L O V I N G H E A R T S

Amacha Amalungi Mikwana!
Good morning my friends!

These past two weeks have been phenomenal, such a blessing, and far better than I could have ever expected.  Beyond the film projects, I have been blessed by those I've met, gotten to know and come to love.  It's interesting comparing my past trip to this one, considering last time I was traveling alongside a dozen or so other individuals and this time it's just me.  While three years ago I made a couple remarkable connections that have continued to grow through the assistance of social media, but this time around being that I'm traveling solo I've had opportunities to meet a plethora of incredible people.  It's not just simply meeting and but I've seen how the relationships I've built have been built with deep foundations, allowing our friendships to last and continue to grow even when I leave in a week and a half.  God has put people before me and given me time to invest in intentionally connecting with my family and friends here.  God has also given me time to see my two sponsor children, not only see them but get to know them even more than I do.  That time spent with my children has been by far my favorite part of this trip but I will need to write a post about this alone.  I'm thankful to God for this time he has allowed for us!

Last time I simply updated you on my first few days here...picking up from where I left off, here is my next chapter of my story here in Uganda.

Monday, July 11th- Friday, July 15th
Waking up on this day I was excited, I couldn't wait for Francis to pick me up for my first day of filming.  My first assignment, filming and photographing at Loving Heart Babies Home and before leaving Uganda I would finish two films for their grand opening on August 5th.

Loving Hearts Babies Home is a home for babies who are orphaned and/or abandoned.  Part of me has a difficult time calling them orphans, for in the world's eyes that associates them with words such as alone, unwanted, unworthy, unloved.  Far too many times I see orphanages and the children within them being portrayed with an air of sadness and pity; perpetuating the mindset that a babies home is filled with hopelessness.  That is not the case though and Loving Hearts Babies Home is doing an amazing job working at changing that mindset.  That while these children may be orphans in the usual sense of the word or abandoned by their biological parents, they are far from being unloved or unworthy. For they are loved by our Heavenly Father.  In response to God's love for us, we love; which is just how LHBH functions.  They love.  They bring joy and hope to these children.

I saw that there was an abundant amount of joy.  To be greeted every morning with their smiling faces as they jump up and down excited to see you, not much can beat that.

For two days I interviewed a few people who work there, and was able to spend with the babies, as they were just waking up, as they learned to brush their teeth, as they played, as they ate, and as they took an afternoon nap (which I would have loved to take part in this after such a day).  In between the moments of capturing their day, it was wonderful to just be there amongst all their adorable smiling faces.  I loved those moments where I could simply sit there and cuddle with one, two, or five babies.
One of my favorite days though was when I travelled to visit two families that now care for babies that have gone through LHBH.  Not only was I able to visit and interview them but I had the opportunity to do so from their homes.  What an honor it was for them to open their home to me, a complete stranger, welcoming me into their life and hear about their story.  What a joy it was to see these two boys interacting with their guardians (their parents) and how genuinely happy they are.  These are only two testaments of how Loving Hearts works, seeing the fruition of their labor.  Be sure to check out their stories when I post the finished film!

I sit here in Mubende (my second trip this week to document another project), outside my hotel in the garden writing to you all.  This time spent writing counts as my break from editing films.  In this moment I can say I've finished one of the two documentaries which feels so good.  I'm loving what I'm doing and seeing how God is moving in the people of Uganda through programs such as Loving Hearts Babies Home, and am blessed to be a part of it.  Once the grand opening has happened and the videos can be public I'll share with you the final products.  Until then, these photos and clips will have to suffice.

Until next time.

THE RETURN OF THE MUZUNGU

Six days.

Six days I've been in Uganda.

Six amazing days.

