The YES center community

Upon our return from the safari, we made our way to the YES (Youth Encounter the Savior) center to see Father Joe and to reunite with many old and new friends. We were touched that so many people came to see us despite how late we were in arriving (we were scheduled to arrive for Mass at 9am, however, because we were stuck at the safari lodge, we did not arrive until 2 pm). Among the attendees were our old friends from Empower African Children, the Sisters from Nsambya Babies Home, students from St. Peter's school, the Yes center staff & choir and several of the family members whose homes we visited earlier in the week. This festive gathering included time for prayer, singing, dancing and lots of laughs and conversation. It also gave us the opportunity to distribute several of the refurbished computers that we brought to donate to college students and those with new businesses. The recipients were thrilled with the computers and they are excited to use them for their studies and work. While we were happy to give these gifts the best gifts, of course, were the ones we received - the gifts of friendship, of time and of hospitality.

 

As you may have heard, Pope Francis will be visiting Uganda at the end of November. We are honored to know so many of those who are working on all of the details of his visit, including our very own Father Joes (the Tall and the Short). The extraordinarily gifted choir of the YES center will be singing for the Pope and Father Joe (the Tall) will be the MC for two important meetings with Pope Francis, including his meeting with the youth. We think that Pope Francis will be touched, as we have been, by the talent and warmth of this faith-filled community. Here are a couple of videos which will give you a little glimpse into what Pope Francis will experience: