Why Show Up? A Life Lesson from a Sister in Uganda

When I, along with four others, flew to Uganda earlier this month, I was more excited than a raccoon at an all-you-can-eat crawfish café. And in spite of the 20-hours spent on two planes, the GSM mission schools I visited were even better than I expected. 

Can you spot me and my cousin, Patty in
this "Welcome to Uganda" parade?

        The teachers, kids, and all other workers treated us like royalty all week long. But my favorite moment took place the final night I was there. Most of the 1,500 students and dozens of teachers had repeatedly thanked us for coming. 

        Finally I asked Peace, the lady who served our meals, why it was so important to them that we five Americans visited the schools. "Wouldn't it have made more sense to send you the thousands of dollars it took to travel here? Wouldn't it have gone farther?" 

       Her answer brought tears to my eyes. 

Peace and I as we said "goodbye" on
my final day in Uganda. 

       "Mama Jen," she said, "you can't put a price tag on love. The fact that you saved your money for a year and traveled across the globe to visit us in person shows that you love us. Anyone can send money. But the gift of your presence is priceless." 

Aha. The gift of your presence. That says it all. 

      Is there someone in your life who needs,  more than anything, the gift of your presence today? Fill their life with hope simply by showing up for them.