The Hope Of Uganda

from left: pink sirt-Juliet RN, Robina RN, Jennifer RN, Suzy RN, Hedwig-teacher and Halimah (black scarf) teacher

I was so excited when I found out that these ladies were travelling from near and far to spend my last nite in Uganda with me. We sat around the hotel pool, sipping out soft drinks, telling stories and wiping away an occasional tear. They reminiced about their schooling, occasionally breaking out in song and dance and we then realized that all but Halimah had learned and performed the beautiful Liturgical Dance "Praise You Father" , so it was decided to go to the room and re-enact the dance as well as teach Halimah (who just happens to be the best dancer in the group) hence the video-slide show at the bottom , with the music of Praise You Father.

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Halimah is a drop dead gorgeous woman, who lives her Faith as a Muslim proudly and with integrity. She teaches History and Religious Studies in Kampala

When I went to St. Francis-Mutolere, Uganda in Feb 2007, I really had no idea what awaited me. Befriending these (and several more) young professional women was not in the job description, but then neither was my work in Pediatrics and certainly being Mama to Baby Michael or helping babies at risk. It is true that God often has more wonderful plans for us than we could ever imagine.

I love these women because they are the "Hope of Uganda". They are bright, beautiful, deeply spiritual, caring women , who are really making a difference in Uganda, as they teach and care for all Ugandans and empower other women in their villages and communities. I am honored to call them my friends

-------From left (Marie-Robina -Halimah,Jennifer-Juliet + Suzy)

I know I am looking especially "pale" amongst my beautifully brown skinned 20 somthing ladies .but the flash seem to favor them while it make me glow as if I were radioactive(ha)




Hedwig (teacher of English Liturature) and Robina (works two-2 jobs in Kampala as an RN)

These two great friends of each other, as well as to me are wearing my african-looking PJ's, as many friends have borrowed over the last three years (thanks Mary Johns-love these PJ's and refusedto "give" them away--ever!)

As we were "dancing" I turned and noticed that Jennifer, who was very pregnant (in the pink shirt) had actually followed us down to the floor for a liturgical movement. Well, it was not photographed but I so wish it was,as when I saw her I broke into gales of laughter, as did she (well, we all did!). This is what you are viewing on the above pic. I was later told that Jennifer delivered her first child on Easter Day and she, baby girl Casey and Dad-Dr. Dennis are all doing well.I am so happy for this lovely young women who I have grown to love dearly over the three years I spent at St. Francis Hospital-Mutolere, while she studied to become an RN.

The girls singing me a "Goodbye" song, they had all learned in grade school. What fun!


We are ALL women on a journey--be we American, African, 20 something
or ? something (ha)