Fun facts about our life here

-       The water is cold, so our showers are short

-       Sometimes the water is brown and just shuts of mid way through a “shower”

-       We don’t have internet in Bukelaba (that is why you are seeing 4 blogs posted at once)!

-       Our electricity is run by a generator at night and in the day solar panels are used to generate electricity....So cloudy days mean no electricity

-       There isn’t a fridge or freezer so our food is bought from Jinja daily

-       We can’t drink the water, or even brush our teeth with it

-       We sleep in bug nets and kill at least 10 while putting it over the bed each night

-       Kaitlyn, Layne and Dacia’s room is 10 by 10 with three beds.  Thomas has the same size room, just with a bigger bed

-       Kaitlyn and Thomas have only gotten sick once on the third night (Lucky for Layne she stayed clear of whatever we ate)

-       Breakfast consists of coffee, tea, delicious passion fruit juice, toast, the best pineapple and sometimes eggs

-       Our favorite foods have been the massive avocado, the freshest pineapple, and Betty’s flavorful beef stew.

-       We eat on an outdoor patio with an incredible view that looks over Lake Victoria

-       The sun sets around 7:30 each night, so we play lots of card games at night… and it gets very competitive, especially with the three of us!

Layne & Kait plus 58… & Thomas

In the morning of our third day, we completed a medical assessment at the babies home. Layne and Kaitlyn (Kait) helped the kids do arts and crafts and take pictures for sponsors, whole Thomas took vitals of each child.  Many orphans has distended bellies as a result of malnutrition. Common conditions included malaria, HIV, and bacterial infection.  After consulting with the compound nurse, we found our that many individuals in Uganda throughout the year are diagnosed with other conditions such as diarrhea, hypertension, cancer, tonsillitis, and anemia. Even though we are only in our third day, our vocabulary has drastically improved. The locals speak a dialect of Lugandan called Soga. We now know basic greetings and commands, don’t ask us to spell any words though, and the locals seem humored when we attempt to speak their language.

Kaitlyn has already formed a special bond with one of the resident orphans named, Hope. She hardly smiles, laughs, and doesn’t talk to anyone according to the Arise Africa staff.  She lacks emotion, but constantly longs for physical affection. Hope clung to Kaitlyn all morning as we left for lunch, and said goodbye to the children, Hope began crying and reaching out for Kaitlyn. It was an incredibly touching moment that didn’t leave a dry eye, especially for the two.

Layne encountered a different scenario and found herself correcting a physical situation with another orphan.  Agnes, sever-years old, is a youngster who chooses to act through violence to gain attention. She spent most of the morning slapping, pinching, and hitting Layne and other children.  After countless efforts to stop this behavior, Layne then restrained her with a hug, and Agnes began crying and held on tight to Layne, not letting go.  We wish we could say that all the children receive adequate love and attention; however, there are so many of them to care for, and only so many incredible aunties (“care givers”). Many of these children have seen the most traumatic and unimaginable situations in their short life, which causes a few of them, like Agnes to lash out, while others, like Hope remain distant.

Thomas was dealing with a little different situation. The orphans seemed to be infatuated with his calves. Everywhere he goes there seem to be hands on his legs accompanied by laughter. Just looks at our pictures…. You will see what we mean. As Thomas was completing the physicals for each child, he notices how well behaved the children were during their time in the clinic.

We look forward to working with the secondary school in the coming days in Bukaleba and teaching them new sports!

Thanks for reading.

Medical check-ups

They love them...

Kaitlyn's right hand girl, Hope!

Kaitlyn & Hope

Agnes breaks down with love

Note the picture.

These are the days of Elijah

Wow. Words cannot express all the things we have seen, encountered and been a part of since arriving in Uganda.  Currently, we are in Bukeleba, a small village an hour south of Jinja, the locals call it “the bush.”  We were welcomed with waves, smiling faces, and children screaming, “Jambo” (hello).  Bukeleba sits on beautiful Lake Victoria where Arise Africa International houses their guesthouse, Babies Home (orphanage), Primary and Secondary School. 

After we unloaded our large amount of luggage, minus one bag that was lost, we headed directly to the Primary School where the kids were playing.  As soon as our feet touched the red dirt, children surrounded us clinging to every limb of our bodies, some even yelled, “Mazungo” (white person).  After playing with the kids, we had our first meal consisting of chicken, rice, pineapple, vegetables and watermelon.  It was delicious.  The scenery couldn’t have been better, except for the bat that was circling our heads.  Kaitlyn was terrified. J We enjoyed a much-needed night’s rest and we were thankful that no rats were spotted. 

