Junior’s Story

In the Simone’s Kids child sponsorship program, there are so many incredible students with inspirational stories. These stories show heartbreaking situations that have been turned around by the hope that Simone’s Kids has provided through education in Nakaseke, Uganda. One of those incredible students with a story of hope is Junior.

Junior is now 14 years old and has been at God’s Hope School since the first year we opened. Junior is the youngest of 3 boys. Junior’s father passed last year, and his mother abandoned the family when Junior was still very young. Even when their father was alive, Junior and his brothers lived in a room by themselves from a young age, and it was a rare occurrence for them to see their dad. Every school term, Junior is always the brightest in his class, and he has been from the time he was in primary school. He is now in his second year of high school, and he has dreams of becoming a doctor.

Without the Simone’s Kids program, we are not sure where Junior or his brothers would be today. Simone’s Kids has given these boys a place to be loved. Simone’s Kids has been able to give these 3 boys a free education. Because of Junior’s past, his academic excellence, his behavior, and how far he has come in the Simone’s Kids program, we decided to bring him to the United States to be a part of our A Classroom for Christmas campaign this year.

During our time in the United States, we made it to 4 different states, several churches, 2 big fundraising events, and we saw Junior meet his sponsor who has been sponsoring his education from the time Simone’s Kids was started in 2010. There were so many things to highlight about his trip to the States, but one of the biggest blessings was definitely Junior getting to meet his sponsor.

Junior got to physically see and hug the people that pay for his school, and the people he knows as ‘parents’ because they have given him the same opportunity that most parents give their children. He described it as “one of the best days ever.”  Junior loved his trip to the states. He now has more motivation to finish his schooling and do his very best, because he realized firsthand how he can make a difference in the lives of others if he is successful himself. He got to meet and personally thank so many people who have been vital to the Simone’s Kids organization, and people who are sponsoring some of his closest friends.

It was without question a trip that Junior will never forget, and he mentioned on the plane ride back to Uganda that he is ready to go back to the United States one day. Junior has had his life changed by Simone’s Kids in so many ways, and we are so thankful to all our supporters for shaping the future for so many students like Junior.

-Mason Satterfield, Director of Programs

My middle school self knew that one day I was going to go to Uganda. I did not know the when, how, or why, but I knew that it was part of God’s plan for me. I had experienced some Ugandan culture in the United States, and from that moment on, I had a longing to be with the people of Uganda in their country. That longing continued to pull on my heart. Little did I know that sitting next to a new person in a summer class, almost 10 years later, would lead me to what I now consider a second home in Uganda.

That new person was Mason Satterfield, Director of Programs for Simone’s Kids. He introduced Simone’s Kids to me via an assignment for our class. I was intrigued by his joyous demeanor when talking about the organization. I instantly knew that Simone’s Kids was something special, and I knew that I wanted to be a part of the organization in some capacity. Our summer class came to an end, and a year later I started my journey with Simone’s Kids. I attended the organization’s fundraiser, A Classroom for Christmas, in November 2015. I had the opportunity to hear Simone and Godfrey, the headmaster of the primary school, speak. By the end of that night, I knew that I was going to go to Uganda. God had orchestrated a plan so perfect that started with a college class that led me to A Classroom for Christmas which ultimately led me to Uganda. This was the capacity in which I was to support Simone’s Kids, and I could not have been more excited by what was to come.

June 15, 2016, I stepped out of a plane in Uganda with a team of 7 ready to serve with Simone’s Kids. The moments that unfolded next overwhelmed my soul. We exited the airport doors to be quickly engulfed in a sea of hugs and hellos from Ugandans that did not know us yet were simply overjoyed to receive us in Uganda. This moment was multiplied over the next 2 ½ weeks. I experienced life in a way that only one can experience themselves. Suddenly, I was part of a family that extended over 2 schools, a library, boarding sections, kitchens, and the community of Nakaseke. I felt at home within 24 hours. The theme of this trip was ultimately celebration. We celebrated the coming of our team, the new leadership of the secondary school, the baptism of students and adults, the students’ hard work with new school supplies, and so much more. Through these celebrations, I was able to meet the people that are now so precious to me. I met my Ugandan family made up of Godfrey, Hope, and their children. I met the staff of God’s Hope Primary and Secondary schools. And I met the students at each school who continue to amaze me with their grit and determination for a better future. I also met the little girl who would soon steal my heart.

