tom and randy's garden

During CTT Team 6’s visit to St. Mary Kevin, everyone took a break from projects one pleasant afternoon to celebrate the dedication of ‘Tom and Randy’s Garden’, a 69’ x 144’ plot of land that is nearing its first harvest of maize and cabbage.

The launch of this new project (which was made possible by a generous anonymous donor)  has been highly anticipated and now a cause for grand celebration. Guests were escorted in a procession to the flourishing garden by the marching band, which belted out jubilant tunes.  Even some local villagers joined the group. Once assembled within the secured walls of the garden space, several orphans representing the various ages of post-Secondary, secondary and primary level (Nelson, Nicky, Tina, and Kaifa) eloquently conveyed their appreciation for the fine vegetables that will soon begin to enrich their daily diets.  In addition, the full-time gardener and Joan Faith shared their thanksgiving for this project. 

    

Food in Uganda is always a struggle.  Even though the country is blessed with a favorable climate and incredibly fertile soil, most people living in Uganda still go hungry.  They go hungry because of prices, which only continue to increase. When prices get too high, families must make the tough choice between eating lunch or supper, because they simply cannot afford both.  Also, people in Uganda go hungry due to poorly balanced diets. Often the cheapest foods here in Uganda, even if grown locally, are not necessarily those high in vitamins.  Eating the same low nutrition foods too much or too often can lead to certain health challenges.

St. Mary Kevin Orphanage is no stranger to these challenges.  SMK is committed to providing three meals a day to the children, but with a budget of $.75 per day per child, it is a struggle to serve balanced meals.  The staple food product at every school in Uganda is maize flour.  It is made into liquid porridge for breakfast and firm posho with a side of beans for lunch and supper.  While there may be a variation of a meal (or two) during the week, children eat that same menu daily.

 

With the introduction of ‘Tom and Randy’s Garden', more vegetable and fruits will be added to the children’s daily diet. With a crop of more than 100 ears of maize almost ready for harvest, orphans will enjoy ears of roasted corn with several evening meals.  With more than 60 heads of cabbage growing large and firm, their bean mixture will consistently contain bits of the vegetable for an additional boost of vitamins. 

The additional great news is that CTT Team 6 came bearing seeds from Sutherland (in Atlanta, GA) ready to be planted in the garden.  In the months to come, the children will enjoy carrots, watermelon, various types of greens, squash, cauliflower, green pepper, turnips, and much more. 

Great thanks to Change The Truth for establishing and funding ‘Tom and Randy’s Garden’.  And an even greater thanks to Randy and Tom, who began a small garden project at St. Mary Kevin during CTT Team 3’s visit in 2009. The two men had a strong desire to enhance the nutrition of the orphans.  This new garden will do just that – and will continue to benefit the children in a healthy way over and over again for many years to come."

Post written by Melissa

Photos courtesy of Suzanne

renewal

I realized last night that it is easy for me to get wrapped up in the logistical, political, financial and managerial details of running Change the Truth and forget what it felt like when I returned from my first trip to east Africa.

But it’s important that I remember. The way I felt was what compelled me to start the organization in the first place.

Last night I had dinner with Natalie, one of the members of Team 6. She’s been back in the US only a few days. Hearing her speak (quite eloquently) about what she is thinking and feeling after having been in Uganda for two weeks was all it took to shake me back to my own state of mind from 2006.

I’m so glad. Remembering why I am doing what I’m doing is the only way to keep moving down the road with a full and open heart.

So, thanks, Natalie, for the fresh perspective and the reminder to stay true to and focused on my original mission.

Hopefully, Natalie - and others from Team 6 - will write down their thoughts and share them here on the blog soon. 

new pastel

Once or twice a week I have the great pleasure of hanging out in my studio with my good friend Gail. She and I bring a bottle of wine, some good music and our art supplies. We lay out our paper and pastels and, in the blink of an eye, three or fours hours have zoomed by. We chat. But sometimes we don't. We look at what the other is working on and give input. But sometimes we don't. We just enjoy each other's company and the satisfaction that comes with doing something we truly love.

It makes me think this is what a quilting bee or a sewing group might be like... with a few more women gathered round the table. In fact, we'd love to have a couple more women join us. There are four chairs at my table, after all.

