day two: jennifer

Ritah

"It was only my second day at Saint Mary Kevin, but Ritah asked THE question anyway, 'Jennifer, are you coming back next year?'  As hard as I try to stay in the moment, to enjoy each and every minute of my time here with the children, it is difficult to not think about the coming of the last day.  It's hard for the children, too.  The sense of anticipation we feel as team members pales in comparison to the energy and excitement at SMK as they ready their songs, dances, and welcome posters for our arrival. As we start projects, hold hands, and learn names, there is the ever-present knowing that the end is all too near.  My answer to Ritah was far from adequate, 'I don't know if I will be back next year; that's a long way off.  Let's just enjoy today.'  It's not the answer she wanted to hear or the answer I wanted to give.  

What I hope Ritah will come to understand is that a part of me never leaves SMK. In fact, each time the children welcome me into their family, a little more of me remains. Their faces linger longer when I close my eyes; their smiles leave bigger imprints on my heart; their names echo in my mind.

Most people who have made the long distance trip to Kajjansi actually do return.  Of this year's delegation, half are returning team members.  If you've ever considered taking this trip...making the leap of faith that you can make a difference...that these children can make a difference to you...say 'Yes.'  Just be prepared to say it more than once.

'Ritah, I will be back.  You can count on it.'"

- Jennifer

Jenn, Joan, Evalyn, Scovia and Jeff

no caption needed!

day one: jane

"Our trip was remarkably smooth, yet difficult at the same time. Long long flights, which were cramped (even the flight attendants remarked that they can't walk down the aisle without hitting folks with their side pockets). It was also very cold on the flights especially from Amsterdam to Entebbe.

We were somewhat late getting in, but once we landed we retrieved all 11 duffel bags and suitcases rather quickly. Remarkably, not one was lost, and our team leaders Jennifer and Jeff were there with two vans to cart all our luggage and the seven of us to our hotel, The Lodge. We hadn't eaten (having slept through any semblance of a meal) but we made due with crackers and granola bars. It was very difficult getting up at 9 a.m. today but we powered through. Breakfast and dinner every day at The Lodge has been decent, very low key. Lunches are at SMK.Today Melissa made us rice, beans, pumpkin, spinach and beets, a type of Indian flatbread called Chapati and pineapple.

The walk to SMK takes about 20-25 minutes and is rather arduous - hilly with lots of ruts and kids and people out everywhere. I must say I find the countryside beautiful. The local kids are all very friendly. They all know how to say Hi and Bye, see you later, but not much else. The adults don't seem as friendly although one man pulled Josh over in a handshake and said ‘Stay in Africa! Africa is amazing.’

Before stepping foot in the orphanage, a few of the students came out to greet us: Tina, Ritah, and a few others. Almost everyone introduces themselves to each of the five of us with a hug, but sometimes just a handshake. One little boy shook our hand while curtsying to each one of us. These kids are all adorable. Some more shy and reserved, speaking very quietly. Others more outgoing.

Joan gave us a tour. She, Ritah and Queen were among the kids with whom Josh and Leah were closest last year. SMK is a lot like what I imagined from the pictures, although it is much smaller than the photos seemed to show. We saw the kitchen (a small room with a wood burning stove and two large cauldrons), the dormitories with many mattresses outside airing or drying in the sun, a few classrooms, a music room and a library. 

For the most part the indoors was hot (evidently today was an unusually hot day!) and it was more comfortable to stay in the courtyard, which is where the five of us landed in clusters - with kids sitting beside and on laps as we each read books to the kids or as a children read aloud to each of us. We spent about three hours doing this before walking to Melissa's for lunch. Afterwards Josh, Max and Leah spent another few hours with kids, while Sam and I rested back at the hotel. Max played soccer with Nicky, an 18-year-old and became drenched to the point that after dinner now he has crashed probably for the rest of the night. He and Josh and Leah also listened to the kids rehearse some musical numbers they plan to perform for us later.

That's really all for now. Much more to follow.”

