During the past two days, I’ve been reminded of the incredible beauty and the limitless opportunity, but also some frustration of work in Uganda.
As I’ve spent time on the road looking at land and visiting our farm in Masindi, I was vividly reminded of my first trip to Uganda almost 5 years ago. I marveled at the natural beauty, lush vegetation and beautiful farm land. I stand in awe once again at the food this country could produce by simply empowering and connecting the subsistence farmers to local and global markets. Yet at the same time I am reminded why so few people have taken time to really invest in Uganda. Simply put, it’s not easy!
I’ve experienced wasted hours waiting for a bus or taxi and sitting in traffic jams. I’ve breathed in more diesel fumes than those of us in the United States do in our lifetime. So, why do it? Well the answer to that is rather simple, it’s the people! The opportunity to build a sustainable business that creates jobs and transforms lives is more than worth it.
The faces of the people you pass on the road and feeling the emotions of children that should be in school, but are gathering water in the local stream instead. If you could sense the urgency for jobs and the ability to support their families that you hear from the people, you would know why we feel called to continue our work here in Uganda. Despite the obstacles, its been great to be back. I’m excited to meet and plan restoration, as I enjoy this beautiful country and these wonderful people.
