Welaba (Goodbye)

As we prepare to board the plane on Wednesday morning, it is impossible to summarize all that we have learned. But our most important goal in visiting the Learning Centre—transformation—was achieved.

Each of us will come home just a little different than when we left. We have new Ugandan names and a new appreciation for how traffic lights prevent total gridlock. We know about tribalism, optimism and human strength. We have fresh appreciation for clean drinking water and for flopping into bed without having to stop and tuck in the mosquito netting.

The project itself has been changed by our visit. We have begun to set up a new governing structure, and added some new members. We have made a connection with Irene Mutumba who is already talking about teaching entrepreneurial courses to help the centre learn about generating income. We are well on our way to having our shipment of boxes released (Trafalgar sent these supplies over 2 years ago).

Perhaps more significantly, all of the people engaged in this visit have been invigorated and encouraged. The local committee is feeling loved and supported. The students are feeling that their ideas matter. And we who are returning to Canada are feeling confident in the sustainable future of Dr. Joyce’s dream for the youth of Masooli.

Our work is not yet finished. We have so many stories to tell when we get back to Trafalgar. Our mission committee will hear a more formal report, as will the presbytery and Presbyterian World Service and Development. We are now able to update our website with new pictures and information, too.

This transformation could not have been achieved without strong and Spirited community. We are grateful for the many, many people whose efforts helped us to get here, and for those who welcomed and cared for us. We are grateful that the Holy One surrounds those of us who care returning to Canada, and those who remain in Uganda. There is still a great deal of work to do.

Are we there yet?
Yes! And we have roads to travel…