5K Uganda Way — Sunbeams Uganda

These are the words I would use to describe the 5K we ran in Uganda to raise awareness of Sunbeams and our desire to build this village a school.

There is so much to love when you gather with the people in this village of Kijude. Their desire to praise and celebrate is simply contagious! We planned to give a goat to first and second place winners and the village asked if they could slaughter the second goat and have a meal together after the race.

My first reaction was, “but that’s your livelihood” – then they shared with me how if we give it to the second-place winner – one person gains – if we slaughter and serve a meal - the village gains. These Ugandans are forever teaching me what it means when we say it takes a village. They understand this and are faithful to show up. So make a celebration meal they did! While we were getting ready to start the race a young man was slaughtering the goat and getting it ready for the feast. We brought them all the fixings (rice, tomatoes, onions, oil, salt and soda) to put on the celebration.

Meanwhile drivers were decorating their boda bodas (Uganda word for their most common means of transportation (motorcycle). I watched as they cut the branches from the trees to put onto their bodas to signify to the world a celebration is happening here! You can’t help but be touched by their genuine hearts to embrace a joyful celebration. The boda drivers drove up and down the entire course carrying passengers back who got tired and photographers that needed to catch the right picture.

As soon as we left the starting line, I knew there was no way I could keep up with these Ugandans – they were fast - so fast - and most barefoot! Mark committed to staying with me along with some others and the young children who held my hand whenever I walked and never left our side. These children showed such love, care, and respect as we grinded through the many hilly and hot miles (what was meant to be a 5k was more like a 15k). They were champs!

The course was filled with cheerleaders along the way – they were out in front of their homes cheering us on, waving hello and greeting us with their joyful smiles! As we came up the road where our land is – there they were -waiting for us so we could run in to Sokor’s compound together where our meal would be served and the celebration would continue. That one goat had to feed 100 people. And somehow – it was enough. Was it like the fish and the loaves? Could be – I never thought about that until I got home.

One thing I continue to think about with these precious people I’ve grown to love – they always show up. They don’t overthink things; they don’t question and doubt – they don’t worry what others think – they come….they celebrate…..they care. There is something very humbling about being around people who just live and give it their best instead of over analyzing and thinking their way out of things. It’s quite beautiful.

As we were wrapping things up a man came up and said – they will be talking about this for 6 months. What you have done here – they won’t ever forget. Neither will I. What Mark orchestrated along with help from the people in the village was an unforgettable and successful run that revealed the power of community, the love of a village and the desire to become everything they can be. What a joy to be a part of something so precious. So Unforgettable.