1954--I was an 8-year-old little girl in second grade, who also just happened to be an only child that desperately wanted a brother or sister.
I attended a Catholic school and one day the nun told us a story about "pagan babies." These were actual children in Africa who didn't have parents and needed our help. She gave us each a little cardboard box and told us to save our pennies, nickles, dimes and quarters in it. When we saved $5 we would get a baby. I was soo excited!! I would finally be able to get a brother or sister. So I saved and saved until I filled my little box with coins and got the $5. I couldn't wait to take it to school and get my "brother or sister." When I gave it to the nun, she thanked me and handed me a certificate! WHAT? A certificate?? NO! I WANT a brother or sister!!
The nun then explained to me that I only got "to name the baby." I didn't get "a real baby!" I was devastated! I cried for days because I was so disappointed. My parents vowed we would NEVER talk about it again.
Fast forward to 2005--I'm now 59 years old. I'm attending Sunday Mass with my husband and parents. It just happened to be Mission Sunday, and the missionary priest who was speaking to us was from Uganda. The first words out of his mouth were, "How many of you know about pagan babies?" Well, my hand shot straight up! I certainly knew ALL about pagan babies. His next words were, "Mama, I'm home!" I felt an instant connection, turned to my dad and said, "He's my brother." His name was Msgr. John Kauta. He was a very dynamic and personable speaker and he immediately captured my heart. I was moved as he shared stories about the many needs of the poor in his home country and how little it would take to make a real difference in their lives, especially the children who go without an education. I knew I needed to help. I had to get involved. That was the start of a wonderful journey for me and my husband.
In 2007 we founded John Paul Secondary School (JPSS), dedicated to my dad, John and my husband's dad, Paul in Chelekura,Uganda. We had 14 eager students. We knew in order for the school to prosper in this remote village we needed many students, so our first expansion was a girl's dormitory.
It's now 2016 and the school has an enrollment of 200+ students. The campus has grown to include a Science Center that houses labs for Chemistry, Biology, Physics, a library and a Computer Lab. Finally, we located water and now have our own well on campus. Earlier this year we brought "light" to JPSS when we installed a complete solar electric system. That paved the way for the recent purchase of 25 computers for the Computer Lab. Our last big project for this year is the construction of a teacher housing complex.
There is nothing more meaningful than having the school dedicated to our dads and knowing that we are providing these children with a quality education they couldn't get otherwise. I feel a very real connection with them and "my brother" Msgr. Kauta. They've become a part of my life...my Ugandan family!
With the increasing enrollment, we must provide a new dormitory. That is our goal for 2017.
Will you please help?
Thank You!
Review from #MyGivingStory