July 6, 2025
Here it is, 3 days before leaving for Uganda. There are so many things I don't know about traveling abroad. I believe I have everything I need though. I am praying there are no surprises.
I have been watching video after video about the floods in Texas. There are still 11 girls missing from the Christian camp, Mystic. Why would God allow something so horrific to happen to our children ... His children? How could he allow it to happen to any of His children, grown or in their youth? There are so many questions that we may never have answered when it comes to things that God allows to happen in the world and to us. Sometimes it makes it hard for us to keep our faith. Sometimes we become angry at God. But God doesn't blame us for that. He understands, but He still asks us to trust in Him. In my own experience, I have found that staying the course and letting things play out is a whole lot easier when I do my best to continue my relationship with God and to continue to grow in His Word. In return, God will give me a sense of peace. It's an inner peace that you know had to come from Him. There's no other feeling like it.
As this week begins and my trip begins, I ask for prayers from each of you, not only for safe travels but for to supply me with what I need to accomplish this mission. I ask to be humbled and to bring back something great to share with those here; and of course, I ask for prayers for the children of Namizi and give me the words to say and the correct way to help them while I am there.
Thank you all for your support and I will post new pics from trip when I get back.
Karla
Here it is, 3 days before leaving for Uganda. There are so many things I don't know about traveling abroad. I believe I have everything I need though. I am praying there are no surprises.
I have been watching video after video about the floods in Texas. There are still 11 girls missing from the Christian camp, Mystic. Why would God allow something so horrific to happen to our children ... His children? How could he allow it to happen to any of His children, grown or in their youth? There are so many questions that we may never have answered when it comes to things that God allows to happen in the world and to us. Sometimes it makes it hard for us to keep our faith. Sometimes we become angry at God. But God doesn't blame us for that. He understands, but He still asks us to trust in Him. In my own experience, I have found that staying the course and letting things play out is a whole lot easier when I do my best to continue my relationship with God and to continue to grow in His Word. In return, God will give me a sense of peace. It's an inner peace that you know had to come from Him. There's no other feeling like it.
As this week begins and my trip begins, I ask for prayers from each of you, not only for safe travels but for to supply me with what I need to accomplish this mission. I ask to be humbled and to bring back something great to share with those here; and of course, I ask for prayers for the children of Namizi and give me the words to say and the correct way to help them while I am there.
Thank you all for your support and I will post new pics from trip when I get back.
Karla
June 29, 2025
Here we are, just 1 1/2 weeks away from GO time. I am getting so excited. I feel like Christmas is almost here and I have been given a huge gift that will never be able to be topped.
We now have an emblem for our school! It was such an honor for me to design it for them! The shirts have been ordered and I will be pressing the emblem onto them. The children will now be wearing a uniform to school. I know the children will feel really proud to wear it. They are all so eager to learn and they love going to school. We have already outgrown the classroom we built. While in Uganda, we will be praying and discussing construction of a building to house our school. When I get back from Uganda, we will begin raising funds for the building. I look forward to putting on some great fundraisers such as fun runs and golf tournaments.
I will be posting a picture of our new emblem. Notice the scripture reference at the bottom of the emblem: Isaiah 54:13 says: "And all thy children shall be taught of the Lord; and great shall be the peace of thy children." What better gift to give our children than the gift of peace? Through education, the world is opened up to the children. The opportunities become endless. We are helping to shape a new future for them. We are helping them to break the chains that would otherwise bind them. I can not express my feelings over how big this is and how honored I am to be a part of these changes.
I hope every one of you have an amazing week. Find someone to bless!
Here we are, just 1 1/2 weeks away from GO time. I am getting so excited. I feel like Christmas is almost here and I have been given a huge gift that will never be able to be topped.
We now have an emblem for our school! It was such an honor for me to design it for them! The shirts have been ordered and I will be pressing the emblem onto them. The children will now be wearing a uniform to school. I know the children will feel really proud to wear it. They are all so eager to learn and they love going to school. We have already outgrown the classroom we built. While in Uganda, we will be praying and discussing construction of a building to house our school. When I get back from Uganda, we will begin raising funds for the building. I look forward to putting on some great fundraisers such as fun runs and golf tournaments.
I will be posting a picture of our new emblem. Notice the scripture reference at the bottom of the emblem: Isaiah 54:13 says: "And all thy children shall be taught of the Lord; and great shall be the peace of thy children." What better gift to give our children than the gift of peace? Through education, the world is opened up to the children. The opportunities become endless. We are helping to shape a new future for them. We are helping them to break the chains that would otherwise bind them. I can not express my feelings over how big this is and how honored I am to be a part of these changes.
