I Asked and HE Granted My Request. My Trip to Uganda the Pearl of Africa.
by: Minister Dianne Hyman
Recently appointed as the new chairperson of Windows of Hope Ministry, I could not believe that God would allow me to be so intimately involved with the ministry and not allow me to see it for myself. Yes, I have been connected to Missionary Jacqui and the work of WOHICM for many years however, had not made the journey to Africa. My simple prayer request to God at the beginning of 2023 was to allow me to see the ministry for myself. I knew without a doubt that the timing would be perfect. I picked a date in September and begin to lay the groundwork for my travel. During the entire process, I felt the presence of God in every step. Although the travel alert fluctuated from RED to YELLOW (caution travel), I felt a sense of peace and continued with the plans. My husband and family had some concern but eventually, there was no denying that God was orchestrating this, and they all (without reservations) released me to the Will and Hand of God. Throughout the entire time of planning, God ministered to me in my prayer time. I was standing on Ephesians 3:20 that God would exceed what I was asking. He reassured me that now was the time for me to see the WOH ministry. I grabbed ahold of a song that resonated in my spirit, “Goodness of God” in which the lyrics simply state that ALL my life God has been faithful, ALL my life He’s been so so good and with every breath that I am able, I will sing of the goodness of God. I fasted and prayed in preparation and expectation.
As the months drew near the planning intensified. The numerous vaccines were painless. Coordinating the luggage and what we would take came together as well. I was fortunate to have Missionary Jaqui travel with me as she was in the States, and we would be returning to Uganda together.
Final preparations were underway. As we anxiously packed every bag ensuring we were not over the (50) fifty-pound limit we shifted, rearranged, and weighed all 8 bags (numerous times) until we were tired. September 26, 2023, finally our day to depart. My loving husband transported us to the Newark airport and before he could park Missionary Jaqui was rushing out of the van stating “I need to see who is assigned to us”. I didn’t grab a hold to what she was saying in her haste but when she returned with a skycap gentleman named Jonathan from Ghana it was evident what she meant. Jonathan was “assigned to us”. He carted ALL our luggage, escorted us to Premier check in (although we were flying economy) obtained our boarding passes, tagged all the luggage with such efficiency (we never saw a bag hit the scale) and we were headed through the screening process before my husband was completely out of the airport. Yes, He was assigned to us that day. Throughout the entire trip we walked in faith and a level of favor that I have not experienced before. The presence of God was tangible in every encounter throughout my entire visit.
We arrived in Entebbe Uganda and spent the evening at the hotel to rest before we began our journey early the next morning. The four-hour drive was met with excitement as I passed through each town seeing all the beauty and hardship of Uganda. We crossed over the equator and made our way to Masaka.
My arrival to the Forde compound was overwhelming as I was met by a group of school children dancing and celebrating my arrival. As we sat on the porch with music planning, to my total surprise, my song. YES! the Goodness of God saturated the atmosphere from the radio. I leaped up, beckoned all the children to join me on the lawn as we begin to praise God in movement together. I was brought to tears. As this was another nugget from my heavenly father that He was ever present.
The next morning we were off to visit my first school, Aunt Elvi’s, a 4 hour drive , located in Rugunjiri. All 391 children met me as we drove up: singing, dancing, and holding signs “Welcome Auntie Dianne”. The outpouring of love and pure joy was palpable. However, as I toured the school escorted by the head teacher, I could see the despair and the great need for support outlined with the HOPE that existed as well. Again, the splendor of God revealed with each hug, with each smile. I was able to present the children with gifts and love on the teachers as well. It’s important to let the teachers know how much they are appreciated as many are away from their families the entire school term. Aunt Elvi’s mission: “to bring Hope in orphans by providing counseling services and quality education in academic, social economic and religious spheres”, is being met. However, the work continues as there are children that need sponsorship and their prayer request for a new boy’s dormitory is yet to materialize. The girl’s dormitory (Funded by WOH) was blessed and opened in 2021. Nonetheless, we remain prayerful that God will meet this need as well. Next stop, Queen Elizabeth safari. We spent the weekend at the amazing Buffalo Lodge. One side note, once in your cabin we were not permitted to leave without security escort as there are animals all around and you just might run into one. This was a little unnerving as we believe a bamboo was knocking around outside in the middle of the night. The safari was breath taking. To see God’s animals roaming freely: elephants, lions, water buffalo, hippos, Zebra’s and over 1,000 species of birds. Every animal the safari had; God allowed me to see. (Which is rare as not all animals make themselves available). The experience is one I will never forget.
