Three years ago, they worked with Holy Cross Father George Muganyizi in Kyembogo to help raise funds to buy 350 goats at $25 each that provide milk for families; drill a well, and purchase land and a tractor for agricultural projects. Now, when she and her husband go to Africa, they opt to stay in the homes of villagers. "There’s no electricity or running water, but it’s not important," said Ms. Holler. "They meet to tell stories, review the homework of their children who have no books, sing together, and pray until it gets dark. It’s just a beautiful, simple time to gather together as a family."
She recalled that during one visit, they spent a week at a parish house going with the priests to remote villages for Mass.
"When the priests arrive, the villagers are dressed and waiting," she said. "Then the music starts and the Mass lasts from three to three-and-a-half hours. It’s just such a joyous occasion."
"Every time we go to Africa, we come back with so much more than we brought," she said. "The rich prayer life, the praising and gratitude to God is so evident. We learn so much from their humility and try to emulate them in our own world where we have so much."
To raise funds for the water project, Uganda Farmers is organizing a 5K race and a golf tournament for the spring, and is seeking sponsors for both events.
People can also contribute by purchasing a "share" in the water project. A tax-deductible donation of $80 will provide water for one person for life and vastly help to improve the quality of life and standard of living in the village, the couple said.
"We’ve been given this opportunity as a conduit to make the world a little smaller and hopefully better by connecting people," she said. "Clearly, it’s the Holy Spirit who has been guiding our lives."
For more information, visit: www.ugandafarmersinc.org
Printed with permission from the Catholic Transcript, newspaper for the Archdiocese of Hartford, Conn.