It's hard to believe it has been nearly a year since my time in Uganda with The Archibald Project. I have written various guest blog posts, social media posts, and posts here on how I ended up going to Uganda, some thoughts on worth and preference, and the value of sponsorships, but up until now, I have not yet blogged the whole experience. Quite honestly it took me a while to process all that I saw and experienced and every time I went to write a comprehensive post I just couldn't seem to do it. I finally feel composed enough to share. This post is a way for me to remember the trip as a whole and share images and brief descriptions from the entire time in country. We loved intensely, worked and cried hard, had long days, and saw and heard difficult things. We also rested in the freedom of enjoying the culture and one another, and mixed in plenty of laughter and joy.

This is the beginning of an ongoing story.

It started with the promptings and the saying "yes." Then working like crazy and God providing like crazy when it came to fundraising. Seriously, it was astounding how quickly I was fully supported, and I have very generous friends who show up, love well, validate dreams, and give financial gifts. All of my fears regarding fundraising were shattered and God showed me that He cares deeply and knows my needs. Then the prepping and packing and planning and praying A LOT. Then the long flight and long conversations with my fellow teammate Solveig. Although we had never met, we immediately connected when we saw one another in LAX for the first time. Then the layover in Dubai and meeting the other team members with whom there was also an immediate connection. The team could not have been a more amazing group of people. Then the final leg to Entebbe where we were finally greeted by the warm Ugandan air and our fearless leaders, Whit & Nick. Phil, the director of HOPE and Ken, his assistant, helped us to the van and we headed out to Jinja. What should have been an hour drive took about 5 due to traffic. But this gave us a chance to get to know one another and for me to stare out the window and take in the street scenes through Kampala.

We finally arrived in Jinja and enjoyed a team dinner together. That first night we stayed on the grounds of Arise Africa in Jinja and got to experience Ugandan church the next morning. Then in the afternoon we were introduced to a bit of the area and culture with lunch, boda boda rides, walks on red dirt roads, interaction with the locals, and a boat ride on the Nile River.

In the evening we piled in the van again and headed out for the small village of Iganga, where HOPE Children's Home is located. When we arrived at Phil's house, or "Casa Blanca" as the kids call it, we were greeted by Mama Scovia and her very kind and hospitable crew. After settling in and a delicious dinner, Phil invited us to head outside. To our surprise the whole group of kids stood there singing us a song! It was one of the highlights of the trip...finally seeing all of their radiant faces for the first time.

Below are a few photos from "Casa Blanca" from throughout the week. The dining room, Mama preparing breakfast, our bedroom, and the back patio where we spent a lot of time dreaming, meditating, and encouraging one another. The accommodations and the food Mama prepared were way beyond imagined and we were very welcomed and well cared for.

Monday: Our first day at the children's home we intentionally left our gear and phones at home. This day was all about getting to know the kids, spending time playing and chatting, letting them braid our hair, show us their rooms, and become comfortable with us. The kids vary in age from about 6 to 23, but most of them are teenagers. They have been taken in from life on street and many of them have been at the home since they were about 8 years old. Everyone has a unique story, and I found myself wishing I had time to learn and tell them all. But we were only there for a week and there are approximately 120 children.

Tuesday: After devotions and breakfast we walked over to the children's home. We helped separate beans, set up a slack line for the kids, and watched as the older boys politely let the little girls go first and gently helped them across the line. This day was tough for me. I felt emotional, disconnected, and confused. I put a lot of pressure on myself and was worried I wouldn't be successful in my story telling. With opportunity comes responsibility, and with that fear and doubt often creep in. Amidst this experience, Evaline, the oldest of the children, asked me if I wanted to play a board game. She must have sensed it was just what I needed at that time. We escaped to her quiet room and sat for hours playing rounds of this game and not talking much. After a while and some small talk, she opened up and told me her story and her dreams and aspirations. Most of these kids have high hopes and it is encouraging to hear their stories. Although many of them involve rejection and hurt, many end with forgiveness and hope. These children are resilient, and brave, and wise beyond their years. I was honored to be let into their lives and hope I captured their essence responsibly. The day that started out rough ended with honest conversations, bold prayers with the team, and a strong sense of connection and clarity.

A brief story about this one. He appeared to be sad or sick so I sat with him for a bit and then tried to comfort him but he immediately started screaming when I went to console him. All I could do was pray over him from a distance and leave him be. The next day he had a totally different energy about him and was full of smiles and wanted to kick the soccer ball around with me. Small things like this kept happening and I believe in celebrating tiny victories.

Wednesday: This day was extremely special to me. I spent most of the day with a few of the teenage girls that I had connected with since day one. Jackie, Deborah, Violah, Jessca, Sumayah, and I gathered in their bedroom and sang together. They taught me a song or two and then I taught them a song. I plan to write the full story in another post, but until then know that there is power in music and it's ability to connect us is beautiful.

The covered back patio is a simple and sacred place. This is where worship happens. In preparation the children wash the cement slab. With the sun sinking low in the sky we gather, remove our shoes, and enter this place of worship.

Thursday: We had the opportunity to sit in on some classes at Crown of Life, the school the children attend. Education is extremely important and it is key in creating change. With education comes opportunity which has the power to affect future generations and ultimately help eliminate the orphan crisis.

After school, we walked back home and joined the kids for lunch. A simple meal of posho (cornmeal) and beans. This is what the kids eat most days. It is lovingly prepared and served by the Aunties who work tirelessly to care for the kids.

Friday: This was our last day with the kids. We took it as it came and fought to absorb every moment with them. We set up a volleyball net, played a few games, hung out and simply enjoyed spending time together. So often, in the West, we go through our busy life on auto pilot. Being in Uganda taught me to slow down and be present. Today I encourage you to be aware, breathe in life, and take a moment to simply be with the ones you love.

Each night we joined the children for worship. This was, for me, the most sacred and special time of each day. I learned how to worship with reckless abandon in this place and the sound of 120 kids singing their hearts out for Jesus will never leave me.

Goodbyes. Goodbyes are never easy. My heart was broken this night as I hugged as many of them as I could and spoke encouraging words over them. There were too many and not enough time and not enough words. Saying goodbye was gut wrenching, and after everyone had gone I sat on the patio and cried harder than I have ever cried in my life. But someday I will go back. And I will put my whole heart out there and love just as hard, even knowing I will have to say goodbye again.

And then the morning and more goodbyes to Mama and Moses and Susan and Ken. We left Phil's house and made the drive back to Jinja. We were blessed to have a slow day to drink coffee and debrief and spend time with the team.

Finally off to the airport, more goodbyes, another long flight, and a flurry of emotions. And then home, and processing, and writing, and many nights spent sitting on my couch until 2am crying and journaling and working things out with God.

And the process continues still and my heart is stirred still and the work is not finished. To be continued...

HOPE Childrens Home in Uganda | Orphan Care