Last Few Days in Uganda

The last three days of my trip were spent in Kampala and they were less intense than the first 6 days.  It was good because it actually gave me some time to decompress and process.  We had the chance to visit a Youth for Christ crisis pregnancy center.  Girls that are pregnant in Uganda are often forced to leave their homes and are shunned by their families, even if they are pregnant as a result of rape.  There were about 10 girls in the home when we visited.

We also visited the Rahab House which was originally established by Restore International.  The house is home mostly to  girls that have been raped or forced into prostitution.  The house is run by a Ugandan lady named Rubina.  The girls were so happy to have us come and visit.  It was amazing to see these girls that had experienced such abuse smile and sing for us.  The house is a true success story.

Another interesting thing that happened was I met with a lady named Esther that heard that I was with YL.  She wanted to talk to me about starting YL in Uganda.  I agreed to meet with her but I knew that I would not be able to give her much information because YL International is so different than YL in the states.  As it turns out, she wants to start YL for foreigners living in Kampala.  Many embassy workers, NGO employees, and missionaries live in Uganda.  They bring their children with them but sometimes the kids get the shaft  because their parents are focusing so hard on the needs of Ugandans.  I met with some of the youth in the area and also with a pastor and some of the parents.  It would be fun to help them start it.

My overall impressions of my trip and Uganda are many and I can't really haven't been able to wrap my mind around it yet.  One thing for sure is that I met some amazing people over there, both Ugandans and Americans.  Bob Goff, the founder of Restore International, might be one of the most amazing people I have ever met.  He is so loving, gracious, giving and humble.  He makes everyone around him a better human being.

Now I am home and I can't wait to go back and take friends with me.  I want others to be able to experience the unexplainable.  It was truly a life altering trip.

BP