Sunday, July 19, 2009

Last Night

Well, this is it. This is our last night here. Today has been pretty relaxing: church, lunch at Herb and Ellen's farm property (we are staying at Herb and Ellen's), then toured some local Kampala sights. Yesterday was a pretty cool day. We went to a national park and walked with the animals – literally. We got out of the bus and slowly got as close as we could to a number of different native animals (zebras, various species of deer, monkeys, baboons, etc. Then we went on a boat tour of on a beautiful lake – saw a lot of hippos, couple crocs, some pretty cool eagles, etc. See the new pictures on the picture link to see some of the animals.

It has been a great trip. I would suggest something like this to anyone. It has been amazing in so many different ways. Being here with Luke has once again been a great father/son experience. Watching him with the children here is amazing. Seeing the extreme need here is heart breaking. Being able to really help people here has been a blessing for us. Being welcomed to each village and community with hugs, smiles, hand shakes, dancing, and children singing has been one of the most memorable pieces of the trip. Hearing children call out 'Mzungu' in excitement when we drive by in the bus is a very cool experience. Seeing my fellow teammates serve and love the people here has been awesome to watch. Seeing God in it all is everything.

Friday, July 17, 2009

A day to relax

Today was a slower day. We spent the afternoon pumping money into the local economy. That is another way of saying, we went shopping. We bought some pretty cool items here in Uganda. Idah took us to a place that is setup along the side of railroad tracks with a bunch of small stands (a tarp on the ground with their items displayed). Most of those doing the selling were widows that came down from Northern Uganda where they were driven out by the rebels a while back. So we were there to help them and purchase some cool stuff. A good day and a relaxing day.

Tomorrow is safari day. We get up and eat at 5:30 am then off to the safari trip at 6:00. We should get some good pictures to add to our picture site, though not sure when we will get them added as I think we get back late.

Starting to wind down here. Just a couple more days then we will be heading back to the States. Can't wait to see you Joanne and Wyatt - we miss you guys!!!!


Thursday, July 16, 2009

For JJ

JJ.... Enjoy....

The Clinic

We just got back from a four day, three night adventure. I posted two other new blogs below this one so if you want to read in order, start with the one called Toro High School.

Wednesday, July 15th
Today was the clinic day. We had purchased a bunch of medical supplies yesterday, then went to a village with a doctor and handed out medicine, reading glasses, etc. There were close to 300 people there to get some medical attention and medicine. There was somewhere between 100 and 200 children there as well. I think they got let out from the local school when we came to the village. Luke entertained these kids for hours. He was amazing with them. He was showing them magic tricks (which by the way he is getting very good at). He was teaching them and playing all kinds of games with them. He was even helping one student read and pronounce various words. It was really amazing to watch. The Pastor there called all the children 'Luke's team' as he was the leader of those kids. I have some pictures on the link that you will want to check out.

As far as the clinic goes, it was a long day, but a rewarding one. Overwhelming at times as there is just so much need here, though very satisfying to be able to help individuals one by one. Something as small as a pair of reading glasses brought so much joy to each one that received a pair. We ran out so hopefully the next team can bring some more with them. One of the comments the Pastor said was that we were healing these people by more than just the medicine we brought. Us being there, talking with them, laughing with them, caring for them was bringing them much healing.

We actually met and setup the clinic at a Mosque which was pretty cool since we are all Christians. Great opportunity to show that religious boundaries do not have to prohibit helping people in need.

On the way back from the clinic, Luke looked over at me and said, “it is hard to make so many friends and then have to leave them”. He is really incredible here. He is such an inspiration to everyone that he meets here as well as our team. One lady put it this way, “Luke has captured my heart”. I think that really says it all. You'll see a lot of this in the linked pictures. Today we were all called Doctors. I was called Doctor Gene, Luke was called Doctor Luke, etc. Though more recently, they just call Luke 'Pastor Luke' as he jumps right in and leads prayers throughout the trip.

