But….we are the richest country in the world. Our world is larger than Alamo Heights, Castle Hills or the Spurs. There are people all over the world who do not have running water, electricity, public schools, televisions or libraries to visit. Their daily bread is always a questionable matter on any given day. There is no government to provide for the services we take for granted.

We Americans have so many ways we can succeed. Meritocracy is alive and well. Working hard in public schools is available to all who enter the door. Free lunches are part of our largess. All across Uganda we met smiling faces. These people are hopeful, appreciative and yes, demanding. "If you have it, you must share it."

In our conversations, we met people who blamed us for a decrease in aid to their country because we are fighting an unnecessary war. Our answer was predictable. We didn’t want a war, but as Americans, we don’t follow like sheep. Our elected leadership made this decision because we do have a deep concern for the rest of the world. We didn’t intend to get into a discussion about our patriotism, but it was unavoidable.

I have sponsored three children from Uganda for six years. I get their report cards and exchange letters. I had a heart for girls because I saw a lack of opportunity for them. And so I sponsored Eva and Fausta, sisters. Fausta chose to leave, and she fell into sin. She came back when she heard I was in Kampala and wanted a loan. I refused. I insisted that she return to school, and John and I left the money for her if she chooses to return.Her sister, Eva, is doing well and has continued to study. She was responsible for Fausta’s return for one day only. We don’t know how this will resolve itself.

John Bunjo is the boy I sponsored. John will enter Makerere University this month to study social services. He was a joy to us all, and showed Nicholle Herbert and Hannah Vellum all the animals, plants and inner workings of the orphanage. He helped Renee Sethness conquer the mystery of Ugandan money. He drew for Brenda Kingery the Ugandan method for firing bricks and making pottery. His mastery of math and engineering were drawn for Brenda to keep.

We are entranced with the Harry Potter books and movie, the classic story of an orphan who can reinvent himself. These Ugandan orphans do have choices, and I hope we will continue to help to make that possible. There is strong competition for missionary money, and this is reality. John and I tried to find our Anglican roots, and this will be fodder for further writings.

During our days in Kampala we were glad to see the familiar faces of the Fillyaws. Leon took a special liking to John Bunjo and suggested that he read Timothy II Chapter 2. John repeated the words without hesitation." Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also. Thou therefore endure hardness as a good soldier of Jesus Christ." Being a Christian is a reality for John and being a soldier is also a reality. Ugandan children are stolen from their homes, and they don’t take their safety for granted.

Thank you for the opportunity to continue a ministry in Uganda.

Frances Harrison