On the second day of the trip, I felt a small hand reach for mine. This hand belonged to a precious little girl in P1. Her hand did not leave mine for the remainder of the trip. Every moment she was not in class, she would find me on the school compound and grab my hand. She barely knew any English, but that did not stop us from forming a bond. This led to us getting to experience life together. I even had the chance to take her shopping alongside all our team and their sponsor students. She chose me. Therefore, I chose her. She is now my sponsor child. She was just one of the many reasons I knew that I would return to Nakaseke and continue to volunteer with Simone’s Kids.

I was beyond grateful for my time in Uganda, and I was extremely emotional when it came time to say goodbye to all of our new friends and family. All I could do was thank God for the relationships I built with the people and pray for another opportunity to return to Nakaseke with Simone’s Kids. That opportunity came sooner rather than later.

June 6, 2017, I returned to Nakaseke, Uganda, for a longer stay. I traveled with 2 of my closest friends from the previous team trip, and we were ready to once again serve and live life amongst the people of Nakaseke. I experienced many of the same events that I did the previous year, but with a new outlook. I now felt a sense of comfort because I knew my surroundings. I felt comfortable walking the streets of Nakaseke. I knew how to get to my friends’ houses, and I knew where to get breakfast or a drink. I was at ease when I was sitting on the wall of the bakery at the secondary school and walking from classroom to classroom on the compound. I recognized faces, and they recognized me. One of my favorite memories from this summer was being welcomed not by strangers but by friends. Those hugs at the airport from my sponsor child, who chose me, and the hugs and “you are most welcomes” from the secondary students at our guest house solidified that I was indeed back in a place I love. I felt at home. For this reason, I could build upon the relationships that were cultivated the previous year.

I mentioned that the theme of my first trip was celebration. I feel like the theme of this summer’s trip was family. I met my sponsor child’s family. She has a brother and a sister at God’s Hope Primary and a little sister at home. I met her mother and received a tour of her home. At that moment, I knew exactly what she needed, and I was thankful for the opportunity to provide necessities for her family. She chose me last summer, and when I chose her, I also chose her sweet family.

I met the families of students that I knew from the previous year that are represented at God’s Hope Primary and Secondary schools. I met the three other siblings for a total of six that are represented at the secondary school, and they are some of the most amazing young men and women I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. I met the brother of one my closest friends at the secondary school. They make one of the best brother duos of all time. I also met mothers and grandmothers of our primary students when we went on home visits to deliver Mother’s Day gifts. Family is one of the most important things in my life, and it was a true pleasure to meet the families of these people I have grown to love and experience what family means to them. I also met one more important person on this trip.

I had another student choose me this year. Over the past year, the secondary school’s attendance has doubled. Therefore, there were many faces I did not recognize. There was one face that caught my eye the first time the secondary school choir performed for the team. She was on the front row, and she was fiercely praising the Lord with all her being. I knew that there was something special about her. As the weeks went on, I noticed that she went out of her way to speak to me during the breaks of her school day. We talked almost every day, and I quickly realized she was going to be my second sponsor student. She chose me, and I chose her. I wanted to sponsor her, but she was not in the Simone’s Kids program. I was happy that she could pay for her schooling, but I felt like I was still supposed to be her sponsor. Ten days later I received a message from Mason telling me she was now part of the program. I responded without hesitation, and much to my surprise, Mason let me tell her via video chat. I was overjoyed to be able to tell her “in person” that I chose her. She is now a part of my family, and I could not be happier.

