Below is one of the stories included in the July Newsletter. Make sure to read the rest about the Miracle happening in Kampala. Then scroll down and see the next post. They are out of order, but probably in the right order for understanding our excitement as to God is up to with His Wheels. You can read the July Newsletter by clicking here.
COVID – 19 Cancellation
Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, we were preparing to send a trike to STARS Uganda in July, via College Church, Wheaton’s short-term mission team. This delivery was extra special because Nancy, a physical therapist who has been an integral part of our HWI trike team,was leading the trip. She was delivering it to Sylvia Kalyebara, the Founder of STARS Uganda, and a friend of His Wheels and Nancy.
I met Sylvia Kalyebara, a Social Worker, over a decade ago when she arrived in the USA, to join her husband, Nick, who was studying at Wheaton College. As Sylvia and I were forming a friendship, from the moment she learned about HWI and our trike, she began asking herself, “Where are all those with disabilities in Uganda?”
Knowing Sylvia had a growing interest in learning more about serving those with disabilities, I introduced her to College Church’s STARS program, and to Nancy. When Sylvia returned to Uganda, she began STARS Uganda, a Christian non-governmental organization, for walking alongside people affected by disabilities. I continue to encourage and advise Sylvia, through prayer, emails, etc. Nancy has also encouraged Sylvia in countless ways, including visiting her in Uganda.
Kasimu, a seven-year-old Ugandan, was to receive the trike. He recently said to his mother, who was limiting his crawling around to play, “Mom . . . I am not lame; just let me play with my friend. Do you expect me to play on your back all day?” When I heard this story, I thought about how much independence, freedom and mobility the trike will bring him. It would get him off his mom’s back, that’s for sure!
