Voyage to the Heart of Uganda

By Tim Blythe,

Tim’s log, Stardate 300614.  We will soon be leaving Uganda and heading for home where luxury will await us.  Life will soon be normal again…..or not!

During this visit, I have seen great pride in the people of Uganda.  For example:

1. The football field at Wakiso.
2. The pride of representing your school. 
3. Kids showing off their classroom and where they sleep.
4. People give you a firm handshake and a hug.
5. They wash their vehicles even though they will get dirty very quickly due to the roads.
6. The food stands carefully organize the food for the best presentation possible.

I have also witnessed the kids here get to play the game they love.  Without Fields of Dreams Uganda, they would not be playing these games. They would only be kicking around a banana leaf ball.  But now they are playing tournament games, they have uniforms, boots and real footballs.  I have seen kids from the Central area (New Kabaale Busega) travel from there to play against a team (Laroo) in the North area (Gulu) which is a six hour trip.  Yes, this means they actually traveled to play in the tournament and spent two nights in Gulu.  Think about that!  Kids here go to school then back home and then back to school again.  A child here would not even know kids from a school nearby.  I think about back home and how many of our kids have friends that go to different schools!  These kids don’t get that chance….but with football and Field of Dreams Uganda it is a reality.

To hear both the children of Gulu and New Kabaale sing praises of each other is beautiful music.  A lot of bad myths were shattered this past weekend.  If you don’t know the kids from your own area, you sure don’t know the kids up North.  The teams from the North were disappointed that the girls from New Kabaale Busega did not come up and play.  Maybe next year this will happen.

This has been a wonderful trip and a true joy for me to be a part of this team, but where do I go from here?  Can I possibly forget these kids and how much help they need?  I pray I do not.  Maybe next year you will feel the urge to come and feel and see the blessings this place has to offer.  

Time to sign off from Uganda and catch the plane home.  I am excited to see my family again, but this place will always have a special place in my heart.

Good night from Uganda. 

The Pearl of Africa Also Known As Uganda

By Lee Ann Pendergrass

Today our American team said farewell to the Fields of Dreams staff in Gulu.  What hearts, what passion and love they demonstrate over and over by assisting, believing in them and dreaming with the children so they can have hope and work hard for their achievements.  It is with mixed feelings that I leave Gulu. I watched how the children welcomed us at each school, met the staff at the different schools, developed dream plans with individual children whom I fell in love with, and watched the joy and smiles from the adults and children during the football tournament yesterday.  All this proves to me that people are more alike than different regardless of where you were born.

The real difference is geography, educational and employment opportunities.  Uganda is called the Pearl of Africa.  It is hard to see the pearls among the poverty and lack of opportunities.   The pearls in Uganda are hidden at times- hardworking adults and children, their strong belief in God, their respectfulness to each other, their smiles in spite of their circumstances, their excitement in football, their pride in their country, the ability to sing their national anthem and know meaning of the words, and love to smile and wave to strangers.

Could Americans become pearls to Ugandans?  Ugandans need a leg up not a hand out. To me, Fields of Dreams Uganda does this through their programs by combining the love of football and their educational dream plans. Fields of Dreams Uganda hires local people to help develop and implement the programs through football coaches and educational advocates. This is not a job to them, but a passion to see youth become serious and confident about their future. These children are the future leaders of Uganda. They will become pearls to their own country's future.  They in turn will have a ripple affect on other Ugandans.

I want to close by thanking each of you who have supported Fields of Dreams.  Your funds, prayers, encouragement, donations of items, time and expertise are your pearls to Uganda 's future.  As I return to Georgia, there are a few pearls in my heart from this nation.  I don't say farewell to my new friends and children in Uganda for I pray I can return to the Pearl of Africa.

The FoDU World Cup

By Henan Miller

As I told people that I was going to Uganda in June 2014 I always got the same reaction “but the world cup is happening then!”, and my answer was always the same one “I know”.

Today was the FoDU tournament and also the day that confirmed that missing a few world cup games was just the right decision. It has been an amazing trip where I got and will get to experience very unique feelings.

