"Making a Difference"

     It has been 5 years ago that I had the opportunity to go on a missions trip to Uganda, Africa. It was always a dream of mine to go to Africa and make a difference in the lives of children. I had a concern for Africa’s children because of the extreme poverty, health, and educational issues that they were faced with daily. At the time it was kind of emotionally difficult. I had to deal with questions regarding the fact that children across America are facing the same issues. I had been a teacher in my own community for several years and I knew the difficulties and challenges that children in my own country had. Even so what was wrong with caring about children around the World and global issues? As a teacher I know the importance of education for ALL children. As a Christian I know the importance of prayer and having a caring heart. It has taken me a long time to write about my missions experience in Uganda, because it has been an “ongoing learning experience”. 
     While in Uganda I visited the TOUCH (The Outreach to Unfortunate Children’s Hurts) program. At the program children are given the opportunity through sponsorships to attend school, receive a daily meal, and school uniforms are also provided. It was amazing spending time with the children. I got the chance to walk to school with them, observe their classrooms, eat lunch with them, spend time in their neighborhood, and most importantly pray with them. Every child around the world deserves a quality education and opportunities to reach their full potential. The children I met in Uganda were very intelligent and well spoken. Some of the children are even fluent in a few languages. I met several that were talented writers, singers, dancers, and athletes. The missions team and I had the opportunity to sit and listen to what the children had to say about their living conditions, hopes, dreams, and goals in life. 
     I had a dream of making a difference in the children’s lives… but they ended up making a difference in mine. I learned to truly rejoice in the “small” things. I think it is important to be thankful and not to take anything for granted. It was great to watch how the children shared with each other, and helpful to one another. I felt a sense of community while I was there. I learned and it does sound cliché that “children are the future”. These children in Uganda will grow up to be the future leaders and productive citizens some day. It is true that children are the future, and education is the key in gaining valuable skills and knowledge. 
     When I observed the classrooms in Uganda I saw teachers truly with limited resources committed to teaching, and making sure students learned what they were expected to know. I learned the importance of remaining positive and dedicated, even when I experience challenges in my own classroom. I learned the importance of understanding different cultures and global issues. As a teacher it is important that I prepare my students to live and work in a diverse society. I am looking forward to having my classroom connect and collaborate with the students in Uganda. I think it would be a great learning experience for everyone. I have learned that there is something new literally to learn every day! Becoming a teacher is one of the best decisions that I have made, but becoming a life long learner was an even better one. 

Tarlisa Shaw 
@FCScourses

T. Shaw, Uganda 2008