Written by Apollo Karugaba
It was a crisp afternoon at Entebbe international Airport where it all started. We were about to embark on an adventure filled with compassion, self-discovery, and unforgettable experiences yet again. The long-awaited arrival of the team was led by the return of our board president Ken Kobs, also known as “Kennal Kobs”. The rest of the team came in two-fold as some arrived later that evening and the others the following morning.
From this point the adventure began; Our first stop was Gulu - a city that has overcome the shadow of a dark past. Here, we spent precious time with our dear partners, the visit to St. Monica being a key highlight. Like their institutional name “Sisters of the Sacred heart of Jesus”, you’ll not find a place so sacred. Our visit at St Monica (as always) was punctuated with so much Joy and warm fellowship. The fashion show was a master stroke of our visit with the men showing off more than what their mama gave them. We missed seeing the evergreen Sister Rosemary Nyirumbe but she was ably represented by Sister Hot Sauce (Paulin).
From Gulu, our next stop was Moyo and more specifically Lonyi village. This campus will be Pipeline Worldwide’s home for many years to come. Upon arrival, we were overtaken by emotions seeing the dream unfolding before us. There we were, traversing the property from one corner to the other beaming with childlike exhilaration while throwing ideas around. Little wonder, it was also our last stop as we wound up our stay in West Nile. It was only noble for us to share the Lonyi Journey with our friends, partners, and the neighbouring community in a colourful ground-breaking ceremony.
I’m thrilled at the mere thought of how key this campus will be in elevating the lives of the people of Moyo who have endured unimaginable hardships. We took it all in as we drove back quietly to Gulu after five amazing days in Moyo.
The next day, a short drive from Gulu brought us to the breathtaking Murchison Falls National Park. Surrounded by pristine landscapes, we revelled in the beauty of nature, witnessing the remarkable harmony between humanity and mother nature. There’s no better way to crown up such an inspirational trip.
This trip wouldn’t be the same without each individual’s uniqueness. Notably: Jamie’s leadership, Kelly’s wise words, Ken’s gentle touch, Jeff’s charm around children, Rebeca’s voice of rationality, Todd’s passion, Bruce’s “strategic” guidance, George’s driving, Dona and Julie’s skill and of course myself. We bonded over shared stories and aspirations, building a strong camaraderie. Our hearts were brimming with hope and excitement every night as we shared our moments of the day.
Our trip has come to an end, and we cannot help but reflect on the profound moments we have shared. We have witnessed the strength of vision, the transformative power of unity, and the resilience of those facing adversity. Our hearts are overflowing with gratitude for the experiences and the connections we have forged with and in Uganda and Moyo district to be specific.
It was a trip that transcends borders, cultures, and backgrounds, reminding us of the universal language of compassion. We return to our homes with a renewed sense of purpose, ready to continue making a positive impact in our own homes, communities and beyond.
God bless us all.
