To be honest, I struggled a good bit with the thought of coming on a Mission trip to Uganda. It felt almost selfish. When we spent the better part of last year raising $40,000 to provide clean water in Kaihura, it seemed much less useful to raise a bunch of money just to transport myself over for a visit. The former seemed so practical and helpful. The latter … just didn't.

My friend from the 410 Bridge, Tommy Campbell, however, continued to challenge me that I needed to get “boots on the ground" in Kaihura. He said it would be important for me, and would mean so much to the people of Kaihura. Though I struggled to believe that it was that important, I do trust Tommy, and frankly, I thought it would be an amazing experience.

After being here for 5 days, and visiting churches, schools, and people's homes, I think I'm beginning to get it. You see, people aren't just very welcoming and hospitable. They don't just act happy to see us. They are truly grateful to have us visit. This is an incredibly humbling experience, to be treated like royalty or rock stars every time you turn around!

Here's how Tommy explains it, and you just have to see it for yourself for it to sink in... “The fact that you would travel half way around the world, at great expense to yourself to visit them, tells them that God sees them." When you see the joy of these people, their excitement to see you, and their smiles that are oozing with thankfulness to God, that's when it becomes very clear that all the fund raising and hard work to make the trip a reality was well worth it!

I love the people of Kaihura, and truly want to see them prosper. This is a verse that God gave me. I see the people of Kaihura saying this to us... 2 Corinthians 1: 10-11 “He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us. On him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us, as you help us by your prayers. Then many will give thanks on our behalf for the gracious favor granted us in answer to the prayers of many.

I'm looking forward to bringing a group of people from Columbus in June, God willing. I can't wait to see how so many lives on this side of the bridge and on that side will be transformed!