Back in July, a team of five from the US walked down a narrow red dirt path to the grass-thatched roof and mud floor home of Jeremiah and Lydia. They are twins, who are both sponsored and now attending a local private school. Their father is mentally impaired and unable to help support the family, which makes life very difficult. The family is dependent on farming, which is all done by hand.
But can you see the joy in their eyes? They have hope! Their mother has been loved and encouraged by Arrows + Hope coming alongside her family. She is strong and determined to stay with her husband, even though most women living in rural Uganda in her situation would have left. Keeping families together is one way sponsorship impacts a child, family, and their community!
Ashley traveled with the team in July. She is a sophomore at Texas Tech University, majoring in early childhood education. Below, she shares about how her visit to Uganda impacted her:
“When going to Uganda, I was prepared for meeting the kids and being able to give them all the love and support we could provide in the short two weeks, but I wasn’t prepared for how God would forever change my heart. I always knew I wanted to go to Uganda after hearing all about it from Chloe and the Fishers, but I never knew the magnitude of impact the trip would have on me. Going to Uganda to me meant being there for the kids and seeing that God’s greatest gifts in life are His children and showing up for people leaves an impact on them. Seeing everyone’s faces light up when they saw everyone that came on this trip was so precious. It made me realize the importance of people’s presence in life and how much of an impact you can have on someone.
One thing that stands out to me is visiting the kids in the villages and with their caregivers at the church. Walking into the church gave me chills, being greeted with such big smiles and warm hearts and loud voices, it was something so magical to be at the house of worship with these amazing families. It made me think about the impact I have on people when I see them and welcome them into my life. They were so appreciative and loving towards us which caused me to think about every interaction I have in life. I want it to be one where people see Christ through me. The young kids and parents are so full of the Holy Spirit which motivates me to show the same love and kindness to those I interact with everyday.”
Sue, from Michigan, has been to Uganda twice now! Below, she shares a bit about her experience during her most recent visit:
“I was so thankful I could return to Uganda in July. I was there four years earlier and was really excited to see the kids that we sponsor. It was such a blessing to see how they have changed. They have more confidence, smile quicker, and have something to look forward to in the future. I love how the Ugandan staff care for the children both physically and spiritually. Not only do they love the sponsored children well, but also their caregivers. What a blessing it is to be a part of something larger than myself. I look forward to the day that I can go back.”
Happy Thanksgiving
to you and your family!
We give thanks on this Thanksgiving Day for the HOPE we have in Christ and the opportunity to give it away to children and their families in Uganda! We are thankful for the transformation HE brings! We are grateful for all the prayer warriors, supporters, and sponsors who make the ministry of Arrows + Hope possible.