I hope every one of you have an amazing week. Find someone to bless!
Images
June 24, 2025
“What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, ‘Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,’ but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it?” – James 2:14-17
Compassion. Grace. Empathy. These 3 things, both singularly and collectively, are how God intends us to treat others. We have an obligation to help others; whether it is something as small as a smile or as big as building a school for kids in Uganda.
Who would have thought that I would be on the verge of building a school in Uganda? I can still only shake my head at the thought! God has turned every small thing into a big thing. It is beyond me and my experiences but I must continue to trust God, that He will show me the path I need to take and the people who can help me.
Can you recall a time that you were called by God to treat a difficult person with compassion and grace?
“What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, ‘Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,’ but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it?” – James 2:14-17
Compassion. Grace. Empathy. These 3 things, both singularly and collectively, are how God intends us to treat others. We have an obligation to help others; whether it is something as small as a smile or as big as building a school for kids in Uganda.
Who would have thought that I would be on the verge of building a school in Uganda? I can still only shake my head at the thought! God has turned every small thing into a big thing. It is beyond me and my experiences but I must continue to trust God, that He will show me the path I need to take and the people who can help me.
Can you recall a time that you were called by God to treat a difficult person with compassion and grace?
June 15, 2025
Again, I express how quickly time is flying by. The closer I get to trip date, the more excited but nervous that I get. Things I need to do keep bouncing around in my head.
Ben and I have been talking a lot about the logistics of my visit. There is so much about this adventure that I don't know about, such as how to travel once in country. Just getting me from the airport is an adventure in itself.
I have been watching a lot of videos and learning more about Uganda. The bigger cities have a lot of things to do; and there are a lot of beautiful places.
I would like to take a moment to talk about compassion. This word is one of the most beautiful acts of God we can experience; but more importantly we can give to everyone around us. Should we show some people more compassion than others? Do we get to decide that we can give more compassion to those who are more like us than those whose lives are no where close to ours? God does not pick and choose who gets compassion and grace form Him. Everyone is treated the same. He expects us to do the same. Compassion is actually my personal word. Once I adopted it as my word and began to practice giving compassion. so many things got easier for me. It immediately helped me be less angry at people. It helped me deal with people and problems without feeling stressed or frustrated.
What are some other things we can gain by practicing compassion for everyone?
Again, I express how quickly time is flying by. The closer I get to trip date, the more excited but nervous that I get. Things I need to do keep bouncing around in my head.
Ben and I have been talking a lot about the logistics of my visit. There is so much about this adventure that I don't know about, such as how to travel once in country. Just getting me from the airport is an adventure in itself.
I have been watching a lot of videos and learning more about Uganda. The bigger cities have a lot of things to do; and there are a lot of beautiful places.
I would like to take a moment to talk about compassion. This word is one of the most beautiful acts of God we can experience; but more importantly we can give to everyone around us. Should we show some people more compassion than others? Do we get to decide that we can give more compassion to those who are more like us than those whose lives are no where close to ours? God does not pick and choose who gets compassion and grace form Him. Everyone is treated the same. He expects us to do the same. Compassion is actually my personal word. Once I adopted it as my word and began to practice giving compassion. so many things got easier for me. It immediately helped me be less angry at people. It helped me deal with people and problems without feeling stressed or frustrated.
What are some other things we can gain by practicing compassion for everyone?
May 26, 2025
I can't believe it is already the 26th of May. This year sure is flying by!
I sit here reflecting on the sermon I heard yesterday. The Pastor was talking about how we sometimes feel "stretched" thin with everything we have going on in our lives. Then all of a sudden, God will have a special mission for us and we think, "How in the world are we going to handle what the Lord has chosen for us and still keep up with our work and family lives?"We know we have to follow what God has tasked us with. What else could we possibly cut out? We don't feel there is anything we can cut out because they are all still important.
Sometimes, God puts us in these moments to help us grow. He gives us little things to do along the way to prepare us for something big later on.
The sermon really resonated with me. I have been feeling this way a lot. The Pastor also talked about "getting out of the boat" and trust that He will provide what you need to accomplish what he has for you. Right now, I am out of the boat. I'm still stretched a bit, but I am following His instruction and trusting that He will put things in place to succeed at what He has for me.
