Letter from Sister Claudia Chebet - Uganda January 11, 2016

Dear Dr. Judy, I hope everyone is doing well. We too are fine. Thank you very much for loving me and I really do not know how I can pay you for that but all my prayers are for all of you. I have today bought material in process to make. Am sure they will be ready by the time you come. Attached are the receipt and photos of my accident. The receipt for the bought food and photos will be sent later. I just forgot them at home when I came to town. I am very appreciative to you all for your love, care and concern for us especially the children under my care.May God reward you abundantly.

All the best and my regards to all those who made donations.

Sr. Claudia

Everyone,

I wanted to share this letter with you from Sister Claudia after sending her the money that was raised at Christmas. In addition to the money for food, I sent money specifically designated for 150 school uniforms.   What the money did was affect multiple aspects of the community including:  

1. Paying the cloth makers and farmers (who grew the rice and beans)

2. Paying the seamstresses who will make the school uniforms

3. School uniforms for the children who have little or no clothing when they come to school

4.  Which in turn improves self esteem for the children - no children are singled out due to their lack of school clothes - also better nutrition with more food allowance

5. and finally allowing improved learning for the children and better economy for the local community.

I strongly believed that aid can be given carefully to ensure that more than just a few people can prosper (and others will not be hurt in the process) - rather than sending clothing and food directly.  Luckily, there are people like the Nuns in Uganda who can provide a conduit for donations to ensure that the money goes to help the people for which it is intended.

The photo of the overturned minibus is when she was traveling to town about a month ago.  There were about 12 people on the bus, including Sister Claudia. Luckily no one died but it sounds like she had several fractured ribs.  Unfortunately, Internet access and shopping is about 2 hours away on a public bus that is generally overcrowded.  She takes this trip two or three times a month.  (Incidentally, we gave Sister Claudia a digital camera one year ago and she now documents everything!)

Thank you again for being so supportive of this program.

Sincerely,

Judy