Lynchburg College - Anna's Well, May 2011

Hello everyone!!

            Today was such an amazing day from start to finish. This morning, we dedicated Anna’s Well to the people of Koro farm. Although it was a very emotional time, it was also filled with celebration. The Gulu community was so grateful for this gift. When we turned on the water, the crowd cheered and music and dancing started right away! The celebration was absolutely amazing! The whole community got together and remembered Anna and celebrated her life. It was a celebration that Anna’s family and friends would have been proud of! It couldn’t have been any better! The overall celebration was such an amazing experience and something that I don’t think anyone who participated will forget. We could all definitely feel Anna’s presence there with us and we know she was dancing and celebrating with us the entire time! J

Hello from Gulu!

            It’s sad that this is our last day in Gulu, but I know we’ve left an impact on the people here just as they have touched our lives. The people here truly radiate spirit and you can feel it in their presence. I know the spirit of Africa will never leave me, and I’ll carry it for the rest of my life, in my heart.

            After dedicating the well, we continued with public health education, and my group made me so incredibly proud. They wanted to get up in front of everyone and teach what they knew. They want to change Gulu and make a difference for Uganda, and that is so beautiful. I’ll never forget working with these people and they give me such hope that little by little, community by community, public health will catch on, and a snowball effect of health will become a reality. If the fate of Uganda depends on the people of Gulu then they are for certain in excellent hands. I hope to return to Africa to help more and witness their growth and progress.

Oslo2Gulu            

Lynchburg College - Anna's Well, May 2011

Hello again!
My blog today will be short and sweet. Tonight as we were walking back from delivering a pig to a family,   we were able to experience and see the most beautiful sunset you could ever imagine. As we got into our bus and drove back to our hotel, I looked out the window and continued to watch the sunset. It was then it really hit me that I'm actually in Africa and experiencing something that not many people will ever get to experience. I took in the amazing view and it was the perfect ending to such an amazing and spiritual day. It was one of those moments where you realize how amazing life is and how fortunate we are to be here! Live life to the fullest and happiest you can because these people in Africa are doing the same thing, even though they've been through trauma we can't even imagine! Stay positive and keep smiling! :-)
I also want to congratulate Adam and Cassie on having a healthy baby girl! I can't wait to meet her! :-)

Cici

Hello again!
My blog today will be short and sweet. Tonight as we were walking back from delivering a pig to a family,   we were able to experience and see the most beautiful sunset you could ever imagine. As we got into our bus and drove back to our hotel, I looked out the window and continued to watch the sunset. It was then it really hit me that I'm actually in Africa and experiencing something that not many people will ever get to experience. I took in the amazing view and it was the perfect ending to such an amazing and spiritual day. It was one of those moments where you realize how amazing life is and how fortunate we are to be here! Live life to the fullest and happiest you can because these people in Africa are doing the same thing, even though they've been through trauma we can't even imagine! Stay positive and keep smiling! :-)
I also want to congratulate Adam and Cassie on having a healthy baby girl! I can't wait to meet her! :-)

Cici

Lynchburg College - Anna's Well, May 2011

To finish from my short blog of yesterday that was interrupted by a rain storm, I want to finish explaining how yesterday was very touching to me. Watching the singing, dancing and preying it was amazing to watch because you could just tell that with everyone of them it was coming straight from their soul. It was an intense feeling that I had during their performance. We next had Aloysius give us a tour of the farm was incredible to think that they had gone from just tall grass 3 years ago to building houses, piggeries, and gardens full of different types of trees such as, banana trees, to mango and melon trees to having cows, hens, pigs and goats. Its mind blowing to see how hard they work to make such an extraordinary transformation even after all the traumatizing events they have been through.
I'm sure as you already read, we played in a soccer tournament yesterday at this huge stadium and the other teams and fans were looking at us and laughing yet when we started playing we sure turned that around that day with our skills of "football" (soccer) and won! It was such an exhilarating experience to have the fans covering the stadium and surrounding our field cheering with excitement and joy every time we made a goal. We play again sometime this week for the winning championship! But with this game, I hadn't had that thrilling, nervous feeling in about 4 years when i was in a cheerleading competition, and it was great to get that feeling once again. But what really affected me was after the game we went to visit a family friend of sports outreach that had some dramatic, really tough experiences. And you really don't know what they've been through until you see it for yourself. Betty (the mother) had lost her husband and even with an experience like this she still had the courage, dedication, and strength to keep going and support her family through her piggery to be able to feed her 2 daughters and give them shelter and hoping for one day that she and her family will be able to find a house in her home village.  Betty's daughter Hilda is a role model to me. She is so strong and helps her mother in taking care of her younger sister. It really hit me hard that this family has been through so much yet they still strive to keep going. This family truly inspired me. I look up to them, with they way they handle everything they've been through because if I were to ever go through a traumatizing experience like they have I wouldn't be able to survive. I have learned to not take anything for granted and to love unconditionally and to strive to become as strong and dedicated for the things i want to accomplish in life as this family was.
I am truly blessed to be here, and I now have found a new appreciation for religion and god just from what I've learned in the past few days, and I will carry these experiences with me for the rest of my life. And with this trip it has really made me become a better person than I was before I had left for africa. You realize when you come here that in order to help these people, all you need to do is be there for them, comfort and encourage them but more importantly try to return to visit. I hope to affect them and teach them my knowledge and give the people in Gulu my love and encouragement just as much as they have loved, and taught me.