Six schools got to attend the tournament with both boys and girls football teams. We started very early with a band and a nice parade to the only pitch to host all 11 games. Many people from each school got to attend the tournament, staff from FoDU Uganda, the FoDU team from the US, and the Gulu community as well. The day was beautiful, a little hot for the foreigners, but great for a football tournament. And by the way, the games were only 30 minutes long.

I know what some of you are thinking, and the answer is yes. I got to play at least one game. I was super excited to play an official football game in Uganda. We also gave the referees a break and I was designated as the center referee. It was great to be part of this event at so many different levels.

The unique thing about our tournament is that we included a cultural/musical theme. Each school got to perform their own music piece in between games. Again, an amazing idea and a simple way to get to know these kids and schools much better.

There were winners and of course losers, but at the end of the day we are “slowly by slowly”, as Ugandans would say, accomplishing our goals as an organization.

Please consider helping others in Uganda via Fields of Dreams, or even others closer to you. You are making a difference, I promise you.

Thanks to my family, my friends, and the entire FoDU team from Uganda and the US. It won’t be long before my family and I get back to this country to get our son. Until then thank you!

Unexpected Uplifting

By Jen Wilson

We have an amazing team here in Gulu.  I have felt blessed all week to serve with the six other members of our June Dream Team.  We each have a different set of strengths and gifts that have blended together so well.  We've laughed together, we've cried together, and we have so many phenomenal memories of the last six days.

However, every journey has a low moment. A point in time where you begin to question the work or wonder if you can take another step forward.  For many members of the team, today was a difficult day.  Nothing catastrophic happened, but after six full days...we were tired. The needs of our schools in Gulu are great.  As we visit each campus the head teacher shares with us a long list of challenges and needs.  Electricity, fencing, curriculum materials, classroom space, etc. What we consider basic necessities are items of luxury in Uganda.  It's humbling to realize we take so much for granted in America.

Today after visiting two of our partner schools and seeing the same level of needs I thought...how are we ever going to make this right?  How can we adequately serve and help these children and teachers?  Are we making an impact? These questions were running through my mind as we made the turn into the driveway of our lodging and immediately all of those thoughts left my mind.  Lining the driveway were 30 JOYOUS faces.

The players from New Kaabale Busega, one of our partner schools in Kampala, and our Kampala coaches were lining the driveway clapping and singing to welcome us home.  Their faces were glowing.  Huge smiles.  Warm hugs and handshakes.  It reminded me that hope is alive and progress is possible.  As the champion team in the Kampala region, the team from New Kaabale traveled to Gulu to participate in the tournament.  Over the last two years, our Ugandan staff and Amercian staff/team members have invested time, love, and resources into the lives of these children...and you can see the fruits of this labor of love.  These young men have grown not only as soccer players.  They have grown as leaders, scholars, and young men of great character.  I wish you could have seen how excited they were to be in on the surprise to bring such a great blessing to us.  The team piled back on the bus to head to Gulu PTC, their hosts for the tournament, and we returned the favor.  We lined the driveway to clap for them as they left...and they loved it!

As I watched them drive away, it hit me.  In two to three years, our children in Gulu will hopefully have the same spirit, love, and joy.  Each time we invest in their dreams, hope grows.  Each time we host a tournament for them, hope grows.  Each time we are able to meet a challenge or need on their campus, hope grows.  Today started at ground zero, but it ended in a place of joy.  It was a great reminder that change takes time...but hope can blossom.

Unexpected Uplifting

By Jen Wilson

We have an amazing team here in Gulu.  I have felt blessed all week to serve with the six other members of our June Dream Team.  We each have a different set of strengths and gifts that have blended together so well.  We've laughed together, we've cried together, and we have so many phenomenal memories of the last six days. However, every journey has a low moment. A point in time where you begin to question the work or wonder if you can take another step forward.  For many members of the team, today was a difficult day.  Nothing catastrophic happened, but after six full days...we were tired. The needs of our schools in Gulu are great.  As we visit each campus the head teacher shares with us a long list of challenges and needs.  Electricity, fencing, curriculum materials, classroom space, etc. What we consider basic necessities are items of luxury in Uganda.  It's humbling to realize we take so much for granted in America.

