the south.  We went to two schools with over a thousand students! As we walked onto 3 of the 5 schools, I could tell a difference between Gulu & Kampala.  If you know anything about Ugandan history, the people in the North have definitely faced much torture & turmoil.   The students at each campus don’t run up to you to hold your hand or touch you because you’re different.  They don’t waive excitedly because you are visitors.  They somewhat turn away out of fear or just lack an expression on their faces.  They’re not used to holding a hand, especially a strangers hand.

Tonight we went to an Americanized restaurant (I ate a burger & fries & it was delic!) & our Gulu staff shared a bit of the history that took place in Gulu, specifically some of the students on the campus we visited today.  Florence, our education director in the North mentioned that the children don’t want to open up because they are afraid we might take them & hurt them or make them do something they don’t want to do.  It was a good reminder for me to hear tonight because I was attempting to give the students high fives & encourage them to hold my hand  -- but they haven’t built that trust with me yet.  It was only 6 years ago that the war ended in Gulu.  SIX YEARS.  Which means most of the footballers we’re working with at the primary schools that are in P6 & 7 were most likely kidnapped to fight for the LRA – forcing these young men & women to murder there own family members, eat dead carcasses or chop off someone’s fingers & hands when they were just children – who are still children.

The stories we’ve heard from friends here in Gulu in the past & tonight are daunting.  One of our friends couldn’t even start his story about his cousin who past away in the war because he was already begun tearing up.  I have realized how much need there is for hope here.  Coach Walter said that many of these students do not believe in God because of what they’ve witnessed & been a part of here.  These kids were faced with evil straight in the eye.  I pray the King of Kings & Lord of Lords would open up huge doorways for us to impact these children with Truth by loving them as they are & encouraging their dreams for their future through football & education.  Hope is a basic need & praise God that Fields of Dreams Uganda has moved north to Gulu to install a hope for the future where, at the moment, it cannot be found.

To support the work of Fields of Dreams Uganda please donate today: http://www.fieldsofdreamsuganda.org/#!donate/chsy

Hope is Rising

By Mike Warneke

What an incredible day here in Uganda. FoDU Championship Tournament days have easily become some of my favorite days of the year. As our team wraps up our time here in Uganda it is so encouraging to say our goodbyes surrounding such a joyous occasion. From the parade through Wakiso, to the excitement and jubilation during the matches, the days was spectacular from sun up to sun down, and it was an extremely hot African sun today. As the Executive Director I have had the privilege and honor to be present at all of our tournament days thus far, and each one of them easily surpasses my expectations. It would not be possible for anyone to be present at our tournament grounds today and not sense that something incredible is happening in Uganda!

I am in awe of what God has done through this idea that is Fields of Dreams Uganda in such a short time frame. We are so incredibly proud of your Ugandan Staff, their tireless work with the children at our partner schools, and the love and humility in which they serve. I am especially proud of Jonathan Ssebambulide, our National Director, in which we can credit so many of our successes. Today was so well organized, and all who participated left feeling as if they were part of something very special. Due to a later start than expected, we ended once again in the dark, but part of me enjoys the dancing, the celebrations, and the unabashed joy under a canopy of stars.

The level of play across the board was very improved compared to last year’s tournament. The coaches have been doing a wonderful job working alongside our partner school’s gamesmasters, and the recent trip to Arusha by many students has had a large impact on the students play as well. It was so wonderful to watch Coach Faridah beaming with pride as the girls played so well on the pitch today, with heart, with determination, and with more knowledge of the game. New Kabaale Busega lost a close match to Africa Greater Life, and all of AGL helped celebrate across the pitch. Both boys’ finals matches were excellent to watch. New Kabaale Busega exhibited great teamwork and was able to defend their June title and take the senior boys division. Africa Greater Life played an excellent match in the junior boys division, but lost to a great opponent in Vision for Africa.

Words are simply not enough to capture the beauty of today, and to be honest the pictures posted on Fields of Dreams Uganda’s facebook page will not do the day justice either. The only way to be fully enveloped by the hope that is so evident in the children’s lives that we serve is to come and experience it for yourself. I cannot wait to travel to Gulu in March, in Northern Uganda and host our first FoDU championship tournament. And I invite you to join us on a June or July trip this summer to see firsthand all that being accomplished here in Uganda. I have never been more proud to be the executive director for FoDU than I was today amidst the next generation of Ugandan dreamers!!!!



