Why Uganda?

In early 2013, we were discussing the possibility of pursuing adoption in the next few years. We began looking into the process and man did we have an eye-opening experience! At first glance, we were initially put off by the lengthy process, prolonged timeline, and cost, but we decided to push through to try to understand exactly what we were getting ourselves into! We were still unsure of our personal timeline for adoption, but decided if we were going to do this, we needed to really commit and start planning ahead for our future. 

Once we made the decision to move forward, the next big decision was where to adopt from? We know there is a great need for adoption in our own country, but for some reason we were both feeling called to pursue international adoption. In our own times of prayer we both felt led to Africa, and we soon began looking into what countries were open for adoption. After some careful research we had narrowed down our choices to Kenya and Uganda, but were still unsure of which one to pursue. 

In June 2013, we were invited to a gathering at which Gertrude Kabatalemwa would be speaking. Gertrude is a native of Uganda and a remarkable woman of God. She had come to the United States to help raise support and awareness for her school in Uganda as well as the organization she founded called NEEPUganda. During this meeting, we were blown away at God's calling on her life and all that she's accomplished in her 68 years. We were compelled by her humble spirit, brilliant mind, resourcefulness and willingness to follow God no matter what the cost. We immediately wanted to help in any way we could. 

We had thrown around the idea of a trip to Uganda in order to support Gertrude and her organizations in a more tangible way. While the thought of going to Uganda excited us, the reality of actually going felt like a long shot. During this time we were financially sponsoring a few children at Gertrude's school, while at the same time trying to figure out the best way to support them from so far away. While our own desire to support this cause continued to grow, we realized there were others equally taken by the thought of this trip. 

In December, an opportunity to travel to Uganda on a mission trip was presented to us and, needless to say, we were completely on board! With a team of 10, we went to Uganda in March 2014 and stayed for 12 days traveling between Kampala and Fort Portal. While this trip was meant to bring help and support to Gertrude and the beautiful children (and teachers) at Nyamabuga School, we were the ones who were changed. We were blown away by the incredible people of Uganda and our hearts were forever taken with their country. Not only were they kind, gracious and giving, but they exuded joy in all that they said and did, and never muttered a single complaint. Words cannot express how humbled we were to serve alongside Gertrude and see the abundance of God's love and joy she exudes everyday. This trip was truly life-changing for us and during this time we were able to get a small glimpse of God's extravagant love for His people. 

Once we returned from our trip, we were without a doubt, 100% committed to adopting from Uganda. Not only that, our desire to adopt was accelerated and we decided to go for it now! Our love and commitment to Uganda has continued since our return to Virginia and we are anxiously awaiting our chance to go back! With all of that said, that is why we chose Uganda!

Below are some fun facts about Uganda, enjoy!

1)  Uganda is the same size as Oregon State (Uganda population 35,873,253 – Oregon population 3,871,859)

2) Uganda has the worlds best bananas, pineapples, mangoes, and avocados.

3) For most Ugandans, their favorite meal is Matooke, a plantain type banana cooked in banana leaves

4) Soccer is the most popular sport in Uganda

5) If you need to use the restroom in Uganda you say “I need to make a short call”

6) There are 1061 species of birds in Uganda

7) Uganda is home to the endangered mountain gorillas, which are almost extinct.  There are only 750 left in the world

8) Uganda’s people are known around the world for their warmth and hospitality

9) Uganda’s famous motorcycle taxis were dubbed boda-bodas, as they were used to transport people across the “no-mans-land” between the Kenya/Ugandan border posts (border – border)

10) Uganda’s climate is tropical and there are two dry seasons Dec – Feb and June – August.  The average temperature is 28 degrees Celsius