Uganda trip reports posted
The donor newsletter for the Uganda bedkit distribution has gone to print and can be downloaded from the Sleeping Children Website.
 |
| Uganda Photos 2010 |
If you would like to read the reports on the web, you can read them in their entirety here.
Here is a download link for the PDF version of the newsletter.
Togo trip reports posted
 |
 |
| Togo 2010 Photos |
If you would like to read the reports on the web, you can read them in their entirety here.
Here is a download link for the PDF version of the newsletter.
Philippines: Mission Accomplished
 |
| The SCAW travelling team and the SCAW Core Committee (Kiwanis) team. From Philippines 2010 |
The Kiwanis team in Manila carried out their part of the distributions without the leadership of Dr. Juan Torres who had emergency surgery on the second day of the schedule. They are so committed to the goals of meeting the needs of children that they have every detail covered. It is a family affair with husbands, wives, and teen-agers all working to accomplish the tasks.
Thanks to all who supported the team with blog messages and e-mails of encouragement. We will be home soon to share our stories and photos.
Sally Jo Martin
for the SCAW 2010 Philippines Team
Post your comments here.
Philippines: Anticipation of a gift
The children are both shy and excited at the same time when they come to receive their bedkit. They try to contain the excitement that they are feeling when a gift is forthcoming but the expression on their faces tell it all.
When they come forward to receive the bedkit they try to suppress a giggle or big smile and some even do a little dance hopping up and down. You can’t help but feel part of their excitement as well.
It’s a birthday/Christmas present all rolled into one -- something many may not receive too often. They are so appreciative.
One little boy expressed it the best. When seated to get his picture taken, he looked down at all the items that make up a bedkit that were spread out in front of him and said “Incredible."
Joyce Foster
for the SCAW 2010 Philippines Team
Post your comments here.
When they come forward to receive the bedkit they try to suppress a giggle or big smile and some even do a little dance hopping up and down. You can’t help but feel part of their excitement as well.
It’s a birthday/Christmas present all rolled into one -- something many may not receive too often. They are so appreciative.
One little boy expressed it the best. When seated to get his picture taken, he looked down at all the items that make up a bedkit that were spread out in front of him and said “Incredible."
Joyce Foster
for the SCAW 2010 Philippines Team
Post your comments here.
Uganda: Distribution complete
Our distribution is complete and 6,000 more Ugandan kids are sleeping peacefully!
Children all around the world have big dreams for their future. We hope your bedkits will help these children realize their dreams.
Jenny Simpson
for SCAW Team Uganda 2010
Post your comments here.
Best part of the distribution:
The excitement when we pull into the distribution site and the smiles that are present when we hand the children the bedkits.Worst part of the distribution:
The many children waiting at the end to see if there are any extra bedkits. They are happy to collect our empty water bottles ... Imagine how they would feel with their own bedkits.Children all around the world have big dreams for their future. We hope your bedkits will help these children realize their dreams.
Jenny Simpson
for SCAW Team Uganda 2010
Post your comments here.
Philippines: The "Eyes" have it
They sparkle, they are shy, they smile, they are worried and some are sad. Each of those dark brown eyes tell a human story.
The rewarding part of being the member of the team that gives the bedkit is that you have the opportunity to make eye contact with each child.
One little girl today came dancing to me with sparkling eyes. The bedkit she received was almost bigger than she but she was soooo happy.
Each child receives a blessing and the blessing that I use is “A Gift of Love.” Yesterday some of the children came from an area that, by our standards, has very little. Many said "Salamat, Po" ("Thank you.") in their language and added “God Bless.” Here were these children who needed so much, blessing me. It was very touching and a reminder of how lucky we are.
Frank Best
for the SCAW 2010 Philippines Team
Post your comments here.
The rewarding part of being the member of the team that gives the bedkit is that you have the opportunity to make eye contact with each child.
One little girl today came dancing to me with sparkling eyes. The bedkit she received was almost bigger than she but she was soooo happy.
Each child receives a blessing and the blessing that I use is “A Gift of Love.” Yesterday some of the children came from an area that, by our standards, has very little. Many said "Salamat, Po" ("Thank you.") in their language and added “God Bless.” Here were these children who needed so much, blessing me. It was very touching and a reminder of how lucky we are.
Frank Best
for the SCAW 2010 Philippines Team
Post your comments here.
Philippines: Life on the Streets
Today’s distribution in Metropolitan Manila took us to the grounds of a convent where local children greeted us enthusiastically.
After all the photos had been taken today we went on a walking tour of the area where many of the children who received the bedkits live. This “informal housing neighbourhood” which we would consider a slum was an eye opener. Tiny concrete block homes with minimal water or hydro supply stand on a steep slope leading to a road lined with small shops.