Mike Warneke

Champions

To all of our Prayer Warriors,

Today, we were in the presence of champions. What a beautiful day! It was FoDU tournament day for the 4 partner schools of Fields of Dreams Uganda: New Kabaale Busega, Vision for Africa, Africa Greater Life, and Blessed Hope. When I say the word “champions”, I do not just think about one team in one sport. I am talking about every child and participant at the tournament today. The children, the Fields of Dreams Uganda staff, and our team displayed qualities of being a champion today and we were so blessed to be a part of this special day!

The event started with a parade in Wakiso to the field, which was about a mile-long or so. I have been to several parades before, but none could compare to this one. Each school marched, some with a banner of their school leading their teams of footballers and netballers to the field.  When I say marched, some actually marched, some walked, and some (including me) danced. The excitement these kids had to play this game that they love so much was breathtaking. I couldn’t help but feel the spirit of the whole community come to life as we passed through to the beat of a brass band. They played songs such as “This is the day that the Lord has made” and “When the saints go marching in”. It truly was a parade of champions. As someone said at dinner tonight, it was almost like they transformed from being orphaned or vulnerable children struggling to be able to afford to go to school into teams of athletes who were striving for one goal: to be the champions in their respective sports. And that is what is so great about a sport or a game, it can comfort you and either make you forget about the struggles of life for a few hours or it can even transform you into a new person with bigger dreams and a new sense of purpose for your life while here on this earth. That is what I noticed about these kids, especially some of the older ones. They understand that this sport can be an avenue for not only their future, but for the future of their younger friends and family at their respective schools. Through the example of these athletes, both on and off the field, the children and babies at these schools can realize that their dreams can also come true if they train hard and work hard at their studies. And that is what Fields of Dreams is all about. The amount of friendship, sportsmanship, and pure love and joy I saw today was magical. These teams were so proud to represent their schools and their country today and it was awe-inspiring to take it all in with them!

Sadly, tomorrow will be the last day for some of us on this trip. As usual, the week has flown by way to fast and most of us feel as if we have only just begun. But one thing stuck out to me today as we start to prepare to leave this beautiful place: we are ALL champions in the eyes of our Universal God! Each participant today received a medal that said “I am a CHAMPION” because each of them is a champion. Our God created each and every one of us in His image. He created us to be joyous, to love one another, and to believe in He who is so good! The children that we saw today displayed each of those qualities while on the football pitch and also while watching and cheering and dancing for their schools and their friends at other schools. My hope is that they continue to realize that they are champions each and every day in whatever they dream to be. It is my goal that I can live up to be half as good of a champion as these children and young men and women have proved to be.

Though I am sad to leave this place, I look forward to coming home to share with friends, family, and other supporters about the wonderful champions I carry with me in my heart. Thank you all for your support, prayers and love. It is my prayer that this story doesn’t end with the plane ride back to America. This story is being etched in my brain and my heart forever and I can’t wait for my friends and family back in America to get to know my new friends and family here in Uganda. Because we are one BIG family under one BIG God.

I will see y’all soon prayer warriors. But until then, be blessed!

Brian Fleming

I Am a Better Person Today

By Pat Warneke,

Today we headed to Africa Greater Life to spend time with the beautiful children there.  Our greeting was way over the top  Behind the team we tunneled through hundreds of children jumping and screaming to welcome us.  I was enveloped by a feeling of total acceptance and love.

as the footballers were at the gate with signs stating “I train. . . to encourage and inspire others”, “I train. . .because I have a purpose on this earth!”, I train. . .to make this world a better place!”, I train. . .to bring my dreams within reach!” , I train . . . to be successful in life!” and “I train. . .because I am a champion!”

When we reached the assemble hall the boys football team was able to share with us what it meant to them to have traveled outside of their country to Arusha, Tanzinia for the larger tournament and to bring home the prize.  The pride and joy on each of their faces was indescribable.  The boys shared how they had been the first ones in their families to ever leave their country and the HOPE that they now have for a brighter future.  We are so very proud of every one of these fine men.

