Here are some thoughts regarding my time spent at the school this past June… The memory of children running to greet us with large smiles and laughter as we traveled to the school is one that visits me often. As does the memory of getting to know the students. I recall their initial shyness which soon turned to laughter and shared stories, including discussions about what the students hoped to …be when they had completed their education… nurses, teachers, pilots, doctors, etc. In hearing their stories, I was taken by the resiliency that these young men and women have already shown in their lives. One would assume that there is…

Visiting John Paul School in Uganda was an experience that I may never be able to put into words.  The feeling of standing amongst all of those children who are embracing the opportunity to learn in the midst of such poverty was eye-opening.  I can now understand and appreciate the ongoing dedication of Mr. and Mrs. B to provide these students and this community with the seeds of education.  I’m looking forward to my next visit there.  

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

November 1, 2012 saw us leaving once again for our annual visit to John Paul Secondary School in Uganda. This year there were only four of us, but we were thrilled to have our nephew Michael Berrigan and his wife Blair as our traveling companions. They are strong supporters of the school and were anxious to visit it and meet the students as well as tour this beautiful country. This was a trip that had many highlights and it wasn’t long before we were deeply engrossed in one of the more solemn and moving parts of our trip. After the long drive from Entebbe, we finally arrived at the school…