Hidden Villa is an enchanted, beautiful place tucked away in a valley of green hills just outside the Bay Area, and it was home to the Sprit of Uganda for the last ten days. We stayed in dormitory-like cabins. It has a working organic farm, with live farm animals and everything.
The best thing about a place like Hidden Villa is that our time there brings us closer together. It is like being home with a large group of brothers and sisters. We hang out together in the common room, cook together, eat together, pray together, enjoy the great outdoors…and we have the whole place all to ourselves. Even better, we have the opportunity to get to know generous, compassionate people.
A volunteer named Robin Stavisky (bless her heart) was on top of everything. For ten days, she organized teams of volunteers to help out with breakfast, lunch and dinner. While the volunteers cooked, we hung out with their friends and children. Some of the groups that came in brought gifts and donations. We were blown away by the love and generosity from these kind souls.
On the days the children weren’t performing, they rode bicycles (a favorite activity), read novels, did their hair, hiked, worked puzzles, hung out with the volunteers and families, surfed the Internet, and caught up with some schoolwork. Check out some photos from Hidden Villa.
On Sunday evening, the whole tour group had a discussion about personal leadership. We heard from a man named Dennis Mars — a young, successful entrepreneur — who shared with us his powerful story of success. Afterwards, each member of the Tour shared their hopes and ambitions, and we all left that meeting feeling stronger about the future and the possibilities this Tour holds for each of us.
Saying goodbye to our new friends at Hidden Villa was difficult. Many of us were teary-eyed, but one thing is for sure: we shall all remember Hidden Villa. What a special time and special place!
I just caught up with the blog and read Sarah’s lovely post. In addition to being surprised and touched, I want to acknowledge the many people who enable the children to stay at Hidden Villa, ride bikes, be kids, eat homemade meals, raise money and continue on their journey. In total more than 150 people contributed to this last visit -- and what an amazing contribution it was. I want to recognize and express our heartfelt thanks to each and every one. It really does take a village.
At the same time, each time the tour departs, I find myself left with a sense of loss that, the children, Alexis, the tour and all it represents are no longer so fully in my life. I think I can speak on behalf of everyone who has helped with the Tour when I say that the children’s presence and the opportunity to contribute to their journey is our special gift. Thank you Empower African Children and the Spirit of Uganda Tour. You are missed. Robin
Posted by: Robin Stavisky | February 19, 2008 at 05:57 PM