I graduated college on Thursday from Temple University in Philadelphia with a degree in Social Work. It was an exciting time. To finally be done school and to begin this next chapter. The BIG MOVE to Uganda on June 10th. While graduation was great, a Facebook message I received today actually ended up being more gratifying than any diploma ever could be. This message meant that what we are saying and how we are saying it is actually effective. While I am proud to have received my degree, I am humbled that God has used a mess like me to be part of something so big in a culture that is not my own. It's mind blowing, honestly, that anything I could say or write would play a role in changing the care vulnerable children and families in Uganda receive across the board. That's the coolest. And I know this is only the beginning, which makes it that much cooler.
I have blocked out the woman's identity and the name of her children's home. Not because she fears people knowing the direction her organization is headed, but because she shared with me sweet words in a private message. Words I asked if I could share with you all, but words that are hers, a shift she should get to decide when and how to share with her supporters.
I don't really know that this message warrants any further explanation beyond, HOW NEAT IS THAT? How encouraging is it to receive a message from someone who runs an orphanage who desires to change the way they do things because they believe in doing what is BEST for each child in their care.
This is what it is about. Having conversations in love and with grace. Being patient with one another. Not so we can prove we are "right" or that we've developed the "best" model, but because we believe in change bigger than any of our organizations. We recognize the need we have for each other in building partnerships and working together.
We believe in raising the bar in services provided to vulnerable children and families in Uganda. If I have learned one thing it is that to do this we can not alienate those who maybe don't see eye to eye. When we do that, we lose our shot at helping encourage them in a different direction.
We are in this together. Let's act like it.
-Kelsey
