Also, there is a big problem with children passing exams in primary school(K-6) in order to go on to secondary school (7-12). The problem is that the children who go to primary school don't receive any support from their parents because their parents believe that since the government is providing free schooling they should also provide everything else like school meals and supplies. However, the government doesn't fund lunches or supplies so when it comes to math class many students don't have their geometry sets, which consist of a ruler, pencil, compass, protractor, eraser etc. which are not very expensive but they don't have them because of their parents' ignorance. They need their sets during their exam but since only a couple have them they have to share which takes too much time to score well. So, we bought 138 geometry sets and had them sent to a couple different schools. Hopefully those students will do better on their tests next time around.
So, I got the opportunity to visit northern Uganda for a couple of days and interview LRA abductees. It was a very humbling experience. We met Samson while we conducted the interviews because he worked at the hotel that we were doing them at. The LRA tried to abduct him but he put up a fight and got away. However, he lot his left eye and three front teeth in the scuffle. He told us that he was sick of people making fun of him because he had no front teeth. He was a hard worker and real sincere so we decided to get him some teeth. You should have seen him beam when we told him what we were going to do! He was so, so grateful.
In Kampala, there was a cool guy that we met from the ward in Kololo. His name is Bryan and he was preparing for his mission. He recently lost both of his parents in the 2010 terrorist attacks and was living with his handicap grandma and little sister. He delivered pineapples and mangoes to us that he grew on his farm in order to make some extra money. He was in need of a couple suitcases and clothes for his mission so we helped by buying him some suitcases. He got his call mid July and is going to the Durban, South Africa mission. He is currently there and serving the Lord faithfully despite the hardships and trials he had to endure. We are very proud of him!
These few stories were just the tip of the development ice burg. There is so much need and so little we can do about it. It is something that has been troubling Jordyn and I because the more we studied development the more we realized just how complicated of a problem it was. Many times we felt that our efforts were deeply insignificant compared to how much need there is and we got discouraged because of it. However, after being home, and reflecting on the happenings in Uganda we have realized that the only way to develop countries suffering from poverty, famine, disease, and conflict is by spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ. The blessings that a person receives from living the gospel will outweigh any amount of aid. It is comforting to know that there is a Father in Heaven who is concerned about his children's needs and wants and is waiting to bless them according to their faith and works. We are so grateful for the knowledge of the gospel and have seen so many prayers answered in miraculous ways. It is nice to know that the church is the same no matter what continent you are in. We love you all very much and are very grateful for all of your support and help in our adventures!
