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[nevaticca]

My Nanny and my mom's older sister, Aunt Jenny #evansfamily #lawrencefamily #genealogy #genealogyblogger #genealogist #familyhistory #history #research #familyresearcher #findyourfamily #genealogyfreak #blogger #familyblogger #lifestyleblogger #historian #familyhistorian #family #digyourroots #familytree #ancestry #ancestors #dna #ancestrydna #wvgenealogist #wvblogger #whatsyourstory #telltheirstory #theirstoryisyourstory (at Man, West Virginia) https://www.instagram.com/p/B1i3UQ1HEnK/?igshid=jefxqutu2slj

[daniellesmithtv]

Uganda: A Journey to the Heart of the Country – 10 Things You May Not Know #WVBloggers

When I tell you I visited Uganda a few weeks ago, what is the first thing you think?

That you know it is in Africa, but you likely couldn’t locate it on a blank map? That it probably took me a long time to get there? That the national sport is likely football  (U.S. Soccer)? That Uganda is a poorer country than the United States?

All true.

But there is something else.

I fear, you associate far too many pictures you have seen of hungry black children and extreme poverty from different parts of the continent and it feels overwhelming. Or even exploitative. You don’t know how to tell the needs of one nation from that of another and you don’t know how to help…or even if it is POSSIBLE for you to help. It feels far away.

It feels ‘other’.

This is also true.  Painfully so.

No pressure.

You may wonder what brought me to this part of the world…and I’m looking forward to sharing so many of the individual stories and my experiences. I’ve spent the past few weeks processing, funneling it all through my mind, sifting each person and event through my fingers and my heart so that I may share with you the stories that DON’T exploit, but rather give voice, the pictures that show the light rather than dim the soul of the families and children by stripping them of dignity in the name of helping.

But before I do ANY of that, I want you to touch, if you will with me, the fiber of Uganda, to feel what makes its heart beat and the children dance with joy, so that you don’t question why the children smile despite ‘having so little’ based on Western World standards.

Let’s start here. This is Charles (and my friends Tammilee and Stacie). While the three of us were in Uganda with World Vision, we were lucky enough to have Charles not only as our driver, but as a beautiful source of information on all things Uganda – from customs to cultures, from politics to systems of belief. I soaked up everything he had to say and wanted to share a few things you likely don’t know about Uganda.

(To clarify the above questions first: Uganda is in East Africa and bordered by the Democratic Republic of Congo to the west, Rwanda and Tanzania to the south, Kenya to the east and South Sudan to the north. It took me nearly 26 hours and three flights to arrive there. Football is the national sport. The national team, nicknamed the Cranes, experienced their best finish in 1978.)

Uganda: A Journey to the Heart of the Country – 10 Things You May Not Know

*Uganda was a British Colony until 1962 – now self ruling.

*In that time, they have had eight presidents. The current one, President, Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has been in office since 1986. I asked about term limits. It seems the country is fraught with political discord. The two term limit was removed in 2005, allowing Museveni to continue in office. And the 75 age term limit that replaced that system was removed just last year – paving the way for the 73 year old to run again in 2021.

*There are 52 tribes and therefore 52 languages in the country. Each tribe has their own beautiful set of culture, from dance to clothing,, from food to drum beats. Each tribe also has their own king, though those kings have no official political power.

*HIV has had a pervasive and devastating effect on the country. It first came across the border from Tanzania in the 1980’s, and it is estimated that 1.4 Million were living with the disease as of 2016.

*There is no official country language, though English is taught in most schools and Luganda is widely spoken.

*Uganda exists within an extremely patriarchal society – making it hard for girls to stay in school and chase dreams. The dowry system is still firmly in place, making it far too common for girls to be sold in to marriage at 13, 14 or 15.

*Mzungu is a word I heard over and over again. It is me, or maybe you, or any white person visiting or living in Uganda. We regularly saw people (both children and adults) pointing and mouthing Mzungu when they saw us.

*According to the census of 2002, Christianity is the primary religion – with nearly 86% of the population with the largest percentage being Roman Catholic, followed by the Anglican Church of Uganda. Pentecostal, Protestant, the Muslim faith and a few others are also present. The most sinister of ‘faiths’ exists in the form of Witch Doctors – long believed to hold power and make wishes come true, sadly by way of sacrifice that includes children. It is a heavy topic, but one I will soon share with you.