After a full day at the clinic, we met the 'Mango Tree Kids'. These are kids of very poor families in the area – many orphans or just a single parent living with in extreme poverty. They are called the Mango Tree Kids as they meet under a Mango tree at the edge of town. We brought a lot of gifts for them – was a little crazy handing them out to over 100 kids that had nothing and wanted a gift. I think we gave them all something – candy, beanie baby, toys, clothes, etc. Again, just a small gift, but it shows that people really do care about them and many of these kids really need to know that they are cared for and they matter in life. I saw a sign at a pharmacy when we were picking up medicine that read, “Poverty Is Not Being Without Money But Being Without Hope”. That is so applicable here. We have heard story after story about a person or family that was in such despair and losing Hope. Though after being helped up on their feet through a gift and/or sponsorship, Hope came back into their lives. It is great being here and having the opportunity that we are having to really impact and help people.

Lastly, it is always just so amazing to see such big smiles on people that have so little. We will be driving in the bus somewhere and when people see us, especially the kids, the biggest smile comes on their faces and they just start waving yelling, Mzungu, Mzungu. You will see a lady walking carrying a baby on her back and a crazy amount of stuff on her hand and when she sees you, a big smile comes to her face and she starts waving. They do get some things here that we could all learn from back in the States. They understand relationships – real relationships – relationships that matter even to the point of survival. They may not have a lot materially, but so many really seem to have so much relationally. Yes there is hardship here and yes there is despair here, but there also also this incredible Joy here. It is inspiring to see and be a part of.

Oh, by the way, I am feeling better today – last night was a tough night as I got sick, but today was a much better day. I didn't eat much today just to slowly get my system back to normal, but tonight I feel good and am looking forward to a good night sleep.

Don't forget to check out our linked pictures.

AWESOME!!

Tuesday, July 14th

Today has been one of the more amazing days of the trip. We started out with a stop at the elderly couple that I spoke about in the previous blog. We brought them all the items I mentioned earlier, mattress, sheets, bowls, pans, plates, sugar, salt, soap, lotion, a mirror, bread, etc. We walked up to their mud hut and they were just amazed as we laid down all the items on the tarp in front of their house. I say house, but if you would have seen this hut, you probably would not have called it a house. It was about a 7 foot by 10 foot home on the inside. They had so little in their home. It was a dirt floor, a line that held a single change of clothes for each of them, and a couple pots and pans that had been repaired multiple times. That was it. So when they saw all the things our team brought them, you couldn't image their amazement and how grateful they were. One interesting point that was fun was the mirror. The man hadn't seen himself for 10 years. So when he looked at himself in the mirror, he was amazed. He did not know he had gray hair. He did not know his cheeks were sunk in and he did not know he had some many wrinkles around his neck. He just looked at himself for the longest time and was laughing and joking and pointing at himself. His wife didn't want to look at herself, but she finely did after a while. I think she too was a little surprised at how she had aged. The man was 78. The wife was not sure how old she was as she had stopped counting a while back. Another great item was the two loaves of bread we had brought them. They had not eaten bread in 5 years so that was a very special treat for them. All in all, it was all a great experience to help someone out so much. They are still not sponsored so they are still waiting on some monthly assistance to get them back on their feet, but what we provided them should helped move them in the right direction. One additional great point was that they both had committed to go back to church as they knew this was a gift from God. That was awesome to hear.

Next stop, we visited a couple different sponsored families. One of Anna's and one of Debbie's. As we were there, we also visited with a number of other sponsored families. One poor little girl had Elephantiasis so bad on her feet, ankles and lower legs.. I have some pictures – I will warn you, these will turn your stomach. Debbie is a teacher and her class has been saving money to give to this little girl on this trip so Debbie gave the grandmother some money for some medicine (assuming her parents are probably dead as they were not around). As we were talking to the girl, I saw Luke sitting at the side fighting back the tears. It was tough to see someone that was in such a condition. He was sad that pictures were being taken and thought this may make her feel bad, though it is also important to show others what some people are going through so help can be provided. We also met Joseph (Peter) who was a boy that had Elephantiasis so bad last year. He had it on his feet and around his mid section and was just in pain because of the swelling. He looked better, but still had a ways to go to get better. After Elephantiasis gets so bad, it typically leaves a lot of damage. We were shown the feet of two ladies that were cured of Elephantiasis, though their feet were damaged based on the disease. Some toes were missing and partly cut off. I will say though that they were delighted to no longer have this disease.

