A DREAM COME TRUE - Isaacs House

A friend of mine, Paul Howells ran to raise monies for charities in some of the toughness endurance events in the world, namely the Marathon De Sables [150km across the Sahara in temps exceeding 130 degree] and latterly the Yukon [an unsupported trek of some 320 miles across the Arctic in which he came in disappointingly fourth place].  On one of his runs he was told the story of a Catholic nun who was single-handedly raising close to 100 children in West Africa. Paul was so inspired by this story that he decided to visit Africa to see first hand what he could do, but where?

After much investigation Uganda was chosen and in particular a small town called Namulander which lies between Entebbe and Kampala.  Paul was instantly smitten not only by the natural beauty of the country and its people but by one particular orphan boy - Isaac.  Paul spent several weeks in the area helping with various projects and distributing aid, clothing and even a bicycle for the local midwife.

On his last day in the country Paul visited his new best friend Isaac and during the conversation Paul asked him if he could have anything what would it be. The answer was thought about for a moment and then with the widest smile Paul had ever seen, he replied quietly, 'A nice home.'

Within 12 months Paul and his friends from Formby and South Liverpool had raised the funds and gathered a volunteer work-force to travel out to Uganda to build a house, along with the help of locals, for Isaac and his friend. The completed house was a wonderful success and so this year we returned to start another orphanage next door on our very own acre of land.

We learnt so much last year and made so many new friends, that those who could afford to return this February, did so. The locals we hired last year were eagerly awaiting our return and despite the torrential downpours, with the rainy season coming a month earlier, the second house is now almost complete.  

The heavy rain meant we spent a bit less time working this year but more time with the children, who looked for any opportunity to hold your hand or just be with you; always offering to carry bags or mess with your camera or mobile phone, taking snaps of anything they could. The prayers for our health and safety during our time in tropical Africa were answered, with everyone staying fit and well.
Plans for next year are already being discussed with a landscaped play area being high on the agenda; but I would not rule out a social visit before next February by some, as it’s a place you just want to go back to.   

Graeme Tolmaer

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iisaacshouse.org