It was just last Tuesday, almost to the hour that I found myself standing in the Munich airport waiting to hug my close friends, waiting to say goodbye to the wonderful team I worked and loved alongside in Slovenia. What an amazing two weeks, what a breathtaking country, and what remarkable people I got to know and love while there. To jump from one experience like English Camp in Slovenia to the work I'm about to start in Uganda has been a little weird, and at times difficult. The transition was so quick that the needed time to fully process, consider how I feel, my thoughts, and my response was almost nonexistent. You will hear more about my experience in Slovenia later, but for now I will leave you with this; I miss Slovenia, saying goodbye was hard, but I knew our goodbyes were not forever. The first couple of days felt a bit strange, waking up in the morning not seeing my team, my girls, and all the Slovenes I became such good friends with and have come to care for deeply every day. To my Slovene friends and family, my girls; I love you all and miss you all!  Thank you for opening your hearts, your lives and letting me become a part of it, I'm excited to continue to build our friendships even as I'm not in Slovenia physically. Until next time! :)

Pst, look below; these are the wonderful and crazy folks I just spend a week with in Slovenia, I love you all!!!

(Photo credit: Lauren Reavely)

A lot of people asked me while prepping for these trips if I had a preference, ultimately asking if I had to choose between Slovenia and Uganda which would be my favorite.  Most times I would remain silent for a second because that is a legitimate question, although when I look at them I wouldn’t even be able to compare the two, simply due to the fact each are completely amazing a unique in their own way.  My response was usually something like I don’t have a favorite, the nature of the two trips are completely different that I couldn’t choose.  I was equally excited to love on people in Slovenia and love on people in Uganda, each in a unique way making being fully present and living intentionally where I am a natural thing no matter where I find myself.

Now, back to the trip at hand.  While it’s Thursday here and I’ve begun working on my first film project at Loving Hearts Babies Home in Ggaba, this post will only update you from Thursday afternoon until Sunday night.  

After thirty one hours, four countries, two layovers, and 5343 miles traveled I finally landed in Uganda last Thursday afternoon. As I stepped off the plane I was immediately greeted by a familiar air, a familiar scent.  Memories began to flood back in as if a dam had just broken.  It was as if I hadn't been gone at all.  Making my way through the airport, through customs, gathering my luggage, I was ready.  Ready to step out on my own.  Ready to begin this month long adventure.  I finally reached the doors.  Taking my first steps on Ugandan soil, I looked up searching each face before me, it didn’t take long to see my name written on a plaque.  In that moment I couldn’t help smiling. For one thing, I’ve always wanted to be greeted at an airport this way (preferably I would have loved it even more if the person greeting me was in a suit but this was perfect).  Secondly,  this moment meant the months of planning and working towards this trip happening had finally come to fruition.  I’m really in Uganda.  I can't want to start working, doing something I'm passionate about in this country I love.

Behind the plaque I saw one of the men I’ve been planning this whole trip with, corresponding via email and have been excited to meet for months.  Ladies and gents, meet Francis.

I quickly learned we were going to get along just fine.  After a minute or so of greeting he turns to me saying, “Melanie, are you sure?  Is that you? I was worried you were going to be an old woman who wouldn’t be fun.”  I couldn’t help laughing as I was a little worried too of who I would be traveling with this next month; worried if it was going to be someone who wouldn't be up for having some laughs and fun along the way.  As we spent more time talking, getting to know each other I discovered Francis was going to be my main point person for the next month, road trip buddy, creative co-director, and victim of any joke I decide to play as well as the other way around.  But when he says joke it's more of a prank, where I just mean he's going to be a victim of my humor.  I fear he will get me good by the end of the month. I think he’s pretty determined to play some epic trick on me.  

It was a refreshing feeling after the previous day of traveling to sit there as he drove from Entebbe to Kampala getting to know and build a community with someone.  After a couple quick and important stops along the way for money and food we finally reached my final destination, which I was looking forward to.  This final destination, Pastor Peter’s home.  For those of you who don’t know this man, he is the founder of Africa Renewal Ministries and a pastor, specifically of Ggaba Community Church.  While in the capital, which is a decent amount I will be staying at the guesthouse next to his family's home, which is perfectly sized for just me.  I was a little nervous meeting this family, hoping we hit it off being that I would be staying there quite a bit.  

