After 28 long hours with Ethiopian Airlines and United Airlines I find myself back in Chicago. To be perfectly honest it isn’t the jet lag that has kept me from writing this final post. I am terrified by the realization that I am no longer in Uganda. One thing that struck me happened somewhere over the Atlantic Ocean. A girl sitting in the row across from me complimented me on a Ugandan bracelet I was wearing and she asked how long I had been in the country. Upon telling her that I was there for almost 3 months she exclaimed that I must be thrilled to be headed home. Her puzzled expression was priceless as I told her that I honestly wish I could have stayed in Lacor longer. In many ways it has become a home to me. I recognize that I do not know how to behead a chicken, I do not blend in, and I do not know how to speak the language fluently. However, I do love Lacor, and I do think of it as my second home.
The last bit of my time spent in Uganda was full of love. Most of the DMP pupils/students were getting out of school for holiday break and it was wonderful getting to see them more often. Atim Sharon stopped by the house a few times to visit and I got to meet some of her friends and see her home as well. The other girls who go to school at Mary Immaculate Primary School came by the house on their first day of holiday and while spending time with me they wrote adorable and meaningful thank you notes and drew me several pictures. I was able to see the boys at Negri Primary School before I left as well and they instructed me to mail them pictures of: “your house, your family, games, the food, and toys for the girls!”
The night before I left Lacor Grace Odonga (one of the original founders of DMP) prepared some food for me saying that it is important in Ugandan culture that travelers not leave on an empty stomach. She also stressed that I must greet all of my family, friends, and loved ones once I reached Chicago. So, all of you reading this should consider yourself greeted at this point: “Hello and many blessings to you, love from Grace.”
On my final morning in Lacor four of the DMP pupils (Aciro Mercy, Lamunu Brenda, Apiyo Janet, and Komakech Robert) came by the house to see me off as I left. Upon reaching the bus park DMP student Okot Ivan Jerome and his older brother Mandela accompanied me. Along with friend and project officer, Onono Paul, we all set out for Kampala. It was with a heavy heart and a few stray tears that I said farewell at the airport. Ironically, I left one home behind as I now have returned to another.
Although the goodbyes came way too soon, I am consoled when I think about all that we have accomplished this summer. The first meeting I had in Gulu was with the Gulu NGO Forum and the last official meeting I had in August was accepting DMP’s certificate of registration. We established a new Board of Directors and met extensively with the DMP Guardians’ Association. DMP now has a new, less expensive, office space in Lacor Center. I facilitated the amendment of the DMP constitution between all governing bodies of DMP. We wrote grant proposals and began the application process for funding to cover the start-up costs of a DMP Agriculture Project. In my final 3 weeks at the office after the other girls left I went through every file and every DMP Binder - updating all of the organization’s documents.
Perhaps even more significant than all of these administrative-based accomplishments has been the personal relationships I made. In a community where friendship is vital and strongly valued I feel very blessed to have left with so many friends. Volunteering for the organization is that much more meaningful when I can put a face to the names. I know that when I fundraise Akwero Sharon will be able to get a new science book. Atim Sharon will be able to remain a student at Graceland Girl’s School where she plays rugby. Lamunu Brenda can continue with her dance practices and stay in school with the other girls at Mary Immaculate. Agik Joan can continue participating on the debate team at St. Lawrence Secondary School. Komakech Jimmy will continue to get good grades and play football (soccer) at Negri Primary School along with the other boys. I can’t tell you how many parents or guardians I met who asked me if it was possible to add any children to the program. In addition to that I have made several friends who are my age or older attempting to save money for school. Education is so incredibly powerful and I thank my lucky stars that the kids in DMP are able to go to school. If anyone is interested in helping to keep them in school please help by purchasing the Ugandan arts and crafts that the Dwon Madiki Partnership is currently selling:
*Paper mache bracelets: $8.00
*Paper mache earrings: $6
.00
* Rosaries: $12.00
*Paper mache necklaces: $12.00
* Paper mache large necklaces: $13.00
*Small wallets: $8
.00
*Big wallets: $13.00
I would like to note that my trip to Uganda was the result of 3 jobs over the course of one and a half years of preparation. I was inspired my freshman year by a Loyola student who told me of her trip to Uganda during the summer of 2009 and instantly made up my mind that I would go there someday as well. So, without a single regret, I worked in my hometown during holidays and kept 2 jobs during the school year. My point is that all donations are strictly for DMP operational costs and paying for school fees and necessary scholastic materials of the DMP pupils/students.
These products were all created fair trade either by Grace, the co-founder of DMP, or a local tailor. They were paid fair prices to make quality goods and all understand these products are being sold to make profit for DMP. 100% of the profits will go towards paying school fees for the 20 children of Dwon Madiki. Do not hesitate to contact me regarding purchasing these products at pgraham1@luc.edu.
Please continue to support the kids in the Dwon Madiki Partnership, the voice of tomorrow.