Last night I felt I needed some inspiration to get me going in a slightly different direction. I selected a Matt Mahurin photograph, and that's what got me here.

socks and years

Have you ever thought about how many socks you've lost over the years? You know, the ones that never show up with their mate when it's time to fold the laundry? There must be a huge pile of missing socks lurking about somewhere, all striped and polka dotted, hushing and hiding and being giddy every time we go to the store to purchase new pairs.

Years are kind of like socks, I guess. They have a knack for disappearing and causing us to scratch our heads and ask "Where did all those years go?"

I got to ring in 2013 with my 24-year-old son, Max. He and I played Scrabble. We found this old score sheet in the box. The years between that game long ago and the game last night: where are they?

In the lines on our faces. In the knowledge we have acquired. In the friends we have made. In the places we have traveled. In the friends and family we have lost. In the family we have gained. In the books we have read. In the lessons we have learned. In the things we have made. In the music we have heard. In the people we have loved. In the set-backs we have suffered. In the successes we have celebrated. In the laughter we have shared.

The socks eventually need replacing. The years, not so much. They're still there if you look hard enough.

Happy New Year to all.

team 6 post by josh: kony's legacy

oliva

"One of my most memorable exchanges during our week at SMK took place with a brother and sister I only spoke with once or twice. David and Oliva, like many of the SMK kids, were planning to go home in January. I asked David how long the trip took, and he told me six hours. ‘Will there be someone to pick you up?’ ‘Maybe.’ ‘If not will you walk home?’ ‘Yes.’ ‘How long will that take?’ ‘Two more hours.’

I came to Uganda with many questions, and left with many others. One question I struggled with is why so many of the kids at the orphanage had guardians – mothers in many instances. Why would a parent put a child in an orphanage? I figured that with all the hardship in Uganda, they just weren’t able to handle their kids, but I still struggled with the idea.

A disproportionately large number of kids at SMK are from the north, including many from Lira. If you have teenagers in your family, you may have experienced the viral craze earlier this year that relates to these kids -- Joseph Kony, the head of the Lord’s Resistance Army. A video about Kony by Jason Russell received more than 100 million views in a period of about six days in early 2012. It describes the devastation caused by Kony in northern Uganda. A few days later, the video was highly criticized because it seemed to suggest that Kony was still operating his army in northern Uganda when in fact he’d been gone for years.

Kony is no longer in Uganda, and the country is largely peaceful now. But the kids we met at SMK represent Kony’s very real and deeply tragic legacy of destruction. Many lost parents during Kony’s war. And a note little Oliva gave me when we left helped me better understand why she and her brother were in an orphanage, even with a parent still living:

 ‘Dear Josh

 Happy new year.

I am Oliva. How are you these days and how was life in Uganda and at SMK.

I think you enjoyed it very well.

I would like to tell you the story about my father. One day there was a war in 2005 up to 2006, and our father died in the war of 2006. We were at our aunt’s home. They took us there to protect us. When he died they called us and we go for the buriel. From there up to now we are staying with our mother. When our father died his people from their home came, and they took everything from our mother, starting from the land, house, animals and now she stays with her friend. She gave her a little land for digging…

 I am 12 years old.

Let me hope that you will come back. Please write back

Thank

 Love

Oliva David’s sister’”

team 6 winds down its visit

front row: leah, melissa, suzanne, natalie, holly
back row: anna, jennifer, josh

It's time for Team 6 to start heading home. Each of these amazing people has given their all to the kids at St. Mary Kevin Orphanage. I can't thank them enough for taking the time and energy (not to mention the resources) required to make such a journey. These are special people. I admire them, and I will be forever grateful to them.  

Here are a couple more posts from team members, as well as the above awesome picture of the handsome and happy group.

“As I watch Douglas help the student to the exam table it is already apparent the she is ill. ‘Holly, come here, have you see this?’ asks Douglas.  I feel her forehead as the thermometer registers almost 105. ‘This is malaria. Almost all the children in Uganda get it at one time or another.’  The treatment is very familiar to Douglas and administered right away.  This is one of many experiences that leave me grateful for my clinic time in Uganda. To work with Douglas, to give physicals and organize new supplies in the clinic are blessings close to my heart.

The children are curious and helpful during physicals.  The eye exams seem to be extra fun for the children to perform. The oxygen saturation monitor I place on fingers bring about quizzical looks. Sweet Rita asks with concern if it will bite her. I reassure her it will not.  Most are soft spoken, and I cherish the one on one time with the children.

