Lexie’s Story

by Denise Pounds

 When you first see Alexa Sendukas, you might say she looks like your typical “All American Girl.”  But, when you begin to hear her speak of her time spent in the summer of 2010 at Gateway Mercy Ministries (GMM) in Uganda, you will soon find that she is anything but typical.  Lexie is no stranger to missionary work.  As a recent graduate of UT Austin, and now attending Law School at Georgetown University, Lexie has been on numerous mission trips in her young life.  She spent time as a summer missionary in such far flung places as Guatemala, Central America and in the Middle East in Amman, Jordan.  For the Summer of 2010, Lexie knew that she wanted to immerse herself in Africa.

Lexie came to hear about Promise International through her mother, who is a close friend of Promise International Chairman of the Board, Lisa Erwin.  Once it was decided that Lexie would make the trip to  Uganda, she was tasked with gathering information on each child supported by Promise International.  Lisa Erwin said, “I told Lexie that this was her mission trip; and she should only do as much as she felt comfortable doing.  Because the tasks that we assigned to her were numerous and could take months to fullfil.”  Amazingly, Lexie not only got all tasks accomplished, but exceeded all expectations!    For an entire month, Lexie was the eyes, ears of Promise International.  She offered an excellent assessment of what it is really like being on the ground at Gateway Mercy Ministries. 

At Gateway Mercy Ministries she started by gathering baseline information in the areas of medical, academic, vocational and family connections for each child.  Lexie observed that the children had important nutritional needs.  Many of the boys and girls were suffering from a skin rash that required medication.  That report sent Promise International Board Members working quickly to remedy the nutritional and medical problems the children were experiencing.  (See the story – “Improved Diet at Gateway Mercy Orphanage”)

There were also some clothing needs within the facility.  Lexie put together a budget for the items needed and once the funds were made available by Promise International, Lexie and Gateway Mercy Ministries Administrator, Sylivia Nakabuye took those funds to market.  With Sylivia’s wonderful bargaining skills they were able to purchase the needed items at a discounted price.

 

Finally, Lexie took time out to teach at least one session, if not more, in each of the primary classes conducted at GMM.  Lexie even introduced Math Bingo to the children, which is reported to still be a big hit!  This time in the classroom gave Alexa the opportunity to spend extended periods of time relating to the children.  She learned that the children were happy for the care and education they received at Gateway Mercy.  The children talked about what they wanted to be when they grew up.  They asked many questions about how they might succeed in preparing for their adult lives.  Questions far beyond their years! 

 

Though Lexie spent the bulk of her time at the GMM facilities, she also did an assessment of the emergent needs at each of the Promise International facilities, throughout southern Uganda.  The same needs echo from the walls of every Promise International sponsored facilities in Uganda.  Those needs are for better food, clothing, shoes, beds, and mosquito nets.  What is not lacking at these facilities is humble, optimistic, and grateful children. Though their needs would seem overwhelming to most, they are so happy to be in an environment where they are loved and nurtured: mind, body and spirit.

The following is a note from the author, Denise Pounds.

            “We at Promise International want to thank Alexa Sendukas for her amazing and invaluable work at Gateway Mercy Ministries.  There is still much work to be done.   If we all remain vigilant, a time will come when we will reap a harvest.  But we must not give up!      

Please visit our website at www.promiseinternational.org/donate to donate today.  Every dollar counts!”