Hope in God

By Ashley Brooks

 

As we leave Uganda, I have very mixed emotions. I am so excited to get home to my boys and family, but very sad to leave part of my heart here in Uganda. I have met some amazing children here, especially connecting with some of the older children through Dreams Plans. These children are so amazing, so loving, so genuine, and were so happy that we were concerned with their dreams and their goals for the next few years of their life.  I have also met some little ones that just needed a few hugs or for someone to carry them around for a little while. I was nervous that I wouldn’t get to interact with the little ones as much because of the soccer and education that we were doing, but I was so happy that I did. These children just melted into your arms. It was amazing what those hugs felt like (something I’ve missed from my boys), but also just what they needed that we give our children continuously at home.

“Command those who are rich in this world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.”   - 1 Timothy 6:17

I also leave Uganda with a drastically different view of rich and poor and also the hope that Paul talks about in this verse. In the United States, the majority of us are very rich in things compared to these people but they are very rich in hope in God our Father. I sincerely go back to my life tomorrow with a desire for the hope that the Ugandan people and children possess. I desire a faith like many I have met like Denis and Jonathan. Their faith remains in God in all circumstances. I leave Uganda with a happy and sad heart but with a better hope than when I came.

A Global Family

By Rebecca Redd

I cannot believe our time in Uganda has come to an end.  It feels like we were there for just days and it feels like we were there for months at the same time.  We’ve worked very hard this week and are all exhausted. I am looking forward to getting back home to my own bed, familiarity, family and friends, but I am also anxious about reintegrating back into the American way of life—the rushed, individualized, work-focused, isolated existence many of us have. I’ll miss the community here.

Looking back on our trip, I remember happily all the things we experienced and relationships we have formed. I am beyond excited to witness the great things Fields of Dreams Uganda has in store for this wonderful nation, but more than that, I am excited about what a great future Uganda has with children like the ones we met and grew to love over the past week. The future doctors, lawyers, pilots, footballers, politicians, mechanics, salespeople, teachers, social workers, mothers and fathers of this country will make a positive change.

It is important that we help support them in such efforts. We can no longer claim ignorance in such matters. You who are reading this blog, looking through the pictures, becoming aware of the situation here are now responsible. I encourage, even challenge, you to get involved with this organization through prayer, donations, traveling, in whichever way you can.  If you’re ready to make a real difference in this world, here’s your chance.  I want you all to feel the passion and love for this nation that I do.  I am 100% certain that if you were to get involved, you would.

Thank you to those who are already supporting the work here. I cannot express to you how much that means to all of us, and especially to the Ugandan staff here: Jonathan, Peter, David, Faridah, and Denis. They are doing wonderful things here and are changing the futures of these children, thereby changing our children’s futures as global citizens.

A Burned Boy Left Behind

By Tyler White

So my anti-malarial pills can sometimes leave fair-skinned people extra sensitive to the sun. I am fairly badly burned on my hands and I couldn’t really identify the problem. I was scared because it hurt to touch anything and this type of burn feels a little different than a regular sunburn. So Brother Jonathan, the definition of an incredible man, graciously took time away from his family to take me to the hospital for treatment—something somewhat small that serves to illustrate the kindness and thoughtfulness of the Ugandan people.

This photosensitivity burn has been here for about six days and for the past three it has been a bit more painful. Those of you who know me understand I simply cannot keep my feelings inside of me a lot of the time (I’m working on it—serving at Red Lobster helps), and you probably know that I complained about the pain a lot. Sometimes it left me frustrated, even though by this time most of my work with the children was done. I am ashamed to admit that I even snapped at a team member yesterday and another one two nights before. Unfortunately, I let this issue get the best of me on occasion and struggled to reign in my aggravated emotions.

Why am I telling you this? Well, I think it is important to know what this country does to people, and I don’t’ mean me. When I asked forgiveness from these team members and our team leader, it was given immediately and kindly, with a smile and a hug. I felt as if it was already given even before my asking. Those two people are first timers here, and even after only eight days in this beautiful country, the nature of the citizens has rubbed off on them. To put it simply, I was touched.

This place is truly magical. Even when the people here are surrounded by sickness, death, and real pain, like Brother Jonathan and his magnificent family, they are able to find it in themselves to genuinely care about another’s situation, even if it is much less serious. And alongside this unbelievable caring, true forgiveness is granted to all in a manner that I have rarely seen from anyone in this world. This is a facet of true community, something overwhelmingly present in Uganda. Believe me, I am greatly blessed to have felt this type of love not only from the residents here, but also from my team. It is so clear that Uganda has changed many of them, for the better of course, and I could not be happier for them. Specifically, my mother, Kim, has changed wonderfully and has become even more loving and understanding—something that I didn’t believe possible. I am so proud of you, Mom.

