Last year, in 2014, my daughter and I were blessed to be a part of a mission trip to Uganda, Africa. It was a life changing trip for both of us. We had never experienced anything quite like it before and we left very changed people.
I started to see my world back in the United States differently. How could I ever complain that I didn't "have" something that I needed for teaching when the teachers in Uganda have so very little resources. But with the little they have they make it work. The children learn. The students are diligent in their studies, which for them is a ticket from abject poverty. They would never dream of skipping school. An education is their life-line. These children go to school 10 hours a day, 7 days a week AND they are learning everything in a second language (English). Imagine all of your classes being in Spanish or French and trying your best to be successful. These kids are absolutely amazing.
They are all orphans you see. They have come from the most neglectful of households, have been abandoned altogether or their parents have died from AIDS. Either way they started their journey in life in very poor circumstances. What we would call "at risk" kids. But, let me tell you something, these kids are smart, so, so, very smart. So does it take the best environment at home to develop a bright learner? is it genetic? None of these children came from affluent families of doctors or lawyers, their parents were desperately poor. So what is it? What makes them succeed? I have to believe that God plays a big part in their success. Also, their very will and dedication to learn is tremendous. It is a sight to behold. I recommend to anyone to go on a mission trip to a third world country. Come and see. See how the other side of the world lives. Because in the end every life really does matter. But you may say, "the need is so big, what could one person possibly do?" Just go. Go and make a difference. Be an intrical part of making lots of small changes that will eventually lead to something big that could change a city, a nation or the world. That is something we all can do.
So, my daughter and I find ourselves back in Uganda, one year later teaching and ministering at the same orphanage as last year. We're stepping out, making another small change that, Lord willing, will lead to something big!
For more information on how to support an orphan in Uganda, please visit ugandaorphans.org
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