What past participants have said about their trip to Uganda...
Mark,
I have taken some wonderful trips through the years. Over time I have
come to see what I especially like about each one. All trips
had
great things about it, along with some disappointments. The
description of the BFL trip included so
very many
of what makes a trip
memorable for me that I found it hard to
believe; I had to read it all again. I was ready to sign up
immediately. And I was not disappointed
in any
way, no disappointments at all. Each and every great opportunity
listed was there just for the taking. When
I got home, many people
asked me , “How was the trip?” My answer:
“Without peer!” Each time I talk about the trip my enthusiasm is
remarkable to my listeners, so
many months after the fact. Just today
I was asked again. When there is time for only a sentence or two I
find I explain this was a trip of
participation
not just observation; that is the difference, I think. My alternate
one-word response is quoting the announcement with the very
welcome
news “This is not a luxury trip.” Alice, 2008
This was a life changing trip
for me. Mark is a gifted leader with excellent people skills, a fund of
knowledge and the rare combination of
laid back and responsible. The
Ugandan people are like none other that I have ever met. Despite extreme
poverty they are joyful, generous, contactful and an inspiration to be
around. Don't miss this trip! Joanne, 2008
I was fortunate to travel to Uganda with Mark and Bead for Life in March, 2008. I heard the phrase, "life changing experience," frequently
as I planned for this huge adventure. Well, that is what it was for me. The itinerary for our trip was a wonderful mixture of hands on
involvement and cultural tourism. Mark made sure we came away from Uganda with a sense of its culture, its strife and its hope. I felt
we made true personal connections with people, which was my primary goal in making the trip. I am still in touch with a young woman
I was able to sponsor in vocational training and a young man who taught me to build brick and mortar walls in Friendship Village.
Bead for Life has found a formula for changing the lives of Ugandan women and their families. Meeting these women, dancing with them
and visiting them in their homes changed me forever. I will go back - I have more to learn from Uganda. Celia, 2008