Our team had the opportunity to serve at both God Cares Primary and Secondary Schools. Below are some reflections from Andrea:
When we first arrived at God Cares Primary School, we were welcomed with open arms by Worship, the school’s administrator, and her husband Peter, the Project Manager. They gave us a tour of the school and helped answer questions about the students we were about to meet. Worship and Peter informed us that the student body is made up of orphans, refugees, children from the villages and children whose families can’t afford to send them to school. The majority of the 700 kids at God Cares Primary School are sponsored and rely on donations to cover their school fees and expenses.
After the tour we got to join the students on the playground. Their squeals of joy and radiant smiles let us know that they were just as happy to meet us as we were to meet them!
The following day we visited God Cares Secondary School. Worship and Peter met us there and gave us a tour of the growing campus. One thing that stood out to me about both campuses were the stunning views. They are both set in hills that overlook lush, green countryside. When you look around you can’t help but feel peace. It definitely sets the tone for students to let their imaginations soar, aim high and dream big dreams.
We got to hear about some of those big dreams during the Reality Check presentation at God Cares Secondary School. When asked about their goals, the students replied with wanting to be doctors, lawyers, dancers, worship leaders, pilots, and teachers. After getting to sit and visit with some of them, I have no doubt in my mind that these dreams are possible! I meet 3 beautiful young ladies, Joyeira, Rachael and Joelle, who were deeply impacted by the Reality Check presentation. They said they appreciated how our team was very direct and straightforward and that they learned a lot of information that would change their lives. The girls asked some serious questions about God’s design for sex and relationships and we got to share our personal stories and pray with them. We hugged and they thanked us for being so honest with them. One of the girls told me that my story inspired her to stay focused on her goals and dreams, stay on track and not get distracted. My heart was overwhelmed with gratitude that God used me to help encourage her.
I came to Uganda praying that God would use me to show His love and grace and message of hope and redemption, but God ended up using the children and young people of Uganda to inspire and encourage me. My favorite part of visiting God Cares schools was going to Chapel with them. Watching the young people lead, teach and pray with passion, dance and sing and praise the Lord with all their hearts, brought 1 Thessalonians 5:16–18 to life for me- “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” I will never forget their smiles, I will never forget their hugs. I am forever changed.
Reflections from Days Six & Seven was originally published in Clarity Minute on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.
Our team had the opportunity to serve at both God Cares Primary and Secondary Schools. Below are some reflections from Andrea:
When we first arrived at God Cares Primary School, we were welcomed with open arms by Worship, the school’s administrator, and her husband Peter, the Project Manager. They gave us a tour of the school and helped answer questions about the students we were about to meet. Worship and Peter informed us that the student body is made up of orphans, refugees, children from the villages and children whose families can’t afford to send them to school. The majority of the 700 kids at God Cares Primary School are sponsored and rely on donations to cover their school fees and expenses.
After the tour we got to join the students on the playground. Their squeals of joy and radiant smiles let us know that they were just as happy to meet us as we were to meet them!
The following day we visited God Cares Secondary School. Worship and Peter met us there and gave us a tour of the growing campus. One thing that stood out to me about both campuses were the stunning views. They are both set in hills that overlook lush, green countryside. When you look around you can’t help but feel peace. It definitely sets the tone for students to let their imaginations soar, aim high and dream big dreams.
We got to hear about some of those big dreams during the Reality Check presentation at God Cares Secondary School. When asked about their goals, the students replied with wanting to be doctors, lawyers, dancers, worship leaders, pilots, and teachers. After getting to sit and visit with some of them, I have no doubt in my mind that these dreams are possible! I meet 3 beautiful young ladies, Joyeira, Rachael and Joelle, who were deeply impacted by the Reality Check presentation. They said they appreciated how our team was very direct and straightforward and that they learned a lot of information that would change their lives. The girls asked some serious questions about God’s design for sex and relationships and we got to share our personal stories and pray with them. We hugged and they thanked us for being so honest with them. One of the girls told me that my story inspired her to stay focused on her goals and dreams, stay on track and not get distracted. My heart was overwhelmed with gratitude that God used me to help encourage her.
I came to Uganda praying that God would use me to show His love and grace and message of hope and redemption, but God ended up using the children and young people of Uganda to inspire and encourage me. My favorite part of visiting God Cares schools was going to Chapel with them. Watching the young people lead, teach and pray with passion, dance and sing and praise the Lord with all their hearts, brought 1 Thessalonians 5:16–18 to life for me- “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” I will never forget their smiles, I will never forget their hugs. I am forever changed.