Thursday, our first full day, was full of emotion.  The morning was filled with songs, dancing and games at the Babies Home.  During lunch, we witnessed a grandmother who had recently lost her daughter, place a 3-month old baby into the Babies Home.  Elijah was 7lbs 6oz and looked like a malnourished newborn.  Our hearts broke as we saw the pain in the helpless grandmothers eyes as she handed the baby over to Arise Africa Staff.  Thomas assisted with the medical examination where they found that Elijah tested positive for Malaria.  Kaitlyn and Layne split their afternoon and evening caring for him and giving him his first bottle.  Elijah’s grandmother had been feeding him porridge and black tea.  As many North American’s know, this does not have the nutrients needed for a baby’s growth.  The other half of our afternoon was dedicated to distributing one new outfit to each orphan.  The smiles on their faces as they received the new outfit were simply, incredible.

By 8pm we were ready for bed, knowing that our next day was going to be equally draining both physically and emotionally.  Although we don’t have internet at Bukeleba, we are continuing to write daily updates and will post them as soon as we can.  Thanks for following our journey and we ask that you please pray for the health and growth of Elijah as well as the other children.

Meeting with the Queen

(Please read in British accent)

We have officially made it to London, but not without some moments of panic. After arriving in Chicago, we had some last minute travel goods to purchase before our flights. A little tip for those of you who aren't from a populated area; GPS navigation isn't the most reliable in the heart of a big city. Lucky for us, we had "Mr. Navigation" himself, along to guide the team to each destination. After we had all of our travel goods, we had to use the Blue Line train to take us to the airport. Sounds easy enough, except that we were lugging 7, 50-lbs bags and a few carry-ons during the busiest time of the day. After a few looks and impressive high-stepping by the passengers of our train car, we managed to get to the Chicago airport.Our next task was trying to evenly distribute the weight of our bags to get all of our luggage under the weight limit. We were successful and every sports ball, kids toy, chalk, medical supply and much more for the people of Uganda was on the plane. :)

Shortly after we boarded, we were greeted by airport staff and were reminded that we were most defiinitely flying British Air. By the end of the flight, Thomas became an "expert" at the British accent, with a twist of an Australian in there every once in a while. Kaitlyn finally saw, The Hunger Games and Layne got some sleep across two seats. All of us are feeling the jet lag and we are doing our best to stay awake while awaiting our next flight; but we are all going to need a short nap at some point. I'm sure while we wait we will take a look in every shop, eat our last large meal and meet new friends!

Sorry to all of our family and friends for not sending personal messages- using the internet costs $2 for every 5 min so we are sticking to this short blog update while in London.Our next post will be from Africa and we cannot wait! We will make updates as often as we can .

So long from London and sending love back to the US and Canada.

Kaitlyn, Layne & Thomas

And So Our Journey Begins...

We can't believe this day has finally come. It seems like yesterday that the three of us were discussing the possibility of this trip. Today is our first travel day as we head to Chicago via the Megabus. Because of bus availability, Thomas left last night and Kaitlyn and Layne left this evening...and ran into some difficulties.  Because of overwhelming support, in addition to our three large bags and three carryon's, we had two large plastic bins full of donated items.  As the bus drove up, the bus driver walked out and immediately said, "who's bins are those?" The driver noted that bus regulations only allowed one bag per person and the bins were not permitted.  Ours hearts now racing, we tried to persuade the bus driver by telling him the purpose of our trip and the importance of these items. He didn't budge. Panic set in, and we frantically began to brainstorm ways to get the bins to Chicago. Our brainstorming was minimal, we had no options. Time was short, so we began stuffing the items from the bins, into our bags. Shortly after, the bus driver told us that if everyone else's bags were loaded and there was still room for ours, he would take the bins. Kaitlyn and Layne began to pray and watched as the space began to minimize before their eyes.  Passengers on the bus were rooting for us and were willing to help in any way.  After stuffing the bags completely to their limit, we were left with three duffel bags and one plastic bin. Two minutes before departure, the driver allowed us to load our bags! What a relief!! We hustled onto the bus and everyone cheered.  Although this was a stressful start to our exciting journey ahead, we know that God will provide and take care of us! Thank you for your support and prayers. One day until we depart Chicago for London and two days until we arrive in Uganda!! Kaitlyn, Layne & Thomas

Challenge # 2: " One-week Medical Challenge"

Along with food, another one of our major fundraising goals is have enough money to provide medical supplies for the people in the surrounding villages and towns of Jinja, Uganda. The basic medical needs are currently not being met, and we want to be able to provide these basic needs for people in and around the Jinja region.  Thus, for this next week we are putting out a challenge for our friends.

