A Joyful Return to Uganda

Oy vey! The journey! It was quite an adventure getting here. We were on our way to Northern Virginia to catch our flight out of Dulles when we learned that our connection from Istanbul to Uganda had been canceled. So, we began preparing for an unexpected overnight stay in Istanbul. The challenge? Each of us had three pieces of luggage—one for ourselves, one for the retreat we were leading, and one carry-on packed just for the night.

At check-in, the agent at Dulles decided to weigh both our carry-ons and personal items, which led to opening bags right there at the counter and rearranging everything. What confusion!

We finally made it to Istanbul, where our travel agent had arranged accommodations. But even though we had paid extra for assigned seats, they weren’t guaranteed. With mounds of luggage, a massive airport, and several airline agents involved, we eventually secured boarding passes.

Getting to our hotel was no small feat with all that luggage, but we had a good night’s rest before arriving in Kampala at 3:30 in the morning—two days after leaving home.

Our hosts met us at the hotel after we had a few hours to rest. I, however, could not sleep! I was far too wired—excited about the retreat ahead and eager to see dear friends again.

When we arrived at Refuge and Hope, we were greeted by familiar faces. Our driver, Ronald, the same one we had last time, was right on time and as kind as ever. Joanne from Refuge and Hope joined us for the ride to the center.

Joanne is a force of professionalism and grace. She is organized, caring, and full of warmth. She smiles through everything and seems effortlessly on top of it all. I had brought along a few small gifts from the U.S. for her and her family—things like good vitamins and a few small electronics. She told me she hadn’t slept that night because, for her family, it felt like Christmas morning. It was such a joy to do something so simple for such an extraordinary woman.

At the center, we were greeted by a young boy who had been just a toddler during our last visit—a sweet and touching welcome. Soon after, we reconnected with Cissy, one of the key leaders at Refuge and Hope, and with Jade Acker, the founder and director. There were hugs all around and a shared excitement for the week ahead.

I’m always eager for opportunities to connect and collaborate. Jade introduced me to Gilbert, who is helping refugees stranded in unwelcoming countries find new places of safety and belonging. I told him about our work with B. and how difficult it has been to find him a place to resettle. We agreed to continue our conversation once I’m back in the U.S.

And the best part—the absolute best part—was reuniting with Sewing for Hope, the group of women who sew for Threads by Nomad. The moment I walked into their workspace, there were screams, laughter, jumping, and many hugs and kisses. I love these women. I love their eagerness to learn and grow, their joy in the midst of hardship, and their enthusiasm for our time together. They have embraced me—once a stranger—as one of their own.

As I finish my first sixteen hours in Kampala, my heart is full. I cannot wait for the coming days and all that is in store for our team. I only hope that those who come to the United States are received with the same warmth and generosity I’ve experienced in this remarkable country—home to more than 1.7 million refugees and asylum seekers.