Shirley Moran’s journey with Empowering Ugandans showcases the incredible impact of friendship, trust, and a shared vision for empowering others.
Her story reminds us whether through financial support, volunteering, or simply spreading the word, each of us has the power to make a difference in the lives of others.
In 2009, when Shirley and I went on a church-sponsored trip to Uganda to visit children we supported through World Vision, little did we know it would be the beginning of a lifelong commitment to empowering Ugandan women.
Shirley and I were excited about the trip. We had learned about some of the things to expect: the muddy roads full of potholes, the culture of friendliness, the wild animals during our drive through the national park, and foods to try, including goat-on-a-stick at a roadside stand on the main road to Gulu. We were prepared to share a two-minute Bible verse. But most of all, we looked forward to meeting the children. I fell in love with the people, especially Stephen, the little boy Jeff and I sponsored.
When Shirley and I met on that fateful journey, neither of us had any idea that Jeff and I would later begin Empowering Ugandans.
Shirley recalls our first encounter. We hadn't met before that trip, yet we were roommates; we slept on the bottom of bunk beds with the ever-present mosquito nets hanging from the top bunk. We both had trouble sleeping due to the 11-hour time zone difference. I remember waking up several times, and each time, Shirley was quietly playing games on her cell phone.
When we were reminiscing, Shirley said, “In those days, you were a librarian and middle school teacher. I admired your skills and how capable you were.” This admiration soon blossomed into a partnership supporting a cause close to both of our hearts.
Jeff and I began making annual trips to Uganda during my summer breaks. We were filled with great excitement when, after retiring, we packed up our house in Riverside, CA, and moved to Gulu in northern Uganda.
Eventually, Jeff and I founded Empowering Ugandans, a non-profit organization dedicated to teaching marketable skills so people could support their loved ones. Shirley found her own way to contribute. "I know I can't go, but you are clever and beautiful. Would you do my sewing for me?" Shirley asked me before one of our trips.
This simple request sparked an idea that would change many lives.
Shirley vividly remembers us teaching sewing to Ugandan women in the garage of our ministry house in Gulu. Inspired, she felt compelled to act. "It just seemed the natural thing to do," Shirley explains. "I started supporting you financially to continue helping Ugandan women."
Her support goes beyond financial contributions. Shirley has completed six mission trips to Uganda, experiencing firsthand the impact of her giving. These experiences have taught her "the beauty of Ugandans" and inspired her to share her love for the Ugandan people with her children and grandchildren.
David Oaks traveled with us on a recent trip to Uganda. Shirley was also there, and David interviewed her. Some key points Shirley made during the interview were:
"One of Shirley’s most treasured memories is a trip where she brought her grandson, Dane. 'Riding on a boda-boda (a motorcycle taxi) with him is a moment I’ll never forget,' she says, her voice filled with emotion.
When asked about the impact of her involvement with Empowering Ugandans, Shirley’s response is heartfelt: 'I have known Yvonne as a friend for so many years. I just trust her and Jeff completely to administer the money. They have prayed and studied to make this happen. I think they are amazing.'
Thanks to Shirley and many others in the Empowering Ugandans giving community, Ugandans receive free classes, which provide all materials and even food during breaks."
Empowering Ugandans continues its mission, and Jeff and I are blessed to have supporters like Shirley Moran. They are the backbone of Empowering Ugandans, enabling women and men to learn marketable skills. The dedication and generosity of our donors allow hope to transform futures in northern Uganda, one skill at a time.
I hope you will consider helping, whether through your time, talents, or finances.
We would love for individuals to join our team. We need others help with a variety of tasks, including posting on our social media channels, sewing dresses, organizing fabric, and addressing Christmas cards.
Empowering Ugandans also needs additional monthly supporters to donate between $10.00 and $750.00 a month. By donating, Ugandans are able to learn marketable skills to support themselves and their loved ones. We are a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, and donations are tax-deductible. Click here to donate.
Thank you to all of our monthly donors.
And thank you, Shirley—you are the backbone of Empowering Ugandans.
Yvonne
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