I’m reprinting a letter from Chris Weigers, an invitation to what has become an annual event:
I have been involved with M-lisada since January, 2010 when I journeyed to Kampala for an 8 week stay. Nearly 2 and a half years later my connection with M-lisada continues to deepen. We were able to purchase land about 40 kilometers north of Kampala last year due in part to the two prior fundraisers held at The Homestead. I thank all those past contributors for helping in this great accomplishment! We have begun planting food such as maize, cassava, beans, and bananas on this land in a step toward more self-sufficiency and an improved diet.
Now we wish to build a second home and a vocational school on that land. M-lisada houses 80 children now at more than full capacity. On a daily basis we aid these other street kids by providing a meal, a place to bathe, and a respite from a rootless existence. However, at dusk we have to close the gate and send them back to the street to find a place to sleep and survive another day.
It is still a struggle to take care of our own 80 kids. The school year begins in February and this year we ran short of money so there are a handful of kids who could not attend school. The second term has now begun and it is possible to enroll students at this juncture to catch up. There is virtually no public school in Kampala so tuition, books, uniforms, etc. must be paid by the student. If anyone wishes to send a student to school please write to me and I will give you details and an idea of costs.
Notwithstanding, our long-term goal is to be able to give hope and a firm foundation to more vulnerable children. While it is difficult to focus on the future when the present is so challenge-filled, we must do so. Forward thinking is the key to long-term success. With that in mind, the main thrust of this fundraising campaign is to gather money to begin building on the land. The immediate benefit with be that we will have a small home where we can stay while working the land. As of now we commute, a time-consuming and costly method.
Long term, we see a home far removed from the slums of Kampala where the kids can breathe fresh air and learn marketable skills. Together, we can achieve this!
Please join us for a musical afternoon at “The Homestead” along with my good friends “The Jim Pin Band”, “Little Wilson Band”, and the one and only “Willie Steel”. The menu offers great food and, weather permitting, we will be outside on the rear courtyard. Admission is free. I want to see many of you there to talk and laugh. Any contribution is welcome. A little goes a long way and a lot goes even further but the point is that whatever someone gives is meaningful. One dollar feeds a couple of kids for a day at M-lisada. That is worthwhile! It goes on from there. In truth, no gift is too small. If we align hundreds of hearts we can achieve tremendous results.
As difficult as it is to conceive, M-lisada is a magical place. Out of the desperation and destitution there is an amazing spirit and joy that flows through the home. I wish you could all visit. If you ever wish to venture to Uganda you would be most welcome. Until then, have a peek at my YouTube videos by searching for ‘cweigers’ or M-lisada. The one entitled “M-lisada Time To Grow” gives you a good insight and you can ‘meet’ some of the kids.
Thanks for reading this. I hope to see you on June 3rd. Feel free to write me for any reason. If you can not attend and wish to contribute you can do so via my Paypal account: chrisofmlisada@gmail.com
Weebale nnyo ~ Thank-you very much!
Download a flyer for the event and please pass it along.
On behalf of Chris and M-Lisada, thanks.
