As an “American mom,” she knows that her boys have access to reaching their hopes and dreams, whatever those may be.  When Mike came back from a trip and told her about the incredible dreams of some of the children at the orphanages in Uganda, she realized that those children did not have the same opportunities as her own children.  Abby is eager to serve with this organization because FoDU acknowledges those children’s dreams, while putting into place a realistic plan of action to reach those dreams.  She appreciates how FoDU allows children to be children by playing a game they love–soccer–which also opens up an opportunity for children to find healing from harsh past experiences.  Abby is eagerly awaiting the day when she can go with FoDU back to the continent that she loves.

I was a bit isolated from world events growing up in Iowa in the pre-internet days.  So, I had never heard of Idi Amin or even Uganda.  I knew Africa was a continent.  For some reason, my parents always told me that children were starving in Africa whenever I refused to eat my green beans.  Like many kids, I offered to box up my uneaten veggies and asked for the mailing address.  It wasn’t until I began studying religion and politics at the University of Iowa that I really became aware of the human rights violations and corruption that has plagued East Africa and many other parts of the world.  It was in college that I grew passionate about serving children and addressing the social injustices that caused poverty and oppression.

This passion led me to spend the next decade leading charity and social justice programs for the Catholic Church.  In Iowa I served as a lobbyist for the Iowa Catholic Conference and later directed the Office of Social Action for the Diocese of Davenport.   For Catholic Charities of Denver I ran a camp for underprivileged children and managed their volunteer and AmeriCorps programs.  I also earned my Masters in Nonprofit Management from Regis University while in Colorado.  My wife Abigail and I moved with our children to her home state of Texas in 2010.  I became a nonprofit consultant and eventually began work as the Director of Advancement for Holy Trinity Seminary.

As I look back on my journey so far, I can see how each experience gave me something I have needed to be an effective Board President for Fields of Dreams Uganda.  I am proud of how far Mike Warneke, Jonathan Ssebambulide and our Board of Directors have taken the organization in just a few short years.  I look forward to returning to Uganda next year to see the smiling faces of the children with a glimmer of hope in their eyes.

Jesse studied environmental studies at Pace University in New York City and environmental education with the Expedition Education Institute, for which he now serves as board president.  He chairs the steering committee of the community-based, food bank farm project Veggies for All, and is a Senior Fellow in the national Environmental Leadership Program.

Jesse serves as the Sustainability Director at Unity College in Maine where he focuses on student engagement and growth through applied efforts that include: farm and food work, waste diversion initiatives, climate emissions tracking and mitigation, energy efficiency and renewable energy, community engagement, and a wide range of assessment, reporting, and outreach activities.  Jesse believes that the education is the thing and that sustainability work is the vehicle.  He’s thrilled to support FoDU’s work to similarly empower youth through soccer.

People, sports, and education are deep passions of mine – each has played an integral role in shaping my life. A few years ago, my husband (a native Argentine and lover of all things soccer) and I were searching for ways to incorporate these three core elements into a non-profit organization that would uplift the discouraged and facilitate deep personal bonds across borders.

No sooner did we begin discussing ideas when, founder Mike Warneke extended an invitation for us to serve as part of Fields of Dreams Uganda. I’m a firm believer that if something works, then there’s no reason to reinvent the wheel. FoDU’s beloved vehicle of soccer is simple. And its message pure: HOPE. We jumped right in from the get-go.

In the last decade I have served around the world on mission and humanitarian projects and in non-profit organizations, and I’ve yet to see more integrity and compassion displayed within a leadership than displayed at FoDU, or more hope and joy radiating from the vulnerable children of Uganda that FoDU so passionately loves. It’s such a blessing to serve alongside not only our U.S. based staff and board, but also our fellow Ugandan brothers and sisters.

Tim is a Marketing Research professional from Chicago, IL who supplies some of the world’s leading brands with consumer insights that create meaningful impact on their business.  Originally from a small Illinois town, Tim moved to the Chicago suburbs to attend North Central College and has lived in the area ever since.  While Tim’s soccer experience is limited, sports have always been a significant part of his life.  Tim attributes his years of playing competitive baseball and basketball with setting him on a strong path towards success, though today his involvement is limited to being an avid Atlanta Braves fan and working with Fields of Dreams Uganda.