The children and staff  took us on a tour of the grounds which included the green house with young cabbage plants, an irrigation system, a cat fish pond, the new football pitch,  classrooms and some of the new dormitories.  The kids were so proud to show us their classrooms and the charts on the walls.  I love the pride they have in their home.

In the afternoon three of us nurses had the opportunity to share some basic first aid with the staff and the older kids. We had fun acting out what to do if you or a friend are choking, if you are in a room filled with smoke, or how to treat a friend who has stopped breathing.  Jonathan was our interpreter and everyone should now know how to take good care of their friends and their families.  Abdul, a young student in P-7 had all the correct answers to our questions and is one of many young students that dream of becoming a Doctor.  The kids at AGL are working with their teachers and with the staff of FODU to be successful in this world and to make it a better place.  I applaud each one of them and I do BELIEVE in their dreams!

I am a better person today for having spent it with the staff and children at AGL.

And Yet, Another School of Champions.

By Jennie Wellsand

Today our team went to Africa Greater Life, this school recently won a tournament in Arusha & prior to that won one of our tournaments & received a goat whom they named Hope.  We were welcomed warmly with an African song, cheers & bight smiles.   The footballers were dressed in their jerseys looking like champions.  Since this was my second trip to AGL, I knew what to expect for the most part but was once again blessed by their welcome & joy as we came to campus.  As we went on the tour of the grounds it was encouraging to see them strive to be self sustaining by having a green house, fishing pond & lots of land to plant.

The most shocking part of the day for me was realizing how many faces & names I remembered from last year.  As soon as we went into the chapel for our welcome ceremony a boy named Isaac shook my hand & was so happy to greet me again.  Isaac wants to be a musician.  He was actually the boy in charge of the keyboard music for our session & was beaming with pride.  I am excited to see him at the tournament tomorrow & again Sunday morning – I am hoping to sit down with him to see how well he is achieving his goals of being a musician.  Despite the extremely hot day we had, it was encouraging to see our team flourish in all of our specific giftings loving on the children of Uganda.

When we arrived back at the house we were greeted by our Gulu (northern Uganda) staff.  They helped the Kampala staff get jerseys & prizes ready for tomorrow’s big tournament.  While they were organizing things, our team was also greeted by two of the widows we partner with, Hannifah & Rose.  Rose works with about 30 women who make our beaded work which includes bracelets, necklaces & paper bowls.  Hannifah & her family make our cloth products which include purses, coin purses & scarves.  It’s amazing to be a part of an organization who can support women’s lives in such an amazing way.  Knowing I will bring back some of these handmade products to The States & sell them at a fair trade price to American’s that want to further the ministry of Fields of Dreams makes me thrilled!! Thank you for supporting the women of Uganda & impacting the future of the children of Uganda.  You’re making a huge impact with your purchase & I cannot wait for you to see the new products we will bring home! 

Day of Rest

By Brian Fleming,

Hello again to all of our prayer warriors!

It is hard to believe that we are already through Thursday of our trip. It seems like just last week our team was all meeting for the first time and jumping on a plane in Chicago (oh wait…that was last week). Today was our day to just take time to relax and rest before heading to AGL tomorrow and Sunday with a great day of soccer matches at the tournament on Saturday. As I was talking with Jja Ja Pat (Jja Ja means Grandma) last night, we both agreed that we normally don’t like these days when going on other trips in the past. We sometimes feel guilty or disrespectful for taking “a day to rest” because this isn’t a vacation. We are all here for a specific purpose. But this day was needed by all of us to let us reflect as a team on what the past few days have held and just bask in the beauty that God has created in this country that we are blessed to be in. The plan for the day was to go to Jinja and take a boat tour of the birth of the Nile; but the day held so much more for us.

The day started as any other day, with a devotion time led by Mike. He read from Matthew Chapter 11. This is a great passage that says things like, “I thank you Father…because you have hidden these things from the wise and intelligent and have revealed them to the children.”, and “Come to me, all you that are weary and heavy laden and I will give you rest.” What beautiful words to start the morning.

We took off from the Adonai House where we were staying and headed towards Jinja to take a boat tour of the Nile. But first we made a special stop. We all were so honored to stop by Jonathan’s mother’s house (Jja Ja Nora) for a brief visit. She was a beautiful woman and happiness and joy just poured out of every word she said and every hug she gave us. She kept telling Jonathan she was so blessed for us to visit her but we were so much more blessed to see and talk with her, even if it was brief. It was so great to see Jonathan smile from ear to ear as we talked with his mom and learned about his family. That turned out to be the surprise and highlight of the whole day for most of us.

