Staying Busy

For some reason every time I go to update the blog, I feel like so much time has passed. It has been just two days though. I think it must be because we are always having these new thoughts and ideas about how to really be involved within this community, and even more, how to connect all of you to our new community. I don't want to forget anything.

Because of the nature of this trip, it is our responsibility to turn these thoughts and ideas into action. Most recently we helped the Kamba shop purchase materials for sample products that we were hoping would win them a spot at this years African Union Summit. Out of all the refugees that submitted items, Kamba and just two others were chosen! Jacques will now get a chance to spend all week at the summit discussing the progress and needs of Kamba and Hope Primary School with hundreds of people directly involved in improving the situation of refugees. This was a huge success for some much needed attention and awareness for our community. Additionally, during the second week, Global Ties in Uganda initiated a micro finance project that is also proving to be very successful. The first two members to receive the loans of 20,000Ush($10) have met the two week repayment period, made additional profit for their families, and deposited 10% of the loan amount into Kamba's savings account. We are to have another meeting tonight to discuss the next two members to receive the loans.

As the days pass here in Ndejje, Mollie and I see bigger and better needs to address that encourage us to dig deeper and get more involved. Before we left, we had a nice visit with Reverend Jimmy in Statesboro, who had visited Uganda. He told us that the needs would be great but to not let doubt interfere with our minds because as we are learning here there is no such thing as a small deed. We look forward to sharing our challenges and successes with you all as we progress.