Destination Uganda – Day 13 Operation Uganda

Saturday 28th October

Today was another one of those days where we thought all our plans were going out the window, but ended up being really good.  We arranged to meet Russell from Operation Uganda in the church car park across the road and then were going to Jushua House and see how they do things there.  (Jordan House is an orphanage housing 36 children set up by a Russell & his family, who are from Australia, as part of the Operation Uganda – an N.G.O. they set up).  After about one hour after our meeting time we rang Russell and he said something had come up and he had tried to get someone to pick us up instead but they were uncontactable.  We resolved that it was a loss and went to the internet cafe to check our emails etc.  While there Russell rang back and said that he had gotten hold of some collegues and they could meet us in about an hour if we wanted.  Honestly, I didn’t really feel like it but decided to anyway.  So glad I did.

We finally met up with Jeremey and Ally, who were actually from Brisbane also.  It was great to hear that they decided to come and them within six weeks they were here.  I do not think it will work like that for us as we have nothing prepared, where they in turn did have something they could come and lend a hand too.  It was fantastic for us as they were younger than me and we talked about many things that they went through to get here and while they were here.  They informed us about many things that we should prepare before coming, because of the difficulties they have had trying to do it in Uganda.

We did not take our camera’s today as we were in relax mode, but here is a shot of the street out our hotel window in Kampala:

We went to Jordan House to meet the staff and children.  When we arrived the children sang for us and we looked around their facilities.  This visit was good for me.  I was thinking that the Watoto model was the best and that we should try to do things like they do.  While I still think that they almost have the ideal situation I discovered that it was not essential for children to be have a wholistic care given.  All the children here were healthy and well balanced, in spite of the terrible circumstances that we heard they have had.

I think that the biggest thing is that the children receive consistent attention and love form one or more person for a long period of time.  At Jordan House for 36 children they have a couple who live on site as a parental figure for the children, as well as two additional ladies who help with everyday requirements of the orphanage.  On top of these four people living on site, a Pastor and his wife also come everyday during daytime hours.  That is a total of 6 consistent carers for 36 children 1:6, which is actually lower that Watoto’s, 1:8.  One of the major advantages that this sort of situation has is it is cheaper and more children can be looked after.

I still am not sure exactly how God will lead Destinations, but I think that possibly something like Operation Uganda may be a good starting point, with an aim to become more like Watoto in the future, but integrating the families into society a bit more?  We will see in the coming months I suppose, I’ve learnt to not put set ideas in my head, but to leave things open and always to be flexible in my thoughts and plans.