As we continued on towards Jinja, I was so excited to be going to the Nile. It should probably be a bucket list item for everyone to do at least once. The story of Moses in the Nile kept coming to my mind. It is a beautiful story of God’s perfect will. God had a plan for Moses, and though his journey started with his mother placing him in a basket in the Nile knowing that she might never see him again, God knew that was the perfect path that needed to be taken in order for His will to be completed. It is so perfect that we were visiting the Nile here in Uganda today as well. It reminded me that God has a perfect will for each and every one of these kids that we have met and for each person here in Uganda and around the world. God knows the will he has set out and though it is a tough road and most times we have no idea why God would provide such a rough path and journey for these beautiful children and young people, we know that he is a Big God who has a PERFECT will.

The Nile River was beautiful and the whole day was fantastic. We saw a crocodile as we crossed over the bridge before getting there and saw countless birds and lizards and other creatures that were great examples of God’s handiwork. We then went into the city of Jinja for lunch and to do a little shopping for some of our friends, families, and supporters back home. The whole day was great and I believe we got the rest we needed so that we can be fully present for the rest of our time here in this place.

The night ended in a great way as well. We took time to do some affirmations for our own team. We went around the circle and each told what we loved about the other teammates on the trip. As I sat there listening to each person speak about the others and thinking about what I loved about each person, I was reminded of something special that God tells us. I was reminded that each of us has special gifts to bring to the body of Christ. This team has 7 great people with many different gifts. We have a great singer, a great video-man, 3 outstanding nurses, 1 engineer, and 1 director/visionary. But more important than that, we have 1 team who loves these beautiful children and wants to see those children’s dreams come true. And if we keep our faith in our God who is so big and perfects us in so many ways, all of their dreams can and will come true.

Tomorrow is another big day as it will be our first at AGL. I am so excited to hear more dreams from these kids and help them understand that those dreams are never too big to dream. We will also get to help remove some obstacles from these dreamer’s lives through first aid and basic medical training as well as distribution of some helpful medical supplies.

Until next time prayer warriors, be blessed!

Uncle Brian

Catherine

By Kathryn Campbell

It’s been another beautiful day in Uganda. I can’t say enough about the joy that this team has been to work with, the incredible ways we are treated by the locals, and the resilience of these people.  Today, at Blessed Hope, we were able to give another substantial donation of medical supplies to the staff (because we have the BEST friends, family and donors around.) After completing DREAMS plans with the younger students yesterday, we were able to identify that many of them were interested in being doctors and nurses. We were so excited to share the basic medical knowledge that we planned for with these future members of the Ugandan medical field.

Before we began the medical session this afternoon, we had spent an hour or two in the classrooms observing the teachers. I ended up in a room with P-7s (around 13 years old) and Jennie. They were learning math and discussing their dreams with Jennie. I was immediately drawn to the corner where a young girl named Catherine was sitting. She is a gentle spirited and very smart young woman who has a head full of big dreams.

I truly feel that the best way for me to address the heart of a day in the field with FODU is to talk about Catherine. She has impressed me so much, and is a child that I will honestly never forget.

Catherine immediately informed me that her dream was to be a “doctor of hearts.” Following suit of the DREAMS plans, I was interested to hear Catherine’s reasoning and skills that she thought led her to the dream of cardiology.  Her answer was multi-faceted, but began simply. Catherine told me that she was aware of “many children in Uganda who have heart problems and have no one to care for them. They sometimes die. I would want to be able to care for them with no charge.”

When we met for the medical session, Catherine was on the second row, and was the only student (or faculty member) that brought along a notepad. With every word that we spoke, Catherine took notes. She asked questions, took notes, focused, and hung on every word we said. Afterwards, Catherine found me to ask follow up questions to add to her two pages of notes. I finally had the opportunity to learn about this very special young woman.

Catherine is 12 years old. She is in Primary 7 (the last grade before Secondary School). She has a fraternal twin named Moses, and 4 younger siblings. Her younger sister lives at Blessed Hope with her, and she has 3 that live in Entebbe with her Mother. Catherine’s father passed away when Catherine was “a bit younger”, and her Mother stays and works in Entebbe in order to pay for Catherine’s schooling at Blessed Hope.

