Rachel & Chrystina's Island Adventure

I must caption this photo. The first time we prepared to board the small boat,
the coxswain swept Rachel up so she didn't have to get her feet wet.
She quickly looked at me, perhaps wondering if she was going to be dunked.
Wish I'da had my camera out the first time. So cute. The guy was very happy
to put the girls in the boat but for me they just waited. They're strong,
but not that strong.

Read more »

Jajja Means Grand

You’ve followed the stories of these beautiful old ladies for more than three years now. Vickie’s three grandmothers, two of whom are in their 90s, are old beyond compare. The eldest formerly needed care from the younger and now the younger are unable to care for themselves and the elder is forced to move around the compound with a stick in care of the others. Just watching them is extremely painful.

The formerly well manicured pineapple crops – with the best, sweetest pineapple in the world – is overgrown. No fuzzy plant leaves decorate the latrine container awaiting tender use. No water fills the barrel. Two lovely island ladies came to wash for them and perhaps others appear from time to time to care for these ladies, one formerly being a midwife, who probably delivered them as they were born.

There are no old age homes in which to stuff them. Instead they live peacefully and quietly…and somehow painfully…on their little island content with the knowledge they will soon die there. Each time we visit, I pray we are blessed with one more.

Read more »

Pool Hall Ministry

The hot sun pressured the men from their pool hall games so that Rachel, Chrystina, Vickie and I could minister to the ladies on Bubembe Island. These men were quite unhappy that mere women would make such a demand, but they finally acquiesced to the ever forceful Vickie.

Fresh talapia from Lake Victoria

Read more »

Bubembe Island Primary School

VKids Trust Uganda is a children’s education charity established by Vickie several years ago. Our work together has in part brought about changed mindset of the parents on this island who once believed that the children need only learn about fishing. Following their demand, the government built the only school on the island which is filled with students today. Our usual visit to the only school on the island was, as always, filled with joy. The families know Vickie and I very well and the teachers, though always changing, appreciate all that we do to support and encourage them with materials, teachings, and supplies.

Read more »