Keely Marie Scott » Travel photography with a little taste of Texas

The project we visited today is one of the poorest in the Kampala area and as I was talking to the Pastor, Pastor Sam

He began describing the struggles of his community – lack of work, family life, HIV / AIDS, Malaria, education, crime etc.

They are a newer partner with us ( about 3 years) and as he patted a chair with his hand he told us about one of his first lessons to the children. . .

The lesson of a Chair.

A chair?

He said that he had to teach these children what a chair was and how it should be used. He continued saying how most of these children live in the slum area and sit on the mud floors or boxes not chairs. A chair was a luxury.

A chair!

He explained that he told this story first so we would know the condition of his community. He went on to tell how Compassion is able to come alongside these families and be not only encouragement but also a resource for change for both the children and the parents!

After playing with kids and learning more from Pastor Sam we walked to Sonia’s House.

Sonia has been a Compassion child since she was 5 and has had the same sponsor for 13 years. She lives with her Mother ( who is sick) and has 7 siblings ( 5 live at home) Her dad passed away a few years ago. Her Mom was needing a way to provide for her family so Compassion introduced her to another great organization Beads for Life

Ugandan women turn colorful recycled paper into beautiful beads, and people who care open their hearts,homes and communities to buy and sell the beads.
The beads thus become income, food, medicine, school fees and hope. It is a small miracle that enriches us all.

And Through Compassions Complementary Intervention Program they were able to give her a microloan for her buisness. She also sells pastries and vegetables from her garden.

Its not much. . . but she provides.

As the mom and Sonia proudly walked us through the steps of making these necklaces and bracelets I was so moved with seeing the beautiful picture of how the church has come alongside this family giving them the encouragement and resources to keep going. They have given them hope.

Uganda Woman talking about making beads from keely Scott on Vimeo.

And Sonia Sonia Sonia. . . I am CRAZY about this girl! Her english was amazing she is sharp and brilliant. She is looking forward to graduation and is anxiously awaiting her time to apply for our Leadership Development Program so she can go to University and study Biology. I sat and listened to her talk about her sponsor and how she would be too excited to know what to say if she was able to meet her! But OH does she want to meet her! She beamed as she proudly passed around a stack of letters and pictures she has received over the years. When asked what she loved about those letters her answer was simple and beautiful

I love to hear about her family and her children and get pictures … she is always encouraging me to follow my dreams …. and her letters introduce me to the outside world … I also know she is always praying for me.