Day 12 - Mixing with the Locals

Hi everyone! Today we started with a devotion lead by Brandon. It was on John 9, which tied in very well with our previous trip to the slum and Home of Hope. It gave us encouragement in the way we all process these confronting and challenging situations and helped us to learn and benefit from them.

We had a break from building today and, in the morning, spent time in town. Everyone got to do their last bits of shopping or could just relax at a cafe. The nice thing about going to town is being able to talk to the locals and find out about Ugandan life. Some of us got to meet a lady called Lilian who's profits support widows and young girls in need. Amongst the poverty we see, it's really inspirational to hear stories of people who are making a positive difference in people's lives here.

Later in the afternoon, we visited Youth Support Uganda. Luke (director of YSU) met us at Suubi house to talk about the beginnings of the organisation and how it works. They work to support young men and women in bad situations to empower them and support them to build a healthy and sustainable life. The girls in their tailoring training program performed some traditional dances, and the boys of the dance group also showed us what they had been working on. It was another good way to experience the Ugandan culture.

We were able to chat with the youth involved and they also showed us some of their skills. Some of us had a go at sewing, some were better than others, and others were shown some dance moves or challenged to an arm wrestle from the boys in the dance group. Some of the girls in the tailoring program have children who they bring along, and we also got to meet and play with. Each of us we're prayed for by some of the YSU youth which was a very special moment.

For dinner we all went to All Friends restaurant with all the staff from HopeBuilders Uganda. It was a great way for us all to meet and chat with the people behind the work at the Village of Hope and to thank them for their hard work. They really enjoyed the night and we were blessed to share this special occasion with them!

​- Eliane