I have learned so many things from my time spent in Uganda. I have learned that a simple act of kindness can change the world of one student and eventually have a bigger impact on their community. I have learned that communication barriers do not exist when love is involved. I have learned that praising God can be a one-on-one conversation or a boisterous event filled with dancing and singing. I have learned that without all the distractions of the world we can have intentional conversations. I have also learned that family is more than the family that you are born into. It is also the family that is divinely connected to you. Godfrey used the term divine connections on my first trip to Uganda. He said that we were all in Nakaseke for a purpose and where there is purpose there is provision. We were divinely connected for a similar purpose before we even knew each other. Divine connections are the reason I was able to live out that purpose placed in my life when I originally longed for Uganda. Divine connections cannot be broken, and I more thankful every day for those unbreakable connections I have with the people of Uganda. I have been blessed beyond measure, and I look forward to my future and the future of Simone’s Kids in Nakaseke, Uganda.

Until then, Uganda.

Nkwagala Nyo,

Laura “Lola” Callaway

The summer months are always busy months for Simone’s Kids. Because of the scheduling differences in the Uganda school calendar and the school calendar in the States, May to July is the best time to host teams to visit God’s Hope Schools. Between May 22 and June 30 of this year, we had a total of 25 visitors come and spend time in Uganda. That means that 25 people each made their unique mark on students and truly made a difference in the community of Nakaseke.

One of my favorite things about being the Program Director for Simone’s Kids is that I get to oversee our teams and their time in Uganda. This means I get to watch each person fall in love with the many faces that make up God’s Hope Primary School and God’s Hope High School. We had team members ranging from the age of 1 to the age of 70 (proof that anyone can come with us!), and regardless of age, students cling to our team members and so many special relationships are formed.

While there are many different activities during the team trips, fellowship is one of the most important.  Students don’t forget the love of the Lord that 25 foreigners showed them, even if was only for two-and-a-half weeks. With so many highlights about this summer, here are some of my favorite things that I got to see:

• Sponsors met the students that they have been sponsoring for the first time.
• Returning team members picked up exactly where they left off with previously formed friendships.
• Over 100 students and staff members got baptized and accepted Jesus as their savior.
• Team members led worship with students at our high school church service.
• Hearts were transformed in both our team and our students.
• Families in the community were impacted by Simone’s Kids and our volunteers.
• Too many jokes and laughs to count
• Tears and heartbreak that ignited team members to continue believing in the vision of Simone’s Kids

We had so many incredible moments in Uganda this summer, but these were among the most meaningful. There are many opinions on short-term foreign missions and the impact that they actually have, but I am here to say that each and every person that visited with Simone’s Kids made a lasting impact on our students here. I am so grateful for that. Love lasts forever through both the tangible sense and in memories that our students will have for years to come.

Our volunteers this summer were the hands and feet of Jesus while they were here, and our students received love from our teams that they wouldn’t have received anywhere else. Love doesn’t have limits, price tags, or flights that seem too long. Love needs to be shared everywhere – even in the heart of Africa.  I want to thank each person that made the decision to come to Uganda this summer and play a part in the ministry of Simone’s Kids. If you are considering coming on a trip with us in the future, do it. I promise that your life will be changed for the better, and that you will have an experience that you will never forget. If you have any questions about trips or would like to know more, feel free to email me anytime mason@simoneskids.com.

Also, my brother put together a video that captures some of the incredible times that were had in Uganda this summer. Check it out if you want to see what a summer looks like with us! Summer 2017 Video

Mason Satterfield

Director of Programs

Simone’s Kids

The location of my home here in Nakaseke is right in the middle of town. It’s a short walk from the school and any necessities found at the market are readily accessible. It’s truly a blessing. But being in the center of town also means that I have many neighbors close by. More specifically, many small neighbors. Small neighbors who have little hands that persistently knock at my gate and my door and my window. Small neighbors who come at all hours calling my name and endlessly knocking. They come when I’ve had a long, tiresome day. They come when I want to curl up in my bed and sleep. They come when I’m trying to talk on the phone with loved ones at home. No matter what I may be doing they come.

At first, I loved being surrounded by little ones at all hours. I loved always having visitors and hearing the sounds of giggles echo through my home. But then the months went on and I got tired and the knocking continued. I started to lose my patience. I longed for quiet and solitude. Just a few hours a day that I could have to myself. So I started to ignore those little hands at my door. And do you know what happened? Yup, they kept on knocking. They weren’t perturbed by my inability to answer the door. They knew I was there and they knew they wanted me to come out and play, so they didn’t stop. Most nights, I eventually give up and go outside to join them.