*Uganda straddles the equator, so year round temperatures are fairly moderate, but with two extremely rainy seasons – from September to November and March to May.

*World Vision, with a mission to protect childhood, prevent exploitation and renew hope, has been operating in Uganda for over 30 years and has 47 Area Programs – focusing on keeping girls in school, preventing childhood marriage and child sacrifice, preventing the spread of HIV and empowering families to lift themselves from extreme poverty.

It is common for people in Western countries to see children in African countries like Uganda, smiling and laughing and wonder how they can be happy while having so little. I feel compelled to qualify a few things – I didn’t feel as though the children I met (or any of the people for that matter) were consumed by what I had vs what they did not have – rather, they freely expressed pride in their country, their customs, their families. They were welcoming and curious, open and willing to share what they have.

True, the differences are evident – many children and adults don’t own shoes, have indoor plumbing or drive to and from school, work or church. Each time I took a photo, they were anxious to see the result, as many have never seen themselves.

But the similarities exist as well – a goal to see children grow up and thrive, a commitment to family, a willingness to work hard for what they want. It is these similarities and World Vision’s commitment to changing the differences that are most perilous for children that have returned home with me.

Disclosure: It was a great joy to be a guest of World Vision’s on this trip to Uganda. As always, all thoughts and opinions shared are mine and mine alone. I look forward to sharing more of this experience and World Vision’s extraordinary work with you in the coming weeks.

The post Uganda: A Journey to the Heart of the Country – 10 Things You May Not Know #WVBloggers appeared first on Pretty Extraordinary.

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[daniellesmithtv]

I’m home now...but carrying this sweet smile with me. It will take me weeks to share with you the moments that impacted me the most while in Uganda...some heartbreaking...and some...like this one-meeting our sponsored child, Samanya...were full of joy and love. I’m grateful for the gift of time with him, of holding his hand, playing ball with him, meeting his parents and sisters and sharing a meal together. This past week with @worldvision was everything and more I had imagined. .. 📸 @lvrr02 .. #dosmallthingswithgreatlove #givegoodgetgood #dogood #worldvision #worldvisionuganda #uganda #wvbloggers https://ift.tt/2MICAQe

[daniellesmithtv]

I legitimately was as happy as I look in this picture. This is Samanya... He is the seven-year-old boy in Uganda that my family and I sponsor through @worldvision. What a gift to meet him in person. What a gift to see him smile, to meet his parents, to meet two of his sisters… To play ball with him.... to hold his hand. To share cake ❤️ I fully recognize that my sponsorship of Samanya is not a cure all. My presence doesn’t personally save him from poverty or do the same for any of the people in his village… but it does… Along with the many other sponsors in the area… Make a huge difference in the community. Schools are improved, farms are created, children are fed, kids attend school… The community comes together. And because I’m selfish… I will tell you spending time with him put joy in my heart. .. .. #dosmallthingswithgreatlove #dogood #leadwithkindess #givegoodgetgood #uganda🇺🇬 #worldvision #worldvisionusa #wvbloggers https://ift.tt/2ON8UyN

[daniellesmithtv]

I cried today. The people we are meeting are magic. So many of their stories… While they are bookended with sacrifice for their children, survival, and a wish to make child safety and childhood happiness a reality... there is often loss in the midst of it... loss of education, loss of innocence, loss of a child or spouse, loss of the light in their eyes. .. .. But there have been moments we have been gifted with the opportunity to make that light shine... even for a few moments. It comes in the little moments… a smile, a hand held...a listening ear, a moment to soar with new friends. 🌺 .. .. Tomorrow is our final full working day here in Uganda. I’m giddy to be meeting the little boy we sponsor. This experience has been a gift. It will take time for me to process all I have heard. I don’t have the ability to share it the right way, but I will. These are stories here that need to be heard. Thank you @lvrr02 for capturing this moment. @stacieinatlanta .. .. #dosmallthingswithgreatlove #dogood #givegoodgetgood #leadwithkindness #worldvision #WorldvisionUganda #wvblogger #wvbloggers #uganda https://ift.tt/2nGNOqd

[daniellesmithtv]