As Francis pulled in and we made our way up the stairs my eyes were shocked to see my dear friend Anita.  This woman is pretty amazing folks, she was my guide last time I was here.  We’ve stayed connected on Facebook over the years.  I knew I would get to see her at some point during this trip, but I didn’t realize I would get to reconnect with her and also see her baby for the first time on my first day in Uganda.  This made my first day ever so sweet!

To stay at a family’s home during most of trip while not what I expected has proven to be wonderful.  I came into this trip knowing I would be taken care of by ARM, they would have a roof over my head at night and food to curious, but beyond that I knew nothing.  I came in with only those simple expectations.  I had no idea what to expect, they could have chosen to put me up in motel, a hostel, a guesthouse somewhere by myself, or anything really.  For Peter and his family to open their home and welcoming me into their lives has been such a blessing thus far. Although I’m here alone, I don’t feel alone.  It’s as if I’m in a tiny way a part of their family already.  I catch myself calling this place home, which is such a natural thing for me as this family has made it home for me.  

These first couple of days have been almost entirely spent with the family, when I’m not editing photos and video from Slovenia.  These first couple of days in Africa I have been living life at a slower pace, building connections, sweet friendships and bonding with the family and their friends as we live life together, doing the normal family thing.  From family dinners, church, playing games, late night girl talks, movie nights, and even Peter’s graduation party, I’ve loved every moment.  

The only day I spent out and about was Friday, a much needed day of planning at the ARM headquarters.  Francis and I bunkered ourselves down for countless hours creating each film’s concept, outline, schedule, and how we will make each project happen.  I then came home to develop interview questions, look at all our notes/ideas that were written feverishly on my notepad and developed an organized outline for the two of us.  It wasn’t so bad, especially when I can sit here on the balcony of my guesthouse with my music, working as the orange African sun fades into the distant horizon.  This morning I’m sitting in this favorite spot of mine with a cup of Ugandan tea as I write this update to you all. Perfection.

Let’s stop for a minute and I’ll introduce Peter’s family.

Starting from the third guy in is Omal, Peter (in the graduation gown, I'll explain below), Irene (Peter's wife), Dennis (in the back), James (dark blue shirt), big Isaac (far right), and little Isaac (orange shirt).

Shebah, Lydia, Joclin, Anita, Peter, Joy, Jackie, and Irene.

There you have it, my Ugandan family.  

Can we talk about how Ugandan’s know how to throw a party, and a good and long one at that.  I was invited to celebrate Peter’s graduation from seminary on Saturday with family, friends, mentors, coworkers, etc.  I was lucky to be in on some of the surprises the family had for him.  From big Isaac driving for a couple hours early Saturday morning to pick up Peter’s mother from her village, to come celebrate, the memories video that was created and all the old friends that showed up.  I loved when stories were being told (in both English and Lugandan) causing the room to erupt with laughter.  With entertainment from the children’s choir, singing, funny stories, yummy good, how could I not have fun.  Here are some photos from my weekend.

Oh and this is Bingo, James' dog and my new pal.

Sunday might have been my favorite day thus far. It’s been a relaxing day spent at church and lunch with the family.  Sundays here are the most low key of days as there are no plans other than what I listed above.  It’s a day to spend together or doing anything really.  As I mentioned above Peter is the pastor of Ggaba Community Church which happens to be right next to the Africa Renewal Ministries offices.  Because Peter is the pastor it makes the experience of going to church a little different.  Usually most of the family stays for all three services, but some only go for one then leave again…I just had to choose which service I wanted to go to and catch a ride.  In the end I went with the boys, for the second service.  The second service is different from the others as it’s the only service that has worship and the sermon in both Lugandan and English.  It was nice knowing what was being said and such but to be honest I’m down for going to one of the other services next week which would be done completely in Lugandan.  

