International Adoption Information meeting with Agape Adoptions
Wednesday, February 2, 2011; 6:00 p.m.
Agape Adoptions Office 1003 1/2 Main Street, Suite 5, Sumner, WA 98390
RSVP: Email Myriam or phone 253-987-5804

 

International Adoption Information meeting with Agape Adoptions
Thursday, February 3, 2011; 6:00 p.m.
1400 King Street, Suite 104, Bellingham, WA 98229
RSVP: Email Myriam or phone 253-987-5804

 

 

The average life expectancy for a Ugandan female is 50.2 and for males is  49.1 years

Uganda has a largely Christian population (about 86%)

Soccer is the most popular sport in Uganda

Uganda's principle export is coffee

Uganda gained independence from Britain in 1962

English is widely spoken in Uganda and Luganda is the national language

Uganda has a population of 31 million people with an estimate of one million people infected with HIV/AIDS and total orphan population of 2.3 million of which one million is due to HIV/AIDS (43%).

Malaria still remains the number one killer disease in sub-Saharan Africa and claims 320 people everyday in Uganda alone especially children

 




Kids at a local school


Typical housing area in Kampala


T
Kampala Uganda 

My hope was to be able to update this blog while I was in Africa, but I was not able to. Mostly because I was overwhelmed with how much time it took to even get on line, let alone, try to update a blog. I think next time I will have better luck. I also think I need some more practice here at home, before I attempt such things across the globe. 

So, I will try to give you a brief update with photos. As with most places I go to, I don't ever expect to really like it. I expect that I will tolerate where I am going, like it somewhat, and be glad when it's time to go home. I really liked Uganda and left with an appreciation for Ugandans. I think it is such a great place to go because the people are the most friendliest folks I have ever met. After a while, you get used to greeting someone like they are your long lost pal!  Of course I was struck by the poverty. We visited the slums one day - words cannot describe the poverty that is in Uganda. So many children are without parents due to HIV/Aids.  

Agape Adoptions will be working with several different Baby Homes (they do not use the term orphanage as it tends to have a negative connotation). We are thrilled to be able to advocate for many children, including 2 sets of siblings. We will be posting their information in the coming weeks. We are working with our partners to insure that all proper documentation is in place before we begin advocacy.

One must sleep with a mosquito net while in Uganda.

The "boda boda's" are one form of transit.  The traffic can be really awful in Kampala, as well as very high gas prices, which make traditional taxi cab rides rather expensive. The boda's provide quick, cheap and efficient  transportation. However, taking the boda's are very dangerous and certainly not recommended!

 Little girl was in the slum area we visited; the purpose of the visit was to let them know of a de worming clinic that would occur in the coming days.


Kids waiting in line for "de worming".

I am off to Uganda tomorrow. I have not ever been to Africa before, so I am excited to venture onto another continent,  this will be my 5th continent- I have yet to make it to South America of all places!

Thank you to all who have provided donations for the babies and children at the orphanage. I am fully packed to the limit and look forward to giving the wonderful medical supplies, diapers, formula, clothes and toys.

This week I spoke with a colleague of mine who has traveled to Uganda several items over the last year- it was nice to talk with her as she provided much useful information for me- and I now know that I can get a slice of pizza if I so desire!

Stay tuned-

Myriam

Welcome to the Agape Adoptions blog.  We plan to use this mechanism to provide updated information on our programs, events, adoption information, as well as other happenings with Agape Adoptions. 


Upcoming events:

July 5, 4:00pm (PST): Webinar: Adopting from Ukraine 
 Reserve your Webinar seat now at:
 https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/246977401

July 13, 4:00pm (PST): Webinar- WA state familes: Children's Home Society & Family Services and Agape Adoptions have recently become partners to help families in Washington State adopt children from Africa, Asia, Latin American, and Eastern Europe.  Join us for a webinar to learn more about the home study process, the international programs, the costs, the timelines, and the children who need families.
Reserve your Webinar seat now at:
https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/520006995

July 17: Agape Adoptions Executive Director travels to Uganda. More information to come.


Agape Adoptions has much informaiton to share with you and we hope you will follow on our journey!

Welcome to my blog. Please check back soon for new entries.