I have always believed the bond between mother and child is something extraordinary. (Don’t worry dads… Not leaving you out… Just want to reference my personal experience… And what I have been witnessing here in Uganda over the past few days.) .. .. I’ve witnessed this bond since we arrived…Mothers working the fields to feed their families, mothers who stopped school when they became pregnant young, mothers who are raising three or four children on their own, mothers who do what so many of us do… Sacrifice for our children in some way. The sacrifices I have made for my children pale in comparison to what I am witnessing. I’m in awe... not simply because of the hard work, effort and love that goes into raising their children… But because they don’t hesitate. And because I know the love I feel for my kids… Is the same as what I’m witnessing. This love is universal. .. .. @worldvision is supporting these mothers… not only because they believe every child deserves a safe childhood and a bright future, but because they also support the community. .. .. Thank you so much for your messages… And for continuing to keep up with me on Instagram stories. .. .. #dosmallthingswithgreatlove #dogood #leadwithkindess #worldvision #workdvisionusa #wvbloggers #worldvisionuganda https://ift.tt/2Mo34Gt

[daniellesmithtv]

I hope you only see their smiles. 💜 I hope your heart is full thinking about the happy these children possess, how they embrace life… Despite having so little by American standards, despite often having to fight to stay in school, and facing dangers many children will, thankfully, never understand. .. .. I will forever be changed by my short time with them and others I met today. .. .. I have so many stories to share with you about my short time so far in Uganda with @WorldVision, but it will take time to process it all… there is so much more to come in the next five days. .. If you have a moment… Follow along on my Instagram stories… I’m so grateful for the opportunity to share. .. .. #dogood #leadwithkindess #gratitude #childrendeservethebest #worldvision #worldvisionuganda #wvbloggers #uganda🇺🇬 https://ift.tt/2w3azsj

[daniellesmithtv]

Laughter. Song. Dance. Smiling. 🌺Universal languages that transcend differences in culture, lifestyle, spoken language. .. .. Tonight, it was an honor to visit the Nedere Center in Kampala, Uganda. Over three hours, we were treated to the cultural songs, dance and expressions of love from the many areas of Uganda. (Check out my stories for highlights... this dance troupe is phenomenal). .. .. Uganda gained its independence from Britain in 1962. There have been eight presidents since then… The current president has been serving since January 1986. While English is a commonly spoken language, there are over 50 languages spoken here....Luganda is the most common after English in this area. .. .. As you know… I’m here with @worldvisionusa... tomorrow we will begin seeing the work they do in person. Later this week… I will meet the little boy my family sponsors. .. .. If you have any questions at all… I’m happy to answer them. I wrote about the beginning of this experience on the site... you can find the link in my profile. Good night from Uganda 🇺🇬 .. .. #dogood #leadwithkindess #uganda #kampala #worldvision #wvbloggers #wvblogger #gratitude #dosmallthingswithgreatlove https://ift.tt/2vEpGZE

[daniellesmithtv]

Life is a journey. It is made up of a million moments...some big...some small... and some that require you to breathe and live in that moment. That is what I’m doing right now… breathing... and keeping my heart open for this experience.. We landed in Uganda late last night… I had a full night’s sleep… And spent part of my morning watching Lake Victoria. This is simply the beginning of this chapter. I will end here… In this exact same spot… A week from now.. i’m confident my heart will be full, I will have learned… Loved… And listened to The stories of extraordinary people. I’m hopeful you will follow along. .. .. #leadwithkindess #givegoodgetgood #dogood #wvbloggers #uganda #lakevictoria #entebbe https://ift.tt/2KL5QRl

[daniellesmithtv]

“We cannot all do great things. But we can do small things with great love.’ ~Mother Teresa 🌺 As I leave today for Uganda, this feels, so deeply, like the truth. I will spend the next nine days learning, listening, and doing everything with heart. ❤️ If you have a minute, send our crew some good energy. I will be sharing our experience here, on Instagram stories and on the site. You can follow all of us with this -> #WVbloggers My flight path begins at 1pm today ✈️ STL-ATL-AMS-KGL-EBB. I will be eight hours ahead of my friends in the central time zone. We arrive at 10pm tomorrow night (2pm here at home.) The journey begins.... do something small with great heart today🌺 .. .. #leadwithkindess #givegood #lovethelifeyoulive #dogood #dosmallthingswithgreatlove #uganda #worldvision #wvbloggers https://ift.tt/2Mmq1JY

[daniellesmithtv]

Do Good: Journey to Uganda with World Vision

I sat and stared at my son and daughter as they slept last night. At 14 and 12, I no longer need to tip-toe in to the room fearful that any creak in the floor, any stepped-on Lego may result in the noise that rouses them permanently from the deepest of sleep.

