Joshua Opul

Joshua was born on 10/3/03 and is the youngest of six siblings. He speaks Luo and is learning English as he attends Otino Waa Primary School.

Joshua’s dad died in 2008 after a short battle with AIDS, leaving his mom, who is physically and mentally unable to take care of the family. An older sibling became the head of the household. A grandmother came in and has been very helpful to her daughter-in-law by contributing as much as possible. The day to day challenge of finding food consumes everyone’s time, including all of the children. They were forced to work as manual labor to provide even the basic needs. Joshua worked in local gardens to help.

Education was not usually available to this family. Many grade levels were missed. Joshua had been on a waiting list to be admitted into Otino Waa since 2008.  His chance finally came in early 2010. He started school right away and is doing well. He promises to study hard and be a doctor when he grows up. He doesn’t completely understand sponsorship from a total stranger, but sees what it means for his housemates.

Is this future worth your investment of $1.15/day?

Hope & Heartbreak on the Same Day

During most school breaks at Otino Waa the children visit extended family. This is an important part of keeping strong family ties and Ugandan culture with the children. One girl named Theresa was waiting for her auntie to come for her and sister, Nancy. The auntie took Nancy and told Theresa she didn't want her anymore because she was so stubborn. Theresa is a very sweet young lady and has had a very difficult life. Our administrator had to search for another relative where she could stay. As if these kids don't have enough rejection already in their short lived lives!

There is a young man named Gabriel who was one of the original 79 orphans rescued from the grasp of the LRA rebels. He is 26 and has been manager in both of the cafes now for 3 years. He passed exams by working and reading on his own for the last two years and he is now enrolled in law school in Kampala. He states he never even thinks of himself as an orphan anymore.
 
That statement gives us hope for other orphans like Theresa. If only we can grow her up and get past this difficult time. We continue to trust in the promise that Jesus makes the
difference in tough situations.

He gives power to the weak
and strength to the powerless.
Even youths will become weak and tired,
and young men will fall in exhaustion.
But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength.
They will soar high on wings like eagles.
They will run and not grow weary.
They will walk and not faint.

 Isaiah 40:29-31

Illera Church, Clinic, Lira Market :: Amanda Mae Images Blog

Monday, Sept 10

Yesterday we was Sunday and we went to Illera Community Church which was begun by Bob and Carol along with Pastor Dickens and Pastor Douglas. There are over 600 members of this church, around half that number is associated with Otino Waa, but the other half is people from the surrounding villages. The singing was spirited and rhythmic, as to be expected. It’s amazing to see the women decked out in traditional Ugandan dresses, full of color and pattern. 

One of the things that has impacted me the most is the offering time at this church. Many people don’t have money to give as an offering, but they give anyway. Some give vegetables, others greens to eat, there was even a chicken given this Sunday. I’m always humbled by how generous these people are as well as how deeply they trust in God. They do a thing called testimony time, where people have the chance to speak in front of the church and talk about what God has done for them. Many speak of praying for healing, either for themselves or a relative. It is such a good reminder to be around people to fully rely on God – they have nothing else, but they are rich in faith.

Later Sunday we went to the dedication of the Medical Clinic. Government officials came from around the region to be at the ceremony, along with hundreds of community members. The clinic is now open and providing the community with medical and dental service. 

Today we got a tour around Otino Waa from Bob. He explained everything from how they managed to get running water and power to each house, eco-san toilets, bee keeping and even gave us a tour of the newest school building.

The best part of the day was getting to hang out with the kids during their break. Normally the break is 15 minutes, but today it was more like 30 because they were finishing up some testing.

I am amazed at how much bigger the kids have gotten in the year since I’ve seen them! The ones that were the littlest are now inches taller and the newest kids have taken their place as the “tiny ones.” Coming back to relationships is the best part of being at Otino Waa again. Getting to see familiar faces and remember some names is wonderful. They are so beautiful and full of life and energy. They really know how to play and laugh and sing. 

Later this afternoon we visited Lira market. This is always quite the cross-cultural experience. A few of my team members had a harder time with it – the smells, the dirt, the poverty. I don’t know, I guess I’ve always been fascinated by the market and love the colors, textures and the way the light streams through colored tarps above. I’ve always seen the beauty in it all. I’ve loved being at the core of the society where people meet and talk and share news. But as I sit here tonight, I realize it’s good to have other’s perspectives. They are right, in some sense it is a sad place, people struggling to survive and feed their children. It can be difficult to witness…

Tomorrow Andrew and I will go into the bush with Dickens, the pastor of Illera as well as the administrator of Otino Waa. Our goal is to talk to the children on the waiting list and hopefully tell a little of their story. But I’m a bit afraid of doing this – not afraid of where it will take us, but afraid that it may be so sad and difficult to leave the children without any guarantee that they will be helped. I hope that whoever sees the photographs – and hopefully video – will be moved to want to intervene. This really is the chance to save someone’s life. We’ll see how the week plays out…

 

Omara Brian :: Facinated That Total Strangers Would Care For Him

Brian was born on November 11, 2005.  He has no living siblings.  He speaks Luo and is learning English in school.

