In 2016, I had the opportunity to join my church on a missions trip to Africa that would take place in early 2017. My primary “mission” was to photograph our story and bring it back to our community. The story is about a partnership that began in 2006 with my church and 63 children from a Children’s’ Home in Bugembe, Uganda. Prior to my first trip to Uganda, I purposely did zero research on the community or region because I wanted to feel what I was capturing in the moment. It wasn’t until the middle of this trip that I my own story and heart for missions and the people of Uganda had just started. 

I remember my third night in Africa. I had woke up in the middle of the night just crying because I longed to be home. I had become overwhelmed with the poverty, the struggles I was first hand witnessing. I felt God met me in that moment and gave me eyes to see the people – not the things that distracted me from the heart of this beautiful community. The second time I ever cried in Africa was the day we were leaving – I didn’t want to leave. In a strange and amazing way, Uganda captured a part of my heart. There are times when I try to share my experiences to those around me here in my American Home and yet I find it indescribable - finding words difficult to share. What I can share is my now Uganda Family has captured a part of my heart that continues to grow as time passes whether I’m here at home or in Uganda.

My heart and entire being has been impacted by Uganda. Growing up I would hear the word missionary and in so many ways, I never really understood them. I never would have imagined that in 2016 … what started with this journey has turned into a life purpose. I never would have thought that I would have been called to serve around the world. Today, when I think about the word missionary, it makes me smile. Are we all not on a mission whether it in our own community or around the world?

I created Headshots with a Purpose as simply a means of using my gifts – ones that God’s given me to help those on the other side of the world. There are many needs in Uganda and by offering Headshots at this rate and donating 100% of these events to this purpose is providing many of these kids with hope and a future. 

I’m humbled to be a part of this journey and their lives.