Other snippets:

Joanne, a soft-spoken 13-year-old, asks me questions about President Obama. We discuss the topic and move on to many others. Her quiet curiosity and enthusiasm for knowledge is exciting. I see her later in the day playing Simon Says and her commands are hysterical! ‘Simon says cry.’  The group pretends to fake cry only to erupt in laughter after they hear each other fake crying.  Joanne, you have my heart.

Rose, 14, drops by the clinic often to help me. Her help includes sweeping and washing the floor - unsolicited. I am touched by her devotion and love our visits as we work.    

SMK - you have given me more than I could ever give back.”

- Holly

“People use the word joy at Christmas time pretty freely. We sing songs about it. We wish it upon our friends and family. It is often scrawled across the fronts of greeting cards we receive from those in our lives we hear from only once a year. But to take the time to appreciate the power that relishing joyous moments have on the spirit is pretty rare in our often busy lives. If I have learned anything from the children at SMK it is to savor the little things that bring you joy. Somewhere along the path to adulthood, in the pursuit of our goals, I think we forget about our dreams. We forget the magic in play. We forget that we are all in this world together, so we might as well enjoy it with one another. We forget that sometimes, just sitting in silence holding the hand of someone dear to you really is the best use of your time. Thank you to Tina, Erias, Claire Faith, Nicky, Norin, Daniel, Solomon, Rita, Beatrice and all the other very special people I have gotten to know over the past two weeks for sharing your joy with me. Thank you for holding my hand. And thank you for reminding me what it's like to be a kid.”

- Natalie

team 6 posts: jennifer and anna

"I’ve noticed most mornings I’ll awake around 3 – 4 a.m.  At first I tried to fall back to sleep as quickly as possible, as I knew the days would be long. But soon I learned to enjoy the sounds around me. First, there is music playing late into the night.  If I wasn’t so tired from the day at SMK, the rhythms make me want to venture out to find their source.  It is the rainy season here, so most nights I listen to the rain. Such a soothing sound. Then around 5:00-5:30 there is the call to prayer from the mosque— a unique and soothing sound.  Many mornings I can also hear the songs of praise from nearby churches.

Then, of course, there are the sounds of the boda-bodas (motorcycle taxis), wild dogs, birds, bush pigeons and roosters (and I swear there is a rooster that knows exactly when I fall asleep just to wake me up!).

These are the sounds of a village awakening…. bringing on a new day.

As my days are coming to an end at SMK, the sound of the children’s laughter, playing games, random singing, or quiet moments with a child wanting to share his or her story will forever be ingrained in my heart.  There is nothing like the squeal of laughter when a child sees her own photo from your camera.  I would never tire of hearing that sound.

To capture and put into words the experience over the last few weeks is almost impossible. The sounds of Africa will always remain close to my heart."

- Jennifer

"The past couple days have been wonderful. Relationships have blossomed between particular orphans and me. I can truly say that they have my heart. I can honestly say (I mean this from the bottom of my heart, I’m not trying to be phony/bubbly/cheesy/fake) every single orphan, even the secondary students, seem innocent and pure. Takia, Miriam, Solmon, Faswila and Sandra are the orphans I am closest with. Sandra wrote me a whole letter and gave me two bracelets today! She has no idea how happy she made me. Takia and Faswila are Muslim. As I walked by the Mosque earlier today, I heard someone calling my name. As I looked back I saw that it was Takia, and my heart melted.

My favorite moment was when we were eating dinner outside under the stars at Melissa’s house; there was music and laughter coming from the teenagers in the art room. I was in awe of their happiness. I can’t say for sure why that moment has me thinking so much.

Today three young girls were sitting by me (the ones mentioned above) and asked, ‘Anna, are you coming back to SMK next year?’ The question caught me by surprise and made me think. Each day I get more attached to the orphans… which is both a blessing and a curse, considering Saturday is my last day. I am so happy that I have spent my Christmas break surrounded by such energetic and happy people! I love Team 6, and I love Uganda! The orphans will forever be a part of my heart."

- Anna

thin mints, handprints, a mudslide and kazoos

I was so happy when I checked my email this morning to find a long post from Suzanne. And lots of pictures! 

"Sorry for the lack of email updates or photos, but with all the rain we have been having here, the internet has been practically non-existent the past two days.