Yes, it is true though, that I struggle with practicing care and forgiveness at this level, though I honestly do try. Of course it is not a problem when I am around the kids—everyone is the best version of themselves during those times. But when I am away from them, even at home, I struggle with achieving this standard of mercy and thoughtfulness. That is why I am so proud of my team members for grasping these concepts. I strive to be more like this, and I know that these trips are greatest opportunities for all people to transform the perspectives from which they see the world.

As the team left this morning to finish the last of the Dreams Plans at New Kabaale Busega, I felt like a bum. The doctor told me to stay here and be indoors, but I’m sure you can understand why and how badly I wanted to be there one last time. I was upset. But now I realize I needed this time to reflect on my trip and prepare myself mentally to return. Images of kindness, community, and generosity have flooded through my mind today. I have witnessed our team grow as individuals and have experience the almost inconceivable love of Uganda, and I am so ready to be more than the Tyler you last met. I want to be the man who exists with the beautiful children at Blessed Hope and Africa Greater Life all the time. I want to be Ugandan in the way I forgive, care, and love everyone in this world. So please, if you are reading this and you know me, hold me to that standard. It is one of my deepest desires to truly deserve the honor that these divine people have shown me, so that I may impact our world in the ways that only a Ugandan can. I hope to have the ability to return one day soon as a real leader for Fields of Dreams Uganda, able to show the love and forgiveness that I have been gifted during this trip.

As I wrap up my last blog, I feel that it is only appropriate to cement that Ugandans do far more for us than we do for them. One day, this generation of children here will change our world for the better—I know it in my heart. But while they grow up and journey into adulthood, may we who have been here, live out their quality of care and love. I think I have recognized what it looks like when I am the best version of myself, and I honestly look forward to showing that to you all back home. Thank you, Uganda, for inspiring me to be a better man. I am taking you home with me—I promise.

Truly Blessed By The Experience

By Caitlin Taylor

It has been a true blessing to be able to journey back to Uganda this year. When I came here two summers ago, I never thought I would be back in this wonderful country, so to be here again is truly awesome! I remember on my last trip that Mike was still in the planning process of the Fields of Dreams Uganda organization. It is amazing to see how much progress has been made and how much of an impact it has on these kids. 

I never realized how much of an impact it would have on me too. While working with these beautiful children one-on-one for the D.R.E.A.M.S. Plans, it started to hit me that I am helping them plan out their future goals and dreams, which will allow them to live their lives to the fullest - which is an incredible feeling. I never thought that I could play such a role in a child's life. Although it was tough to get them to fully understand what we were doing in the beginning, they slowly started to realize that this is for them and their dreams and their futures. I hope that each and every child we work with is able to keep up their passion, hard work, and determination to reach these goals they have set for themselves (although I have complete faith they will go above and beyond that). 

The passion these children have for soccer is phenomenal! I never had a chance to watch the kids play soccer the last time I was in Uganda, so being able to see full on what this organization is centered on and the children's love for this sport is amazing. I think being at the tournament watching these kids play was one of my favorite moments this week. I got to see kids being kids. There was true happiness and joy, as well as incredible sportsmanship. Although a team may have lost, they kept their heads held high and cheered for the rest of their teams in the tournament. I find that extremely admirable. I cannot express enough how truly blessed I feel to experience all of this. 

Another thing that I really enjoyed was how relaxed everything seemed to be. Some of our team members and I were talking about how rushed we feel all the time back in the U.S. and how we are constantly trying to find ways to keep ourselves busy. It was wonderful to be able to just sit down with someone and have a true conversation without feeling like there is something else I should be doing. I felt like I connected with the children a lot more because I was able to just sit down and talk. It was the same way last time I journeyed here, too. I was overjoyed when we went back to New Kabaale Busega and some of the children I met last time actually remembered me and were calling me by name. I really feel like I impacted those children more than I thought because we took the time to get to know one another. That was a powerful moment that I will never forget. These children have stolen my heart and will forever remain in my thoughts and prayers. I can only hope to continue to travel back to Uganda and continue to impact and be impacted by these amazing children. 

Champions in the Making

By Mike Warneke

Well another tournament is in the books for Fields of Dreams Uganda. The day was filled with excitement, and even some tears of defeat, as the children we serve take these championships very seriously. I am always amazed at the pure joy that we witness in these children, as they transform from shy boys and girls into champions. There was much excitement in the air, as day two of our tournament focused on the championship matches. We began the morning with a parade through the community of Mukono on the way to Vision for Africa. We were once again lead by a marching band, and the children filled in behind with school banners and FoDU visors created by our wonderful staff.