Next stop, we checked into our guest house called Club Afreca. Supposedly one of the finest hotels in the area. Luke and I are actually laying down right now in two beds with mosquito nets around us in a very small room with a shower that has no hot water, electricity that comes and goes – seems to be running off of generators, etc. But, I don't want to complain based on what I have seen lately – it could be a dirt floor in a room half this size. I am blogging at night so when we are back in Kampala, I can quickly update our blog site.

After checking in at Club Afreca, we set off for a grand opening of a new home for a widow, some of her grandchildren and a number of orphan children she cares for. This was an awesome experience. We pulled up and there was a big party waiting for us. There were probably around 100 people there singing, dancing, hugging us, etc. Quite an experience. I had the honor of cutting the ribbon with Idah to the door of the home. That was pretty cool. There were a number of speeches as things around Uganda are very formal with these types of gatherings. We had a number of the higher ups for the area there to talk and welcome us and thank us. One funny little point. I was asked to lead this group this year since Luke and I went last year. I said sure as I really didn't think that would be too difficult. It isn't, but what you have to be prepared for is to stand up and talk to groups over here. So as I am sitting there listening to everyone talk and have translation so we can all know what is being said, etc., it occurred to me that I better get more prepared than I was in other situations when Idah all of a sudden says, 'Now we are going to have Gene say a few words'. That can be a little intimidating if you are not prepared, so this time, I did think of a few things to say beforehand and sure enough, I was called on to stand up and talk to 100 Ugandans with a translator. It was all good though – starting to get used to it.

Towards the end of this event, we were each given gifts by the families that were sponsored. Their lives have been transformed with a $64 donation a month for three years. It is amazing what that can do in the lives of a family here. The widow told her story and it was a sad one. She talked about being too embarrassed to go to church or to town because she only had one set of clothes and everyone noticed this. She didn't have shoes for a long time, then her children bought her some very cheap shoes made out of tires. She said she just wanted to die and didn't know why God was allowing this to happen in her life. Then one of the representatives from GFR stopped in and talked to her. A few months later she was sponsored and then after a while, she had a new house built. We saw her old house and it was just a broken down mud hut. She is so grateful now and her life has been completely changed. She now goes to church proudly wearing nice outfits and is now in a brand new home. I am not sure who her sponsors are, but thank you, thank you, thank you from her. You literally have saved her life and she looks great.

So, to end the day we came back to Club Afreca, ate dinner and here I am writing this blog. One little bad side note is I also got sick just about an hour ago. I think something didn't quite site right with me, but I think I am better. We'll see how the night goes. That happens at times so hopefully this is just a small short case of an upset stomach.

I want to make a plug here for GFR. We are seeing the impact a sponsored family has and it is amazing, life changing and life saving. I know the economy is bad, but this is sure just a great way to really make a significant difference in the lives of a family here in Uganda. If you are interested in learning more about sponsoring a family, just talk to me or visit http://www.globalfamilyrescue.org/. The GFR staff here have a little over 100 families on their sponsorship waiting list. They have stopped trying to find more families as they don't want to give false hope and get the list so long that it takes too long to get sponsored.

All in all, again, another amazing day and I am so thankful and humbled to be here. Check out our linked pictures.

Tooro High School

Monday, July 13th

Today was a long day, but a great day. We traveled about 5 hours to Fort Portal where we went to Tooro High School. Tooro High School houses about 230 boys and girls, many who stay there overnight for protection. All are orphans and/or vulnerable children in the Fort Portal area. The school vision: “To become a leading private school in the western region, which will contribute to national development by bringing up God fearing and academically excellent citizens.” There is testimony after testimony of student's lives being changed through Tooro High School. They really are doing a great job there and always just a great place to visit and support. We spoke to many different children while we were there. They spoke very good English and were such a pleasure to be around.