Here is the latest update on the past two or so days:

Sunday:

Went to Peter's Village. Our driver, Moses, was not able to come through as his car was in the shop. So Plan 2, Ambrose, friend of Melissa, with a smaller car (Melissa could not go then) came, and away we went through Kampala traffic to Peter's Village. It was a cozy ride. Great team building!! We chatted, took in all the visual art around us and ate snacks. My Girl Scout Thin Mints were a hit with the team, and now Ambrose is another Girl Scout customer. I have one more sleeve of cookies to send with the team and Ambrose for Thursday's trip to Jinja. Peter's village was great, of course, despite the rain and Leah's mudslide. The gifts we brought were great for the kids and his parents.

 

The two craft markets we visited were fun as well, and then we had dinner at the Speke Hotel!

Monday - Christmas Eve

In the morning, Jennifer, Saka, Ronah and Matron Evelyn decorated the P7 classroom with the kids ‘stars’, chain hearts and balloons. It looked MARVELOUS. Even Joan Faith said it looked the best ever. Brian, Nicky and Antwain drew on the chalkboard the Christmas message, which was directed by Enock and Erais. It too looked great!!

Dining Room was next for decorating. Jennifer, Saka, Antwain, a bunch of kiddos and I all helped with hanging the Toilet Paper Art on the walls, which once again, looks awesome. A whole new room.

Natalie & Anna were learning how to make Banana Dolls with the girls.

Josh was hanging out with Nelson and some of the boys in the computer room.

Leah was hanging out with Claire Faith and some of the girls.

The installation of new mattresses took place in the afternoon. It was organized chaos but it somehow worked. The little boys dorm was the crazier one of the 3 dorms.

Christmas gift assembly was next and that went well. We did the same system as last year, which seemed to work well. Pizza at Mel's under the stars in the courtyard. We ventured home complete with headlamps, flashlights and lots of laughter.

 Tuesday: Christmas Day

Team slept in a little, and we made our way to SMK to be there by noon. We hung out with the kiddos while we waited for Joan Faith to arrive and start the fun.

Then we had Christmas meal & band playing, acrobatic performance, Tonny's sax players, Nicky and Billy on guitar and then the annual Talent Show. I did a little skit with the girls. They taught me a song, and we danced and sang together. The team played kazoos - "We wish you a Merry Christmas." There was a game that was then played. It was definitely rigged in that the team members somehow had to get up answer a question and then pick someone to dance with. It was fun!

The band escorted us to the courtyard and then the gift giving began. The kids were so thankful. Lots of hugs, kisses, and then a mean game of water gun fights broke out and yes, you guessed it, Boy-Boy was the ringleader. It was a fun and joyous celebration. The team ended up leaving around 7pm. We ate dinner and crashed.

Everyone said it was a great day, some, their best day.

Ok… that's the update from SMK.

Oh, Josh and Leah's last piece of luggage finally arrived 2 days before they leave!"

- Suzanne

wise words from mama rosemary and daddy joseph

The directors of the orphanage, Joseph and Rosemary, are still in Canada visiting their daughter. They sent this message to the children at SMK today... to be posted around the grounds for everyone to see. 

I think it's a good message for all of us to consider. 

Merry Christmas from Change the Truth! And thank you for standing by our side as we work hard  to improve the lives of some very special kids.

"Dear Children,This is Director Mama Rosemary talking to You

Merry Xmas, and

A Happy New Year

To you all, and

To your Families, Guardians, Friends and Neighbors

Let us all be Happy & Merry, and wish for Prosperity and Development

Happiness means –

Sharing & Caring, Love & Laughter, Joy & Forgiveness and Fine Games

Plenty of tasty Food, Uplifting Gifts, Smiles & Interaction

Plus Helping the Needy & the Elderly – in all ways you possibly can

If you are happy alone – then you are not truly Happy

As the New Year shows its fresh & graceful face, we should –

Thank those people who have made Life comfortable for us

Sponsors & Counselors, Parents & Guardians, Teachers & SMK Team

After we clap 3 times for them, --- We should all – Promise

To Work harder on our Education – the Key to our Future

To Improve our Character, Obedience & Respect, and Value of our Lives

We miss you ALL, and we Love you

God Bless you all during the festive season

 - Mama Rosemary and Daddy Joseph

team 6 post: josh

"The orphans of St. Mary Kevin span all age groups, but my initial impressions were colored by children toward the extremes – some of the youngest and some of the most mature. As we took the first steps in a tour by Rachel and Sheila, two of the older girls beginning to prepare for university entrance exams, a group of small children swarmed around me taking my hand and vying for the most fingers to hold as we walked from building to building. Since my own boys are at an age when regular such shows of affection such as handholding are a fading memory, the attention from these children was a real treat. The warm feeling lasted even when, after a while, the kids (all boys but for one adorable girl – Gloria) seemed to be using my hands and arms more as a jungle gym/launching pad for jumps and game playing with one another than as a source of warm human contact.

