What I Brought Home From Uganda – A Heart Forever Changed

When I boarded the plane for Uganda, I knew we were going to serve. To teach. To love. But I never expected how deeply I would be changed.

Our mission group spent eleven days in Uganda, including five beautiful days in a village filled with some of the most joyful, resilient children I’ve ever met. We split into groups for teaching, and I had the honor of serving with “the littles”—the youngest of the children. With songs, hand motions, smiles, and the help of a translator, we taught lessons like “Jesus Made Me,” “Jesus Loves Me,” and “Jesus Helps Me.”

These little ones worked hard to learn every word, every move. And on the final day, they walked a long distance to perform for the older kids. Watching their performance brought tears to my eyes—I was so proud of them, and so moved to have played even a small role in their faith journey.

But the truth is, they gave me more than I gave them.

I left a piece of my heart in that village. The bond I built with the kids feels permanent. I think of their smiles, their laughter, their trust—how they held my hand, how they listened so intently. And now that I’m home, I find myself aching. I miss them. I feel the weight of leaving them behind. I wonder if I did enough.

The work we completed—building projects, Bible lessons, daily encouragement—was valuable. But what stays with me the most is the love. The raw, powerful love that flowed between our team and those kids. It was real. It was sacred.

I believe God sent me there. And I believe He’s not finished with that calling. I hope to return to Uganda again and again. I can honestly see myself living and serving there long-term. It’s a place where I feel I can make a real impact—a place where faith, love, and purpose come alive.

And if you're wondering whether God still moves hearts across oceans—believe me, He does. Mine is proof.