3 Months in Uganda with Love+One International

Back when I took my first trip to Africa in 2012, it fully captured my heart. I absolutely loved the culture, the way the Lord was so tangibly present, and the joy that exuded from the people. I knew that Uganda was special, and I knew I would be back. I was blessed to be able to return a couple of times throughout the last few years and I knew that if the opportunity presented itself, I would want to be there longer than 2 weeks.   The Lord has been so good in directing me exactly where I need to be, and I realized that I needed to be diligent in the season I was in, I needed to finish school ( I graduated from Belmont in May) and then see where He led me.  He placed a deep passion and desire in my heart to serve "the least of these." I have been waiting on His perfect timing for 7 years now since arriving to Africa for the first time...

Well—fast forward and here I am! I have been given an opportunity to return to Masindi, Uganda for Love+One International, an organization that I’ve had the privilege to be able to follow since my aunt Suzanne Mayernick founded it. I am going to be serving for 3 months from late July- mid October in this beautiful country that captured my heart all those years ago. This is something I have felt called to for a while, and the time has come! 

Love+One International's mission is to: "transform the hearts of children, families and communities through the love of Christ and encourage family preservation through empowerment and sustainable opportunity." During my time in Uganda, I will be helping to make this mission statement ring true. I will be helping care for the acutely ill children that come to the Love+One Rescue Center, as well as help with the resettlement process and home visits to ensure the children that get resettled once they are well are thriving, all in the name of Jesus. As Love+One grows, as we plan for it to in the next few years, it is crucial that there is solid communication between the ground team and the Love+One staff here in the states. I would help make this communication smoother as well.

I am going to be really vulnerable and honest when I say: this is equal parts terrifying and exciting. There are so many things that have been running through my mind that I have been bathing in prayer. I know the Lord has called me to this, but what will it look like? Am I getting behind in finding a job? How will I support myself? So many questions but I know what He has placed in my heart, and I trust He will provide immeasurably more than I can even imagine as I have seen him do time and time again. He is faithful!  

This has been a dream of mine and I need your support! Whether it’s financial or in prayer, or both. I cannot wait to see what the Lord does within and through me. Thank you in advance for joining me on this journey as I lean into what He has called me to!