On our way to Rwanda, we decided to stop in Mbarara (a town in west Ugdanda) to break up the 15 hour drive to Butare, Rwanda. We arrived last night and today we went to a Hutu refugee camp. Our visits to these sites are always insiteful and interesting, but I am still having a problem internally dealing with stopping to talk with people for only an hour and then leaving and never seeing them again. As with every visit, we were ask how we are going to give back aftertaking all of this information and how they always have groups of foreigners come to talk and research, and the community never receives any thing back...
Off of this topic, since it has been something I have been really having an issue with, I have decided that I am going to stay in northern Uganda after the program with another girl and we are now planning to try to start a soccer team focusing on young women affected by the conflict in northern Uganda. The whole idea is to empower women using sports therapy as a way to help give these young woman confidence and a way to express themselves physically and emotionally in a positive way. This plan will only go as far as the funding will allow, so we are trying to get organizations to help fund so we can turn this into a long term sustainable program.
Well, that is about it...we leave for the last 10 hour lag of our trip to Butare tomorrow.
Peace and Love,
Michelle
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I am so proud of you and what better way to give back than with a sport that you have always loved! I am so proud of you.
ReplyDeleteLOVE YOU!!!
MOM
Hi Michelle, You are a very special young lady & you WILL make a difference in these women's lives. I hope the soccer program will be funded by many organizations so it will become long term. I am the proudest Grama!! Love you, love you..
ReplyDeleteMicahelle... Hahah wow that was a complete accident. Michelle, this is Micah! I love you and I'm glad so glad that I finally came onto your blog to read all your entries. Tyler and Patty are right here, so I held myself back from crying...I love what you're doing... you inspire me...ride the piece train girl, everyone jump up on the peace train. I'm so excited for you and your decision to stay longer.
ReplyDeleteYou seem... though it's hard to tell through writing, the intonation of your voice... which I miss... you seem to be dealing well throughout the face of the many adversities that have met you there in Africa. I'm VERY VERY VERY proud of you.
I love you and I hope you keep on learning in the face of Murphy's law. I can't imagine that you haven't made an impact on the people you've met. Just that you're there and actually care about problems that comparatively few could care less about has to mean something. Though it sounds cliche "I'm sure" you have [made an impact]. More power to you with that soccer team. I think your great... and I want you to have my baby even more now.
Once again. I LOVE YOU!
P.S. When you do get back hopefully I'll be an expert in massage therapy and give you the massage of your life.
Love, love, love,
Micah
OK this is the best thing ever!!! its so you! all I can say is "you would"! I love it. I wish I could join you because that is sooo cool I cant even tell you!
ReplyDeleteyour trip so far is sounding amazing, and I cant wait to see pictures. my mom is trying to figure out how to "follow" your blog, so since Im home for a week for spring break right now Im going to help her!!
have fun, be safe, and learn lots!
love you.
miss you more.
Mal