I had the amazing opportunity to go out to Uganda earlier this year in partnership with Watoto. Following the incredible generosity of the Cherish girls in 2008, enough money was raised to build part of the school in the new Watoto village in Gulu, in the north of Uganda. This area was central to the atrocities of Kony’s reign of terror and many children were forced to see and do the most unimaginable things.
It was my privilege to see the fantastic work being done by Watoto and to actually join in the building of classroom block ‘2c’. Eleven women, with no building experience, but a heart for the hurting, headed off to Uganda and, I think I can speak for the whole group, had a life-changing experience. We had the opportunity to see, first-hand, how Watoto are restoring lives. We met families who were still living in the awful ‘displaced people camps’, heard the stories of teenagers who had been orphaned by the war and forced to fight, met women who had lost their entire families to war or AIDS, held babies who had been abandoned or abused by their parents. But despite the heart-breaking stories, we could see before us, the hope that Watoto, through our almighty God, brought to these precious lives. The smiles, laughter, dancing, fun, hugs were indications that God had truly worked miracles in these lives.
For me, I went to Uganda with a focus on the physical build, but it wasn’t until the classroom was finished and the dedication was taking place, that the significance of what I had contributed to hit me. I was helping restore real lives; future leaders and people of influence. What an honour!
It is impossible to go to Uganda and not be affected and bring a part of this incredible country back in your heart. Through Jesus Christ, we can make a difference. It may seem like so little but a brick on a brick, on a brick soon leads to a room fit for a purpose.
I would encourage anyone to support Watoto. There were so many testimonies of God’s provision for this trip within our group. I know that I am going back soon and would recommend it to anyone.
Emma Greenfield
Tags: Gulu, UgandaPosted in: Watoto