When we drove up to the school in the bus, we were greeted by singing and dancing students. They sang some songs of greeting to us and then performed some native cultural dances. It was very cool. Then they pulled us out and we danced with them. I was ready this year as they pulled us out to dance last year as well. Not sure if I got any pictures this year as everyone was dancing so nobody was taking pictures. Probably for the best :) Luke was one of the first to be pulled out there by a girl that had a hard time keeping her eyes off of him :) Once again, the girls there at Tooro High fell in love with Luke. They remembered him from last year. We remembered many of them from last year as well. I told them I had pictures of many of them from the last time we were there. They then told us that they had a picture of Luke from last year in their dorm room. As we were talking with them, they basically surrounded us and then all started touching and feeling Luke's hair. They are not used to Mzungu's (white person) let alone a long blond haired Mzungu boy. He was fine with it – was just laughing a little – I think a little embarrassed, but he is getting used to the children here touching his hair. All in all a great time.

Currently GFR sponsors 81 orphan children at the school. Each orphan student is provided scholastic material, plates, cups, mosquito nets, and school uniforms. They have a girls dorm that houses around 80 girls and another one for the boys that house 25 boys. These are all orphans that do not have a home or children that live too far away to commute or would be to unsafe to travel to and from the school. Education is just so important in Uganda. Tooro High School is truly a life changing place for these children to give them a better opportunity at life both from a Christian perspective as well as a foundation for future job opportunities.

Here are just a couple testimonies from some of the students at Tooro High. A little broken English, but you will get the point. "I am Tumweslgye Seth, 18 years old in S.2 (Senior 2). I come from Nyabani sub county. I lost my both parents when I was in P.6 (Primary 6). I think Parents Concern (the local non-for-profit group that GFR works with in this community) for supporting my education. I now have hope to achieve my dream of becoming a Doctor. Thus a bright future". "I am Kyogabirwe Babrah, 16 years in class 3 and I am from Nkoma. My Dad died when I was 3 years old. I thank for giving me an opportunity to be WHAT I AM now at Tooro High school. My life has been transformed. I now have great dreams to achieve."

Their family sponsorship project is committed to 3 life essentials:
  1. The gift of eternal life through the sharing of the gospel and relationship with Jesus Christ
  2. Immediate quality of life improvements through the provision of basic needs
  3. Long-term quality of life improvements through education and mentoring

We then bought a lot of native hand made Uganda necklaces, bracelets and baskets from a group of widows there at Tooro High School. It was a great way to help out the widows and the economy by supporting their business.

We then went shopping. There is an elderly couple that is in real bad shape in the local community in Fort Portal that have not been sponsored as of yet. From what I understand, they barely have anything to live on. So we went shopping for them and will deliver our goods tomorrow. As a team, we bought them a new mattress, sheets, plates, bowls, cooking pans, cups, clothes line, a tarp, some water bowls, salt, sugar, rice, bread, soap, lotion, a mirror, etc. - I know I am forgetting a number of items, but essentially, we bought them a ton of stuff. It will be a tremendous experience tomorrow to give this to them. From what I understand, they need it all which says they basically are living on nothing right now – a pretty desperate situation for an older couple. Next blog should have an update on the experience of giving this all to them. One of the folks that works with Tooro High School that was helping us shop for the right items said this was the biggest individual shopping experience he has seen yet. Everyone is very excited for tomorrow.

Then we went to the clinic and bought a huge amount of medical supplies. All specific medicine for the conditions that are common in this part of Uganda (Malaria, Elephantiasis, Epilepsy, eye conditions, worms, etc.). The amount of medicine we were able to purchase was staggering. Look for some pictures of those. In a couple days, we will focus our efforts at a clinic helping those in medical need so we were getting supplies ready for that day.