I think we can all learn something from those little neighbors constantly knocking at my door. Luke 11:10 tells us, “For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened.” And again in Matthew 7:7, “Ask, and it will be given to you. Seek, and you will find. Knock, and the door will be opened to you.” God is inviting us in His word to stand at the door of His heart and knock. He wants to open up the door and invite us into His love. He’s waiting to hear the sound of our feeble hands knocking; our small voices calling His name to come outside and join us.

But like me, sometimes God doesn’t respond the first time. Sometimes it takes more than one knock to get an answer. He wants to see how badly we desire Him to come. Will we be persistent or will we give up after the first knock goes unanswered? Child of God, don’t give up when you feel like you’ve been knocking for too long. I’m sure those little hands knocking at my door get tired sometimes, but when I finally answer the door to go out and play with them they’re not thinking about how tired they are. They’re only filled with joy that we are together again! Keep knocking when you’re tired. Be persistent in seeking your answer.

For years I knocked at the door of God’s heart and asked Him when He would send me to the nations. I prayed for an answer and felt anxious when the only one I got was, “Keep waiting, my child.” Why didn’t He answer me sooner? Why wouldn’t He open the door? Because while I was knocking He was doing something in my heart. While I persisted, He cultivated a passion inside me and an inability to give up. Looking back now, I’m grateful He didn’t answer at my first knock. The joy doesn’t just come in the opening; it comes in the seeking and the knocking too. I hear it in the laughter that seeps through the cracks of my door as those little neighbors I’ve come to love so dearly start banging on my door again.

God opened my door at just the right moment. He led me straight through and into the ministry that is Simone’s Kids. While I was busy knocking, He was preparing my gifts and my abilities that I would one day use here. He was preparing me to pour into the high school students, to share my heart in front of others, to teach young children, to give without second thought, to take charge and organize projects, and much more. All things that took time. If he’d answered my knock right away, I don’t know if I would’ve had the courage to preach to and share my heart with the high school students. I wouldn’t have been prepared to deal with the challenges that come with teaching in a third world country. My heart wouldn’t have been able to handle the poverty and brokenness I’ve encountered. I wouldn’t have had the wisdom to know how to handle the daily struggles of our school children. I would’ve lacked the leadership and organizational skills to head a project that gave all our students a dental checkup and treated their dental needs. I couldn’t have given spiritual counsel to those students seeking it.

Simone’s Kids was waiting for me on the other side of my door. I stand in awe every day at the difference that this organization is making for the community of Nakaseke and marvel that I get to be a small part of it. Serving here has brought me more fulfillment than anything else in my life ever has. God surely knows just what He is doing. Trust in that. Believe in Him. And don’t give up. Be persistent. Keep on knocking. What’s waiting on the other side of your door is surely worth the wait.

-Victoria Mason, Intern at Simone’s Kids in Uganda

When a child’s shoe is no longer the correct size, most of us are fortunate enough that we can go to the store and purchase a new pair for them. Whether it be for an infant, a teenager, or any age in-between, a new pair of shoes is very accessible and easy to buy at any budget in our American society. Generally speaking, the biggest dilemma we face when purchasing shoes is if we want to splurge on the ‘latest and greatest’ or settle for something cheaper. What if there was never an option of which shoe you want to buy because any shoe at any price was out of your price range? What if the shoes that your child has will have to be worn for the next year or two no matter how much they seem to outgrow them?

At God’s Hope Schools in Nakaseke, Uganda, sustainable footwear is a problem for a large majority of our students. Over 2 billion people in the world suffer from soil transmitted diseases and parasites, and at our school we have seen first hand the problem that comes with these parasites. Chigoe fleas (also known as jiggers) are parasitic fleas that enter victims through the feet, and can cause rotting in the effected parts of the body. These have been seen and treated in several of our students, and with our new school compound this problem has been reduced drastically. However, these students still have to walk home on the dirt roads and live in areas without adequate sanitation that are breeding grounds for these fleas and other diseases. Simone’s Kids wants to change that and help keep feet protected. That’s why we are very excited to be launching our new campaign, Feet First.