There has always been something magic about watching them at peace (despite having two restless sleepers – one who often talks in complete sentences and the other who sleeps sideways). The hustle of the day is gone. The anxiety about starting school is at bay. Even the laughter is silenced. What is left hanging in their room – my complete love for them and commitment to raising them to be the best human beings possible.

I’ve often said that one of my primary goals as a parent is to raise my small people to be good citizens of the world. With more than 14 years invested in this parenting gig, I’m keenly aware their biggest lessons come not from what I tell them to do, but what I show them and what we do together.

Together, as a family, we sponsor a four year old boy named Samanya. Samanya lives in Uganda with his mom and dad in a community that has been damaged by the HIV and AIDS crisis.

Our sponsorship is through an extraordinary organization called World Vision. World Vision’s missions include empowering people out of poverty for good (this is, in part, where child sponsorship comes in to play) with a focus on the smallest among us, partnering with local churches, providing emergency relief and promoting justice.

It is with this same organization that I begin my 24 hour journey to Uganda tomorrow.

I have the privilege of spending the next eight days visiting villages, hearing the stories of the people who live there, connecting with the World Vision team who has made helping people their life’s work, and meeting Samanya.

He likes to play ball. So do Cooper and Delaney. He helps at home with house cleaning. So do my kiddos. His birthday is in June. Coop is a June baby.

As you can imagine, the similarities in their worlds are small, but their basic rights as children are EXACTLY the same. They deserve to be loved, to have their needs met and to have the opportunity to grow up to make their own mark in the world.

Working with World Vision means my family helps Samanya, but I am hopefully leading by example in showing them what it looks like to WORK for good. And it means, friends, that I have the gift of sharing with you – this experience AND encouraging you to do the same.

Not only does a sponsorship help to pull Samanya’s family out of poverty for good (I will be sharing so much more about this), but it keeps him safe. Tragically, there are other dangers.

World Vision child sponsorship is one of the most powerful ways to help protect vulnerable children and keep them safe from dangers like violence and exploitation. By helping communities and families work together to meet children’s needs, we can take a big step toward preventing child slavery, human trafficking … and child sacrifice. Choose a child to sponsor in Uganda today.

I have so much more to share. I so hope you will follow along. I leave mid-day tomorrow and arrive in Uganda late in the evening. Our work will begin first thing on Sunday morning.

Thank you, beautiful friends, for following along. If you choose to follow on social

World Vision: Twitter, Instagram, Facebook

Or me: Twitter, Instagram, Facebook

I will be with a wonderful group and we will be using the hashtag #WVBloggers.

  The post Do Good: Journey to Uganda with World Vision appeared first on Pretty Extraordinary.

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[daniellesmithtv]

You know what I’m doing right now? Packing. Again. Well… At least I’m thinking about it… since a leopard can’t really change it’s spots… You must know by now that I rarely pack ahead. But I’m certainly trying… this next journey has me heading to Uganda with an extraordinary organization called @worldvision. I am in awe of the work they do… I am giddy I will meet a little boy we sponsor, Samanya. I am so grateful I will be given the opportunity to share with you about Uganda and World Vision’s mission. .. .. Not to worry… I won’t be packing this dress. 😜🌺 this trip is not a vacation, and there will be no place for fancy.... that is perfectly OK with me. I’m extremely grateful for the opportunity. .. .. I will find a place to wear this dress before summer ends… When I return. Are you following me on @liketoknow.it ? You can shop this dress and many of the other outfits I wear by heading here -> or simply screenshooting this picture. http://liketk.it/2wTSW #liketkit #LTKshoecrush #LTKitbag #reddressboutique ##LTKSummer #dogoodthings #givegoodgetgood #wvbloggers #uganda https://ift.tt/2ARWSlz