Today after visiting two of our partner schools and seeing the same level of needs I thought...how are we ever going to make this right?  How can we adequately serve and help these children and teachers?  Are we making an impact? These questions were running through my mind as we made the turn into the driveway of our lodging and immediately all of those thoughts left my mind.  Lining the driveway were 30 JOYOUS faces.

The players from New Kaabale Busega, one of our partner schools in Kampala, and our Kampala coaches were lining the driveway clapping and singing to welcome us home.  Their faces were glowing.  Huge smiles.  Warm hugs and handshakes.  It reminded me that hope is alive and progress is possible.  As the champion team in the Kampala region, the team from New Kaabale traveled to Gulu to participate in the tournament.  Over the last two years, our Ugandan staff and Amercian staff/team members have invested time, love, and resources into the lives of these children...and you can see the fruits of this labor of love.  These young men have grown not only as soccer players.  They have grown as leaders, scholars, and young men of great character.  I wish you could have seen how excited they were to be in on the surprise to bring such a great blessing to us.  The team piled back on the bus to head to Gulu PTC, their hosts for the tournament, and we returned the favor.  We lined the driveway to clap for them as they left...and they loved it!

As I watched them drive away, it hit me.  In two to three years, our children in Gulu will hopefully have the same spirit, love, and joy.  Each time we invest in their dreams, hope grows.  Each time we host a tournament for them, hope grows.  Each time we are able to meet a challenge or need on their campus, hope grows.  Today started at ground zero, but it ended in a place of joy.  It was a great reminder that change takes time...but hope can blossom.

Walking

By Peggy Cox

Today I stayed behind in Gulu while the rest of the team went on a tour of Murchison Falls National Park. FoDU’s national director, Jonathan Ssebambulide escorted me on a walking tour of Gulu. First we went to the Ugandan Red Cross where I was able to donate blood once again. We then headed into the “downtown” area of Gulu where we walked through a very large market, the largest I’ve visited in Uganda. You could buy everything from smoked fish to deep fried White Ants; tomatoes and onions; more varieties of fresh peas than I could identify; backpacks and electronics; prepackaged spaghetti and elbow macaroni; gently used leather shoes with fresh coats of black shoe polish and what every person in Uganda needs, a t-shirt with Daytona Beach emblazoned across the front. (Thank you, Goodwill Industries.)

I have been blessed to visit Uganda five times now, but this was my first time to walk to my destination like the average Ugandan has to and to experience a little of what their everyday life is like. I am even more impressed by these humble and strong people.

Today I walked a little over six miles in their shoes. For me, today was a one day adventure and cherished time spent with a dear friend. For children like Kevan, the student we met yesterday at Pageya Primary School, it is a distance they have to walk each school day, if they want an education. Let me briefly tell you about Kevan. She is a beautiful, healthy, 14 year old young lady. She seemed to be taller than your average 14 year old girl, but I’m a smidge over 5 feet tall, so most people seem tall to me. Kevan walks approximately three miles each way to school. Some days her brother, who she lives with, has the 2,000 Shillings (75¢) for her to take a boda-boda (motorcycle taxi) either to or from school, but not both ways. She usually walks 6 miles round trip each day, just to get an education.

Pretty amazing, huh? It gets better, or worse, I guess I should say. Kevan is an amputee and has a prosthetic leg. She stepped on a land mine and lost her lower left leg at the knee. She was only 6 years old. She walks three miles to school and three miles back home again, on a prosthetic leg, just for an education that is not guaranteed beyond the 7th grade. Now then, pretty amazing, huh?

Connecting While Disconnected

By Tim Blythe

Wow it is hard to believe how quickly the week is slipping away.  I have not connected to the internet for almost a week.  I have no idea what is going on in the news.  It is nice being disconnected from work.

