They say we’re all connected by 6 degrees of separation, but with the rise of social media, some suggest it’s now only 5. Whatever the number, I believe in something even more profound: a connection can be made with every human being. That belief has shaped my life’s work.
About Four years ago (2021), we got connected to Pete Cohen, who has been so remarkable in the development of our project and ensuring the safety of the children and the farm here in Uganda. He has done this by bringing in very many connections of individuals and organizations that have been so supportive in the progress of our farming project. Now this is just a brief story and intro about our previous visitor Nalini Patel who visited us with her husband Paresh Patel.
About 25 years ago, Pete Cohen met Nalini Patel, a remarkable woman who went to him for coaching in West London. She faced challenges with anxiety and managing pressure, and over a few sessions, they worked together to help her navigate these. Their connection didn’t end there. Tina and Pete stayed in touch, became friends, and their paths have crossed in extraordinary ways.
Years ago, she appeared on a TV series where he helped her overcome her phobia of dogs. Not only did she conquer her fear, but she went on to welcome a dog into her life—a dog who supported her through tough times and even brought joy to him during the hardest moments of my life, including the loss of his mother and his wife, Hannah.
But the most incredible part of their connection has unfolded recently. Tina, who was born in Uganda but hadn’t returned since childhood, learned about a project Pete has been involved in with a young man named Mandela. Mandela, alongside a dedicated team, cares for 101 children and has a vision of self-sufficiency through farming and teaching life skills.
With the help of many kind souls, we’ve supported Mandela’s vision by sponsoring children, purchasing a farm, a tractor, and helping build essential infrastructure. Pete was fortunate to visit Uganda earlier last year and witnessed the incredible impact firsthand.
Now, Nalini Patel was in Uganda. She’s spent time with these children—cooking for them, buying them shoes, and experiencing the joy and resilience of this incredible community.
It’s awe-inspiring what the power of connection can achieve, amplified by social media’s ability to share good news and unite people across the globe.
During Nalini’s visit, it was two days of happiness and memories daily. The children received gifts daily, sweets plus delicious meals throughout. Not only the children got gifts but everyone on the team was able to get a gift for Christmas as she had carried plenty of things for all of us. Plus buying for the children footwear.
The first day was all about connecting, children presenting some dances, dramas and also telling some of their stories on how they joined us. Some of these stories were so emotional but Tina, Paresh and Paula were always finding a way to put smiles on the children’s faces.
On this first day we also got on the lorry with all the children and Paresh (Nalini’s husband) riding from the from seat and moved with all the children to go and show our visitors around the farm. On getting there, Tina and Paresh got to ride and the tractor that was given donated to us by New Holland. It was one of the best experiences on witnessing this. The love we all shared from farm was remarkable as they visitors also got a chance to see our newly made well that is going to support our farm all through.
Here are a few photos taken during their visit:
The second day of the visit was also wonderful as we had some beautiful activities to do like visiting the farm, planting trees, making ice cream for the children, more giving of gifts to everyone, lunch and more entertainment from the children for the visitors. This entertainment never left Paula in her seat. She had to get up and have some dances with the children.
I hope this story inspires you as much as it has me. If you’d like to learn more or be a part of what we’re doing in Uganda, please let me know. Together, we can make a difference.
Connection changes everything. Let’s keep building bridges.
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