My mission is the children of Uganda. I want to give them the opportunities they deserve. My trip to Uganda is coming up in early July. There is so much to do. To tell you the truth, I don't even know what all i need to do. This is all new to me. You see, God has me "stretched" and He has asked me to do something out of my comfort zone. I know this trip is going to open my eyes to a lot of things. God is going to test me and push me beyond my comfort zone so I can grow.
In what ways has God pushed you out of your comfort zone? Did you resist or did you follow his instructions? What was the outcome?
I can't believe it is already the 26th of May. This year sure is flying by!
I sit here reflecting on the sermon I heard yesterday. The Pastor was talking about how we sometimes feel "stretched" thin with everything we have going on in our lives. Then all of a sudden, God will have a special mission for us and we think, "How in the world are we going to handle what the Lord has chosen for us and still keep up with our work and family lives?"We know we have to follow what God has tasked us with. What else could we possibly cut out? We don't feel there is anything we can cut out because they are all still important.
Sometimes, God puts us in these moments to help us grow. He gives us little things to do along the way to prepare us for something big later on.
The sermon really resonated with me. I have been feeling this way a lot. The Pastor also talked about "getting out of the boat" and trust that He will provide what you need to accomplish what he has for you. Right now, I am out of the boat. I'm still stretched a bit, but I am following His instruction and trusting that He will put things in place to succeed at what He has for me.
My mission is the children of Uganda. I want to give them the opportunities they deserve. My trip to Uganda is coming up in early July. There is so much to do. To tell you the truth, I don't even know what all i need to do. This is all new to me. You see, God has me "stretched" and He has asked me to do something out of my comfort zone. I know this trip is going to open my eyes to a lot of things. God is going to test me and push me beyond my comfort zone so I can grow.
In what ways has God pushed you out of your comfort zone? Did you resist or did you follow his instructions? What was the outcome?
May 13, 2025
I can't believe we are already in the middle of May. I have less than 2 months to prepare for my trip. There is a lot to do so that I will have the funds needed to provide for the children. My fundraising isn't just for shoes, clothing and school supplies. It's for clean feet, an education and nourishment. You see, your donation goes so much further than the material things. It provides for a big part of the children's lives. For some, it's survival.
Some people think, "Why are you serving the children in Uganda instead of our own children here?" My answer is this: All children, no matter where they live, are God's children. When God calls someone to serve, He has a special purpose for him/her. Jesus did not stay in his own community to spread the Word about God. What good would that have done the rest of the world?
God's plan for me was to help the children in a little village of Uganda. I obeyed Him by helping with certain needs of the village. It started with little things like chairs for the church, then grew into building a classroom for school. Now the classroom is too small and they need a building. This building could serve as the church, school and community gatherings, as well as a safe shelter during storms.
You see, God started with the little things and began preparing me for something bigger than I ever imagined I could do. Even now, he is preparing me here at home for my trip to Uganda and the things I will need to do while there. I hear Him speak to me through things that are happening in my life. It has already become such an amazing journey and I thank God for all the guidance He has given me.
Until next time..........
I can't believe we are already in the middle of May. I have less than 2 months to prepare for my trip. There is a lot to do so that I will have the funds needed to provide for the children. My fundraising isn't just for shoes, clothing and school supplies. It's for clean feet, an education and nourishment. You see, your donation goes so much further than the material things. It provides for a big part of the children's lives. For some, it's survival.
Some people think, "Why are you serving the children in Uganda instead of our own children here?" My answer is this: All children, no matter where they live, are God's children. When God calls someone to serve, He has a special purpose for him/her. Jesus did not stay in his own community to spread the Word about God. What good would that have done the rest of the world?
God's plan for me was to help the children in a little village of Uganda. I obeyed Him by helping with certain needs of the village. It started with little things like chairs for the church, then grew into building a classroom for school. Now the classroom is too small and they need a building. This building could serve as the church, school and community gatherings, as well as a safe shelter during storms.
You see, God started with the little things and began preparing me for something bigger than I ever imagined I could do. Even now, he is preparing me here at home for my trip to Uganda and the things I will need to do while there. I hear Him speak to me through things that are happening in my life. It has already become such an amazing journey and I thank God for all the guidance He has given me.
Until next time..........
Having a Nourishing Meal
April 20. 2025
It has been a beautiful Easter day. The sun is shining and there is only a small breeze helping to keep the Georgia heat down. I have been talking to a lot of people the past few days. Everyone seems excited about my ministry and my trip to Uganda. I have gotten a few donations to put towards the trip and the things the children need. Thank you, Lord for the receptive ears and the cheers from their mouths. I still hold on to faith that everything the children need will be provided.