Tim first became inspired by Africa through following U2, his favorite band, and their work to raise awareness of the HIV/Aids, Extreme Poverty, and Malaria issues effecting the continent.  He is excited for the opportunity to have a positive impact on the lives of the orphaned and vulnerable children of Uganda with Fields of Dreams.  The opportunity to combine his heart for Africa with his love of sport, while working alongside his longtime friend Mike Warneke (Executive Director) is truly a dream come true.  He recently journeyed to Kampala and Gulu in February on FoDU’s 2012 Vision Trip, and can’t wait to go back, hopefully taking a few loved ones with him.

There is something about the pride of competition that makes a child feel alive, and confident. The confidence was overflowing as each team played to their best abilities throughout the day. It became quite obvious just how much work Coach Peter had done with the children at our partner schools as each team played to a much higher level than they had this past June.

The tournaments that we host as an organization are meant to serve as a way of promoting the talents of these incredible children while allowing them to simply act like kids. Far too many of the children at our partner orphanages have lived through unspeakable things, and today that got to compete, to dance, and to celebrate. Each team received a trophy to take back with them to their respected schools and every child left with a medal hanging around their necks. I am quite certain this will be a day in the lives of these children that they will not soon forget.

As the Executive Director for Fields of Dreams Uganda, it is such a blessing to see our work come to fruition in a day culminating so many of our organization’s goals. I am honored to play a role in providing hope for these kids, and it was such a blessing to give them hugs after a well-earned victory, and some comfort after a difficult loss. I have three incredible boys back in the States that I adore, but God has also blessed me with countless sons and daughters here in Uganda. I am excited for the day when my own three boys can cheer on these brave children together in the future.

Our Vision Team has been blessed beyond belief, and although it will be hard to leave this environment tomorrow that has become our second home, we are all ready to face the challenges that await us. The biggest challenge being, how to make sense of the incredible changes that have taken place in us, and provide hope for others in every aspect of our lives. We are proud of the work that is being accomplished in Uganda, and are reminded time and time again that Jonathan and Coach Peter are uplifting an entire generation to a place where their once lofty dreams are coming within reach.

Thank you all once again for your love, prayers and support during this journey,

Michael Warneke

A Day at the Market, by Jennie Wellsand

Today we traveled to a very special place in Kampala Uganda.  I was able to meet the two widows who have been making the products I’ve been selling at my shows since April.  Many sellers said hello trying to lure us to their booth to look at their items – these products ranged from beaded necklaces, wallets, coin purses, wooden animals & many other authentic items.  We made our way to the back where we found Hannifah in her shop, the widow who makes all of our cloth items.  As we were welcomed in to her small room, she introduced us to her two sisters & nephew who were busy working on finishing a few purses they were working on.  One of her sisters worked on the sewing machine while the others were working hard with their hands.  As we went through hundreds of products, they continued to work while chatting.  Hannifah has been working in the market for 6 years.  She told us how she lost her husband from AIDs many years ago & wants to put the best products out to sell so she can support her family. She travels very far to get the fabrics she most desires to have the best products to sell. We spent hours with Hannifah & her family which was incredible to know who I am supporting at my shows.

The next amazing women I met at the market was a widow named Rose.  Rose is from Northern Uganda who traveled south to Kampala when the war began.  She came with a group of about 10 women & their children to make a new, safe life for their family.  Watching Rose spin paper around a small needle to create such a beautiful product was cool to watch.  As we interviewed Rose, she told us how she lost her husband & how it’s been difficult to support her family. She has two boys & makes it a priority to get them through school.  While talking to Rose, I felt her pain of the past from fleeing Northern Uganda.  Two days ago the team & I had the chance to visit Gulu where the LRA had control for 25 years.  Meeting a women who had experienced being captured by the rebels twice, & knowing that she had to bury both her mother & her father without a choice, made me realize the reality of what Rose was escaping.

One challenge the widows in the market face is getting their fabrics, papers & supplies back to their homes without a vehicle.  They stack papers & fabrics on their head & walk back to their homes, then have to transport products to their shop as well.  Hannifah kept saying that it would be so nice to have a car.  Despite the trials these women face, they have so much pride in their work & products.  These women have hope knowing that we believe in them & that people like YOU are purchasing their products in America.  They were extremely grateful & it overwhelmed me with joy to meet & be welcomed by these women who have such a presence at my shows.  I cannot wait to show the new products!

Today was my sixth full day in Uganda. I don’t feel competent to really explain to you fine people, what I have really experienced in this beautiful country.  Over the past six days, I have seen poverty, pain, sickness, spiritual warfare, and pure joy and beauty from the people of Uganda. As an introvert, I am far outside of my comfort zone, and I have nowhere to run and hide from all that faces our team each day.  I can’t find the right words to explain why it is imperative to your spiritual well-being, that you visit this place.