It is crazy to see all the suffering and hard ache here, but it is great to be here. There is so much need, it is almost overwhelming at times. But then again, the impact you can make to individuals and families is nothing short of life saving. It is a humbling experience and a great experience for Luke and I and the entire team here.

Stay tuned for the next blogs as they will give updates on some of the items above with I am sure many more stories, pictures, etc.

Sunday, July 12, 2009

Sunday Church Service

Hi all,
First - thank you for the comments on our blog. We love getting your thoughts.

Today we went to church in Namyoya village. It was an awesome service. Pastor David talked about the love of Jesus - said it all in Ugandian, but we had Idah to translate most of it. Idah pulled Luke up in front of the church and had him say a few words - it was awesome to watch. He seemed very comfortable and talked to the church about how he loves it there. I also got up and talked a bit - very good time.

All in all, we have just been totally welcomed and blessed by all the people here. Imagine walking off a bus being surrounded by women and children hugging you, holding your hand, talking to you in a language you can't understand - all awesome.

We also saw Robert and his family there as well as our other sponsored family. Robert's son gave Luke a watermelon as a gift and then Robert presented me a watermelon during the church service.

We now will head out on a four day, three night adventure to surrounding areas so I will not be blogging for a while. We will definitely catch up when we return on Thursday.

Keep an eye on our pictures as I will continue to add more pictures.

Talk to you all in a few days...

Saturday, July 11, 2009

Working with Mud

We had a great day today building a home. The structure of the home was already built with a type of tree in the bamboo family – looked like bamboo to me. The tin roof was put on in sheets yesterday and finished out today. Yesterday, they had half the roof on. That was all the widow who the house was being built for was able to buy. She would then normally have to wait a couple months to save enough money to buy the rest of the tin roof. We bought her the rest of the roof at the end of the day yesterday to keep the progress going (120,000 Shillings – about $60). Today we packed mud on the walls of the structure (see linked pictures). Basically they had a mud pile next to the house that we would then take big balls of mud and pack in the wall structure. It was dirty work, but we really felt like we helped out and made a lot of progress (see linked pictures). Yesterday, Luke and I helped hoe the dirt to produce the mud and then we all carried a lot of water in these yellow water jugs (jerry cans) from the local water hole. Each jug held about 5 gallons of water and after carrying one in each hand and the mile walk, it was very tiring. So all in all, a great day of building a home. The widow and her family were so appreciative. They are all very grateful for the help we provide. Whenever you give a women money to financially help her in any way, she will bow down to accept the gift. It is a very humbling experience in a way in that you really do not want her to bow down to you, though it would be an insult to their culture not to allow her to bow.

We also met up again with the man with AIDS and the swelling condition on his legs and feet. They had let us know how much the medicine would be for treatment – turned out to be 20,000 Shillings (less than $10). There were a number of other people we were given an opportunity to help there in this village. I wanted to specifically let you know where we are able to provide help as a team to see the impact that can be made and specifically the impact your donations have made. Idah, the woman in Uganda that heads up GFR and a number of other organizations, made the comment yesterday that is so true, “there is a thin line between survival and death”. It is just so true as we travel around and visit various families. There are just so many that live way below any poverty level. Their biggest concern is what are they going to eat for their next meal or if they will eat at all. I am not trying to over exaggerate here at all. If anything, I am under-exaggerating. There are just so many living in a life or death situation whether it be an illness or hunger or some combination of both. So what a great honor it is to be here and have the opportunity to be used to make such a significant impact directly in the lives of the people in Uganda. What greater joy can there be than to be used by God to love others. That is really the key, it is not about us here at all. It is about the love of God and Him blessing others through us and blessing us through these experiences. I think we are getting the most blessings through these experiences.

