The joy a bottle of soft drink brings

Pat and some of the kids at M-Lisada Orphanage

Day three - 30 July 2009

Today was one of the most amazing days. It all started with this rumbling noise early in the morning. No, it wasn't the Gorillas running over the roof, or a roaring African lion, it was the chain saw, the Hodby chain snore that awoke Sowerby first, but soon the whole crew. Many jokes were made, but round one went to me as it was all part of a cunning plan to get a room to myself.

The day soon had an extraordinarily sobering feel to it as we visited the M-LISADA orphanage in the heart of Kampala Uganda. Vaguely hidden amongst the chaos of a slowly developing country, we found ourselves dropped off by our ever dependable tour leader Remy in the slums of Uganda central.

It was here that we found some of the most remarkable and selfless people one could ever imagine to meet. Annette the matron, eagerly assisted by Bossco, Howard and Victor, immediately welcomed us into the makeshift orphanage nestled amongst some of the most appalling living conditions one could imagine. Somehow, however, they have managed to create hope and a warm and loving family environment against all odds for some 70 children ranging in ages from one to 18.

Our first task was to paint two rooms in the maze of concrete huts that were occupied by these special kids. The second of these rooms was like a short dark corridor and slept 15 young boys (each having to sleep with their tiny legs half way up the wall to fit) and stirred the emotions of even our most seasoned travellers.

After completing our painting, with assistance of numerous eager helpers, it was time for a bite to eat. The co-ordinators generously provided us with some ham rolls for lunch but the real reward came for us when we could witness the priceless smiles on the faces of the kids when we were able to provide them with a real treat, a bottle of soft drink and an unexpected second meal of the day.

There is so much more I could tell you about our day, but there is just not enough time to give the stories justice. The day finished with the children performing a concert for us using music, dance and even acrobatics from kids as young as six. Music is clearly one of the ways they can communicate and bind this special family together.

Before we departed amongst emotional goodbyes and hugs I was able to present a couple of Rooster Guernseys and a football to share to a couple of budding would be AFL stars. If only the world was a fairer place.

Pat Hodby