There are only two seasons in Uganda: rainy and dry. Twice a year for two or three months it rains every day—not all day every day, but it does rain part of the day. Sometimes the rain is very heavy with loud thunder and lightening while other times it is just a light summer rain, but nevertheless it rains every day. At the moment we are in the middle of the first rainy season. It starts in early April and lasts through mid June. The temperature stays in the mid 80’s, so it is hot whether it rains or shines. That is the beauty of living on the equator. Can you find the equator on the map?
I spend most of my days visiting widows and helping them with their various needs. Some are sick and need medical help or someone to just sit with them to encourage them. Some of them are in need of food for themselves and their children. Right now food prices in the world are going up dramatically. People here eat rice, beans, spinach, potatoes, and matooke (a type of banana that can be cooked and mashed like potatoes). Each of these foods have doubled in price in the last month, really putting pressure on families who are earning less than a dollar a day. I am trying to help provide food for these families so they can eat a good meal every day. In fact, some people in Eastern Uganda have been dying of starvation. This issue of food prices is truly having devastating effects for the poorest people here.
All the widows need help paying school fees for their children. School in Uganda is not free. Even the public schools require the parents to pay for their children’s education. The cheapest school is $90 a year, which is an impossible amount to pay for those who earn so little. Therefore, I am helping to find sponsors for these children so they can go back to school. When we get sponsors to pay the school fees of a child, they get so excited many of the children start singing and dancing! Some have had to sit at home for years, so they are thrilled to have the opportunity to learn. It is their only chance to have a better future.
The widow’s bead business is slowly earning them more money to help pay for food, medical care and school fees. In fact some churches and businesses in Minneapolis have now ordered beaded jewelry from them. It has become a way for many of them to earn money on a consistent basis. At our last widow’s meeting, we sang and danced for an hour. It was a time filled with joy and laughter!
Over the last few months, Kampala has really become my home and I am so happy here. The weather is beautiful, the people are lovely and life is always exciting! I have made so many widow friends. I just love spending time with those women!
I hope you are all getting excited for summer vacation!
Ms. Miller