This one-week challenge is called our, “Medical Challenge.” Our challenge is to have people donate $10 to The Jinja Outreach Funds for medical needs for the people of Uganda.

If all of our 122 followers on our Facebook page each donate $10 during this next week we could raise $1220, which would help hundreds of individuals in Uganda. To make a donation please send a check to, "Jinja Outreach Funds- 7111 A Street, Suite 103, Lincoln, NE 68510" and make checks payable to "Jinja Outreach Funds."

Thank you for supporting us, our mission trip and most of all the orphaned children, babies, families and people of Uganda who are in dire medical need. We cannot wait to help make a difference in Uganda, Africa in 34 days!!!

As of today, there is $30 for the Medical Challenge from the three of us :)

Have a great week!

Kaitlyn, Layne & Thomas

Our Mission in the News

We have been very blessed to have the support of the local Lincoln media this past week.  First we were interviewed by KLKN Channel 8 in Lincoln, where Sports Director, Brett Edwards put together a great story about our trip.  Later in the week, Kaitlyn was interviewed by ESPN 1480’s On the Bench personality, Dick Janda. We have posted links on this page for you to watch or listen to our interviews in case you missed them!

Thank you everyone for your support. We are very lucky to have people like you who support us and our mission.

Have a great week,

Kaitlyn, Layne & Thomas

http://www.klkntv.com/category/190066/klkn-channel-8-video?clipId=7346405&topVideoCatNo=148324&autoStart=true - KLKN Link

http://www.espn1480.com/pages/9443999.php - ESPN 1480 Link- Interview is found under Friday 6/1

How to Donate

"Some are called to give by going; others are called to go by giving."

Kaitlyn Burke, Thomas Grove & Layne Reeves

If you would like to make a donation and assist our fundraising efforts, please make checks payable to, "Jinja Outreach Funds," and send donations to 7111 A Street, Suite 103, Lincoln, NE 68510. Or stop by any US Bank and tell them you would like to make a deposit to the, “Jinja Outreach Funds” account!

Thank you all for following our journey and for your support! 

Kaitlyn, Layne & Thamas

Vaccinations Complete

                                             The three of us and Szuhuna after our shots

This past week we received our immunizations for Africa. Let us tell you, there were a lot of needles that were put in our arms that day and even some bruising the following day! Being former UNL students, we were fortunate to have the student health center readily available to us. It was there that we met Szuhuna, the Immunization & Travel Clinic nurse for the Health Center.  She met with us, spoke about the health dangers associated with Jinja, Uganda and then gave us several shots and medications. She was incredible. She not only made the process informative, but also fun and entertaining. She joked with us and made getting the grand total of 13 shots and 6 prescription  medications (between the three of us) much more enjoyable. The shots we received were: Hepatitis A, Polio, Tetanus-Diphtheria- Pertissos booster, Yellow Fever, and Influenza. The prescription medications we received were the Typhoid vaccination and Malaria medication that we will have to take daily while we are on our trip and for a month after.

We leave in 51 days and we could not be more excited. With our vaccinations complete, we are now one step closer to traveling to make a difference in Jinja, Uganda!

All the best,

Kaitlyn, Layne and Thomas

* For more pictures from our vaccination day please visit our Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/pages/Uganda-Mission-Trip-July-2012/421895087835581

Two-week Challenge # 1

One of our major fundraising goals is have enough money to bring food, medical and sporting supplies for the people in the surrounding villages and town in Jinja, Uganda. In the United States and Canada food, medical and sporting needs are at the palm of our hands. Often we overindulge on food and don’t think twice as we grab that bottle of aspirin or Tylenol. But in the area we are traveling to, in a little under 2 months, these basic needs are not being met, and we want to be able to provide these basic needs for people in and around the Jinja region.  Thus, for these next two weeks we are putting out a challenge for our friends.

