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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

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I know God will provide.

He says it so confident. Father Mugagga and I were catching up last week upon his return from Uganda.

I know the list of growing concerns: The soaring costs of food due to draught and dying crops. A resurgence of people dying of lack of food. The never-ending building repairs. The pending re-roofing project. The hundreds more children that could benefit from our program if there were enough space.

We have miles to go, so busy we stay keeping Hope for Heart at the forefront of your mind when choosing where to give your hard earned dollars.

The beds Father Mugagga and team made = happy kids!
The beds Father Mugagga and team made = happy kids!

Updates from Uganda:

Recuitment continues at St. Elizabeth Academy Uganda with a focus on pulling girls from a life on the street and into vocational programs. Our training programs have 140+ older teens enrolled.

The young children who land at our doorstep head to Kankobe Children’s Home for primary schooling. This past trip Father Mugagga helped weld bunk beds together for the 130+ children we support at this school.

God has a plan.

He continued on. He painted the picture for me, but as always, he framed his picture in a positive manner with much gratitude. The picture he paints of life at our schools focuses on the present, never the negative. We are blessed with beautiful souls who wander our halls. Those blessings will grow. We will help more children.

I am blessed.
Cristen

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Imagine. Your parents are dead. You have siblings to support. You have a sixth grade education. You’re alone. You’re terrified. You’re begging on the streets. You wonder if you’ll make it.

This is not a TV show. This is reality. Unfortunately, far too many children in Uganda face this daily.

This is where our school St. Elizabeth Academy steps in. The school houses the most destitute children and provides them with the tools to gain skilled labor jobs to support themselves and their families. Some of our children go to school and some make it through to university.

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These children have tenacity. They are determined to turn the tide of their devastating situation — but we can’t do that without your continued support in sponsoring a child.

The future is in their hands, but we can provide them a hand-up. 

We, being more fortunate and having access to education more readily can provide them a chance to turn their reality into a promising future, a self-supporting future.

A toast to peace and hope and the future,
Cristen

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I have a love hate relationship with jewelry. Throughout my life I’d either love to wear it, buy tons. Then there is the keep it simple times. Little to no jewelry would find its way to my body.

Last year I had my husband build an accessories closet for me, but as the year wore on, I found myself going to a few staple pieces that felt simple. Simple is where I want to be.

My favorite piece is not the diamond earrings gifted at college graduation or the diamond ring I bought to signify I can do anything by myself. My go-to accessory…Beads of Hope from Uganda.

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A few years back I was introduced to a Las Vegan who started her own charity to help children in conflicted areas with their education. Her name, Cristen. She traveled to Uganda in 2011, and when you talk with her, Cristen will not only tell you it was a life changer, you can see the passion on her face when she tells the story of the children she met.

She brought back hope. Hope that all children feel loved. Hope to one day be able to expand services to more schools and more countries. The hope is turning to reality. Last year, another school was added!

I wear my beads with pride. I have a few variations in colors. My favorite thing to do is take the necklace and wrap it around my wrist. When you compliment me on my beads, you bet your bottom dollar I am going to tell the story behind the beads. Cristen’s story of hope. The children’s stories of accomplishment.

Why do I wear my beads? Why do I gift beads to friends? Why to do I sponsor a child annually? Simple. Every child deserves an education, food, and roof over their head. Every child deserves to the chance to be a child. Laugh, play and learn.

Believe life is good, and life will be good.
Renee

This blog first appeared on itsallgug.com Renee Guglielmetti blogs about her life’s musings and travels.