When Brian was four his mother died during childbirth. Tragically, the baby boy also died. This devastated Brian as he was forever by his mother’s side and observed all these events. His conversations with his mom were filled with the desire to have a brother.

Brian’s dad was dying of AIDS which left Brian as the care giver for a very weak man.  The days were filled with efforts to stay alive and make his dad comfortable. In 2009 Brian’s uncle brought the him and his father to his home where Brian's dad died in 2010.

At this point, the uncle made arrangements for Brian to be admitted to Otino Waa. He had to be put on a waiting list of over 1000 children. There seemed to be little hope until early 2011 when he was accepted along with 25 others.

Brian found a new home, family and hope. Since he had few opportunities for education, he started school at the first grade level. He does not know what he would like to be when he grows up - but then again, he's only six years old.

He sends his greetings to his sponsors and is fascinated with the concept that total strangers would care about him.

Today's Clinic Update

The new Medical and Dental Clinic at Otino Waa

This is the hallway for the consultation and treatment rooms.

Charles is our Clinical Officer - this is the equivalent to a PA in the US.

Here is the veranda which serves as the waiting room area.

It was such a joy to leave OTW today knowing we are almost finished with the clinic.

We feel we can stand back and say, "Job well done."  It has taken many hands to build this beautiful place.  Now our prayers remain that the Lord will bring healing to this part of the nation through this clinic.

You all must come see this facility soon!

Love to all,
Bob and Carol

Visions of Hope

In the realm of relief and development work, we talk a lot about Advocacy - by definition "the act of pleading for, supporting, or recommending."  Basically, a stepping up to draw attention to and speak for something in need of action or recognition. Recently, another word has been added: Creative Advocacy. I've seen this range from concerts, t-shirts or races to book projects, video projects and even costume dinner fundraisers. The possibilities for creative advocacy are endless - your imagination is the limit. But at PATH, we've been blessed to have a truly unique opportunity to advocate for orphans and widows in Uganda: Artwork. But this art is not made by just anyone or a regular artists, it's created by inmates in Eastern Oregon. These men who once committed acts of violence, injustice and dishonesty are now helping save innocent lives. Not only has their work helped provide food, shelter, education and family to some of the most vulnerable people in Uganda, it's also changing their lives. 

"How could an inmate in Eastern Oregon be of any help or value to a child 9000 miles away?  What if a prisoner in in the US reached out to the lowest of Ugandan society and actually made a difference?  

What if little or no art training produced a very unique creation?  What if this truly represents a healing process in the artist, which then becomes an important element of hope in the life of a child in Uganda?"
 

In 2008, after viewing original samples and pictures of various inmate art at the SRCI Facility in eastern Oregon, it was determined that a fund raising project could be organized using original pieces.   So far over 200 pieces have been produced to continue this amazing project.  As you read this the inmates produce from their hearts and hands to touch the lives of those less fortunate.

Here are just a few more examples of the artwork that is changing the lives of inmates and orphans alike. If you'd like to learn more or purchase artwork, visit our online store here.

And if you'd like to view this artwork in person here are upcoming show dates:

July 1- 31st - The Common Table, Bend OR

August 3rd - First Friday Artwalk, Oxford Hotel, Bend OR

October 5th - First Friday Artwalk, Oxford Hotel, Bend OR

Finishing Touches

We're on to some finishing touches! The doors and windows are being edged with plaster, the counters are being prepared and poured and the veranda bench has been poured and is now finished.

Many workers have moved this project along very well. Each day I am eager to see what is new - we'll keep you posted!

~Bob

Medical Clinic Progress



 

Dear Friends,

 

The following pictures show the windows, doors and trusses in place, and the exterior window surroundings applied. The truss work was halted because Robert got malaria and needs a day or two to recover. (I usually need a week to recover when I get it.)

 

There are 2 pictures of the pit latrine slab and the brick lining of the pit hole. The lining makes the pit into a tank and a truck can pump it when necessary. Progress is good. 

 

Carol and I just looked at floor and counter top tile samples and found some we both liked.

The plumber started today with some wall chiseling so pipes can be imbedded in the wall before plastering. I have just been drawing plans for the broom closet, reception counter and drawer bank, and pharmacy medicine cabinet.

 

Building progress is very good and I believe we will be ready for opening the clinic on schedule.

 

~Bob

 

Cows!!!

 

Dear Friends,

 

Dickens had the church cell leaders and interns meet at the church for a brief meeting, but they were unaware of the reason.  He then explained that in 2010 the Cottonwood Church had donated money and 9 cows were purchased.  Those went to cell leaders with the stipulation that the first calf would be given to another person chosen by Dickens.  There are 5 calves now available and will be given out next week.  Those to receive were notified and their joy was obvious by the yips and jumping.

 

It then was revealed that a Cottonwood donation had made it possible to purchase 14 more cows.  The names of those to receive were read and a number was assigned.  More joy.  More cell leaders were chosen.  This is a small reward for their labor and service as faithful church leaders.  Those that did not receive were urged to be patient and rejoice with the ones that had received.

 

We all went to Otino Waa where the cows were grazing and Dickens wrote with a marker the number on each cow.  The members receiving then found their cow and led it off.  I think you can follow the pictures.  Rebecca, our head mother, received her first and only cow.  She was one happy mom.