Catherine may be one of the most articulate young women I have ever met. She told me what she dreams of, why she dreams those things, how she plans to achieve them, and what she does on a daily basis at Blessed Hope.

Her dreams are the reason we are doing any of this. Her dreams are big and her means are small. She has very little support and is trying to make a difference with her life. Catherine’s dream is not for money or fame or any material things. Catherine’s dream is to treat children, free of charge, who struggle and are sick. Catherine wants to save lives. I can’t make sense of the way the world works when a child, like Catherine, has to wonder how she will pay for Secondary school and University so that she can pour everything she has worked for into her country and its people.

I am proud to know Catherine. I am thankful that God puts people, children even, into my path to shake me up and make me question things. Mostly, though, I am challenged. I’m challenged because it’s so easy for some while the majority of the world is full of Catherines. How easily I could have been that Catherine, and yet I’m this Kathryn who will sleep well tonight knowing that I am loved and cared for, supported and encouraged.

I believe in Catherine’s dreams. I believe that she is intelligent, kind, generous and able. I pray that my heart will continue to be broken by the things that break the hearts of these children. As Catherine and I spoke today, a single tear fell down her cheek just to speak of her dream secondary school that had a “good laboratory so that she could learn to be a Doctor.”

My prayer to sum all of this up is that we as a team can walk continually aware of the dreams of these children. That we are intentional to let them know that we are behind them in any way we can be, that their dreams are important, and that we see the future of this beautiful country in their faces- and it looks brighter with our support. I pray that we, as a team, will point them toward a big God that cares deeply for them just by our actions, even if we never spoke.

FODU is stirring up hope in these children. It is a beautiful and heart-breaking thing to watch hope spring up in a place that it has never been, and I pray that it continues.  I see its potential to continue in my kind and beautiful new friend, Catherine, who has big dreams and a big God.

Love and Kindness...

By JoBeth Fulton

Today we visited the 2nd of two schools, the difference between Blessed Hope and New Kabaale is totally noticeable.  Teachers at New Kabaale are very hands on with students and that is not so at Blessed Hope. The children at Blessed Hope care for each other, from babies up.

The poverty is all around us, but the love, pride and kindness I’ve seen since I have been with the students, staff of the schools and the staff of FoDU is beyond compare.  Truly the love of the Lord is in abundance here. They show us a perfect example of the ministry of Christ.

The smiles of the children are burned in my memory forever. The friends I have made here will be in my heart until it beats no more.  My daily studies says Jesus keeps my right hand in his hand always and I know He holds the hands of the children and staff of FoDU in His hand also.

Children of Hope

By Jennie Wellsand

This morning on our van ride out to Blessed Hope Academy, I asked if it was really only Tuesday morning.  Our team has only visited one of our partner orphanages in the past two days & I feel like I could go home tomorrow thinking about so many things.  As we drove out into the countryside about an hour away, I recognized children not in school.  It was about 10:30 in the morning & we were going to visit children in school… so this made me wonder what was holding these children back from attending.  Was it money?  A lack of transportation? No one caring about their education?  This made me sad.  I thought how privileged the children were we were going to see at an orphanage.  Ironic isn’t it?

As we pulled onto the campus at Blessed Hope our van was charged with excited children who were longing for us as a team to love on them all day.  Some of the younger students just wanted us to hold them, or hold our hands, some of them wanted us to sing to them, which I gladly did, leaving a smile on their faces & mine!! These students at this campus seem to remember everything.  They remembered I was the auntie who sang Morning Light and they asked continuously throughout the day about other team members who visited them in June.  These are elementary students.  When I was there age I could not remember what happened the day prior.  These students thrive to be loved, want to love you, know they are loved, by us and by a big and mighty God.