The netball games were played first, and it was exciting to see the girls give there all. The staff demarcated the netball court on the football pitch so all of the fans could watch the final schools compete. It is amazing to see how evenly matched the teams are since our first tournament this past June. New Kabaale Busega took the first championship win of the day ousting Vision for Africa in the U-13 division. Quickly following the U-13 game, the girls from Africa Greater Life triumphed over the talented girls from our host school, Vision for Africa, in the U-15 division.

With great anticipation the crowd gathered to witness the first final in our girls football division, with Vision for Africa facing the gifted girls from New Kabaale Busega. What joy as we watched the girls dribble and pass up and down the pitch. Unfortunately, all of the shots during regulation went wide or high, with the exception of a number of aggressive saves by the keeper from New Kabaale Busega. The match ended up heading to penalty kicks, and just like they performed to reach the final, Vision for Africa pulled out the win in the extra frame. What a joy to see Nakato, the young woman who so eagerly demanded that the girls be given a chance to play, stop all of the penalty shots taken against her.  She also scored her shot when she was given the opportunity. On the other side of things, it was sad to see how hard the team from New Kabaale took the loss. My dear friend Ritah had to be helped off of the field by myself and Coach Faridah, as she was overcome with emotion following the match. Her team had played their hearts out, and came up just a little bit short. I am sure this defeat will inspire them to train harder, and be ready for the next tournament in February 2014.

In the U-13 boys football division Blessed Hope Champions Academy took home the championship trophy as they edged out the boys from Vision for Africa. Geoffrey, their captain, scored the lone goal, and also had a number of other near misses. The U-15 boys football final was by far the most exciting game of the day. New Kabaale Busega, and my dear friend Eddie, their captain were facing the boys from Blessed Hope Champions Academy. Dibya William, one of the inspirations for creating Fields of Dreams Uganda, plays for Blessed Hope, and with Eddie on the opposing team, I felt a bit torn on who I would be cheering for during the match. But with crisp passing and excellent finishing, the boys from New Kabaale Busega took home the championship with a score of 3-0.

The trophy presentations and medal ceremonies were very inspiring and touching as you could tell this day was the pinnacle in the lives of the children that FoDU serves. What joy to move around the field taking photos with friends and congratulating all of my dear friends on another day of excellent competition. It is so refreshing to watch these kids get lost in the sports that they love and care so deeply about. All of the kids that we serve have stories of difficulty, yet on this day, they were all champions, and regardless of their pasts, they simply got to relish in the moment of being kids.

If you have followed our trip this past week, we want to thank you for being a part of this beautiful story that is taking place in Uganda. It is our hope and goal to work hard at expanding to four additional campuses in Northern Uganda and we hope that you will consider donating to our cause so that additional children will have the opportunity to achieve their dreams, both on the football pitch, and in life.

A Dream Realized

By Mike Warneke

As our work in Uganda grows it is evident that more and more dreams will come true. As the Executive Director for Fields of Dreams, I can honestly say that the FoDU Championship Tournament is one of my favorite days of the year. Because our work in Uganda is growing, there was a need this year to host the tournament on two consecutive days, as we add the first matches for girl’s football (soccer). I cannot describe in words the transformation that these children make as they dress in their uniforms and give there all through competition. I wish I could paint an accurate picture of the pride that is exhibited in their faces as they prepare to play in their matches.

I want to take you back a year ago. The day of competition concluded in a raucous celebration, with singing, dancing, and congratulatory hugs. As I was caught up in the feverish joy, and young women by the name of Nakato pulled me aside and she said with a serious voice, “Uncle Mike, when is it my turn to play football?” Well I am happy to say that the time is now.

Football is healing here in Uganda. It is the quintessential sport that everyone loves. It creates community, bridges divides, and brings healing to young men and women who are facing unspeaking challenges. This tournament is the culmination of our work with football, and what an honor to witness all that this day had to offer. After watching the first two matches, and even skipping lunch, to ensure I could see my dear friend Amos compete, I finally caught a glimpse of Nakato. As she, the team captain, was preparing her team for their upcoming match, I pulled her aside to get a gauge on her excitement. I simply don’t have the words for pride and excitement that spilled from her very being. She gave me a warm embrace and thanked me for following through on my promise last year.

Although the girls still competed in netball during this tournament, and did a wonderful job at that; it was clear that there was a great deal of hope found on the pitch for the girls at all of our partner schools. When goals were scored during the girls matches, the entire schools rushed the field to congratulate the one responsible for the goal. It was special for me to watch as Nakato stopped all of the penalty kicks taken against her, helping advance her team into the championship game on Saturday. This was a dream realized before my very eyes, as she was mobbed by hundreds of children who live at Vision for Africa. Dreams do come true, and today our DREAMS TEAM got to witness one that was a year in the making!!!

