Uganda Be Kidding Me!

Shelby Nickel Photography

I'll be graduating from UT Austin in less than a month (AHH). Which if I'm guessing correctly, you're about to ask me the inevitable question, "What are you doing after college?" Here's my answer: I'll be working in Gulu, Uganda for six months with an amazing jewelry company called 31 Bits!!! I can't be more excited, nervous, eager and hopeful all at the same time! I applied secretly REALLY wanting it but outwardly preparing myself for the rejection I know all too well. Plot twist: I got it!! It's been a week and I'm still pinching myself.

I don't want to continue this post without sharing just how much this opportunity was a direct result of an entire team of people (aka my Mitscoots work fam, Phi Lamb fam and close friends) praying and encouraging me during the waiting period! I want to thank those of you who did that, it meant more to me than I think you realize. Also, I want to thank my family (especially my parents) for willing to hear me out rather than extinguish an unfamiliar opportunity. I am overwhelmingly blessed.

SO with that being said, here we go!!!!

Wait a sec, who (or what) is 31 Bits?!

If you don't know who they are you NEED to! 31 Bits is a company that uses fashion and design to empower people to rise above poverty. They work with Ugandan women to create fashionable, quality products and earn an income enabling them to provide for their families! 31 Bits also has an established program that cares for them holistically through counseling, health education, finance training and business mentorships. After this five year program, these beneficiaries have their own business and are educated, healthy and confident! HOW AMAZING IS THAT!? These handmade jewelry pieces are made out of recycled paper and other material that supports the Ugandan business community!

Sooo what exactly will you be doing?

I'll be one of two production interns. Which means, I'd oversee the quality of the beads and finished products. I'll definitely be putting my degree in public relations and international business to good use (#WhatStartsHereChangestheWorld)! All of that is fantastic, but what I'm most excited to do is to be able to serve, empower and love on these women! SO cool!

When are you leaving/coming back??

I'll be a temporary ex-pat from June 20th to December 16th, mark your calendar!

Remind me again where you're going?

I'll be living in Gulu, Uganda! Gulu has become home to American and European ex-pats who are living and working with different NGOs in order to provide opportunities to this broken country. I'm beyond excited to be a part of that!

But why are you doing this? I don't get it.

Hey! You say tomato, I say to-mah-toe. My idea of success might not be yours, and that's totally okay! College has taught me how much opportunity is out there, but also, not to be afraid to merge your passions/dreams with "the real world." So if you ask me why I said yes to this crazy opportunity I'd say: 31 Bits would allow me to merge faith, giving and fashion within the business world! Why would I turn away an offer like that? 

For you,

I want to encourage you, friend, not to be paralyzed by fear or let the world tell you what's "normal." We're not called to conform but to be transformed (Romans 12:2). You might be sitting and reading this thinking, "I already find great pleasure in my job or season of life." Or you might be someone thinking, "I'm no one special, so let's face it, my big dreams will never become reality." Well, for those of you who love where they're at, that's AMAZING--continue sharing that passion with those around you!! For those of you who don't, know that it's uncomfortable to seek something you're passionate about, no matter how attractive it sounds! Maybe that's why most of the time we only dream our dreams and never live them. I dare you to try!

And also please don't think that this came easy for me, because it didn't! Nothing comes easy. It takes work, patience and a whole lotta love! I'm so excited to be able to finally share my upcoming plans with you and want to ask you for a favor: will you pray for me as I prepare for this next phase of my life?

Cheers!