The Heart of a Servant

Pastor Elijah Sebuchu and our sponsored son, Samuel

The heart of a servant is beautiful. Though weary, stretched and torn in every direction on an hourly basis, with each tug it grows lovelier. Today Dan and I were exposed to servanthood in a way that brought me down low. It's this heart, this mindset that causes a Pastor who is a national figure, recognized by 95% of Uganda's population to notice that an eight year old is not drinking his soda because he doesn't have the strength to unscrew the cap. Who stops mid stream, interrupts his important thought to reach across the table and offer this simple gesture to the least of these. While his clueless sponsor mom sits nearby gulping down her own drink.

Elijah, Allen Hope and Me

 It's this heart that woos 298 of Kampala's finest to work tirelessly feeding, cleaning, teaching, transporting, inspiring, discipling children who need someone to love them. 298 servants, the lion's share of which work for NO compensation and walk many miles along dusty, potholed roads to make a child's day.

It's this heart that rises before dawn and does just about every job there is to do at an orphanage, including staying up into the wee hours of the night to greet two mzungus (white people) from South Carolina who lost their bags. And still, this servant's heart, it greets us full and oozes warmth and love while flashing the most captivating smile this side of the Nile.


Me and beautiful Solomy


It's this heart that brings these mzungus trays of bananas, coffee and fresh pineapple to ease the jet lag. That carefully navigates the potholes so the white people accustomed to their shiny SUVs and smooth highways don't get jostled. That offers cold bottles of water to quench our thirst and joyfully translates endless questions from sponsor mom to her son.


Stunningly selfless are the hearts behind Hands of Love.

I couldn't be more honored to serve with them and humbled to be served by them. Thank you Pastor Elijah, Pastor Richard, Allen Hope, Beautiful Solomy, Principal Sarah, Steven the gentle Driver, Martin the Great, Christina the Sweet and Pastor David. You are the lovliest picture of the Body of our Savior this Carolina girl has ever laid eyes on.