There we saw the children happily playing games using improvised equipment. Flip flops, stones, a kiddy riding toy, a basketball all had them running and laughing.
Most touching was their approach asking to be blessed. Indeed we are the ones feeling blessed to have brought comfort and joy to so many beautiful children.
Sally Jo Martin
for the SCAW 2010 Philippines Team
Post your comments here.
After all the photos had been taken today we went on a walking tour of the area where many of the children who received the bedkits live. This “informal housing neighbourhood” which we would consider a slum was an eye opener. Tiny concrete block homes with minimal water or hydro supply stand on a steep slope leading to a road lined with small shops.
There we saw the children happily playing games using improvised equipment. Flip flops, stones, a kiddy riding toy, a basketball all had them running and laughing.
Most touching was their approach asking to be blessed. Indeed we are the ones feeling blessed to have brought comfort and joy to so many beautiful children.
Sally Jo Martin
for the SCAW 2010 Philippines Team
Post your comments here.
Uganda: Getting home …
Here in Uganda we have noticed the many modes of transportation for getting bedkits to their new homes.
The road into the distribution was long and bumpy on our bus today. We were slowed down by a herd of cattle that moved at a very slow pace despite our honking.
Many children came from far away villages and had to share transportation with other children on the way home. It is common to see one large truck with 50 to 60 bedkits and their new owners as well as the children’s families.
We have seen other modes of transport such as motorcycles and bikes carrying numerous bedkits at a time and many children walking with the pails on their heads.
Rain or shine they proudly wave as we make our way on the long and bumpy road to the next distribution.
SCAW Team Uganda 2010
Post your comments here.
The road into the distribution was long and bumpy on our bus today. We were slowed down by a herd of cattle that moved at a very slow pace despite our honking.
Many children came from far away villages and had to share transportation with other children on the way home. It is common to see one large truck with 50 to 60 bedkits and their new owners as well as the children’s families.
We have seen other modes of transport such as motorcycles and bikes carrying numerous bedkits at a time and many children walking with the pails on their heads.
Rain or shine they proudly wave as we make our way on the long and bumpy road to the next distribution.
SCAW Team Uganda 2010
Post your comments here.
Philippines: Blessed
 |
| From Philippines Slideshow 3 |
I am overwhelmed with their spirit. As a way of thanking us, the children take your hand and press it to their forehead. It symbolizes respect.
In a time when respect is often overlooked these children are very grateful for what they have received.
I am the one who feels blessed.
Marg Garrett
for the SCAW 2010 Philippines Team
Note: For more photos of this day's distribution, see yesterday's slide show.
Post your comments here.
Uganda: Hello, Muzungu!
 |
| From Day 9 |
"Hello Muzungu!"
As we travel through Uganda, the team encounters the incredible warmth of the Ugandan people. Whether it be a warm embrace from a distribution helper, a welcome song by the children, or mothers dancing in celebration of our arrival.
Our particular favourites are the constant waves to us on the bus and children yelling "Hello, muzungu, how are you?" as they run alongside. (Muzungu is the local word meaning "white face.")
In so many ways, we are welcomed into the community. The people here are joyous, kind, and so very gracious.
SCAW Team Uganda 2010
Post your comments here.
Uganda: Rain
"Rain, rain go away, come again another day."
During a distribution we never know when rain is going to happen or how long it will last. One day we were reminded just how tricky Mother Nature can be as a lengthy downpour rolled over our distribution site. As one bedkit recipient’s parent said “During the rainy season, it is very cool for the child and I can’t go to work.”
Uganda is very dependent on Mother Nature. She could make a person unable to work.
As for us, we still work -- rain or shine! We’re ecstatic to do it knowing that each child will sleep on a comfy mattress, wrapped in a warm blanket and under a mosquito net tonight … and for many nights.
SCAW Team Uganda 2010
Post your comments here.
During a distribution we never know when rain is going to happen or how long it will last. One day we were reminded just how tricky Mother Nature can be as a lengthy downpour rolled over our distribution site. As one bedkit recipient’s parent said “During the rainy season, it is very cool for the child and I can’t go to work.”
Uganda is very dependent on Mother Nature. She could make a person unable to work.
As for us, we still work -- rain or shine! We’re ecstatic to do it knowing that each child will sleep on a comfy mattress, wrapped in a warm blanket and under a mosquito net tonight … and for many nights.
SCAW Team Uganda 2010
Post your comments here.
Philippines: Snapshot of a recipient's home life
 |
| From Philippines 2010 |
Mr. M, who himself completed high school, and attended a college program for a while, had to drop out before finishing, for financial reasons. He then worked for a while as a Manila taxi driver, but gave it up due to the hazards of the job. Now back in the rural area, he is only seasonally employed.
His son, Sean Michael, is one of four children, aged six to twelve, living in the family's humble accomodations. Sean Michael also has an older brother living outside the family home. Sean Michael's younger sib has a hole in his heart, as yet untreated.
The four children and two parents share the family bed, which is a sheet of foam on the hard floor. They share one government-issued untreated mosquito net. They also have a sitting room where they enjoy watching TV. Last fall they lost the roof of their house during some high winds. Mr M had to borrow money from his sister to rebuild the roof but, unfortunately, the water still gets into the house.
Money remains tight in the household and, for instance, Mr M cannot always afford to buy his growing children shoes when they need them. Mr. M was very grateful to SCAW and the Canadian donors who help provide some necessities for his son.
Marsha Hardy
for SCAW 2010 Philippines Team
Post your comments here.
Uganda: 4,000 bedkits distributed!
 |
| From Uganda Day 7 |
We are now two thirds completed with the distribution and are thrilled to have seen the joy in the children’s faces. We are just a wee bit sad to know it is almost over.
We are definitely making the most of each and every day.
See more of today's pictures in the Photo Album
SCAW Team Uganda 2010
Post your comments here.
Uganda: Cute doesn’t even begin to describe it!
Today we travelled out of the capital (Kampala) to the eastern region of Uganda. We did a distribution in Jinja and then we were able to do a boat tour of the source of the Nile.
The team sends our best to those of you following the blog. Not much else to say today -- but check out our cute kids!!!!
We will continue our journey east for the next four nights. Stay tuned!
SCAW Team Uganda 2010
Post your comments here.
The team sends our best to those of you following the blog. Not much else to say today -- but check out our cute kids!!!!
We will continue our journey east for the next four nights. Stay tuned!
SCAW Team Uganda 2010
Post your comments here.
Uganda: Bump, Bump, Bumpy
 |
| From Uganda Photos 2010 |
Certainly a challenging part of our trip is travelling from site to site. There are few paved roads and when we do take them we are likely to get into the “jam” (traffic backups) or encounter potholes so frequently and so deep that it often feels like we are in a slalmon course.
 |
 |
As with all roads in Uganda there is always constant movement. Whether this movement be cars, lorries, people walking or riding, the people here are definitely “on the move” regardless of the absence of a smooth ride.
SCAW Team Uganda 2010
Post your comments here.
Philippines: What a difference
 |
| From Philippines 2010 |
Gloribel Dariano, a '99 recipient is a 2007 high school graduate and has completed one year in an I.T. program at university. She has been a volunteer teacher for a year and next month will start teaching 5- to 8-year-old students at a school in town.
"JOYFUL" was the feeling expressed by Ronahan Navarro, also a '99 recipient, the first night with her bedkit when she was in grade one. High marks in high school have led her to a Bible School scholarship. Her goal is to teach in missionary work.
Robinson Serrato was in grade two when he received his bedkit. His first night was "RESTFUL" and he has now graduated from college in a computer science program. He wants to be the best teacher in his prep. school teaching "basic school training."
Success comes in many ways. A fourth recipient came for a brief time but had to leave to go to his job some distance away.
These four young people walked and spoke with confidence. The donors made a difference and our team felt that our mission was worthwhile.
Frank Best
for SCAW 2010 Philippines Team
Post your comments here.
Uganda: Our Culinary Journey
 |
| From Uganda Photos 2010 |
As we travel to the distribution sites we see “maize” (corn), bananas, sweet potatoes, “irish” potatoes, “pumpkin” (squash) and so many other crops.
The team definitely has some favourites however:
 |
- Debbie has a fondness for the matoke (in the plantain family & pictured at left), specifically when it is twice cooked (first steamed, then wrapped in banana leaves and baked over a wood fire) with ground nuts (a purple peanut sauce). There are photos of the preparation of matoke in our Uganda Photo Album
- Sieg would like to highly recommend the goat.
- Diane can’t believe how sweet the pineapple tastes.
- Jenny is a big fan of the “chips” but is thinking of venturing out to the grasshopper realm … stay tuned.
- Laurie is captivated by the specially prepared chicken, which is steamed wrapped in banana leaves with tomato, curry powder, onions, and so much more. This dish is called Luwombo.
- Nancy looks forward to the wonderful rice preparations.
- The entire team can’t get enough of the avocado!
SCAW Team Uganda 2010
Post your comments here.