As the day I leave for Uganda becomes closer and closer, I remain focused on what God has asked me to do. His plan for the children of this village is for a bright future. While my thoughts and dreams turn to a building for the church and school, I'm sure that God will enlighten me on what he has next for the children and what direction he decides to send me. I thank God for connecting me with Ben. He knows the needs of the village more than anyone else other than God. God has had his hands on Ben for a long time and Ben has continued to do what God has asked of him. His devotion and obedience to God is inspirational.
My departure day is coming much faster than I imagined. Things are getting real now. Please remember to pray for my trip as well as for me to do the right things while I am there. Also, if God leads you to do so, please donate to my ministry so I can continue to do God's work.
Love y'all!
It has been a beautiful Easter day. The sun is shining and there is only a small breeze helping to keep the Georgia heat down. I have been talking to a lot of people the past few days. Everyone seems excited about my ministry and my trip to Uganda. I have gotten a few donations to put towards the trip and the things the children need. Thank you, Lord for the receptive ears and the cheers from their mouths. I still hold on to faith that everything the children need will be provided.
As the day I leave for Uganda becomes closer and closer, I remain focused on what God has asked me to do. His plan for the children of this village is for a bright future. While my thoughts and dreams turn to a building for the church and school, I'm sure that God will enlighten me on what he has next for the children and what direction he decides to send me. I thank God for connecting me with Ben. He knows the needs of the village more than anyone else other than God. God has had his hands on Ben for a long time and Ben has continued to do what God has asked of him. His devotion and obedience to God is inspirational.
My departure day is coming much faster than I imagined. Things are getting real now. Please remember to pray for my trip as well as for me to do the right things while I am there. Also, if God leads you to do so, please donate to my ministry so I can continue to do God's work.
Love y'all!
After a recent flood, the children still walked to school and had to trudge through the water. They are so eager to learn, nothing can stop them from going.
April 13, 2025
As I sit here on this beautiful Sunday morning, thinking about all God has given me, my mind shifts back to my children (yes, I consider these children mine) over in Uganda. I wonder what they are doing today. I can see them all gathered together in a favorite meeting place and playing with whatever they can find to play with ..... a stick and an old tire; a ball made out of some trash they found. They can be quite creative in what they find to make a game out of. I can see their happy, smiling faces as they run around with each other.
My trip to Uganda will be in July. There are two things I would like to be able to contribute while there. The first thing is new shoes. I have a shoe drive in progress. you can access the information at the top of this page by clicking on the link for "Current Projects."
The second need is to help with the next school term by providing the books and supplies for the children and for the teachers. Also, lunches will be included. That information will also be added to the "Current Projects" page soon.
I feel so blessed that God has lead me on this journey to help these children. He could have sent me anywhere, or nowhere at all. But he sent me to this particular place to help these specific children. It's been 3 years in the making, as I am about to make my first trip to Uganda.
I know God feels I am worthy and able for this assignment but I am human and I am worried I won't be enough. While I am more than capable of doing the legwork, I could use your prayers for strength and guidance for me as I continue this journey.
I can't do all of this alone. I invest everything I can into this ministry, both physically and monetarily; but I need your help. If there is anything you can give, I would be so appreciative. Any amount, even if it's just change from your pocket, goes so far. And I promise that you will see your money at work in the pictures I post and hear about all the work we do in my blogs.
Until next time!
As I sit here on this beautiful Sunday morning, thinking about all God has given me, my mind shifts back to my children (yes, I consider these children mine) over in Uganda. I wonder what they are doing today. I can see them all gathered together in a favorite meeting place and playing with whatever they can find to play with ..... a stick and an old tire; a ball made out of some trash they found. They can be quite creative in what they find to make a game out of. I can see their happy, smiling faces as they run around with each other.
My trip to Uganda will be in July. There are two things I would like to be able to contribute while there. The first thing is new shoes. I have a shoe drive in progress. you can access the information at the top of this page by clicking on the link for "Current Projects."
The second need is to help with the next school term by providing the books and supplies for the children and for the teachers. Also, lunches will be included. That information will also be added to the "Current Projects" page soon.
I feel so blessed that God has lead me on this journey to help these children. He could have sent me anywhere, or nowhere at all. But he sent me to this particular place to help these specific children. It's been 3 years in the making, as I am about to make my first trip to Uganda.
I know God feels I am worthy and able for this assignment but I am human and I am worried I won't be enough. While I am more than capable of doing the legwork, I could use your prayers for strength and guidance for me as I continue this journey.