It is always a joy to see these children whom I love as sons and daughters compete. I get the opportunity of congratulating them after a victory, and comforting them after a loss. I watched with a pained heart as Amos, let a goal sneak past him, and his team from Blessed Hope fell to Vision for Africa. I cheered on my dear friend Eddie who plays for New Kabaale Busega, and they escaped with a victory during their first two matches, lining themselves up  to play in the Championship match on Saturday. This is right after Eddie told me his uncle, who is his caretaker, had lost his job, and he is no longer able to attend his secondary school.  So although my dear friend Eddie, is facing uncertain circumstances at the home front, he was nothing but smiles today as he gave his all on the pitch as a captain, and even found time to help coach the girls’ team to a victory as well.

Amos, a goalkeeper for the U-13 team at Africa Greater Life, is a sweet boy that I met on my first trip to Uganda in 2009. We have since had the opportunity to see one another on every subsequent trip that I have taken to the Pearl of Africa. He is a quiet and intelligent boy who loves the game of football. And today, he got to be my coach. During the course of the day, our DREAMS TEAM was challenged to play the host schools staff in a friendly match after all of the other games had ended for the day. Four of our team members, Ashley Brooks, Tyler White, Jennifer Wilson, and myself prepared ourselves to be beaten badly by the home squad. Thankfully we were allowed to play with Coach Peter, Coach Faridah, Jonathan, Toolit Denis, and other games teachers from our partner schools. As I prepared to play keeper during the match, I had Amos run me through a variety of drills to get me ready. He had me diving all over the place, and it was a joy to spend time playing with my dear friend. The match was a bit lopsided, and I let three goals get past, while taking a ball to the face off of the foot of Jennifer Wilson, I might add. Who was there to greet me when the game ended?  My coach Amos, to tell me I had played well. This is a memory I will not soon forget.

Let the Games Begin!

By Tyler White

Talk about anticipation. I’ve missed two of these tournaments, being left only to hear of the descriptions that usually end with something like, “You just have to see it—words can’t describe it.”  I left those conversations feeling frustrated, left out, even jealous. It was just hard. For three years, since Mike and I began meeting about FoDU, I have literally dreamed of seeing these talented young people on the soccer pitch. But after today, I can’t blame those that talked to me about it. They were right. And now I am on the other side, doing this to you…words really can’t describe what took place today at the Vision for Africa school and orphanage. But I will do my best to tell you.

If anyone has ever questioned what good soccer can do for orphans, please allow me to try and alleviate your doubts. First, please remember that the education piece of our work is invaluable. But also know that after today, I fully believe that the soccer piece is equally as valuable to these boys and girls. Yes, I said girls. The girls competed in their first organized soccer tournament today, something that brought so much joy to everyone present (see Mike’s blog).

The aim of our work here at FoDU is to provide hope, in its purest form, for these amazing and talented children. They have such an incredible amount of potential, both physically and intellectually, that this difficult world has buried in pain and loss. There is no doubt in my mind that with the help of our selfless Ugandan brothers David and Jonathan, their long-term hope will be greatly and effectively developed. That is our education piece.
But today, thanks to the hard work of Coaches Peter and Faridah, I witnessed, for the first time, hope developing in the short term. Suffice it to say, the complete and utter joy I saw today does not exist in the States. Game after game, laugh after laugh, the happiness that blossomed inside each and every kid there provided a joyous foundation from which to pursue their dreams. Hope seeded itself in the hearts of the children, but luckily for me, they just could not keep it inside. Again, it is worth repeating, this kind of elation simply cannot be found in America.

Four schools competed, including Blessed Hope, Africa Greater Life, New Kabale Busega, and the host Vision for Africa. While the children played their hearts out, the sportsmanship was astounding. Even those who lost, did so with dignity and a smile because they spent the last forty minutes reveling in what they consider bliss. Between the schools there was probably about twelve hundred children there (I have had my estimation approved). So imagine this sort of indescribable joy coming from that number of children and the many adults supervising them. As you can imagine, it was fairly overwhelming.

But in the midst of the sea of dancing and laughing children, I still found a face to carry home with me to join others in being my Uganda. His name is Hasan and I met him earlier this week at Blessed Hope. We had a very emotional goodbye because he opened up to me about his family and asked to be my brother. Because of his situation, I was worried I may never see this astounding ten-year-old again. But, I was given the gift of his presence today because of an incredible uncle that saw our goodbye and thought he should see me again. Hasan never really left my side today, and our goodbye was much happier this time, due to our jubilant surroundings. Uncle Benjamin, the man who saw our first goodbye, serves now to illustrate the thoughtfulness and unbelievable generosity of the Ugandan people. Who better deserves the bliss of a soccer pitch, and the consequent hope that thrives, than the innocent children of this country’s remarkable men and women? I really can think of no one.