I can’t seem to fully wrap my mind around the fact that I know that I’m a mess of a man, who in his normal life, is scared, broken, struggling, incompetent and in need, but how here, that is all but gone and forgotten in light of the empowerment that God has blessed me with in serving these incredible people. All I can say is that I know why “mzungu’s” (outsiders, or white folks, aka me) become unexplainably attached to this place upon visiting.  This happens because here, despite how you may live at home in fear and anxiety, you become a leader. You are looked up to, wanted, and needed. Here, your presence is desired as much as life itself in many cases. I spent the months leading up to my trip here, in a routine. Struggling with broken fellowship with Christ, a distorted view of myself, and the Father. Feeling called higher by the Lord, but unable to answer that call because I was unwilling to fully yield myself to him, and ultimately frustrated most of the time because I knew I was made for more.

The first day I was here, a great man named Jonathan Ssebambulide (F.O.D.U.’s national director in Uganda) told me that the kids here are so elated by our presence because us being here means that their hope is here.  I can’t fathom most of the struggles that these children are overcoming, but I can literally feel the connection with them as the holy spirit is working through me to them and through them to me as well. There is a very real sense of shared empowerment between me and a child as he or she receives a new set of soccer gear, school supplies, and encouragement to accomplish their dreams. They reciprocate to me a truth about myself that only God can reveal in me. The truth that in my insufficiency, he is able to do great things in and through me. He alone is able to not only see his beloved son, but also transform that son’s life into one that is wholly consecrated to himself, and able to accomplish the work that he has for me to do.  This is just the beginning of what I hope is a long running relationship with Uganda.

Be Still & Know = Beera Mugumu Ate’ Omanye

Shane Evans

We left formally war torn Gulu bright and early in the hopes of finding the king of the jungle.  At the end of the day, we may have missed the great lion, but we definitely had a wonderful time along the way.  Animals that we’d only seen in National Geographic were as plentiful as ground squirrels in the parks at home.  Before even entering Murchison Falls National Park, we had already encountered several baboons and a giraffe.  Once inside, we were greeted by dear like animals called Kobs.  Not one or two, but packs numbering closer to 50.  With cabin fever setting in after long hours in the van, we relocated to the luggage rack for fresh air and better views.  Further on we came upon wart hogs, which we all deemed one of the ugliest creatures on earth.  By the end of the day, they too had become commonplace.  Even the majestic giraffes, slow moving water buffalo, and gigantic elephants were so plentiful.  Finally, we reached the Nile, where hippos greeted us bobbing in the water, looking like huge rocks.  We left the park content as can be, with one more adventure in store.

Murchison Falls exceeded all expectations.  Not only is it a waterfall on the Nile, which would be neat to see in and of itself, but at this location the Nile cuts through a narrow slice of rock with force beyond anything any of us had seen before.  The sound it created was amazing, and the spray of mist cooled us after a long day.  After traveling with such force through the falls, it was amazing how it calmed so quickly downstream into a gentle flow.

After a few more hours back in the car, we are now back in Kampala and ready to do some shopping!  No malls for us, we are hitting the Widows Market to buy handmade Ugandan goods for Ekisa Designs and for ourselves.  After that, we all are looking forward to Saturday’s tournament, where we will rejoin all of the friends we’ve made this week and watch them show off their skills and compete on the soccer pitch.  Please keep these athletes in your thoughts and prayers for a fun and safe Fields of Dreams tournament!

~  Tim Shoemaker

Seeing a Strategic Plan Start to Work

By Mike Heaton

Last summer, the Board of Directors for Fields of Dreams Uganda approved a Strategic Plan for the organization.  It included revamping our vision and mission statements as well as setting a series of goals that we hoped to accomplish.  I have been fortunate this week to see our plans start coming to fruition.

Goal # 1: Solidify the organizational infrastructure of Fields of Dreams so that it can operate with sustainability, transparency, integrity, compassion, cultural sensitivity, and humble servanthood.

I am proud to say that I represent a fully functional organization with foundation documents, a 501c3 status, a headquarters, strategic plan and operating staff.  When we have visited orphanages this week, we visited representing FoDU.  Mike and Jonathan handed out business cards to partner schools.  This gave them a sense of legitimacy and a willingness to move forward with partnerships.

Goal #2: Increase opportunities for Ugandan orphans to participate in high quality Fields of Dreams soccer and educational programming.