This two-week challenge is called our, “food challenge,” and it is to have people donate $10 to The Jinja Outreach Funds. Rather than going out to lunch one afternoon, or purchasing the extra dessert or Starbucks coffee, save that $10 and donate it for the people in Uganda so we can purchase basic food needs for the children, families and individuals.

If all of our 103 followers on our Facebook page each donate $10 during these next two weeks we could raise $1030, which would feed hundreds of individuals in Uganda. We will keep you posted on the fundraising efforts for this challenge, so if you do participate, along with your check please write a small note indicating that the money is for our food two-week challenge. To make a donation please send it to, "Jinja Outreach Funds- 7111 A Street, Suite 103, Lincoln, NE 68510" and make checks payable to "Jinja Outreach Funds."

Thank you for supporting us, our mission trip and most of all the children, families and individuals of Uganda, we cannot wait to help make a difference.

Kaitlyn, Layne & Thomas

* As of today we have $30 for our food challenge from the three of us!

Arise Africa International

We leave for Africa in exactly 2 months, and as many of you know, we are going to Jinja, Uganda to assist with an organization called, Arise Africa International. You may be asking the question, what is Arise Africa International and what are their main priorities in Africa? Well, we have the answers.

Arise Africa International was established in 2008 by Pastor Godfrey Wanamistsa and his wife Joy. Arise Africa International is a Christian based mission organization located in Jinja, Uganda. Their work includes working with orphans, medical missions, AIDS ministry, schools, churches, and the Bukaleba Project. Currently, Arise Africa International is building several orphanage homes, elementary and secondary schools, and medical clinics, which will support the surrounding community and the orphanages. Arise Africa International just finished building its newest secondary school which is now home to over 122 students ages 14-22. Arise Africa International has also partnered up with the non-profit group iloveorphans.com. Through this partnership, Arise Africa International has created The Bukaleba Project. The Bukaleba Project has created a large baby’s home, where orphaned baby’s are loved and taken care of in the town of Bukaleba, located on the shores of lake Victoria. Furthermore, a primary school, secondary school and hospital are also being built as part of the project. We have included a site map to show you The Bukaleba project plan!

Throughout our mission we will be taking part in all of Arise Africa International’s projects.  We, Kaitlyn, Layne and Thomas, will be spending the majority of our time assisting in the schools and building of schools, aiding at orphanages, helping at the baby’s clinic, assisting at hospitals and we will even be putting on a sports camp for the kids!  We feel fortunate to be able to help in several different areas and cannot wait to make a difference medically, personally and spiritually.

To make a donation for our trip please send a donation, "Jinja Outreach Funds- 7111 A Street, Suite 103, Lincoln, NE 68510" and make checks payable to "Jinja Outreach Funds." Or stop by any US Bank and tell them you would like to make a deposit to the, "Jinja Outreach Funds" account.

For up-to-date information on the Arise Africa International organization you can follow them on Twitter @Arise_Africa and like them on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/pages/Arise-Africa-International/137324839612254).

61 days till we leave!!

 All the best,

Kaitlyn, Layne and Thomas

Join us on our journey to Jinja, Uganda in Africa

As former University of Nebraska student-athletes we, Kaitlyn Burke, Layne Reeves and Thomas Grove, are planning to take a mission trip to Jinja, Uganda impacting orphanages, hospitals and villages. We believe that not only will we be able to make a tremendous impact, but also this will be an unmatched personal growth and life altering experience for the three of us. We plan on leaving July 16th, 2012 and will stay for the duration of three and a half weeks!!

In order to make this service mission a reality we are seeking financial support. The projected per person cost is $5,000 which will include travel, lodging, food, medical supplies and contributions for the people of Uganda. Your commitment to helping fund any level of the projected expenses would allow you to also make a very noticeable impact on the youth and people of Uganda.  

If you are in a position to give, please send a donation to, “Jinja Outreach Funds- 7111 A Street, Suite 103, Lincoln, NE 68510,” and make checks payable to “Jinja Outreach Funds.” Or stop by any US Bank and tell them you would like to make a deposit to the, “Jinja Outreach Funds” account.

Thank you for visiting our site and we cannot wait to make an impact in Jinja, Uganda.

Please follow our journey as will be posting updates and pictures to this blog throughout our trip!

Kaitlyn, Layne & Thomas

Go Big Red!