That’s right. My heart belongs to Uganda. You may ask why I’m devoted to a third world country facing many societal, political and human rights issues. And while all of this may be true, I was blessed with the opportunity to visit this country. Meet it’s people. And I fell in love. Let me backtrack and tell you why.
Several years ago Father Muggaga Lule entered my life when he became the priest at my church. He enlightened me into the plight of Uganda. For decades, the country has struggled with war, disease and poverty. But the people most affected are the children left orphaned after their parents passed, mostly due to AIDS and the war. In fact, in the past 20 years, Uganda has seen more than 2 million orphans. While most everyone in the country is struggling, it’s the orphans, left fending for themselves with nobody to care for, or love, them who struggle the most. I couldn’t bare the thought of these children being left out in the cold all alone. Doing whatever it takes just to survive and get the bare necessities.
After hearing this story in 2007 my children and I decided to take action. We started a lemonade stand at our church to raise money for children in St. Elizabeth’s Girls Academy (SEGA). Soon after, I was fortunate enough to travel to Uganda and meet the children we were helping. One look, and they stole my heart.
You see, the country may be facing a lot of societal and political issues; but underneath all of the turmoil is a country of beautiful souls. The innocent bystanders having to work with the cards they are dealt. And they are strong. They do not give up. They do whatever it takes to survive, and make their lives better.
The children in our schools were dealt a very bad hand. Born into poverty, losing both parents to illness, war, or both. Yet, they still have smiling faces and a deep drive to better their lives. They’re working hard every day out our schools to lift themselves from poverty to prosperity. They form new familial bonds with the nuns and other students. They run, laugh, play, learn. Although they have had a rough go at life, seeing the smiles of resiliency on their face melted my heart and inspired me to continue taking action by founding, and running, Hope for Hearts.
The people of Uganda are like a caterpillar. They may be facing a lot of hardship right now, struggling in a cocoon of turmoil. But they are continually seeking to improve their lives and overcome the obstacles. And when they do, the country will become a beautiful butterfly. The world will see past the turmoil, and learn to love the country for the beautiful cultures, customs, foods, etc. that have been there all along.
So yes, my heart belongs to Uganda. I wouldn’t have it any other way.
With Love,
Cristen
