Build a skill center for young moms in Uganda!

I recently returned from a two-week trip to Uganda, where we had several goals. The first was to meet with our staff to set immediate future objectives. The second was to complete some projects at the center, and the third was to hold a graduation ceremony for the women in our sewing and agriculture school.

I traveled with Mattis, a university student who had previously volunteered in South Africa. Unfortunately, I contracted COVID-19 on the flight and spent half the trip recovering in my hotel room. Despite this setback, I realized that my role was more about bringing ideas and resources rather than executing everything myself. The team on the ground, including Mattis, Sylvia, and Byron, handled things exceptionally well without me, for which I’m incredibly grateful.

The main project during our visit was to install a new floor in the shade house and build a half-wall around it to prevent flooding. This space is frequently used for Bible studies, vacation Bible school, and as a shelter from the sun and rain. The old dirt floor, which attracted bugs, has been replaced with a much cleaner surface where the kids can now nap. The team also built benches, providing much-needed seating at the center, and added new foundations to our storage sheds, which had previously been vulnerable to snakes. Now, our night watchman can sleep there much more safely. Additionally, they painted a mural on the bathroom wall and coated the floors with high-quality concrete paint, making them easier to clean.

I also spent time teaching the women how to dye fabric, including a full day teaching a mother named Phoebe, who is autistic, how to tie-dye. This was particularly meaningful to me as my oldest daughter is also on the autism spectrum. Phoebe was incredibly meticulous, spending over an hour tying a tablecloth that turned out beautifully. I only wish I could find a market for her work, as she clearly has a talent for it.

The graduation ceremony was a huge success, with many community members coming out to support the women. I was deeply moved by the testimonies of the graduates and grandmothers who have benefited from our seed giveaways each growing season. After the ceremony, we held a feast where people ate more than I’ve ever seen, even at a U.S. Thanksgiving. It was a humbling experience to see people who are truly hungry have the opportunity to eat their fill.

The entire trip was emotionally overwhelming. Witnessing firsthand the impact of our work on this community was powerful, yet it also brought a heavy sense of responsibility. It’s difficult to bear the weight of so many people’s hopes, but I pray for the courage to continue showing up and doing what we can, even though we can’t meet all their needs.

Upon returning home, I contracted COVID-19 again and have been quite sick for the past 10 days. Despite the physical and emotional toll, I’m grateful that we accomplished everything we set out to do. We reviewed the bookkeeping, planned with the Suubi staff, oversaw construction, successfully executed the graduation, and strengthened our bonds with ministry partners. However, our sewing teacher, Rahuma, was diagnosed with stage 1 ovarian cancer shortly after we left. She’s now undergoing aggressive chemotherapy for three months. I’m grateful she was able to enjoy the graduation before her treatment began. Please keep her in your prayers, asking for the strength to endure this treatment and for it to be fully effective.

Rahuma is an amazing person and the mother of twin girls. She’s started a MomCo group in her home village that already includes 55 women. She has a pastor’s heart and loves teaching sewing. We are incredibly blessed to have her on our staff, and we’re seeking financial support to cover her medical treatment. She’s had surgery and now remains in the hospital for chemotherapy, with food needing to be brought to her daily. Any help in meeting her immediate needs would be greatly appreciated.

Links:

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