Never wait for the opportunity to serve. You have to grab and grasp your chance as it will seldom ever land in your lap.
So, it was a long day with a 4.30 am start. We barely slept three hours after arrival in Entebbe and checking in. By 5 we were on the road and after stopping for Fajr it was an 8 hour ride to Rwabalanga
This is particularly significant on a personal level as Masjid Abu Bakr Siddique was built in memory of my beloved late father and it was heartwarming to see the community making excellent use of all the facilities.
What a day so far and during our first visit to Rwabalanga we met the amazing locals and enjoyed their hospitality.
This collaborative project with Team MC has taken years to come to fruition.
We had a coaching session and then played girls versus boys.
A phenomenal performance from the girls saw them beat the boys 3-2 after being 2-0 down.
The talent out here is astonishing. They were too fast, too fit, the close control, communication and vision was mesmerising.
The girls even teed me up for the first goal of our comeback.
Despite the abject poverty here the people are happy and content. Their gratitude is consistent and not based on the level or lack of help they get.
If you want to get an idea then take a closer look at me holding the match ball - Yes, that’s what we played with!
Next steps in Rwabalanga are to provide more water facilities, electricity and a school. The Imam needs a bicycle for transport and this has been paid for with donations from family and friends.
I do need funds for a wheelchair if anyone is feeling generous.
There is a genuine need for us in the western world to engage more with such people to learn humility and gratitude on a level that cannot be taught in the classroom.
We finished by visiting Ndemba in the Sheba District and once again enjoyed the company of a special group of people.
#teammc #thewanderinglondoner
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