Two cultures, one family

MONTROSE — With the help of fundraisers, classmates and family funding, Jenna and Stephen McGehee have returned home to their place of birth — a small village in Uganda near Tanzania. But they didn't come empty handed as the kids with their parents Michael and Kimberley, brother Keegan and sister MaKenna have brought money for food, pairs of shoes and a new playground.

The McGehees are more than the average family. They were once a family of four made of Michael, Kimberley, Keegan, 13, and McKenna, 11. However, after much debate the McGehees adopted Jenna, 8, and Stephen, 3, because they met them and loved their personalities. While their biological parents died from AIDS, the two children tested negative for the virus. Jenna and Stephen have adjusted well to life in Colorado, but Michael and Kimberley were determined to make sure the kids didn't forget their roots.

"We've always wanted to keep the kids connected to their culture, so we knew we had to do something," Michael said.

The village in Uganda in which Jenna and Stephen were raised is in the heart of a ghetto, covered in trash. A large amount of the population has been stricken by the AIDS virus and can hardly afford to eat meals on a regular basis or clothe themselves. Despite the cost, the McGehees decided they were going to raise money to help their children's homeland and make the trip to Uganda together.

In December 2008, Kimberley decided to put her job skills as a Mary Kay jewelry representative towards a good cause. After getting in touch with a few charities including charity Peaceful Heart Uganda, she thought the best way to raise money would be using her jewelry sales skills by marketing necklaces made by women in the children's village.

Several classmates and teachers volunteered to help purchase and sell the jewelry, as Johnson Elementary first, second and fourth graders went all out . Those who couldn't purchase full necklaces, bought individual beads to contribute.

Johnson Elementary teachers led the charge, as John King's first-grade class raised $128; Jenny Wolfe's second-grade class raised $77, while Kathy See's fourth-grade class collected $73 and Gail Johnson's fourth-graders raised $40. Parents and faculty then purchased $320 worth of crafts.

Oak Grove Elementary and Passage Charter school also helped out. Cheri Jackett's fourth-graders raised $341, and Passage $184.

"I never dreamed the kids would be so dedicated to want to do something like this," Kimberley said. "It was inspiring. We weren't expecting that."

The McGehee family made their trip to Uganda in January this year. The money Montrose schools raised helped provide a feast for people in the village. The money also helped purchase 500 pairs of shoes and build a playground.

Seeing a different culture had a major effect on the McGehees.

"It made me more grateful for what I have here. We went there and saw people without shoes, without water, without a lot of small things," MaKenna said. "It makes you feel really spoiled here."

The trip was very special for Jenna and Stephen who were also reunited during the trip with their grandmother and two uncles who still live in the village.

Jenna said the trip back to see her grandmother and uncles was fun, while Stephen said he was happy to see them all again.

While only the McGehees and nine volunteers were able to make the trip, the students who helped weren't left out. The McGehees brought back photos they presented to all the classes who participated, showing them the direct effect their fundraising had.

Inspired by what they helped provide for the people in Uganda, the classes decided to put on another fundraiser selling the jewelry starting April 20. The fundraiser will last until May 11 and all the funds raised will go to Peaceful Heart Uganda to help the villagers. The students will get a report back from the charity on May 21 to see the results.

The McGehees said they were appreciative of everyone's efforts to help them fund the trip and for their two youngest family members who could have had a completely different life.

"I knew we couldn't save all of the children, but we found our two little starfish," Kimberley said.

You can contact Matt Lindberg via e-mail at mattl@montrosepress.com