Once again Luke has been incredible here. He just loves meeting all the children and playing with them. Many of them remember him from last year and he remembers many of them. I forgot to tell you in yesterday's blog about a very cool event. We were driving past a school of young children and decided to stop and give them a soccer ball. When we stopped the bus, the children just started running and yelling 'Mzungu, Mzungu' (which means white person – but in a very non-racial manner). They are all just so excited to see a Mzungu. They all surrounded the bus screaming, smiling, and waving at us. Luke got off the bus with a soccer ball and the kids just went crazy. We presented the ball to the teacher who again accepted it with such appreciation. When you give a group of children a soccer ball, it it like you have just given them the best gift ever. They love playing soccer (and are very good), though many times, they are kicking around a homemade soccer ball made of plastic trash bags and tied together with banana leaves.

Last thought: through all the poverty, sickness, and hunger we are constantly greeted with the biggest smiles you have ever seen and more hugs than you can imagine. There is joy here in their struggles. We are truly blessed to be here with such wonderful people.

Link to pictures on the right hand side of this blog site

Friday, July 10, 2009

Meeting families - building a mut house

Hi All,
Luke and I and team have had a great first couple days. Yesterday we went around and met all of the sponsored families of the people on the team. We met Robert and his family first. You may remember Robert and his family from our trip last year. Robert's wife died in December of 2007 of AIDS. Robert also has HIV AIDS. Robert has five children. We have sponsored Robert and his family for a little over a year now. It was great to see them all again. He is doing well. He was so happy to see us - he was literally running to the bus to greet us and had some great hugs for us (normal mode of greeting in Uganda is a hug). We gave Robert and his family some gifts, then he gave us some gifts - two big sugar cane stalks, a live chicken, then a hand made picture that said 'May God Bless Gene Weaver' - it was very cool and touching. By the way, we received two other live chickens as gifts and a bunch of eggs. So today we had eggs for breakfast and this evening we had.... chicken :) We also went and met our other sponsored family. She is a widow with nine children and her 80 year old mother-in-law - living in a small house. Another great time to meet with them and share gifts. It is just amazing to see how these people live. Much of the time, they are in survival mode. Children running around with rags on, red dirt everywhere, no running water, no electricity, many of the homes are small mud homes, etc.

Today, we helped build a mud house. We will be doing the same tomorrow. We also had the opportunity to help out some people financially. We sent a mother and sick child to the clinic for treatment. We met a man with AIDS that had some issue with his legs. He was bed ridden with very swollen legs and feet. It looked like elephantiasis, but I don't think it was in that elephantiasis has a strong oder to it. We prayed for the man and gave him a little money for help. We are going to check back tomorrow to see what the medicine costs to help there as well. His elderly mother was there with him. She has already buried four other children so we are hoping to help this man get better. The thing about AIDS is that it is usually not AIDS that kill the person, it is the secondary illness that tends to be the issue in that the immune system is destroyed with the AIDS virus.

Here is a link to pictures. I will post pictures on this site versus within this blog as the internet here is pretty tough.

More posts to come...

Wednesday, July 8, 2009

Hello Uganda

Hi All,
Just a quick blog to let you know we made it into Uganda late last night. We went to a conference this morning, and are now getting rested up to start heading out to the rural areas tomorrow and meeting with folks, helping to build houses, etc. Luke and I are ready - a little tired right now, but ready and happy to be here.

More to come!!!

Saturday, July 4, 2009

Hands and Feet

Happy 4th of July!!

Just two days away and we will be on our way to Africa. I was thinking this morning about our trip and why we are going. This song came to mind so I thought I would share the lyrics. It is called Hands and Feet (News Boys does this version).

"An image flashed across my T.V. screen
another broken heart comes into view
I saw the pain and I turned my back
Why can't I do the things I want to?

I am willing yet am so afraid
you give me strength when I say ...

I wanna be your hands
I wanna be your feet
I'll go where you send me, go where you send me
I'll be your hands
I'll be your feet
I'll go where you send me, go where you send me

And I'll try, yeah I'll try
to touch the world
like you touched my life
And I'll find my way
To be your hands

I'll abandon every selfish thought
I surrender everything I've got
You can have everything I am
And perfect everything I'm not

I am willing, I'm not afraid
you give me strength when I say ...

