Before leaving for Uganda my wife told me how she wanted to see a Ugandan wedding. Well, it just so happened that on our second day here, while we were walking in the Gaba District of Kampala, we crashed a wedding. We were flies on a wall for some time, but then people started to approach us and welcome us into the celebrations. They taught us some dance moves, dressed us in traditional garbs, and shared their food and drink. I’m beginning to see why this place is called ‘The Pearl of Africa’. Uganda is a gem and its people are among the kindest I have ever met.

A few days later, after traversing hundreds of kilometers on unpaved roads and experiencing the joy of feeding Baboons some bananas from the window, we finally arrived in Gulu. Despite its many challenges, this town is a wonderful place. The people are friendly and life is simple.

My first week at GDPU has been equally pleasant. The staff are warm and welcoming, the youth at the compound are engaging, and I quickly began to feel like I had joined an extended family. Tony was one of the first people I befriended. He is an established metalworker, owns a small business, supports his ill mother, and helps his cousins pay for their school fees. Not only is he extraordinarily generous with his kin, but he is also deeply committed to helping members of his community.

Tony is one of the trainers for youth with disabilities at GDPU who are participating in a skills development program. It was special to witness how GDPU gives these kids a new lease on life by providing them with the ability to generate income.

I also got the chance to meet some of the children at Tochi. This brief field visit opened my eyes to the tremendous need for proper water and sanitation facilities here. It is one thing to hear about the plight of another person, but it is entirely different to experience their situation firsthand. Empathy comes from our senses, and so if you don’t hear, see, smell, and feel it for yourself, it is hard to truly understand the reality faced by people who are suffering.

Despite the challenges in their life, these students sang, smiled, and greeted me with the utmost elation. Seeing their positivity in the face of such poverty is incredibly inspiring. Uganda is called ‘The Pearl of Africa’ because its people shine bright like gems despite being deprived of essential public services which we take for granted in the developed world every day.

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 Before leaving for Uganda my wife told me how she wanted to see a Ugandan wedding. Well, it just so happened that on our second day here, while we were walking in the Gaba District of Kampala, we crashed a wedding. We were flies on a wall for some time, but then people started to approach us and welcome us into the celebrations. They taught us some dance moves, dressed us in traditional garbs, and shared their food and drink. I\u2019m beginning to see why this place is called \u2018The Pearl of Africa\u2019. Uganda is a gem and its people are among the kindest I have ever met.<\/span><\/p>

<\/p>

A few days later, after traversing hundreds of kilometers on unpaved roads and experiencing the joy of feeding Baboons some bananas from the window, we finally arrived in Gulu. Despite its many challenges, this town is a wonderful place. The people are friendly and life is simple. <\/span><\/p>

<\/p>

My first week at GDPU has been equally pleasant. The staff are warm and welcoming, the youth at the compound are engaging, and I quickly began to feel like I had joined an extended family. Tony was one of the first people I befriended. He is an established metalworker, owns a small business, supports his ill mother, and helps his cousins pay for their school fees. Not only is he extraordinarily generous with his kin, but he is also deeply committed to helping members of his community.<\/span><\/p>

<\/p>

Tony is one of the trainers for youth with disabilities at GDPU who are participating in a skills development program. It was special to witness how GDPU gives these kids a new lease on life by providing them with the ability to generate income. <\/span><\/p>

 <\/p>

I also got the chance to meet some of the children at Tochi. This brief field visit opened my eyes to the tremendous need for proper water and sanitation facilities here. It is one thing to hear about the plight of another person, but it is entirely different to experience their situation firsthand. Empathy comes from our senses, and so if you don\u2019t hear, see, smell, and feel it for yourself, it is hard to truly understand the reality faced by people who are suffering.<\/span><\/p>

<\/p>

Despite the challenges in their life, these students sang, smiled, and greeted me with the utmost elation. Seeing their positivity in the face of such poverty is incredibly inspiring. Uganda is called \u2018The Pearl of Africa\u2019 because its people shine bright like gems despite being deprived of essential public services which we take for granted in the developed world every day. <\/span><\/p>

<\/p>\n”,”class”:””}]}[/content-builder]