If you asked me to explain my first couple of days I think I would say “I was a deer in the headlights”. I really did not know what to say with everything that I was seeing.  The journey began in Kampala for a couple of days and then to Gulu for the rest of the week.   I witnessed in Kampala a great worship service where the kids sang and danced.  The kids in Kampala were very friendly and right away they would get very close to you.  In Gulu the kids are very friendly but yet a lot more reserved when you first meet them.  You can get so quickly attached to both the kids in Kampala and Gulu.   At New Kabaale Busega I met three girls named Juliet, Sarah and Cissy.  They wrote me some letters asking me things like:  Did you love Uganda? Is it a nice country?  Where I live do you really have more than two seasons?  They also thanked me for coming to their school.

Day 2, At Wakiso Children’s School of Hope, I met three girls named Margaret, Leticia and Ritah.  I found out that their dreams were to become Nurses and teachers.  I also saw the new football field and was told how they planted all the grass by hand.

Day 3, At Laroo Primary School, I met Faith and Michael and learned that their dreams were to become a nurse and a minster.  I also was able to observe in the classroom and watch and listen.  The first class was a math class.  There were 57 kids in the classroom and just one teacher.  The teacher was teaching rounding off decimals and numbers.  The kids were quiet and listened well to the teacher.  A couple of students went up to the chalk board and tried to work the problems.  The second class was a literacy class.  This class had 132 kids in the classroom and only one teacher.  The kids in general were quiet and when they did get loud the teacher would get them to immediately quiet down.  The teacher would walk around and check to see if the students had completed the exercise correctly.  Of course the teacher could not get around to all the students.  The classroom was packed with kids.  The next class that I attended was another math class which the teacher was not there so one of our staff (Jonathan) taught the class and did a great job.

Day 4, At Pageya Primary School, I met Samuel, Peter and Stella.  They wanted to become a Doctor, policeman and a teacher. When roaming around, this was the first school that I had been at that I actually looked inside the restrooms….it was pretty disturbing site.  I really don’t know what I would have done if I truly needed to go to the bathroom.

Regarding the kids that I have seen at these schools I have found them to be happy and caring for each other.  They are really excited to see us and they are ever so thankful for our gifts of cleats, sports bras, and soccer balls (footballs).  The teachers were excited to get the supplies that we brought them.  And many of the teachers seem committed to teaching and helping the kids, even though they have very little supplies, no classroom books, and very large class size.

The staff here in Uganda is doing an outstanding job.  Johnathan is well respected at all the schools and just does a tremendous job.  Our soccer coaches in the North, Mercy and Walter are working hard with the kids teaching them soccer. Florence is the Education advocate for us and is working real hard with the Heads of the Schools.

I am very blessed to be serving with this team.  All the team members Mike, Jen, Lee, Peggy, Hernan and Dotty are doing an outstanding job working with the kids, teachers and administrators of the various schools.  Mike is tremendous leader and well organized, Jen being a principle understands so many of their issues.  Lee is a joy for the kids and makes them all laugh.  Peggy is recognized as a familiar face since she has been here so many times.  Hernan is looked up too by the kids because he played soccer in college and Dotty is like a daughter to me and the kids just adore her.  I am truly blessed to be a part of this team.

Goodnight from Uganda!

Empower, Educate and Advocate

By Lee Ann Pendergrass

I joined Fields of Dreams Uganda's summer trip because I believed in the mission. This is my 1st trip to Africa and my life's mission has been to empower, educate and advocate for deaf rights.  I was looking forward to Laroo Primary School in Gulu since this school serves both hearing and deaf children.

When we arrived the children were lined up outside the school to welcome us and they were singing a song that warms your heart.  I was grateful as my team members and I walked down the row of children.  My eyes kept looking for the deaf children.  I found them at the end of the line clapping their hands.  I was saddened that they didn't sign the song.  Yet I was so happy that I signed in American Sign Language, ASL and attempted to use Uganda Sign Language.

The deaf children were surprised that an American was thrilled to see them and wanted to go to  their classroom.  As I entered the room, the deaf children were attentive and happy to see me.  Their wonderful teacher had to interpret what I said in ASL.  I shared with them my experiences with deaf children with a simple visual aid of a photo album with pictures of deaf children in America doing different activities.  I gave the photo album to the teacher so she could read it to them and discuss my visit.  I also gave each a photo of my family.  They were so thrilled and happy.

