Her Pen, His Purpose

Day One~

It’s safe to say Uganda is one of my favorite places on earth. When the opportunity came to return with Heshima Ministries, my heart didn’t even hesitate—an immediate “yes!” Two years had passed since my first trip in 2023, and I was so ready to reunite with familiar faces, meet new women, and, most importantly, see what God had in store for this journey.

Our little team was just six people, but it felt like the perfect group. We laughed, had deep conversations, and supported each other in ways only God could have woven together. I truly believe He handpicks every person for these kinds of trips.

The Long Journey to Uganda ✈️

If there’s one part of missions I wish I could skip, it would be the 20+ hours of flying. But even in the waiting and the weariness, God reminds me that He wastes nothing—not even airport delays or sleepless flights.

We finally landed around 4 a.m. in Entebbe, and even though I was exhausted, stepping foot on Ugandan soil again brought a wave of warmth and familiarity. We were greeted by smiling staff members, and I couldn’t help but feel God’s presence reminding me, “You’re right where I want you.”

On the drive into Kampala, Judah—the 13-year-old son of our trip leader, Misty Newsome—and I sat in the back of the van with the windows down. The cool breeze carried the distinct scents of Uganda—earth, exhaust, and a subtle freshness—and I was instantly transported back to memories from my first trip.

Settling In

We stayed at Latitude 1, a beautiful space that became our home base for the next five days. After wrestling our 11 (!) heavy suitcases up three flights of stairs, we unpacked, napped, and got ready to dive into what God had planned.

That first afternoon, we had lunch at Heshima with the staff—Linda, Phiona, Chris, Justine, Eddy, Baphie, Devine, and Trinity. The meal, as always, was unforgettable: rice, peas, carrots, buttery avocados the size of grapefruits, and “Irish mash” (mashed potatoes), and beef. Judy, the designated cook for the Heshima staff, poured so much love into that food. Honestly, one thing people don’t always realize about Uganda is how fresh and flavorful everything is. Even the simplest dish carries so much richness. That and they eat in much larger portions than I’m accustomed too (which is a shocker since everything tends to be “Texas-sized” in Texas).

Ministry in Action 🌍

After lunch, we gathered the women into the courtyard area and my mom, who’s passion is fitness, led a workout format that she designed. But this wasn’t just exercise—it was Mind Fully Fit, pairing physical movement with spoken words of truth and encouragement. It was incredible to watch the women start shy, but slowly open up, laugh, and even shout with joy.

Then came one of my favorite moments: the dance circle. Misty, our trip leader, suggested Baphie (one of the staff members) teach us some Ugandan moves. Soon, the courtyard was filled with upbeat music, laughter, and a joy that only comes from God’s Spirit uniting people.

For me, it was extra special. I’m not always one to jump into the middle of a circle—but that day, I did. Judah and I jitterbugged (per his mom’s request), I even got called in to do some ballet (a nod to my dance background), and before I knew it, everyone was cheering and copying the person in the middle of the circle. It was a picture of pure community, the kind of celebration heaven must look like.

Meeting Alvin 💛

That afternoon, I got to see one of my favorite kids in the world—Alvin, the son of Chris, Heshima’s groundskeeper. Alvin lives on-site, and though he is shy at first, his little smile could light up the entire room. He’s so grown up now! When I called out his name at the gate after seeing him for the first time in years, stepping foot into Uganda once more, I think I startled him. But even though he may have not remember me, I loved him all the more. Children in Uganda carry this blend of sweetness and joy that leaves a mark on your heart forever.

Everyday Life in Uganda

We ended the day with dinner at Café Javas, a popular restaurant in Kampala that feels like a taste of home for many visitors. Their menu has everything—pasta, burgers, milkshakes—and it’s a place we knew we could trust for clean, safe meals. (For the record, their peanut butter milkshake might be the best thing I’ve ever had in my life.)

We also made a quick stop at the store, where I was reminded of a uniquely Ugandan detail: at the exit, someone checks your receipt before you leave. You don’t get the receipt back, they just keep it. Little things like that remind me how different—and yet how normal—life feels there.

By the time we returned to Latitude, I was exhausted, but I made time to journal. Writing down the day helped me process not just what happened, but where I saw God’s hand in it all.

Reflections

Uganda is known as the Pearl of Africa, and it’s easy to see why. The land is breathtaking, the people are joyful, and God’s Spirit moves in powerful, tangible ways there. Yet beyond the beauty, Uganda also holds deep challenges—poverty, limited opportunities for women, and systems that often leave people overlooked. That’s why ministries like Heshima are so vital. They empower women with skills, confidence, and above all, the knowledge that they are loved by God.

Every time I return, I’m reminded that missions isn’t about us being the “helpers.” It’s about partnership. It’s just about going and listening and doing life with others. It’s about seeing how God is already at work and joining Him there.

As I sat on the couch, debriefing the day in my journal with Cadbury bubbly chocolate in hand (a Misty tradition), I couldn’t help but thank God for allowing me to be a small part of His story in Uganda.

 Uganda taught me once again that when we step out in obedience, God shows up—in the dance circles, in the shy smiles of children, in the laughter over dinner, and even in the long plane rides that test our patience.

The Pearl of Africa isn’t just a beautiful place on a map. For me, it’s a reminder that God’s Kingdom stretches across every nation, every language, and every heart willing to receive Him. Our God is a big God.

💬 I’d love to hear from you! Drop your questions about Uganda, missions, or Heshima Ministries in the comments—I’d be so glad to share more.

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🌿 About Heshima Ministries

Heshima Ministries serves underprivileged women in Uganda by teaching them practical skills like tailoring, hairdressing, and small business management. But more than that, they offer dignity, hope, and the truth of God’s love. “Heshima” means worth in Swahili, and that’s exactly what they pour into each woman who walks through their doors: a reminder that they are valued, chosen, and worthy in Christ.

Click here to learn more about Heshima Ministries: