“My Visit To Uganda”

Written by Deanna Swope, Project Orphans USA Board Member

Below is an update from a Project Orphans Board member as she recaps her visit to Uganda and all that is happening at the Pearl Village Campus and Suubi Home!

This trip was a little different from when I went to Uganda, with Project Orphans, in May 2018. We did not have a big team with us. This trip allowed me to see and experience several “behind the scene” operations and see how the organization takes care of procedures, functions, and departments within Project Orphans.

Our week’s agenda was filled from morning to late evening! The entire staff did not skip a beat. We stuck to the itinerary, schedule, and timing on all things, which was a big achievement considering the amount of work we had to do!

In 2018, when I visited Pearl Village the only fully built structure was the Project Orphan’s Medical Centre (POMC). The foundation for Oasis Church had been poured and Pearl’s Transitional Houses and the Life-skills Center were still under construction.

Just one year later, when I visited Pearl Village it was such a surreal experience! Oasis Church is fully operating and alive. Brittany Stokes, Co-Founder of Project Orphans, preached the Sunday we were there and brought a beautiful and inspiring message on hope, the importance of community, and helping each other grown in each other’s relationship with our Heavenly Father!

In addition to the Project Orphan’s Medical Clinic, Pearl’s Home, and Life-skills Center fulling operating - both Miracle Birthing Centre and Blessing’s Cove, a daycare for children with special needs, were completely built and furnished. It looked amazing! In addition, there have been several restrooms and irrigation systems added to the campus.

The whole village is alive, busy, and beautiful. You can feel God’s presence and see all around the fruit of love, prayer, and labor of all who have given into Project Orphans and the Pearl Village!

One of the things I really enjoyed seeing and participating in was meeting with each department at Pearl Village. These meetings were so effective and insightful! Each department had the opportunity to discuss their struggles, needs, and discussed ways to improve.

During our visit, we also had an all-staff training and information meeting. This was presented by the Co-Founders and Ugandan Executive Directors of Project Orphans. It included an informative presentation sharing the importance and value of working together as a team. Each department was asked to discuss and present three things that others might not know about their department and what they do. Not only did the entire staff all learn about what everyone’s role and duties were, but the part I loved seeing was how much pride everyone took in their job! This brings tears to my eyes as I recap this moment because you could see how grateful and happy each person was. Each staff member was honored to do what they do for Project Orphan’s and I loved seeing how passionate they were when it came to their role within the organization.

Each department was also given a hypothetical situation/scenario and was asked to perform a skit on how they would handle the situation. This was a very fun and lively group activity. Everyone had so much fun working on this and they all did a phenomenal job of delivering their course of action and process to handle difficult situations that may arise!

During this team-building day, I appreciated seeing how each person, department, and the Project Orphans family as a whole was treated, communicated too, and loved. Of course, there were issues, challenges, and inefficiencies that were brought to light but every one addressed the issue and tackled it with new policies and accountable action plans.

At the end of our day, I was asked how I thought the day went and I really could not have been more encouraged… I shared how I had no doubt that each person from each department was heard, valued, and respected. Most importantly, everyone had the tools and support they needed to do so they could accomplish their goals with integrity. I felt like the Project Orphan’s team all had a fresh appreciation and respect for each other and felt the weight of their responsibility to fulfill their job well! I loved seeing the team that is there in Pearl Village. They are amazing hard-working people. They love and serve each other well.

During our trip, we also dedicated opened Blessing’s Cove. So much teamwork went into getting the facility ready and setup. Joanne, the Director of Blessing’s Cove, held a parent meeting and orientation for all the children that will be attending Blessing’s Cove! This was such a beautiful and exciting thing to witness. Blessings Cove is so needed and the testimonies that will come from it will without-a-doubt be life-changing and healing for these precious babes and those we still have yet to discover.

There is nothing like this in the area to help these children and these children need help!

I wish everyone could know just how amazing this opportunity is for these kids. Every day these kids will receive love, physical care, and spiritual nourishment – Blessing’s Cove is truly God sent. I know that God will be glorified in this department daily. This is not an easy job for the team and caregivers at Blessing’s Cove. They need our prayers and encouragement to care for these children. My heart is so grateful for the Blessing’s Cove staff: Joanne, Sylvia, and Allen.

What is very touching is not only will the children at Project Orphan’s (Blessing’s Cove, Education for A Nation sponsor kids, and Oasis Children’s church) be loved but they take the hand of the family/community and encourage them as well! This is one of the many things I love about Project Orphans. They walk alongside caregivers, family members, guardians, and parents offering them guidance and support with such great love. This is life-changing for them. The impact is seen and it’s beautiful!

I could go on and on, but overall, I wanted to share my appreciation for Brittany, Christina, the Project Orphan’s Ugandan staff, and all of you that make the Project Orphans family what it is! The funds, the sacrifice, the prayers and all the effort that goes into this organization daily are being blessed! God is doing so many amazing things and touching so many lives and I’m just overwhelmed by His goodness and faithfulness.

I love & appreciate you all, and I am grateful to be a part of this family.