While I was talking to the children, I looked around the room to see what is on the walls, did they have any books, pencils, etc.  All of the schools that I have visited in Kampala had many charts on the walls and the blackboards had lots of writings.  Yes, it is primitive but the teachers are doing the best they can.  The deaf children's classroom walls were bare. Very little writing on the board, no pencils, no paper for writing and no books to read to enhance their literacy.  This breaks my heart.  These children want to learn just like any other children but without any supplies- they are limited.  Education is the key to getting out of poverty.

The deaf teacher and I communicated about their needs in the classroom and in the dormitory.
The deaf children reside at school, yet the dormitory doesn't have any electricity!  Imagine being deaf, when it is pitch black at night.  How frightening it must be at night not able to communicate with their friends or having to go to the bathroom at night or get scared and can't really cry for help.

I know American deaf children have challenges in their lives. Yet, we must unite to help other deaf children in Uganda to be able to have hopes, dreams of fulfilling their purpose, and a real chance of a future.  I know we can't solve all the Ugandan deaf children problems but we can make a difference.  The smiles and hugs from them would never be forgotten.

Would you join me by being a part of the solution by getting involved with Fields of Dreams Uganda to help deaf children have successful lives?

Planting Pride

By Mike Warneke

What a joy, as always, to travel back to beautiful Uganda to serve on behalf of Fields of Dreams Uganda. We have only been in country for two days and yet already it is hard to look back and think through all that we have been blessed to be a part of on this journey. As the Executive Director for this organization, I am always encouraged and inspired when I am here on the ground amidst the people we are working beside. It is easy to lose focus and forget the good that we are a part of when you sit behind a desk some 14,000 miles from the Pearl of Africa.

Today was the perfect reminder of how much our programs are working and the hope, pride, and dreams that we continue to foster. I have had the joy and honor of knowing the staff and children at Wakiso Children’s School of Hope since the summer of 2009. They are in many ways what drew me to love this country so much and begin the journey in helping to establish Fields of Dreams Uganda. This campus is a special place that is filled with some pretty incredible people. The majesty of this campus continues to grow.

One year ago, I was behind the controls of a bulldozer for the first time as we broke ground for a new soccer field on this very campus. It was a joyous day and you could feel the excitement in the air. Today we are so very close to this field being used for the first time. I have had the joy of seeing this field progress over the past year at various stages and I have been so very impressed with the commitment and hard work of this campus as they assisted every step of the way.  The games master Hannington and the male and female U-18 and U-13 players have put their blood, sweat and tears into this pitch.  It is their field and it shall truly grow into the pride of the Wakiso District. There simply are very few fields to match in all of Kampala.

On my first trip to Uganda in 2009 I was moved to do something about the playing conditions for these incredible children. Through the help of so many friends and family, Fields of Dreams Uganda has grown in its mission to assist both through soccer and education.  However, the first inkling for this organization was born out of creating new fields. I could not be more happy for our partner school, as they have found so much pride in this field on their campus. It will be a great opportunity for them to grow in their student body and to earn some revenue through rentals and hosting matches and tournaments.

This field may not seem like much to so many of the world’s population that take playing fields and athletic compounds for granted; but to those in Wakiso tonight, it is a source of immense pride and a reason to keep dreaming for the future. Thank you to everyone that has given to our cause, your partnership is making a difference and awakening hope. A special thank you to the Stevenson Family and your belief in our mission. It will be a huge honor to dedicate this field to John G. Stevenson on July 5th as the first match of many is played on this field of dreams.

Opportunity, Not Coincidence

By Dot Schucker

Today when I woke up this morning, I was instantly excited about my upcoming day. I was reconnecting with my favorite little buddy, Abdul. We went to Wakiso Primary School where we were greeted with dozens of children singing “you are welcome.” While I was smiling and greeting the children, I was secretly scanning the crowd looking for my Abdul. When I eventually found him, I had to fight the urge to tackle him with celebration. He had gotten so tall in just a year! My little buddy was starting to transform into a teenager and would soon (and easily) surpass me in height. He instantly had 100 questions about me. He has always been an inquisitive boy with an interest in how things work and what the average American life consisted of. This is partly why I fell in love with him in the first place. He is so intelligent and wishes not to be of average intelligence but to be the first in his class. To have as much dedication and motivation as he has at such a young age, truly astounds me.