Their affection and silliness was a nice contrast to the earnest enthusiasm Sheila and Rachel displayed both about SMK and their academic ambitions. Commenting on my height, Sheila let me know she was very interested in genetics and would like to pursue a career in medicine. She wanted to know whether my sons are tall too. Rachel is interested in studying law. They both described grueling preparation for tests they will need to pass if they are to have the opportunity to advance to the next level pursuing their goals. They are mindful that such a degree of academic achievement is rare for women in Uganda and is made possible to them, at an orphanage, because of the generosity of Change the Truth supporters. In the end, their contagious excitement was no less innocent, no less endearing that the group of boys (plus Gloria) still giggling and dangling on my arms as we completed our tour."

- Josh

team 6 post: leah

"When I first walked through the gates at SMKOM, I was overwhelmed by how welcoming all the kids were. The first half of my day was spent with Rachel and Sheila, who gave a tour of the orphanage. After that, we walked around the village and took pictures with my camera until lunchtime. After lunch, I was having a conversation with a younger girl named Queen when she told me she had to get something for me, and then disappeared for maybe two hours. During those two hours, the children welcomed us with dancing and band playing while little Gloria sat on my lap. The dancing was really amazing, and many of the kids had beautiful voices. It feels a little silly to write 'kids', since many of them are as old or older than I am. A bit later, when I was walking around with Rita and Joanne, Queen returned to give me two bracelets and a very sweet card.

Day 2 was a lot cooler than the first day, and it rained a bit. The girls had a fun time turning my hair into a poof-ball for their salon, (Queen topping it off by adding a very pretty flower) and painting my nails yellow and blue. That afternoon, I was worn down from playing tag with the very young kids, and when I got back to the hotel I fell straight to sleep. My father had to wake me for dinner. I have had such an amazing two days, and I can’t wait to see what surprises the next few will  bring."   

- Leah

post from team 6: holly

"Big smiles, open arms. So many children ready and willing to share their hearts with me, a stranger. Now it's been three days, I'm less of a stranger and the hugs and smiles continue and come from children with whom names I am familiar. These children who have so little have so much to give. Some moments the reality of life at the orphanage takes my breath away because there is so little and so much all at once. 

In a program the children put on today, there was singing and dancing all to the festive beats of drums. By the end of the program I was taken by the hand of a child to join in the dance. So blessed to be joining in the dance with the children at SMK."  

- Holly

a few quick nuggets from suzanne's recent emails

Some tidbits from Suzanne regarding the past couple days at SMK:

Natalie finally got her luggage! Six days in the same pants, and she (who rarely wears pants) was actually thrilled to be reunited with her recently purchased pair of cargo pants!

The dining room has a beautiful fresh coat of paint. Tomorrow the team will put the children’s handprints on the walls, along with some uplifting messages.

Team member Leah learned how to make banana dolls and made her own with the help of SMK orphan and sponsored student Sheila.

There was apparently a wild jump rope scene at the end of the day, including some crazy moves by headmaster Moses and nurse Douglas.

Holly is busy doing medical check-ups on all of the children.

Josh has been busy teaching computer skills.

There is a project the team is calling ”toilet paper art” which has gone well. (I have no idea what it looks like. Hoping for pics soon.)

Melissa’s new nickname is “Team Queen.”

There are lots of friendship bracelets being made, and there are lots of new friendships being made, as well.

post from team 6: anna

"As I awoke this morning I realized I was in Uganda, a tiny little country in the middle of Africa. All of the preparing, the 24 hour flight, getting donations; it all came down to this. The walk to the orphanage from the hotel was completely sublime. I was amazed at how green everything was, how many chickens and goats were on the side of the road. It was picturesque seeing a group of little Ugandan kids smiling and waving at us ‘Muzungus’. The orphanage is beautiful. The kids are beautiful. The red dirt, due to so much iron in the ground, is beautiful. It adds a uniqueness to this already unique village. I have rarely been around so many energetic, kind, spontaneous, curious and smiley people than at the orphanage. I was truly taken by their kind and innocent faces. It was a magnificent day to say the least. I have two weeks left on this journey, and I want to make as big as a difference as humanly possible. I am touched by the love of the kids at the orphanage."

- Anna