- Jane

Rosette and Leah

Team leader Jennifer with Oliva

Sam, Alfonse, Max and Kato

Kiefa, Josh, Joan and Irene

Maureen

guest post: sponsored student nelson

One of our very bright and talented sponsored university students submitted the following letter to the Change the Truth community. While I'm waiting for the first Team 7 post (Jennifer, Jeff and the Sosland family have all arrived safely!), I thought it'd be a great time to share this amazing (on so many levels) letter.

"Dear CTT Family,

I hereby humbly request your expensive time and kindly share my unexpected journey to Williamsburg- Virginia (USA) this year.

As a young innovator and enthusiastic computer scientist I was invited by USAID to attend the HESN TechCon 2013 in Virginia from 15th – 22rd November 2013.

I was so excited being out of Africa for the first time and representing Makerere University, Uganda, Africa, CTT and SMK. I could not let this opportunity go by; without a second thought I accepted the invitation that made my 2013 such an incredible year with an amazing experience with so many fond memories! - I felt so blessed taking my first flight from Entebbe.

On our arrival, we were guided by students of the College of William and Mary who gave us a tour around the college and shared their Pizza dinner with us. The following day we had dinner with the president of the same college who gave us a warm welcome.

USAID staff and international development leaders met Nov. 16-18 at the Williamsburg Lodge to discuss the first year of work and identify areas of collaboration under the USAID Higher Education Solutions Network (HESN) initiative. The College of William & Mary’s development lab, AidData, hosted the event.

 HESN aims to inspire innovation at universities using scientific and technological approaches to address development’s most challenging problems.

Other university labs included— University of California at Berkeley, Michigan State, MIT, Duke, Makerere University and Texas A&M—came together to identify areas of collaboration through breakout sessions, panel discussions and a series of speakers. Staff and students from each lab attended the event.

On Saturday, I participated in a student summit organized by AidData Research Assistants and also participated in a Story Map tutorial from Esri software providers and a design lab (Design Thinking) workshop at the Mason School of Business.

I had seen glimpses of analyzing data but I had never been involved in the due process like it was in Virginia. I was participating in things with Ph.D. students, lab directors and USAID staff. It was very humbling working with experts. Everyone had a great perspective of solving something. This was really interesting!

I participated in an “Innovation Marketplace” on Sunday and Monday, showcasing my individual project in a science-fair setting. My innovation was about a mobile application testing kit that assesses the quality of water by simply an image capture (http://www.teamsodzo.wordpress.com). I think this was a great chance for me to showcase my innovation and listen great leaders like Mr.Raj (head of USAID) as well as scientists like Alex Dehgan.

They were two hundred fifty leaders in the international development space and more than two thousand attendees at the conference.

I loved the nature of the American people, they are so loving, and cherishing, caring and above all they know what it means to keep time. [Editor's note: This last observation makes me smile. Ugandans are rarely on time, or even in the ballpark of being on time. I love that Nelson noticed how different the concept of time is here in the US.]

We worked so hard that none of us could see the sun rise or set. We worked from 7:30am to 9:30pm with a few breakout sessions. I have never been so busy like I was whilst in the USA.

It was a hard time, very exhausting and challenging time to me and my fellow teammates due to the cold weather, too much networking, speeches, innovation demonstrations and above all competitive students from the best universities in the world. But guess what? We WON no matter the circumstances. And we are the 'CHAMPIONS' of USAID HESN TECHCON 2013.

As a half orphan, I WISH my dad was still alive to see me ROCK!

Truth be told; there would be NO WAY I could have achieve this without the undying support, sponsorships, mentorship and nurturing of St. Mary Kevin Orphanage and Change the Truth. These are the people at the helm of my achievements and success. They saw me before, when no one did, they believed in me in the times where the world had forgotten me. They gave me hope that Success can be achieved anywhere at any time no matter where you come from.

I can`t mention everything you`ve done for me simply because they are so many but Please allow me to bow down and say. THANK YOU, THANK YOU VERY MUCH! Let’s share this success together as we look towards for something better than this next year.

