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Sr. Betty Mae Visits Uganda
Sr. Betty Mae Bienlein spent several weeks volunteering in Uganda this summer. Her projects involved building the files for the new foundation in Mpala, organizing the files for St. Julie Primary School’s new head teacher, Sr. M. Bernarde, and designing a database of the books in the spiritual library the sisters have created in their convent at St. Julie Mission. Missionary sisters have little time for such organizing and paperwork tasks, but it was Sr. Betty Mae’s pleasure to share her skills and talents in exchange for a glimpse at the beautiful promise of Uganda.
“I’m filled with awe,” she said upon her return. “People will never know to what extent their generosity has empowered so many people. I could talk about it, I could show you pictures, but you can’t explain how great what is happening with the mission in Buseesa really is.”
The resources poured in by our donors and the sisters combined with the generous spirit of the local people has transformed the area around Buseesa from a ‘lost county’ to one filled with hope for the future. Today there are more than 400 children attending the boarding schools at St. Julie Mission, learning critical thinking skills along with their catechism, and becoming leaders in their communities. On visiting Sundays, their parents gather for an Open House, school meetings, and an impromptu marketplace where they can sell their wares.
The new Buseesa Community Development Centre has also contributed to the economic growth of the area through its microfinancing project. The teams of women are monitoring repayment of their loans to projects ranging from hair salons and dressmakers to farming. Once the first round of loans has been repaid, those funds will be available for new projects.
"You can see the whole sense of community that they have," said Sr. Betty Mae.
October 2009