Uganda.. a beautiful reminder of the blessing of comparison!

This title sounds opposite of what we all hear so much lately, “be careful not to compare yourself to others” or, “don’t play the comparison game”. But what about the blessing of truly recognizing that we’re not all that different from each other?

On my second trip to Uganda recently I was once again reminded that when forming relationships with other women, even from completely different cultures, we all have the same basic fears, needs and desires.

My Daughter and I went with an organization, Www.beautyforashesuganda.org which help provide resources for single Moms and widows to work towards long-term sustainance development. Even though this journey may have started out as an attempt to “serve others“ or help the “less fortunate” .. I soon discovered this was also meant to beautifully disrupt this small life of mine. How can one feel so many emotions and yet gain so much clarity?!

There’s an authentic connection when we embrace our sameness.

When we talked with them last year.. they described having the same feelings we had about being nervous to meet for the first time. Why is it so surprising that all women share pretty much the same feelings and desires? We truly aren’t that different.

If anything I have learned so much from these sweet friends..

Oh do they know how to greet guests coming for a visit! You know I loved having flower confetti showered on me! They definitely inspired me to love on my guests with everything I have!

They never hesitate to show you how much you’re loved and welcomed! Great big hugs and kisses and dancing and singing.. I might have to give this a try next time a friend comes to visit! Once again.. we all love some good girl time with our besties!

These gals are getting the opportunity to go to school.. never having the chance before now. I am so proud of them and all they are accomplishing. I know for me just learning this whole new blogging thing seems like such an effort, seeing all they have to overcome to keep moving forward gives me the energy to do the same.

Proof that we’re all living and learning as we seek to move forward courageously.

This was one of my favorite moments.. learning along side of these mamas how to grow Ginger . We have gifted them with Ginger to plant and grow along with contracts to sell it to a Ginger company. What a huge opportunity for them and their children! I couldn’t get my hands in that dirt quick enough! I was so excited right along with them for all the potential this could mean for them.

A little bit of water and wait for it to grow! Even more exciting is they now HAVE water! What a privilege it was to share in that as well!

Look at how cute they decorate for the well opening celebrations! Like all of us gals who love to find any occasion to decorate.. I find myself constantly thinking .. I can picture doing all these little things as well to make these life moments just alittle more beautiful.

How’s this for some cute porch decor! Instagram worthy for sure!

I actually hang laundry outside because I enjoy it. I’m sure if they had a dryer they might enjoy that. 😉 But it was fun to hang up a few pieces that had fallen.. and it was a perfect drying day!

Meet Susan.. one of the Mamas I sponsor. She is absolutely beautiful! And what a huge blessing to me that I am able to go visit her and find out how she’s doing. I can surely picture hanging out with her right here on her little porch, in between hanging up laundry of course, chatting about how well our gardens are doing. Her smile… is it not just so contagious!?

Oh Betty! She has the biggest smile and such genuine joy! So much fun and laughter we share.. they think it’s hilarious that we want to tan our skin.. they try and keep us out of the sun at all times! Here she was telling Brit that someday she would have a phone and they will talk to each other.

I’m certain women from every culture love to feel beautiful. No exception here! These are some finely dressed ladies! I always pick out my favorite dress.. and the gal in the orange, way in the back, on the left..yep I‘d be calling to borrow that one!

So many fun fabrics to choose from at the market! Useful also for hanging beautiful curtains inside their huts to create different spaces.

Can you see the little cutie peeking her head out?❤️

This lovely lady right here is the Mama to that cutie.. Acito Loyce! She was such an inspiration to us all. Her story was amazing.. she had never gone to school until recently becoming a part of the literacy training opportunity that Beauty for Ashes provides. She has built a very successful catering business and has built a permanent home for herself and her children.

Also meet Kelementina! She has also completed the literacy training and has gone on to run a successful restaurant. So proud of these hard working friends!

I was most excited about visiting Judith! She was so proud of her home and it showed by the care she has given it! Curtains in the doorways, artwork on the exterior and even the dirt was swept into a pattern!

I am certain that is something I would do.. I even like to rake carpet. 😉

Who doesn’t love to get gifts?! I can’t even imagine what this would be equivalent to.. but when we leave, it’s with gifts in hand. Here they have given us chickens, and I’m certain it’s quite the sacrificial gift. On our way back to the van we usually are escorted again with singing and dancing all the way!

I am convinced that being friends with women across the globe and inspiring one another is surely the key to living our fullest life! Comparison is a blessing when we can embrace our sameness. We show up, they show up, we share a connection and it truly enriches our lives for having known each other!