I`ll Be Back...

I wish you a happy festive season and New Year. May God bless you all in whatever you do!

You will always remain in my heart.

Your sponsored student,

 Nelson Wasswa"

artists who inspire me

by Opio Geoffrey

by Okeche Brian

by Okeche Oscar

by Opio Geoffrey

by Okeche Brian

While the team is on its way to Uganda - and we are waiting for blog posts and photos - I thought I'd share some more of the artwork made by the kids. One of the things I'll miss most about not being at SMK is the time spent hanging out in the art room with these - and other - really talented young artists. They inspire me on so many levels. Here are a few reasons why:

They paint until it's way past dark, even when the light bulb won't turn on due to (common) power outages. In other words, they have to be dragged out of that dark place, paintbrushes still in hand.

They use a pencil until it has reached "nub" status.

They work on a piece, then turn the paper over to work on the other side.

They talk and laugh while they are drawing, sharing ideas without the least bit of jealously or fear of having their ideas stolen.

If they have no idea for a drawing in mind, they look through old, tattered magazines and always find something, even if it is a lipstick or beer ad.

They mix colors as naturally and easily as they breathe.

They improvise, because they often do not have the tools or supplies they need and well, because they do this in practically every aspect of their lives anyway.

They do not gloat or boast when they have finished something they're really proud of. They might smile broadly for a few moments while they admire it, but then they just move on.

They reach into their imaginations for scenes they can only dream of ever actually seeing or experiencing, and they don't feel sorry for themselves that this is the way it is.

They instinctively help the younger or less experienced artists in the room.

They give the artwork to me to bring back for our CTT fundraisers or as gifts to team members, pen pals or sponsors without any hesitation whatsoever, even if the painting has taken several days to complete. They take pleasure in sharing.

They take the time to teach me things about shading and perspective and such. And I mean time: a whole day if that's how long it takes for me to finally understand. Time seems to take on a new meaning in the art room. It stretches on forever. I love that.

I'll miss my art club friends and the congenial time spent with them, especially Willy, Oscar, Brian, Issy and Nicky.

[Please note: these pieces will be included in the silent auction at the Change the Truth 6th Annual Friendraiser/Fundraiser on March 14th.]

team 7: meet max and sam

Max

Sam

Eighteen-year-old fraternal twins Max and Sam will undoubtedly turn some heads in Kajjansi. These guys are tall and handsome - and very sweet.

Both young men are seniors at Kansas City's Hyman Brand Academy, a Jewish day school they have attended since kindergarten. Max's interests include sports, while Sam's are more focused on the arts.

Just as soon as they complete their last final exam for the semester, they'll be winging their way toward Uganda with their parents and younger sister. What an amazing experience this will be for the Sosland family!

team 7: meet dawn and emily

Dawn Taylor is very excited to be making her second trip to Uganda and St. Mary Kevin.  She was a member of Team 5 in 2011 and knew she would return to visit her many new friends at SMK.

This visit is special because she is bringing her daughter, Emily, with her.  It will be Emily’s first trip to Uganda.  

Dawn loves staying connected to Change the Truth and to the children of SMK.  Her teammates have become friends, and she is looking forward to making new friends with Team 7.

Dawn’s trip to Uganda in 2011 was part of the inspiration to start a social impact business with a friend in Kansas City.  Their products are designed by artists, and each purchase helps support access to clean water in countries like Uganda, Haiti, India, Ethiopia, and Bangladesh.  Dawn’s company, called Red Dirt (named in honor of the red dirt of Africa), works with Water.org, which is based in Kansas City but works in many developing countries to create healthy, easily accessible water that helps build healthy communities.

Dawn also has an 18-year-old daughter, Sarah, who is a college freshman. 

-------------

Emily Biegelsen is a 16-year-old high school student from Prairie Village, KS.  She goes to Shawnee Mission East High School (the same high school where Team 4 volunteers David Muhammad teaches and Emily Collins attended).  This is Emily’s first trip to Uganda and she is excited to join her mom on Team 7.