I had the opportunity to sit down with four students to do FoDU Dream Plans. These assess each child’s dream of what they want to be when they grow up.  When I first started, it was hard for all the children to open up.  I realized that all of these students were in P4, which should be fourth grade, but noticed that I had a ten year old, two eleven year olds and a fifteen year old at my table.  Even though one of the eleven year old girls was faster in answering the worksheets, it impressed me to see that they were all on the same page for the most part.  They were excited to sit with someone who cared about them enough to talk to them, and listen to what they want to be when they grow up. In Ugandan culture, after a student is done with primary school (typically 13-15 yrs old) they are pretty much on their own to decide where to go next in life.  Oh the pressure! Where would I be if I had to make a decision for my life at that age?  I loved to see that Frank wanted to be a footballer because he had seen so many of the older students at his school become great players, Pauline was striving to be a pilot because her father is, Christine wanted to be a nurse so she could help people not be sick & Richard wanted to be a teacher to secondary students (high school) to help them achieve their dreams.  WOW – it’s amazing to see these children strive to such goals, have big dreams & be a part of the Fields of Dreams program that will help them achieve there goals.

These students rely on each other.  There’s no one to hold them all day when they’re not feeling well, when a younger student is crying an adult doesn’t rush to their side, they comfort one another, they encourage one another. We need to continue to encourage them to reach their goals and strive for hope in every day. When Mike, the FoDU Executive Director, (or Uncle Mike as they call him in Uganda) prayed tonight when we arrived back at our lodging, he prayed that we would find joy amidst the family of children tomorrow.  It’s truly a family of children who care for each other when in need. It showed me that hope is a basic need  & I can provide that by loving on another child tomorrow & the next day.. & for the next twenty something days.

On our drive home, I was once again discouraged to see so many young students walking home from school on a dusty dirty road.  However, knowing that there is an almighty, God who knows each one of those children by name, give me peace, hope & joy to see what their futures will become.

Joy

By Mike Warneke

Joy.

This seemed to be the word of the day in many ways. It was certainly a joy for our team to spend another day learning from, teaching, and being in the presence of the amazing staff and children of New Kabaale Busega. This is my fourth year in a row spending time at this campus, and it seems as if the roots grow deeper upon every visit. I am extremely proud of all of our partner schools, but it has been so joyous to see the staff and children grasp and embrace what we are attempting to provide for them through our Fields of Dreams Uganda efforts.

We were greeted this morning by the entire school, as many were absent yesterday during the weekend. They all were in assembly, and it was such a joy to see all of their faces and think about all that is in store for their futures. We spent the day among the future nurses, bankers, football coaches, and mechanics of Uganda. We had an extremely busy day as we juggled numerous initiatives with the children. The nurses on our team did an exceptional job teaching both student and staff about life saving first aid and CPR knowledge. We had the joy and privilege to once again distribute another 60 hygiene kits to some of the girls that were absent yesterday. And once again their response was amazing. The hurdle that we are eliminating for these girls by providing these kits with have such lasting ripple effects as we attempt to even the playing field for these girls. Not only were the students excited about these kits, but the staff were also so grateful and joyous for this blessing in their own lives as well.

Jr. DREAMS plans were once again conducted, and it was so incredible to watch these kids take a hold of what their future could become. We have the honor of walking these children through these plans, as they begin to dream about their future, find self confidence in better understanding their gifts, abilities, interests and qualities that others see in them. And lastly they are learning how to set tangible goals for their lives which will have such an impact on their futures in countless ways.

The key to all of these trips is a humble spirit and flexibility, and I was so proud of the way that our team adapted to changes, and just served wherever they were needed. It also becomes abundantly clear on each of these trips that our Ugandan staff is doing incredible work. I am so proud of their efforts, and their work shows in the way that the New Kabaale Busega staff and children are responding to the challenges we are placing before them.

By far the highlight of my day came during our first few moments on campus. Rose, the incredible head teacher at New Kabaale, lead the children in the mantra that FoDU has adopted for our children to empower them, and as each grade shouted out these responses ending with their hands thrown in the air, it was apparent that what we are attempting to do is working!!!!  Rose would say to the P7 students, “Why do we come to school,” P7 response, “To encourage and inspire others!” To the P6 students, “Why do we come to school,” P6 response, “Because I have a purpose on this earth!”  To the P5 students, “Why do we come to school,” P5 response “To make the world a better place!” To the P4 students, “Why do we come to school,” P4 response, “To bring my dreams within reach!” To the P3 students, “Why do we come to school,” P3 response, “To be successful in life!” And finally Rose to all of the students, “Why do we come to school,” everyone’s response, “ Because I am a champion!”

