The whole time there I thought about things in America and compared them to Uganda. I saw kids with only one outfit and I have a closet full of "nothing to wear". I saw women who had never seen a washboard before and only wash by hand, and I have a washing machine and dryer that I am sometimes too lazy to use. I saw 5 children seated on one tiny bench writing notes on their hands because they don't have paper and I have a classroom that doesn't have enough shelf space for my supplies. Even though those sound like they don't have much, they have so much than I do. I saw kids with their hands raised high praising God with all their heart. I felt the amount of love in their hearts based off their hugs. I heard the joy in their laughter all day long. I experienced church services 2+ hours long that never lost energy. Kids were thanking God for wisdom, water, food, and strength.
Now I am so thankful of the life I live. I've been blessed beyond means and owe all of that to God. A very wise friend of mine sent me a message while I was gone and I haven't been able to get it out of my head because of all the truth in it. He said, "Although we live very fortunate lives over here, it can become a huge battle for us spiritually because we are all so prone to become worldly instead of Godly and simply get lost in all this life has to offer. I think it can be harder to realize our need for God when we have so much, compared to those that have so little." So good. I don't know why we do that, but I do know I will be praying a lot for God to help shift my thoughts.
Even though there is so much joy, there are so many needs that need to be met over there as well. We have so much of our hearts to offer them and it takes just so little. I have been blessed with the financial means to sponsor a child (who I was able to meet...awesome experience). $35 a month (that's $1.16 a day) is providing that child with food, healthcare, education, clothes, and a place to stay. But it's also providing her with the thought and knowledge that someone, somewhere cares about her and that she is loved. It is providing her the opportunity to be better. There are so many kids who are unable to go to school because their parents can't afford it, so many orphans being sold into slavery, so many children who die everyday because they don't have clean water and can't afford healthcare. By sponsoring one child you won't change the world, but you can change the world of that one child. Another way to help is by sponsoring the elderly there. They live alone, many very far off the road, in the dark with no one to care for them and no means of money. Sponsoring them allows access to our clinic, food, oil for their lamps, and outreach members a chance to visit with them weekly. We had the opportunity to visit several of the elderly and many of the conversations were them thanking God for us taking the time to see them. We brought cookies to them one day and it was their first cookie they have ever had (could you imagine never eating a cookie?). They will now be able to live longer because they have the strength and knowledge that someone believes in them and cares for them. And finally, you can give of your resources and time to visit Uganda in person. Show Mercy welcomes visitors any time of the year. I can't explain Uganda in words because there are no words for me to describe it exactly. You don't just see Uganda, but you feel it. I didn't do anything special while I was there, but in every child and adult we came in contact with we were special. We brought joy into their hearts by loving on them and giving them the attention they rarely receive. Please prayerfully consider any of these three ways to help meet the needs of those that deserve them the most. Which ever one you choose, you won't be disappointed and you can know that you are changing the world of someone's life. Visit Show Mercy to learn about all of their sponsorship ways and mission trip opportunities. I will be going to Uganda again next summer and would love to bring many friends with me :)
Uganda has filled a void in my heart. Those people have become my passion. I would love to share more with those who would like to know more. Thank you for taking the time to read my thoughts :)