Emily is a good student, and her favorite school subjects are English, Spanish, and Choir.  This year she is a photographer for her school’s yearbook.  She works very hard on her classes and her activities.  She is part of a community service club called SHARE.  She really enjoys being with her friends and is looking forward to making many new friends at St. Mary Kevin. 

team 7: meet jane

Jane has been working with young people throughout her adult life. She decided to pursue her PhD in child and developmental psychology at the University of Kansas after working with children with developmental disabilities at the Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore.

Jane stayed home and raised her three children while they were young, but decided to return to work once the youngest started kindergarten.  While she was working to earn clinical accreditation, Jane was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2000. In connection with her illness and treatment, Jane became a founding board member of a nonprofit organization in Kansas City -- Turning Point: Center for Hope and Healing -- which helps families cope with a chronic illness.  In addition to serving as president of the board, Jane helped develop a curriculum for the children’s program.

When Jane has free time, she likes to spend it with her family. She also enjoys her two Corgis, and tries to get exercise.

In her own words:

"My husband Josh and daughter Leah embarked on a journey to SMK this time last year, fueled primarily by Leah's unending desire to help the children she had seen in a video years prior. Even though Josh and Leah each shared lengthy journals, what happened there was in many ways hard for them to describe. But it was transformative, as they returned to KC determined for the 5 of us taking this venture this year. 

As we have watched the letters written and received with their pen pals back in Uganda throughout the year, it is obvious that special friendships have been formed. The boys and I are unsure what to expect, but we know we will meet some amazing young people. We hope we will find ways to be helpful and look forward to becoming part of the CTT Team Tradition."   

gallery artists

Brian made this sign to hang next to the group of paintings

It's official. A small group of our most talented young artists from St. Mary Kevin Orphanage now have their work hanging in a gallery.

The gallery is called AidChild. It's located at the equator,  so it's not one you can hop on over to for a good time on First Friday.

I first discovered AidChild Gallery back in 2006 when Thatcher, my photo workshop leader, took us there for refreshing fruit smoothies and some very tasty guacamole. All of the work exhibited there is by African artists. My guess is most clients are tourists, stopping in the area to take pictures at the equator sign, have lunch and shop at the many craft shops that line that section of the road. AidChild donates a huge chunk of their sales to organizations that assist some of the 2.2 million orphans living in Uganda.

When I was there last August, I suggested to the very nice manager that she take a look at the work being made by some of our artists from SMK.

Fast forward (well, nothing happens FAST in Uganda) to December, and some of that very work has been stretched, delivered and now installed on the walls on the AidChild Gallery. I felt like a proud Mama when I received word (and pics) from Melissa that this had finally come to pass.

Willy, Brian, gallery manager Sylvia, Nicky

Nicky, Willy and Brian (there are others… time will tell if we get to replenish the current inventory) deserve this recognition and exposure. I am so happy for them!

another small fundraiser

Tonight was CTT's annual fundraiser at 10,000 Villages. Here are a few pics from the evening. Always lots of wonderful shopping and some truly devoted CTT friends. Thanks to those of you who attended. It was great to see you!

team 7: meet leah

"I am14 years old and attend school at the Hyman Brand Hebrew Academy, where I have been a student since kindergarten. I am currently in the 9^th grade. Every summer, I go to Camp Ramah in Wisconsin for two months. I have made some lifelong friends there, and the camp has also helped me expand my interests and education. I enjoy art, music, and especially literature and books. I have been playing piano since a young age, and I love to read. I also plays sports such as basketball, tennis, and soccer.

I first learned of Gloria’s work when I was 8 at a CTT fundraiser. I became very interested in CTT and was moved by Lynne Melcher’s beautiful film and the wonderful work of Gloria and many others. I decorated one of the banana dolls for the CTT fundraiser, and for my Bat Mitzvah project last February, I decided to raise money for Change The Truth Foundation. 
           