It was nice to see this goal being met first hand.  I watched our new coach run players through drills.  I heard directly from children how the organization is benefiting them by providing new shoes, uniforms and other important needs.  I will be honored to watch them play in a tournament we are hosting this weekend.  We have come a long way toward improving the soccer aspect of our programming and will be focusing on the education side this Spring and Summer.

Goal #3: Increase Awareness in the United States of Fields of Dreams Uganda and its mission.

And

Goal #4: Build and cultivate relationships with donors, corporate sponsors and partner organizations.

The equipment we have passed out this week was donated because Mike has been building a U.S. network of supporters.  He has attended numerous events to promote FoDU and it is paying off.  I also see our U.S. support growing rapidly. Our social media followers continue to increase dramatically both before and during this trip.

As Board President, it is a joy to see our planning and hard work becoming reality.  I am proud of the work Mike is doing in the United States and Jonathan and Coach Peter are doing here in Uganda.  We are progressing ahead of schedule and Mike has already started putting together our Annual Plan for the 2013-2014 Fiscal Year.

The needs are great here, but this organization is making a different that will be lasting.  It is in good hands.

We enjoyed a wonderful time at the Restore Academy, a secondary school that is doing a wonderful job caring for their students. Our team had the opportunity to talk with the head teacher, girl’s soccer coach, and a few of their star athletes. The character and resolve that these students were expressing was inspiring to the entirety of our team. One of the young women we talked to was 17 year old Nancy Olcott, who has the dream of competing in the 2016 Olympics in the javelin. If you had been present during our conversation, you would have thought that she had already received a personal invitation from the Olympic Committee. We are very impressed with the good work that this school is doing, and we are already thinking of many practical ways that we can inspire hope in these children, and the dreams they have for their lives.

I was reminded during our time in Gulu how healing sports can be to a child and/or adults alike. And the beauty of sports is that the ripple effect often has an uncontrollable reach. I couldn’t help but think of Hurricane Katrina, the impact and devastating destruction that it had on the Gulf; and in many ways it was the NFL Saints that brought healing, hope, and a rally cry to New Orleans and the surrounding communities. There have been 25 years of evil unleashed on this part of the globe, and I can say in confidence, that the beautiful game of soccer can bring healing, hope, and a fresh start to the Acholi people.

We spent the rest of our afternoon visiting a possible partner in the form of a Sports Center for children, and we also got a history lesson from The Primary Teachers School in Gulu. As we sat down with Madame Grace, we learned that the school grounds were used to house the night commuters and their families during the height of the LRA’s reign in this region. The school would become a safe sleeping ground at night, as thousands of people would flood this campus using the desks, chairs, and even the books for kindling to keep them warm and help them cook their food. Although the night commuters are now back in their homes and villages it is obvious that a great need remains in the form of hope. Madame Grace shared with our team that she fully believed that our program would touch every child at her school.

Our leadership were hit with the realization that the time to act in Northern Uganda is now. The needs are simply too great. It is an injustice to compare the lives of any two orphans, and the needs in Northern Uganda and in Kampala are both great. Our programs are already producing results in the capital city, and we are resolved to do everything in our power to ensure that Fields of Dreams Uganda has a presence in theNnorth in the near future. But we cannot do this alone. We need the help of all of our supporters. We need to lean on the gifts, both financially and physically of the people that are reading this post, and feel a tug to get involved and act on behalf of these children who refuse to keep dreaming.

As our day came to a close our team members had the honor of sitting down with a local Gulu woman to hear a bit of her story of perseverance. This incredibly strong woman shared in detail her multiple abductions; the brutal murder of her father and mother at the hands of the LRA; and the impossible task of having to raise her siblings alone at the age of ten, just after dressing the mutilated body of her mother as she buried her in the red soil of Uganda. Our team members no longer need to think of the movie clips, or books on Uganda, but instead their Uganda has a new face, a new name, and new story, and it ends in HOPE. As the executive director for this incredible organization I am determined now more than ever to make sure hope is restored throughout Uganda. The time to act is now. The time to give everything we have to a cause that is much greater than ourselves is now.

I am forever grateful to the first ever Vision team that has accompanied me on this journey. Their companionship has been both a blessing and an encouragement. I cannot thank the family and friends of these individuals enough for their tremendous support and understanding. I hope and pray that many of you reading this would consider coming to this incredible country with us in the future, to help restore hope to a land that has seen far too much suffering.

~ Mike Warneke