The pictures. Look at the pictures. The kids smiling, slapping hands. Constantly saying, “How are you?” Almost like an echo. Spend five days with them. Hear them sing. See them dance. The young ones are future students. The older ones are the students, the ones who will be role models for the youngest of the young. These kids don’t have the swollen bellys you see on late-night television ads that ask for aid to a third-world African country. These kids are happy. No, they don’t have much by Western standards. Actually, they don’t have much at all. No plumbing. No electricity. John Paul School is far from the city. The roads are unpaved and dusty.…

The last place I thought  I would ever visit on vacation was Africa.  When my wife decided to go on the November 2010 Uganda safari with Paul and Nancy, I reconsidered and followed her lead.  It turned out to be a great decision. As it turned out, the whole trip was one unexpectedly fantastic experience after another.   There were fabulous accommodations in a variety of unspoiled beautiful African settings.  The wild animals were incredibly plentiful including gorillas, elephants, zebras, antelopes, water buffalo, chimpanzees, hippos, and lions that were sometimes almost close enough to touch.  And, much to Paul’s pleasure there were many many different and beautiful birds. But, by far the…

“I was fortunate to have traveled to Uganda with Paul and Nancy in November, and experienced a trip of a lifetime!  John Paul Secondary School is a very exciting work in progress and an example of what faith, commitment and dedication can yield.  The people of Uganda are so gracious and the country is beautiful beyond description!  I am honored to share in supporting such an important project.”   Danna Dokmo