We are surrounding by dreamers and champions at our partner schools, and for this reason I can fall asleep with pure peace and joy tonight.

What a Day!

By Pat Warneke

Wow, what a day to celebrate being a child of God!  We were greeted this morning at New Kabaale   Busega by hundreds of beautiful children lifting their voices to their creator.  I was immediately transported to a place of PEACE, JOY, LOVE and a feeling of knowing how our God is so much bigger than any one of us.  He was present with our team as we prepared for this trip in the US and He was present with the Ugandan Staff of FODU, the staff at New Kabaale Basega and the beautiful children of New Kabaale Busega.  He brought us together today to be One in Him and to share some medical knowledge in the way of first aid.  Both the children and the staff watched and listened as we pulled out the supplies donated by our friends in the US.  Their favorite teaching was when Auntie Jo Beth showed what to do if someone was choking.  Michael was our patient who pretended he was choking on some chicken.  Giggles started erupting around the room as Auntie Jo performed the Heimlich Manouver.  They even wanted to see it again!

After lunch our team went in a number of directions :  some to share hygiene kits with the girls who were absent on Sunday.  This was another great step in leveling the playing field and empowering the girls to be all that they can be.  Brian and some of the FoDU staff worked on Dreams Plans with the P-5 kids,  helping them to realize their potential as champions.  Jennie and others were teaching and learning new  songs under the shade of a tree, and then there was Shane. . .he was everywhere with his video camera capturing footage for FoDU.  It was all amazingly  orchestrated by someone much bigger than you or I!

After lots of hugs, handshakes and beautiful “Thank You's” from Auntie Rose, there was more singing and then we really did have to leave.  It was made easier because we will see many of our new friends on Saturday the the Football Tournament.  After our dinner the team gathered to share their highs and lows of the  day and we also shared feelings on the contrast of the poverty and  great joy that we are witnessing .  It was unanimous that the JOY that we are witnessing comes from knowing that God is the source of all of it!  Can’t wait to see what God has planned for us tomorrow at Blessed Hope Academy.

Feeling Prayers from Halfway Around the World

By Brian Fleming

Hello from Uganda to all of our prayer warriors!

We have arrived safely and are now “home”.  What a first day! We woke up early and had a delicious breakfast of scrambled eggs, pineapple, mango, cereal, and juice. I have been craving that fresh pineapple for months now leading up to this trip and it definitely did not disappoint. We then set off to the Afripad location where we picked up the hygiene kits that we were going to distribute today. After loading up 7 boxes and tying them to the roof of the taxi, we set off towards New Kabaale Busega. What a place! We began by joining the worship service at the chapel which was a student-led and it was AWESOME! The kids sang 3 or 4 songs and I couldn’t help but dance in my chair as I listened (and tried to sing along). It was my kind of church with dancing and singing and just praise without reservation or hesitation. The preacher for the day was a 17 year old young man who actually came through the school system there at New Kabaale. What a blessing he was! His message was strong and taught of how jealousy is a disease that can steal our dreams, our blessings, and our joy. It was a great message for any preacher, but especially at 17 years old. You could tell that he was filled with the Spirit and loved the Lord with everything he has! You couldn’t help but realize after that service alone that the joy of the Lord was in this place.

But the joy didn’t end there. We spent the rest of the day there where we were so blessed to work with some P4 and P5 students on their DREAMS plans. This was their first experience with DREAMS plans and it was great to see our team as well as their teachers and staff helping these kids begin to realize that they can achieve their wildest dreams by setting goals, working hard at everything they do, and trusting in a God who always provides on time, every time. I got to work with a young boy named Allan. By talking to him, I think he has a lot of dreams including being a Footballer, Banker, Engineer (like me), and a Politician. He settled on wanting to be a banker as his biggest dream. He loves math and works hard at it so I think he is on the right path already. What I loved most about him was what he answered when asked the question, “How would your parents, friends, and teachers describe you?” His answers were Kind, Humble, a Leader. How awesome is it for a kid to realize and begin to understand how important those special qualities are for a young man, no matter where he goes in this world. I truly believe that those qualities will carry him to be the man he wants to be in the future. I hope so much that he continues to develop his dreams and uses those skills that he already possesses to become a great man in his home town, his country, and in this world.