I can't do all of this alone. I invest everything I can into this ministry, both physically and monetarily; but I need your help. If there is anything you can give, I would be so appreciative. Any amount, even if it's just change from your pocket, goes so far. And I promise that you will see your money at work in the pictures I post and hear about all the work we do in my blogs.
Until next time!
Child Playing With Homemade Toy
April 5, 2025
The Lord is so awesome! My flight to Uganda is booked! I can't wait to get there and meet the community and all the children. I am excited about visiting the church as well. Ben, his wife and I will be talking a lot about future plans.
In the meantime, I will be gathering up a few items. Most of the things they need would be better if bought there. We can purchase a lot more there with our dollars than we can here. Also, I won't be able to take a lot with me, so I ask that you give monetarily if you can. I will be posting other needs on the Facebook page soon.
I have so much to do! I will be blogging again soon. In the meantime, here's a great picture of the children.
The Lord is so awesome! My flight to Uganda is booked! I can't wait to get there and meet the community and all the children. I am excited about visiting the church as well. Ben, his wife and I will be talking a lot about future plans.
In the meantime, I will be gathering up a few items. Most of the things they need would be better if bought there. We can purchase a lot more there with our dollars than we can here. Also, I won't be able to take a lot with me, so I ask that you give monetarily if you can. I will be posting other needs on the Facebook page soon.
I have so much to do! I will be blogging again soon. In the meantime, here's a great picture of the children.
It's not unusual for the children to be found in large groups, learning and spending time with the many mentors in the village.
March 31, 2025
Hello! Welcome to my website and to my mission. I just wanted to introduce myself to you and tell you a little bit about myself. I am married and have 3 children and 4 grandchildren. My husband is retired military of 30 years. We recently settled down a mile from where I grew up.
I began this journey a few years ago after my daughter had been on a mission trip to Uganda. In 2021, I connected with the man who was my daughter's interpreter and guide while in Uganda. His name is Ben. I enjoyed learning about his culture and about the ministry he had started in a village not far from where he lives. I watched as he began to grow the church he started and then the school. Soon, it got bigger than his own resources would allow so we formed a partnership between the two of us and I began to help out with some of the needs of the community. First, we bought chairs for the church so the elders could sit down while learning about God. Then it was school supplies, teacher's materials and so on. Once, it was medicine for a villager that could not afford to get it but much needed it. Not long after that, Ben expressed how he wanted to build a new Kindergarten room because there were so many children now attending his school. So we built a classroom! We are in our 2nd school year and we have already outgrown that classroom! God is good, all the time!
I am planning to make my first trip to Uganda in July of this year. As you can imagine, there are a lot of working parts to make this happen. And as you know, money is usually the biggest and hardest part. Unfortunately, fundraising is an ongoing thing. It is so important for me to make this trip. I will be seeing first-hand, the needs of the community. It is also important for me to learn about how to make everything happen from Uganda, as the resources are not the same as we have here in the United States.
I am so excited to tell you more of my story! Stay tuned!
Hello! Welcome to my website and to my mission. I just wanted to introduce myself to you and tell you a little bit about myself. I am married and have 3 children and 4 grandchildren. My husband is retired military of 30 years. We recently settled down a mile from where I grew up.
I began this journey a few years ago after my daughter had been on a mission trip to Uganda. In 2021, I connected with the man who was my daughter's interpreter and guide while in Uganda. His name is Ben. I enjoyed learning about his culture and about the ministry he had started in a village not far from where he lives. I watched as he began to grow the church he started and then the school. Soon, it got bigger than his own resources would allow so we formed a partnership between the two of us and I began to help out with some of the needs of the community. First, we bought chairs for the church so the elders could sit down while learning about God. Then it was school supplies, teacher's materials and so on. Once, it was medicine for a villager that could not afford to get it but much needed it. Not long after that, Ben expressed how he wanted to build a new Kindergarten room because there were so many children now attending his school. So we built a classroom! We are in our 2nd school year and we have already outgrown that classroom! God is good, all the time!
I am planning to make my first trip to Uganda in July of this year. As you can imagine, there are a lot of working parts to make this happen. And as you know, money is usually the biggest and hardest part. Unfortunately, fundraising is an ongoing thing. It is so important for me to make this trip. I will be seeing first-hand, the needs of the community. It is also important for me to learn about how to make everything happen from Uganda, as the resources are not the same as we have here in the United States.
I am so excited to tell you more of my story! Stay tuned!