                  He took my hand and showed me his world and his prized possessions. He showed me his dormitory room which was honestly better than I expected. He had his own bed and blankets with a case that had a lock on it. It did concern me, however, when I looked closer and saw that his case was broken and could easily be accessed by anyone. I understand wanting to have your prized possessions in a safe place. This should apply to him no matter what those possessions consist of. In the middle of our conversation, Abdul asked me if I played any games in college. I told him no and that I mostly focus on my studies but I do love to run. When I talked about running Abdul had a dark look come over his face and then told me something that I was genuinely not expecting – he had a heart problem. To learn this fact was a crushing blow to me as I know that the healthcare system here is not reliable and this especially applies to an orphaned boy. I asked him to further explain and all he could properly explain was that there was a hole between the chambers of his heart and that when he ran or walked for too long, he felt “needles stab his heart.” The nursing major in me immediately tried to calculate how much the surgery would cost for him to fix his heart. I came full circle when I realized how the universe is truly wonderful at putting those people in your life that need you the most. Was it coincidence that this Ugandan boy that had a piece of my heart has turned out to have a heart condition that prevented him from doing activities that I loved? No, I don’t believe in coincidences.

                  We eventually had to leave the school in order to make it to Gulu before it was too late. As we were taking that journey up north, I looked at my surroundings and the people who called this place home. How many others are out there with problems that can’t be fixed because of circumstances or where they live? How many Abduls sit while looking upon the other children who run and play? We always have an option to help no matter how little it may appear to others. I have so much faith in Abdul’s ability to turn into a great, intelligent man. I hope that he has that dream as well. After all, the hope has to start somewhere.

Education Initiatives in Action

By Jen Wilson

The mission of Fields of Dreams Uganda is to provide hope to the orphaned and vulnerable children of Uganda through the vehicles of soccer and education.  As a former athlete and current educator, the mission of FoDU resonates with me at a very deep level. The programming we have developed for our partner schools is having a great impact on the future of the students attending these campuses.

Today as we visited New Kaabale Busega, we were able to see many of those initiatives in action.  New Kaabale Busega is moving forward and making progress under the inspirational leadership of Head Teacher Rose.  As a school principal, I am able to recognize the strong leadership skills Rose exhibits.  Her guidance of the staff and students at New Kaabale Busega helps all team members to stay focused on the dreams of the students and staff, and their goals for the future. It’s encouraging to know our programming goals are being executed by a passionate and excellent educator.

Each of our partner schools is given an educational grant by Fields of Dreams Uganda.  At New Kaabale Busega, this year’s FoDU educational grant was used to complete a new dormitory for the boys.  This allowed the staff to shift students and classrooms around to gain more space for the students and gave the boys a safer sleeping area.  Space is at a premium at New Kaabale Busega.  Several of the classes have over 50 students per classroom and one classroom has 70+ students.  In Texas, our primary classrooms are capped at 22 students.  It’s mind-boggling to think there are 3 classrooms worth of students in several classrooms at New Kaabale Busega. The staff at New Kaabale Busega dreams of building even more classrooms in order to create smaller class sizes for their students and staff.

Despite the large class sizes, the students are learning and thriving. We heard several positive reports about the students participating in the Dreams Plan initiatives.  The opportunity to sit down and create a Dreams Plan with one of our volunteers or staff members has provided students with direction and inspiration that their dreams are a true possibility. One of the former student’s at New Kaabale Busega has moved on to a prestigious secondary school and after one year is scoring at the top of her class.

Finally, I was able to see the impact of our recent distribution of the hygiene kit for girls. Several of the girls expressed great thanks for the hygiene kits. The kits allow them to attend school and feel more comfortable. They are grateful for the ability to benefit from daily educational instruction.

Education is the key to a brighter future for each student at our partner schools.  We will continue to identify educational needs and develop programming in response. I am pleased to see our current educational initiatives of the educational grants, hygiene kits, and Dreams Plans are having a positive impact!