Inspired by everything Change The Truth does, I became interested in going on one of the teams to St. Mary Kevin Orphanage in Uganda. Along with my father, Josh, we decided together to volunteer to serve as a members of Team 6. I fell in love with many of the children, and after the trip, I could not imagine not going back to SMK. This year, I am returning not only with Josh but with the rest of my family as well. I am very excited to share this incredible experience once again."

team 7: meet cynthia

I am thrilled that another photographer is going to SMK this year! The photo students I worked with in August will get to take up where they left off and continue to explore their passion for the medium. Many others who are also interested will get to try their hand at it, too.

Cynthia Bittenfield is a professional fine art photographer whose current projects explore issues related to the human cost of war. She received her Masters degree in photography in 2009 from the School of Visual Arts in New York City. She also has a Masters degree in Education and developed training for Arthur Andersen & Co. and Microsoft Corp.  Her work has been widely exhibited. She serves on the board of the Camera Club of New York.

Cynthia has a passion for travel, biking, yoga, art and photography. She lives and works in New York City. 

I actually knew Cynthia back in the day when we were both studying photography at the University of Wisconsin. I was in graduate school, and she was a much younger woman as an undergrad! We lost track of each other until many years later when she lived in Seattle and joined a women’s artist salon. My sister just so happened to be in the group. It didn’t take Cynthia long to figure out the connection, and soon she and I were in touch once again. I’m so grateful she has become such a huge fan of Change the Truth and that she is going to now have a chance to meet the children about whom she has heard so much. Cynthia has so many terrific ideas for the photography project, and she is also going to teach yoga! I think a love fest is just around the corner...

team 7: leaders jennifer and jeff

It's always with tremendous pleasure and pride that I introduce members of Change the Truth's teams -  groups of adventurous and generous volunteers who travel to Uganda to give their time, energy and love to the children at St. Mary Kevin Orphanage. This year is no exception. In fact, of the ten people who make up Team 7, four are returning for their second time, and two will be making their third trip!

This is a repeat post, but one definitely worth sharing again. Please meet the leaders of Team 7: Jennifer Smith and Jeff Mildner.

Jennifer is in her 19th year of teaching (and was recently in the running for Kansas' "Teacher of the Year"). She currently teaches 8th graders American history. Jeff works for a business solutions company in Lenexa, Kansas. He is a former social studies teacher, coach, and school district IT director. Jenn and Jeff are avid sports fans cheering on the Kansas City Royals and the Pittsburgh Steelers. Jeff has completed several marathons (including a 100K - yes you read that right...100!) Jennifer enjoys reading and cooking. They will celebrate their 17th wedding anniversary in December.

Not only have these two humanitarians traveled to SMK twice already, they are actively involved in practically everything CTT does. They are the volunteers behind the successful silent auctions we've had at our past two annual fundraisers and at two events we've held at Gordon Biersch Brewery. They have spoken about CTT at their church, they have rounded up laptops galore for the SMK computer lab and they even sponsor one of our secondary school students. These two are committed to the children at the orphanage in very big ways. CTT is lucky to call Jenn and Jeff very good friends.

In their own words:

"We first learned about Change The Truth when Gloria visited our church in Olathe. Having traveled to South Africa and Lesotho, we were interested in an organization that was committed to building relationships and providing educational support for children.  As members of Team 4 in 2010, we led computer classes and education around HIV-AIDS, drugs and alcohol, and healthy relationships. More importantly, we began building relationships with the children. We returned to Saint Mary Kevin in July 2012 and participated in the school day observing classes, organizing the library, and even teaching a few lessons. We traveled to several secondary schools to see CTT sponsored students and tour their dormitories, classrooms and college campuses.

The children of Saint Mary Kevin have imprinted our hearts as the red soil of Uganda marks our shoes and clothes. We are honored to lead Team 7 and can’t wait to see our friends in Kajjansi again. Tubagala nyo! (We love you!)"

