My Aunt Betty had a best friend named Mary Frances. She was spoken of at every family gathering as if she was sitting in the room. We met many times because often she was at a concert we attended or at Betty’s house when we were there. Betty told us all about Mary Frances, and … Continue reading Mary Frances Early
Education
Freedom
I have a different view of freedom these days. Before, I rarely travelled outside the US, and when I did, it was to tourist destinations. Now, I have been to countries where freedom is spoken, but not lived out. My navy-blue passport allows me access to places where others cannot move about freely. That alone was … Continue reading Freedom
Bearing Fruit
I have been wanting to update you on my most recent trip to Uganda but I hit the ground running when I got home and have just now gotten the time I needed. The conference was focused on literacy again this time. When the ALI (Advancing Leaders International) team went in January, we decided to … Continue reading Bearing Fruit
It’s Cool in the Furnace
When I was arriving at the tiny airport in Arua, the president of Uganda was preparing to leave. Our paths overlapped for a brief moment. To give perspective on the small airport, luggage is transported from the plane a few hundred yards away, to the driveway of the airport in the trunk of a car. … Continue reading It’s Cool in the Furnace
African Ingenuity
I am amazed at African ingenuity. It is never truer than in a refugee camp. Things I throw away at home become useful items here. A Walmart bag is turned into a kite. A water bottle becomes a car, and a soda can a truck. These are only some of the things kids do with … Continue reading African Ingenuity
You Might Live in a Refugee Camp if you…
Have to walk miles to get water for your family’s daily needs. Get food from the UN to feed your family for a month. Live under a tarp while you gather materials to build a home. Wake in the night with nightmares of things you saw on your escape from war. Wonder where members of … Continue reading You Might Live in a Refugee Camp if you…
Are You On Mission?
The man at the desk asked me, “Why are you here? Are you on mission?” “Yes,” I answered, “I am.” He wrote, ‘On Mission’ at the bottom of my Ebola Screening form, and sent me on my way. It is a standard form they fill out at each airport here because there are neighboring countries … Continue reading Are You On Mission?
Preparation
The rain is coming down in sheets. A steady downpour which begs me to stay snuggled down into the covers, except my mind is awake. Wide awake. It is running two weeks ahead to my next trip to Uganda. It seems like I just got back…two times a year comes around quickly. May isn’t too far … Continue reading Preparation
Dear Teachers
Dear South Sudanese Teachers, I regret to inform you that we may have to cancel the May teacher conference. We had planned to come, as you requested, to continue the literacy training we started in January. I know it is difficult to teach your children to read when you hardly read well yourselves. Keep practicing your … Continue reading Dear Teachers
A Collaborative
Collaborative- involving two or more people working together for a special purpose. The dictionary says the word collaborative is an adjective, but the Greater Hope Project uses it as a noun. It is people, a place, and a thing. Numbers of organizations coming together for a common purpose, to help the South Sudanese refugees. It … Continue reading A Collaborative
