Final country unlocked!

***photos will be made available later, unfortunately, the platform that hosts my blog was changed recently, and it is very difficult to handle photos.***

Getting from Diani to our destination in Mukono was a test of faith. Between crazy traffic in Nairobi, which forced us to abandon our matatus (15 passenger vans) and run through a dangerous part of town with all our gear, and last-minute visa delays, we only made it onto our bus by the grace of God, and immediately found out all our visas had been approved, just in the nick of time!

Upon arrival, my team settled in the town of Namawojjolo (which means “butterfly” in Luganda) with our host, Pastor Charles.

Our time focused on something new for me: direct evangelism. We spent our days walking door-to-door, sharing the Gospel and encouraging people to move beyond religious ceremony into a personal relationship with Jesus. At night, we led a Bible study at the church which was about a 15 minute walk away. On Sundays, we also led church services by taking turns preaching, giving encouraging words, testimonies, and leading worship. 

The highlight, however, was an initiative to provide Bibles to people. Most of the people attending our nightly studies didn't own their own Bible. Together, we raised enough money to purchase over 200 Bibles in both English and Luganda. Thank you so much to those of you that contributed towards this initiative and partnering with us in a way to give people access to scripture!

My coaches noted that in all their years of leadership, they had never seen a squad make such a tangible, immediate impact. Seeing the joy on someone's face as they read Scripture for themselves for the first time is a memory I will cherish forever.

About two weeks in, the other team joined us due to health and safety issues at their location. While it was sweet to be reunited as a full squad for our final six weeks, the transition was heavy. A couple teammates became so ill they had to return home early.

Most heartbreakingly, our teammate Michael had to leave after learning his father had stage four brain cancer. His father passed away in December; please keep Michael and his family in your prayers as they navigate this loss.

Life in Namawojjolo was made beautiful by the women who cooked for us and cared for us with servant hearts. They were such a blessing to us! Many of them have kids and we got to spend time with them. They are so precious!  Beyond our daily Bible studies, we partnered with a local World Race alumna for an outreach event, providing gift packages and HIV testing for orphaned children. Every single child’s test came back negative! Praise the Lord!

One of my biggest hopes when I left for the Race was the possibility of meeting my sponsor child, Doreen. I sponsor her through Arrows + Hope, an organization founded by people from my community back home. Since Doreen lives in Entebbe, only a few hours from where we were staying, the dream actually became a reality.

A few squadmates joined me as I met the local staff and learned about their incredible work, including an initiative where women create jewelry for the Noonday Collection. Any jewelry from Uganda purchased from Noonday collection is from them!  

The day was full of highlights, starting with meeting Doreen’s mother at her home and taking her with us to surprise Doreen at school. It was so special to sit with her, give her a Bible, and listen to her read from it. I also finally was able to give her gifts without worrying about whether they would fit in a mailing envelope.

Most sponsors never have the privilege of meeting their child in person. Witnessing the tangible impact of sponsorship through meeting Doreen in person was a profound blessing and a highlight of my entire journey.

To recharge for our final push, we took a trip to Jinja, the source of the Nile River for a few days. I took a literal leap of faith, bungee jumping 141 feet head-first into the Nile! It was a rush (and a lot of river water up the nose), but I’d do it again in a heartbeat.

Some of us also tackled Grade 5 white-water rafting. Our guide, who had led over 2,000 trips, told us it was the first time he'd ever seen a raft stay upright through one of the most intense rapids—though me and another squad mate did manage to fall out during the chaos!

It was a nice opportunity to relax, check out the local shops, and spread the gospel in the town of Jinja! 

We spent our final weeks distributing the last of the Bibles and encouraging the community to stay rooted in the Word. Ending the Race with ministry so focused on discipleship and the Gospel was deeply fulfilling. It reminded me that our purpose, no matter where we are, is to sow seeds of faith and bring people to the Lord. 

Things to pray for: 

Pray for Pastor Charles, the members of World Bridge Church, and the women that served us, that the Lord would bless them and they would continue to be a blessing to their community, and that the people in the town of Namawojjolo would continue to grow in their faith and share their faith with others! 

For Michael, as he mourns the loss of his father.