After lunch, we were so blessed to be a part of distributing the hygiene kits for the young girls there. The joy in their faces when they realized how much these kits would help them in their schooling was unbelievable! They clapped and smiled and sang in praise for this blessing. What a joy to see them light up in the fact that they no longer have that barrier in their personal life and they can continue to focus on achieving their wildest dreams each and every day!

Though we came here to help and bless these children in Uganda, it is turning out to be just as much of a blessing for us. The smiles alone on each of the children’s faces has given me renewed hope in a God who is so good and cares for all of his sons and daughters. As Mike said at some point on the trip, we serve a universal God and not just a god of the US or a god of Uganda, but one God who loves unconditionally.

We will be back at New Kabaale tomorrow to distribute some of the medical supplies that were so graciously donated to this trip. Some of us will get to educate the teachers and players on basic first aid and health related topics while the rest of us will get to work with more students on their DREAMS plans. I can’t wait for another day and we are all so grateful for our friends and family back home supporting us through prayer daily. Those prayers are definitely felt half-way around the world here in Uganda.

Thank you all for your continued prayers and be blessed until the next time I get to talk to y’all.

Brian Fleming

Hope IS a Basic Need....

By Kathryn Campbell,

Hey friends! It is 9:30pm in Kampala right now, and 12:30 pm at home. We are settling in after a fantastic day with the children and faculty of New Kabale Busega along side part of our in-country staff members from FODU, and today’s special guest named Carolyn from Afripads.

I’ll get right to the point in saying that the reason that I so love this country and its people is the immeasurable joy that seems to live here. Beyond circumstances of all shapes and sizes, the people, especially the children of this country are thoroughly grateful and joyful down to their cores.

In our team devotional this morning, Mike talked about what is to be gained from a trip like this one. Not for the children that we are serving, but for ourselves.  What can we learn? What defines us when set against a list of blessings that we have beyond measure, but a lack of the real joy that is seen daily in a place like we are currently in? What does it mean to be blessed and be a blessing? We are following a command by a big and great God to love and serve, nothing more and nothing less.  So today, I tried to find the blessings, and I didn’t have to look far.

This first day working with the school was only a reflection of what I already knew of them.

Today was my first experience with one of my favorite concepts behind FODU, which is the extent of good that hope and a sense of purpose can create in a person’s life. It was the first time that I had a chance to review a Dreams Plan with a child and really see the way we are encouraging them to learn how and why they want to live. To set this concept up a little bit- we went into New Kabale with the intention of doing a “Junior Dreams Plan” with some of the younger students to introduce the idea of dreaming dreams and setting goals to achieve them. What are you good at? What do you love doing? What are characteristics that people would say you have? Who encourages you and how? What career have you thought would be one you are interested in?

Throw all of these ideas in a bag and shake them up and you have the version of a Dreams plan with a 9 year old. It was beautiful to watch this young man, Joel, speak and write the positive things he knew to be true about himself but obviously never discussed with anyone. He knew EXACTLY what he wanted to be, how and why, and what steps it would take him to arrive at this dream. He basked in the moments to talk about what he truly loved doing and what he felt that he is good at. He felt hope in his future, and he knew that there was an adult who cared.

Hope, for the vulnerable child (or adult) can be and is often everything. It is undeniable that some bit of confidence in himself and his abilities was lit up inside of my little friend Joel.

Fast forward to the afternoon, and again FODU impresses me with the extent they are involved in the lives of these children. A common problem among young women in Uganda is managing their menstrual cycles in a hygienic and efficient way. FODU has partnered with a company called Afripads for this trip in order to supply the girls with reusable sanitary products that are cost-efficient, more cleanly, and will allow them the ability to continue their daily activities without the element of embarrassment or poor hygiene that seems common among them.
The young women were ECSTATIC to receive these kits, and could not thank us enough for the additions we had made to their lives. Again- Joy. Throughout all things… even uncomfortable conversations about things that they need and don’t have or struggle to afford.

So… That is all Reader’s Digest, but my points to my rambles are this: Hope is a basic need, and among these children I would argue sometimes the MOST basic of needs.  It truly does anchor the soul. And, as always, I am the one being blessed. They are joyful in all circumstances. They dance and sing and pray in a more fervent way than my little “blessed” life normally touches. I will continue to watch and learn from some of the tiniest of teachers.

Love to you all-
Kathryn Campbell