About two weeks ago, Amanda and I realized we needed to raise $7,220.00 in order to buy the beds and mosquito nets for all 57 children at Hope Care Child Program, not $4,000.00 like we had thought all along. At this point, we were burnt out, sold out of t-shirts, and lacking resources. People told us it was okay to give up and be happy with what we had already raised. But Amanda and I decided to keep on trying... even if we had our own doubts, we didn't give up. And I am SO happy to announce that as of today we have reached our fundraising goal for Love Uganda T-Shirts!!! We have officially raised $8,000.00, surpassing our goal of $7,220.00! Monday was my 20th birthday and I couldn't have asked for a better birthday present. I can't believe that in FIVE DAYS, I will be boarding a plane to Uganda!     

     I named my blog "Something Beautiful" because I want to do something beautiful in this world and experience something beautiful. I think this Love Uganda fundraiser is exactly that. I think it's beautiful that people from all over the United States have joined together to support these children in Africa, regardless of different beliefs, backgrounds, or financial statuses we may hold. Hundreds of people have ordered shirts, most of whom I have never met in my life, and many have donated funds. My friends have also supported me throughout this entire process, whether that was by giving their time to help, or by praying for me. This has truly been the most humbling process in my entire life and I am in awe of people's giving hearts and generosity. I find beauty in this community that has joined together, and I have found beauty in the many twists and turns during this journey to raising the money. As my friend Sara once said, "I find beauty in dependence on God for strength in the unknown." This quote describes much of my experience. I have never had to depend on God so much in my life. I had no idea how all of the funds would come in, but God beautifully orchestrated all of it. I could list off countless stories where God provided in ways I never could have imagined. The verse 1 Thessalonians 5:24 has come to life for me, "The one who has called me is faithful and He will do it."        

     I know the day we set up the beds and mosquito nets for the children at Hope Care Child Program will be the best day in my entire life, and I'm not quite sure I can even prepare myself for it. I want to say thank you to everyone again who has been a part of this journey. I cannot wait to share pictures, videos, and stories with you!
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     Another beautiful part of this journey has been seeing passion instilled in others. Soon after Amanda and I started the Love Uganda fundraiser, one of our friends Kelsey decided she wanted to do something too. She had the wonderful idea to sew new pillowcases for all 150 children at Hope Care Child Program. She called this project, "Threads of Hope." I loved this idea because these children never get anything just for themselves. Kelsey, with the help of others, sewed individual pillowcases for each child! They are fun colors with all different designs, whether they are polka dots, stripes, african animals, etc. She also got people to write letters to each child that we will attach to the pillowcases. These pillowcases and letters will help remind these children that they are special and loved, and that people out there are praying for them. I'm so excited to deliver all of the pillowcases and letters this summer!
    We are asking everyone to wear their Love Uganda t-shirt THIS Monday, May 23rd, to celebrate that all of the funds are raised, and to support us as we leave for Uganda that day! Please take a picture of you and/or your friends wearing the shirts and send them to me at: [email protected] or post it on the Love Uganda Facebook page's wall! We will take all of these pictures with us to Hope Care Child Program to share with the children and Pastor Fred! Thanks again for being a part of this beautiful journey, we truly appreciate it!

"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has."

-Margaret Mead

 

In
  two  weekswill be boarding plane to Uganda!
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have been thinking about my trip and the adventure that lies ahead of me, and I have started to get SO excited! Whenever I imagine delivering the beds to HCCP, or picture being reunited with Sharon, I get so giddy and anxious... I literally just want to run around smiling! Even though I have so many things I'm looking forward to, for the most part, I don't really know what to expect out of this summer. But I do know God already has an amazing plan set out for me. And I can't wait to see what it entails!

Since my last blog post, I have continued to reflect on the verse 1 Thessalonians 5:24, "The one who calls me is faithful and He will do it." This process of fundraising has truly forced me to rely on God and trust in His ways and timing. There have been so many moments this year where I have doubted if we would raise all of the money, but it is during those moments where God has continued to amaze me. Just today, we got a donation for $500.00! Now, we only need to raise $800.00 more to reach our goal of $7,220.00!

I want to thank everyone who has supported us thus far once again. Thank you for helping make a difference in these children's lives. Even though you won't be there with us to deliver the beds, you are still a part of this journey. I think it is so beautiful that hundreds of people from all over the United States have joined together to support these children in Uganda.

As we embark on this journey, I am asking that people will please pray for our safety and health during our time in Africa. Please pray for God's protection. Pray that God may work in and through us during our time there. We will be in Uganda during a time of unrest for the country. We truly believe that God has us going to Uganda for a purpose and we trust that the safest place for us to be is in the center of His will. We truly believe in the power of prayer and we are asking for you to be in constant prayer for the country of Uganda, the people of Uganda, and the ministry we will have there.

                            Bwana Asifiwe, Praise God!
                                              and
                 Katonda akuwe omukisa, God bless you!

"The place God calls you to is the place where your deep gladness and the world's deep hunger meet."
-Frederick Buechner