We have decided to partner with Because International and their project, The Shoe That Grows. They have created a shoe was designed to be expandable and grow with the feet, while keeping a strong build. It is built to grow 5 shoe sizes and lasts for years. After researching the shoe and contacting Because International, we feel that this is the step we need to take to ensure our students have quality shoes on their feet, leading to a healthier and happier childhood. Not only is this helping our students, but this will also be a relief to their families, who will no longer have to stress about trying to provide shoes for their children. We have tried temporary fixes such as buying shoes for students when they need them, but at the rate that feet grow in children, it is time for a more practical solution. The Shoe That Grows is the solution that we have been looking for, and we hope that you will consider partnering with us on our first campaign of 2017, Feet First.

Check out our video to learn more.

Donate: https://simoneskids.givingfuel.com/feetfirst

In any business, most people would agree that…people are the most valuable asset. It is funny how as people we determine we are the most important ingredient in any successful business. You need people that care about their work and the people it affects. I was a business major in college and can’t help but think in terms of business concepts. One concept I think about a lot is our customers, our investors, and staff.

Since Simone’s Kids started, I have put a particularly strong emphasis on who is working for Simone’s Kids. We need people who truly care about our kids if anything we do is going to make a difference. We can raise all the money in the world, but unless the funds are going through the right hands, what difference will it make? That was the case when we started, and it still rings true today.

Simone’s Kids has been blessed by some WONDERFUL staff. Many times, people thank me and congratulate me on how far this organization has come, but they don’t realize just how much was dependent on our staff in Uganda, our board members, and my family and friends.

I would like to take time to highlight two people I feel have been critical to our growth and impact – impact being how much of a difference we have actually made in Uganda. Many times people look at how much money is raised to measure the success of an organization. I personally like to count the number of smiles on the children’s faces. I am not sure if you have noticed or not, but Simone’s Kids has literally been changing lives.

The first person that I would like to highlight would be Kayiire Godfrey. Godfrey is the director of Simone’s Kids in Uganda. We have been working together since the very beginning of Simone’s Kids. He has one of the biggest hearts in the world. This man has grown up watching his own parents and many friends pass away from fighting in a war-torn country. He has experienced illnesses and even starvation. To this day, when we do home visits, many times Godfrey will kneel down with widowed grandmothers, weeping with them when they are sick and heavy burdened. He will do hospital visits and pray with mothers of sick children and shed tears as he leaves the hospital rooms. I have never seen Godfrey waiver in his compassion for each and every child in our program. I believe that is why, financially, Simone’s Kids has stayed so sound in Uganda. Even when other nonprofits report of so much struggle, we have been able to account for all the money spent.

The second person I would like to highlight is a volunteer, Mason Satterfield. Mason has gone on several long trips to Uganda on behalf of the Simone’s Kids organization. Mason also plans to move to Uganda in January 2017 to be a full-time missionary. The summer of 2012 was the first time I had the privilege of having Mason Satterfield on one of our group trips. He immediately fell in love with the children. It wasn’t until the second trip that I realized how much he may one day be involved with the organization. At a Simone’s Kids fundraising event, after his second trip, Mason and I were having a conversation about Simone’s Kids and all the children in Uganda. He said he couldn’t sleep at night because he was thinking about the children and how he felt they needed him, to which I replied, “Well, take off a semester of school and go.” About three weeks later, he was in Uganda. Mason knows a vast majority of the children’s names, along with their home and family life situations. He can walk through the town of Nakaseke and be greeted by many friends. He also has “adopted” several new grandmothers. Simone’s Kids is proud to have him currently as a volunteer staff member as the Program Director and in the future as a full time missionary.

There are many others I could go on about. We love our staff and volunteers and the joy they bring to God’s Hope Primary School. They work hard every day to make our children’s lives better and help them prepare for the future of Uganda. I have posted many pictures below – I hope you will enjoy!

Simone Puccinelli
Founder & President