Tomorrow you'll meet team member Cynthia.

change the truth team 7: guest post by melissa

It's almost time! Team 7 will be at St. Mary Kevin Orphanage two weeks from now, and everyone involved is getting very excited. Soon, I'll feature bios and pictures of the team members. For now, though, enjoy this post by Melissa about the excitement that's building at the orphanage.

Melissa and Antwain, 2013

The Team is Coming! The Team is Coming!

"In two short weeks from now, Change The Truth’s Team 7 will be arriving at St. Mary Kevin Orphanage Motherhood. Over the years, this annual visit is one of anticipation and excitement for the orphans, staff, and Administration alike. It becomes the pinnacle event of the long holiday break and joyous occasion to welcome back old friends, as well as make new friends!

This year, Team 7 will be mainly a family affair. The team leaders, Jeff and Jennifer, are a dynamic husband-wife duo. This trip will make their 3rd visit to SMK. Previous, they were a part of Team 4, as well as an independent visit. Then, there is an entire family. Josh and his daughter, Leah, were members of Team 6. Their time at SMK was so meaningful that the whole family wants to return together. Joining this year will be Josh’s wife, Jane, and twin sons, Max and Sam. Also, Dawn was a member of Team 5. She is returning this year with her youngest daughter, Emily. Finally, Cynthia, a photographer and CTT supporter, will be rounding out this year’s team.

Personally, one of the most meaningful visits to SMK was Team 3. It was that year Antwain was also a member of the CTT team. Being able to introduce two important components of my life to one another was really an incredible experience. I was profoundly proud to watch Antwain experience SMK for the first time. While I shared countless stories and photos, nothing could compare to the reality of Antwain hanging out with special friends like Henry or Saka. I will enjoy witnessing a similar experience for Josh and Dawn.

Each team member will arrive with their bags packed to capacity with arts and craft materials, medical supplies, Christmas gifts, pen pal letters, digital cameras, few computers and software, and lots of other goodies. The days will be jammed packed with individual projects (like photography classes, computer classes, counseling sessions, arts/craft time, book clubs, recreation activities), group projects (installing new mattresses in dormitories, hosting Spirit Day), holiday celebration on Christmas, showcase of entertainment, a few fieldtrips, and endless hugs/walks/talks/holding hands.

The calendar to countdown the days until CTT Team 7’s arrival will go up this week, as there is a daily onslaught of inquiries about their arrivals. The decorations will be prepared to welcome our friends both returning and new as they once again share a memorable holiday season at SMKOM."

a 3-year-old's point of view

Here are some new photos by grandson Henry.

watch this

This is powerful and true and scary and real and amazing and lovely and disheartening and relevant and lyrical and it fits into a space I can relate to on many different levels. Brava, Lily Myers.

k


Lily Myers performed this piece for Wesleyan University at the 2013 College Unions Poetry Slam invitational. It was awarded Best Love Poem at the tournament. It went viral this past fall, thanks to a post on Upworthy entitled "Watch a Student Totally Nail Something About Women That I've Been trying to Articulate for 37 Years." My friend Emily turned me onto it today on Facebook.

i shot a wedding

Sometimes I never know where my camera and I might land. This past weekend it was at a wedding. I usually turn down weddings if asked to shoot them, but I did this one because it was for two members of the Change the Truth family: Nick and Lindsey, aka "Strings for Uganda."

Shooting weddings is stressful. Let's say, for example, that you have to go to the bathroom. While there, the couple decides it's time to cut the cake. When you emerge, the whole three minute activity has taken place. There is already icing on the groom's nose. Oops. You'd be out of luck. No do-over there.

This wedding had a cool vibe to it, and I actually had a lot of fun taking pictures. After I finished the throwing-of-the-bouquet photos and the first-dance photos, etc. I set about taking portraits of guests who wanted to come to my "photo booth." Of course, then I was totally in my element and having a blast.

Lindsey and Nick took me on, even after I reminded them I am not a wedding photographer. I hope they like what I did. I'd like to think I kinda put my own mark on the work, while also capturing the energy of the evening.  Here are a few of my favorites.