■
My Story
My first trip to Uganda and Kenya was both beautiful and quite difficult. For years I had dreamed of going to Africa and having some kind of connection with the Church on that continent. I volunteered to chaplain a mission trip with college students and I learned the hard way the many ways a mission trip can get off course.
[ About ]■
In the years that followed, I learned more and more why foreign mission trips and experiences can be difficult. There are language and cultural barriers, but also things like changes in diet and the differences in nutrition can greatly effect a person’s mindset. I started to realize that while most people have beautiful experiences in Uganda and Kenya, often the mental and physical challenges make it hard to find motivation to return.
I have come to believe that with a bit of planning and preparation, not only can Americans have an inspiring experience of East Africans, but they can also start to feel at home. I have come to believe that overcoming the fears and concerns would then lead Americans to form lifelong connections. Then, being familiar with the people and the leaders, Americans would invest their time, talent, and treasure in East Africa and form long term commitments to their apostolates.
My dream is that the American Catholic Church will build partnerships with the developing world, and by the grace of God, I have had the opportunity to start with the Diocese of Masaka in Uganda and the East African Jesuits in Kenya.
Partnerships in East Africa
America is the land of prosperity. By the grace of God, we have been blessed with an extremely high level of education and material prosperity. Likewise, we have developed sophisticated ways organizing our nonprofits and charitable giving. Oftentimes the developing world has a desire to share in that prosperity and Americans have a beautiful reputation for being generous.
I hope you come to love East Africa as much as I have.
[ East Africa ]Planning your
Mission Trips
Location: Buganda Region in Uganda, West of Lake Victoria.
Masaka, Uganda
Many people believe that if they do a mission trip that they have to live in difficult circumstances. While a more rigorous trip can be fruitful for college students and young adults, not everyone can handle that level of intensity.
I have pictures of various kinds of accommodations that can be found in Masaka, Uganda as an example of the various levels of accommodations that exist. I won’t include all the details, but if you contact me, I would be glad to do a free consultation to give you an idea of what to expect.
Likewise, while eating the local cuisine is a very rich cultural experience, it can also be a bit of a cultural shock. I have learned a lot about nutrition, and the American diet tends to be higher in protein than many other countries. I have also included photos of local restaurants that cater to a Western diet and clientele. Prices are extremely affordable for Americans.
The Apostolates
Because of how strong the Catholic Church is in East Africa and in particular in the Diocese of Masaka, Uganda, there are many opportunities to serve. A group could do direct aid to the poor and indigent, they could work on building projects for widows, or they could do catechesis to schoolchildren. Our local partners are full of great ideas and there are many opportunities for Americans to work with local partners.
The advantage of Americans doing this work is that the Ugandans are inspired by the presence of Americans. For many of them, it is a great honor to connect with Americans and seeing us in person is very much the talk of the town. Uganda in incredibly homogenous, so the sight of Americans is a rare treat.
There are also opportunities to do mission trips that focus on the corporal works of mercy. The Diocese of Masaka has a regional hospital that is always welcome to volunteers.
Tourism in East Africa
How can you go to Africa and not see a lion or an elephant! Both Uganda and Kenya offer many opportunities to have unique experiences. I highly recommend working into your trip several days to see nature and to learn about their culture.
In addition to their state parks which have all the wildlife we have come to associate with Africa, Uganda also has a unique history with the Bugandan Kingdom. Like other African nations, Uganda has a Royal Family and rich history around their King, called the Kabaka.
I have come to know members of the Royal Family and they are always happy to host groups of Americans. I recommend taking a day or two to tour the sites in the capital, Kampala, and learn more about the Bugandan Kingdom.
Who knows, maybe you could even meet the King
Safety &
Security
Many Americans have concern about safety and security in Africa. The nature of media is that the biggest problems and the most dramatic stories get the most attention. Most of these stories are taking place in countries no where near Uganda and Kenya. Africa is a big continent!
I would be glad to walk you through more on this, but I feel very comfortable saying that you will be safe during your trip to Uganda and Kenya.