I wanna be your hands
I wanna be your feet
I'll go where you send me, go where you send me
I'll be your hands
I'll be your feet
I'll go where you send me, go where you send me

And I'll try, yeah I'll try
to touch the world
like you touched my life
And I'll find my way

This is the last time
I turn my back on you From now on I'll go out
send me where you want me to
I finally have a mission I promise I'll complete
I don't need excuses when I am your hands and feet
I am your hands and feet

I wanna be your hands
I wanna be your feet
I'll go where you send me, go where you send me
I'll be your hands
I'll be your feet
I'll go where you send me, go where you send me
I'll be your hands
I'll be your feet

I will go I will go where you send me
I will go I will go where you send me
I will go, go
I will go, go
I will GO!
Go where you send me

I wanna be your hands
I wanna be your feet"

... so off to Uganda we go :)

Saturday, May 23, 2009

Luke and Gene’s Trip to Africa II

Dear Friends and Family,

As many of you know, last year, Luke and I had the opportunity to go to Uganda, Africa. It was an incredible trip!!! Here are just a few of the highlights.
  • We met our sponsored family and brought them a suitcase full of clothes, schools supplies, etc.
  • We met people living with HIV/AIDS and got to know so many orphans and widows.
  • We helped build a house and a church.
  • We literally worked alongside Robert, the father of our sponsored family, to help build the house.
  • We were able to give some people money that potentially saved their lives. For example, in two separate cases, we gave moms money to take their little girls with malaria for treatment. In another situation we provided money for a young child in desperate need of a surgery.

We met a widow whose house had recently burned down. We gave her money so she could get temporary boarding for her and her children and later helped build her a new home.

This summer, Luke and I are heading back to Uganda. We will again be going with a team of people through Global Family Rescue (GFR). Our trip is scheduled from July 6th through July 20th.

Here is our thought process around fundraising this year. I know many of you contributed last year,
and I, again, thank you so much for your generosity. I listed a few highlights above to show you the impact your contributions made. I also do not want anyone to feel pressured to contribute again or even for the first time. We are ready to personally fund the full cost of our trip. However, it has occurred to me that, quite simply, the more money we raise, the more help we will be able to provide once we get there. There are tremendous opportunities to significantly help people and in many cases save their lives while we are in Uganda. So, I want to give everyone a chance to be part of that.

If you would like to help the people we meet in Uganda, please consider making a tax-deductible donation. To contribute, please print and fill out the following form and return it with a check made payable to Global Family Rescue. I am getting this letter out a little late, so if you would like to financially assist this mission, please send in your contributions by June 15th.

Thank you for your support,

Gene and Luke Weaver

View pictures and comments from our first visit to Uganda at http://lukegeneafrica.blogspot.com/. Be sure to start from the bottom of the blog and read up to see our trip in chronological order. And stay tuned. . .you’ll be able to read about our upcoming journey on our new blog site at http://lukegeneafrica2.blogspot.com/

__________________________________________________________

2009 Uganda Trip – Luke and Gene Weaver

Name:_____________________________________________________

Address:_____________________________City:_________________ State:____ Zip:______

Email:____________________________________________________

Tax Deductible Donation Amount:__________________
(Made Payable to Global Family Rescue)

Global Family Rescue ▪ PO Box 529, Wheaton, IL 60187 ▪ www.globalfamilyrescue.org
__________________________________________________________


Luke and Gene with our sponsored family, Robert and his 5 children. Robert’s wife died at the end of 2007 from HIV/AIDS. Robert also suffers from AIDS.

Couple pictures from last year's trip

Look at those smiles!! These are all orphans.

Robert and Gene working on a house project.


This widow had recently lost her home. Some of the money we raised last year along with some of Joanne’s bracelet money went to help build her and her children a new home.
Luke and his friend Mike walking along an African road with some of the children.

Luke walking with some boys. Whenever we’d get off the bus, we were greeted by what seemed like the whole village to welcome us.


The children all want to hold your hand while you walk.