To stand next to Den and James; surrounded by brothers and sisters in Christ in that crowded room in worship to our God was another one of my favorite moments.  The beautiful thing about worship and Christ’s love is that it transcends all language differences, cultural differences, or oceans that separate.  In those moments I enjoyed simply listening as the voices earnestly lifting their own voices of praise to our God…realizing the words themselves do not really seem to matter all that much.  The meaning and heart behind them being offered up to God in one united chorus of different voices something beautiful.  

These first days have been remarkable, but I’m really excited to hit the road in the morning to start my first film project with ARM.  I’ll be venturing out to the new Loving Hearts Babies Home property, filming the babies, those who give their time to love on these little ones and interview a few people including actual parents who have adopted through Loving Hearts Babies Home.  I’m ready to see what God has in store for me for the next month!  Please keep me in your prayers as I’ll be really busy this month and I'm beginning to feel a little low on energy.  Even with all the excitement around I'm starting to notice that.  I know God will keep me strong and will give me the needed energy but some extra prayer wouldn't hurt!  Love you all and I’ll keep you updated with the crazy week I’m about to have shortly!

Going Back

Three years. It's funny how when put in perspective that is not that long of time, but to me it feels like a lifetime ago.  Three years since I made my way to the tiny country of Uganda, three years since I had my world rocked and my view on so much in my life get turned upside down.  Three years since I held my sponsor children, met remarkable people, three years since I embarked on an adventure that changed my heart.

I can't believe in 21 days I leave the country, first to work with some inspiring folks and the wonderful organization Josiah Venture to facilitate an English Camp for junior high students in Slovenia, where we will teach English classes and share the love of Christ with some youth.  Second and what this post is about....

Ladies and Gentlemen, I'm stoked to say that starting on July 6th I'm GOING BACK TO UGANDA!!!! I know, in roughly two months I'll step foot in this beautiful country that I have missed dearly. I've made a little promo video for you all to see a little bit of what this trip is all about and where my heart is as I'm preparing.  I'm excited for you to see one of the ways that God is going to work in my life this summer.
The scoop, from July 6th to August 8th I'll be in Uganda where I will be working closely with Africa Renewal Ministries (ARM). ARM has invited me to work alongside them in Uganda to photograph and film (interviews, stories, promos, documentaries) some of the 28 regions they work in, to help raise awareness of what is going on in this world, in their country, tell stories of those impacted by the work of ARM, and the difference ARM is making throughout Uganda.  To document the stories and be used as one part of the equation to shine a light on how people around the world can make a difference in the lives of the children and people of Uganda and how those same people can become more empowered in themselves and in Christ is one reason I'm so excited about this opportunity.  To intentionally live using the passions I have, the gifts God has given me for something other than myself, to help others, bring light to the injustices in this world and how we as a people can be a part of a change...nothing beats that.

More than anything I ask you to join me in prayer, prayer that God will continue to use me, move in my life and move in a mighty way in the hearts of the people in Uganda and those who will see the work I will be creating while there.

 Beyond prayer, if you would like to join me by financially supporting my missions trip I would be beyond grateful!!! To see the success of this project I will needed to raise well over $4000, but I have already committed to and given a large portion, which left me with only $2400 to raise, which will only cover the amount to get me to Uganda and back to Portland (airfare, visa, and such). BUT thanks to the generosity of my amazing friends and family I'm only left with $500 to raise before June. I want to extend an invitation to you to participate with me, to see how God will use this project to bring Glory to His name. While ARM has invited me to join them on this project, I in no way will be making a profit, this is strictly a volunteer missions trip. Whatever financial support you can give would be a huge blessing, if you would like to give click HERE. No amount is too small!!!

My heart is happy knowing how God will be using me this summer, and can't wait to see how God will move in my life and the lives of others through the photographs/films I will create for Africa Renewal Ministries. This is just a part of the journey that God has called me to and I can't wait to see where He takes me from there.

God bless and until,