- "Rebafrica" (Becky Wasz)

lynchburg College - Anna's Well, May 2011

Gulu Day 2
In a word - POWERFUL!
We have had an amazing day! Thank you for your prayers. We deeply appreciate all who made this trip possible and hope that we will adequately be able to share it with you. The Sports Outreach staff here in Gulu are doing amazing work and we are privileged to be able to work beside them and hopefully encourage them.

Hiiii everyone! Today was so amazing and as Rodney wrote above POWERFUL! We went to the farm and walked around to see the amazing work they've been doing! There were lots of animals there and I loved it! Chickens, goats, bunnies, cows, and pigs and sorry mom but I pet them all...I did use the hand sanitizer afterwards though DON'T WORRY! We played pick up soccer with the kids and it was a lot of fun. Later we played a legit 7v7 game in a stadium with SO many people! They started off by laughing at us as we took the field, but they shortly started cheering for us after Cici scored early, followed by Betsy, and Cat. Keeper played well too, I was proud ;) so it was 3-0 at the end of the half and we won 4-0 in the end! The crowd was amazing! One of the greatest experiences of our lives, it felt like the world cup! If anyone did anything good the crowd went crazy! The most fans we have definitely ever had, most amazing soccer experience, nothing will ever compare! After the game we went to Betty, Hilda, and Pheona's (not the chess phenom) to pray for them as they have lost their father/husband and most recently lost a their female pig carrying a litter of 12, which is very important. The pig represents their income, their business, the money providing education for the kids, and ultimately their livelihood. They were such happy people and have such a strong faith in god regardless of the terrible misfortunes they've experienced. The children were so happy to see us, I can't really explain it in words. Well I'm gonna wrap this up, its much longer then I thought it would be. I miss everyone at home! Can't wait to see you all!

Alicia (aka Monkey-Pussy Cat)
          P.S. before you start making your OWN assumptions about my blog name it was given to me by Florence because of my "keeper-like" reflexes in "life" ;)


Today was by far the most intense day we've experienced yet. I'm so proud of all our soccer people, getting out on a legitimate stadium with hundreds of people watching, and winning. They represented Lynchburg College and Sports Outreach Institute so well. Our cheer team/supporters helped too... I knew Rodney wanted to push all of us out of our comfort zones on this trip, and I fully believe he will. I know I personally stepped way out of my comfort zone today sharing a prayer aloud for the first time with Betty and her family. It was truly wonderfully heartbreaking to see how strong Betty was yet how difficult her life is and how much she's been through.
I'm so blessed to be here in Uganda, and this is honestly a life-changing experience. I cannot wait for the rest of the week!

Oslo2Gulu  

Today's experience for me was very emotional. The first thing we did was go to the farm. we gathered together with the other sports outreach staff to sing an prey. it was amazing to hear them sing, dance and  play the drums.

Lynchburg College - Anna's Well, May 2011

We are in Gulu!
The flights went so well, not a single bag was lost and almost everyone was able to sleep on the plane! The staff from Sports Outreach Kampala picked us up and took great care of us. It was fun to spend some small time with the guys last night and this morning. After a good breakfast in Kampala this morning we moved up the road to Gulu. It proved to be a long drive (6 hours! Due to lots of trucks and some heavy rain (it seems the team from Virginia brought some well needed rain to Uganda).
The staff in Gulu helped us get settled in before we went out to the Koro Farm for an orientation. Several team members will share some of what happened today.

Rodney (aka Simba One)

After two, long, hard days of traveling, we finally made it to Gulu!  Last night we were greeted happily from the Good News guys in Kampala.  They really gave a great first impression of the hospitality and joy of the Ugandan people.  It's always great to see those guys again!  I was again amazed the the speed and strength of the staff as they lifted our 45 plus pound bags into the SOI van.  Upon arrival at Pope Paul Hotel, we were provided a late night meal, which was traditional Ugandan food of chicken and rice.  We awoke early this morning to make the drive to Gulu, which took most of the day.  We were greeted by northern Uganda with rain--similar to the rain we left in the USA.  I believe that it is following us...before orientation on the Koro farm we were introduced to the affects of two days worth of rain in Uganda: vehicles stuck in the mud.  I quickly came to appreciate our paved roads in a different light.  I again gained the perspective of the many different strategies and skills the people here utilize on a daily basis.  It was so great to see all my Ugandan friends again and meet new ones.  I am very excited for what adventures will come next.  Sending my love to all!