Now back home to Masaka, I was greeted by Jacqui’s children at least 20 of the 50 she has fostered over the years came to meet and love on me. They traveled near and far for us to be together on that beautiful Sunday. The dinner we shared was delicious and the fellowship was amazing. I got to hear all about the great public service work they are involved in ie: social workers, medical providers, business management, all making an impact in their respective communities. We sang and prayed together.
The next morning, we made the short drive to Markville school. This school pulled at my heart on another level. Four hundred and eighty children (480) were housed in this area that perhaps realistically could accommodate 200 children. Yet, 480 children from pre K to 7 th grade attended. Again, the children sang and danced and presented me with a gift. The babies were too precious. The lollipop they received made their day. I took note of Markville’s prayer request posted on the wall : 1-Provison, 2-School Van 3- School Land. It is their desire to acquire more land to extend the school and add a playground for the children. Windows of Hope supports Markville financially by providing meals for the children. We were also able to bless them with much needed supplies. We pray in agreement that God will indeed not only meet their needs but their desires as well.
Our final school visit had us take the ferry ride to Ssese Island to visit the place where it all began for Missionary Jaqui and the Windows of Hope ministry. Again, the reception I received was amazing. The children singing and dancing true African style. Kayala Junior School is special. Sitting on beautiful Lake Victoria the picturesque view was filled with laughter of the children as we gathered them all together on the open field and blew bubble s for them. They ran and jumped for joy and delight chasing the bubbles. I was brought to tears at the thought that those bubbles so simple, could bring so much joy.
I also had the opportunity to spend time with and love on the young ladies in the vocational training portion of the school. To hear their dreams of becoming fashion designers, and hair stylist owning their businesses was heartwarming. We sung and worshipped with high praise and danced in unison glorifying our Father. The splendor of God was so evident. I also had the opportunity to visit the village where the Ssess Island children are from. Another glimpse of the poverty sprinkled with HOPE. As I sat quietly reflecting on all that I had experienced, finally seeing the totality of Windows of Hope and the IMPACT of the ministry was so humbling that by the time I returned to Forde compound all I could do was drop to my knees in prayer. When we began our evening family devotions, I could no longer hold back my tears. I could not contain myself any longer. This night, Holy Spirit directed me to love on Missionary Jacqui. With “Beautiful are the feet” playing softly in the background, I asked the children to read Isaiah 52:7 “How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, Your God reigns!” Paul reiterated this in Romans 10:15. Missionary Jacqui has carried the gospel adhering to her call to foreign missions for almost thirty years. As I knelt before her (not in reverence to her but to the GOD she serves) and prayed for her, anointing her feet, reminding her of who she is in HIM and how pleased He is with His beloved daughter and not to get weary in well doing for HE is certainly with her. Holy spirit quietly filled the room. We all cried, worshipped, and thanked our Lord and Savior JesusChrist. It was a glorious ending to my last night before I began my journey back home.
Last stop, Kampala. The capital of Uganda. Kampala was packed with people and traffic. We had an opportunity to visit with some other Missionaries (friends of Jacqui’s) and do a little shopping before I was driven back to the airport to begin the last leg of my journey home. Not yet!. My flight was cancelled, and all 90 passengers were taken by bus to the Lake Victoria Hotel. While others might have been disappointed, I took it as an opportunity to have one more night of quiet time with God. Just me and God. And that’s exactly what I did. The next morning, I had a wonderful massage and chatted with some lovely people from various parts of the world. I had the opportunity to pray for several people in the hotel. It was an incredible ending to an amazing trip. My flight back home was seamless just as it was going. I thank God for allowing me this opportunity to see Uganda and the Windows of Hope International Children’s Ministry for myself. I was able to come back and share my experience with the churches and many people who have supported WOH for years. The Impact of sponsorship can not be minimized. Every child we sponsor, every dollar raised truly makes a difference in the life of a child.
This journey has been life changing and faith building for sure! I asked and HE granted my request. To God Be the Glory!
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