WHILE many of their friends spent their holidays relaxing this year,
one Cambridge family had other ideas.
The Garners spent three weeks in Uganda working at a school for orphans
in the capital Kampala.
Parents Selina and Julian decided to take seven-year-old Christopher
and Matthew, four, away on the trip, organised by Emmanuel International,
as a way of living out their Christian faith in a practical way.
The family, who attend St Philip's Church in Mill Road, Romsey,
Cambridge, joined a team of 21 people from across the UK to support
children and teachers at Banunule School, which cares for children
orphaned as a result of AIDS or war.
They raised more than £1,500 before they set out on the project, and
News readers contributed to the total after the Uganda trip was featured
in June.
Selina, 36, who is training to be an Anglican vicar, said: "It did feel
like a big step of faith for us as a family. It involved lots of hard work
but we felt really blessed by the warmth, generosity and hospitality we
received.
"The people of Romsey made a big difference too. We were able to buy
lots of teaching resources, craft materials and an African-themed reading
scheme. We were also able to fund the purchase of medicines and
vaccinations for the clinic at the school."
While in Uganda, the team painted classrooms and installed strip
lights, Selina was able to train Ugandan teachers thanks to some tips she
received from St Philip's School in Vinery Road, nurses treated children
for worms and a couple of serious cases of malaria, and an after-school
club was set up. Other highlights included a book week, sports day and
prize-giving.
* To support the ongoing work of Emmanuel International or to join a
team next year, email