Catherine (Gazelle One)

FIRST I WANT TO SHOUT OUT TO ALL MY HOMIES BACK IN THE STATES!!!!!! :-)
Hello all! We finally made it to Gulu after a looooooong trip. Both eight hour flights when smoothly and I was able to sleep for almost the whole second flight! Our first night at the hotel also went smoothly as we fell asleep beneath the wonderful mosquito nets! However, the lack of cold water when showering was not a highlight of the trip. The morning drive to Gulu was pretty rough, but we were able to see some neat things like the Nile River and some baboons, who oddly resembled Betsy. Anywhoo, we finally made it to the hotel in Gulu and traveled to Koro farm. However, our bus did get stuck in the mud and while the strong men tried to handle that situation, the other girls and I made friends with the cutest kids that were on the side of the road! Definitely a highlight!  When we got to the farm, we were  welcomed with an awesome dance and chant! I'm super excited for the week to begin and enjoy my time in Gulu! I'll keep you little followers updated any chance I get to blog! Hope you enjoyed reading! Hi mom and dad!

Cici (aka Better than Betsy)

Hello all! After a long couple days of traveling, it's nice for it to finally be over with, for a few days anyways. On our six hour drive to Gulu today I saw some incredible sights. These include baboons, the Nile River, destruction, poverty, illness, and the happiest children you will ever see. Seeing so many children with so little, it's amazing to see how happy they are. I could even see this joy in split seconds when driving by them on the long drive. They would always wave to us and even though most of these children are probably sick, they still look happier than any healthy kids I have seen. When we got to Gulu, we went to farm for orientation and met some of the staff of Sports Outreach. On our way our bus got stuck and we had to transfer to a different van but it was all okay because we got the chance to meet some incredibly happy and joyful children who shivered in their clothing as we stood with them in the rain. Regarding the trauma that these kids have gone through in their lives thus far, most likely, it's amazing to see how happy they still are. But that's all for now. I am so excited for the rest of the week!


Gracie (Graciella)

Lynchburg College--Anna's Well 2011

Well, it's Monday evening and we are two days away from our departure, which is very exciting!  I'm halfway packed, but have the rest of my things scattered on the floor of my room ready to be placed in my bag.  I'm trying to pack much lighter than in my previous two trips.  We will see if I am as successful.

As I was driving down the road this morning to work, I began thinking about Uganda and the world that I would be traveling in a few days from now.  The road and landscape would be much different.  Tall buildings won't fill the sides of the roads.  The roads won't be paved.  They may not even be completely filled in, but contain pot holes of various depths.  There would be very few stoplights and not street lights.  Instead of just cars lining the roads, there would be people and cars EVERYWHERE.  People walking in and out of cars to cross the street and to sell things.  It's truly a remarkable thing to see.  Food stands would cover the sides of the roads where we have sidewalks.  There will be vegetation around depending where we are.  As a more rural farm country, Gulu will have lots of grasses, trees, fruit fields, and vegetable fields.  The buildings are replaced with earthly products.  In the more urban Kampala and Nairobi, there will be more buildings and modern reminders.  As those images came flying to me this morning, my sense of excitement and anticipation grew.

I am eager to begin the journey with this group.  It is going to be a magnificent experience for everyone involved where physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual stretching will occur on a daily, perhaps hourly, level.  I cannot wait to be surrounded by the pure joy and peace that emits from many of the people we will encounter.  Be prepared to touch and be touched by so many lives.  Until next time...

Catherine Adams

Lynchburg College, Anna's Well, 2011

Now in Amsterdam, waiting on connection to Rwanda. Team members who are leaving Wednesday please look for email from Coach Olsen regarding new regulations on carry-ons or go to www.delta.com and check info on international baggage.

Glad to hear that the rain held off and the LC graduation was held outdoors. Praying for Anna's family and friends as I know it must be a very emotional time.

Lynchburg College - Anna's well, May 2011

The rain is falling in Virginia but the sun is shining in both Kenya and Uganda!
Sorry that the rain might force the LC graduation indoors and that it takes away form the picnic that follows.
I will be on the road in a few minutes to head to rwanda this evening. Looking forward to seeing everyone at Entebbe Thursday evening. Please be careful to follow your checklist to avoid leaving some key things behind. Take your malaria medicine, make sure your family has the emergency booklet and get ready for an adventure that will be challenging, fun and life-changing!

Lynchburg College - Anna's Well, May 2011

Ready to go?

Lynchburg College - Anna's Well Trip

Dear friends, thank you for joining us on this exciting trip through this blog.
I am set to leave for Rwanda on Saturday, June 14. After a few days in Rwanda I will move onto Uganda to visit and meet with staff. On Wednesday, June 18 the Lynchburg College team will depart and join me in Uganda the following day. Team members are:
Dr. Todd Olsen
Catherine Adams
Betsy Kwaitkowski
Alicia LaPorta
Cici Moore
Claire Nadolski
Renee Nauful
Tanner Olsen
Carly Pleines
Heather Ryan-Sigler
Ashley Saba
Becky Wasz
Gracie Withers
Thanks to all of you that have helped to make this trip possible. After months of preparation, fund-raising and hard work we are ready to go and join hands with our friends in Uganda and Kenya. Please check this site daily beginning June 19 for updates and more. And please leave us a few notes and messages as will look forward to sharing them with one another each evening.

Blessings,
Rodney