We Went to Listen, and We Were Changed
In February, eight Mercy Beyond Borders donors, board members, and staff traveled to Uganda—a journey that offered not only a glimpse into the lives of MBB Scholars, but a deeper understanding of the courage, hope, and determination that shape their everyday realities.
From left: Patricia Wampler, John Dustman (MBB Operations Manager), Noella Nakabuye (MBB East Africa Director), Sharon Chipman, Kim Hersom, Jamie Roddy, Amy Gonzales (MBB Board Member), and Chris White (MBB Board Chair), with Billy Gonzales behind the camera!
For John Dustman, MBB’s Chief Operations Officer, the experience was deeply eye-opening. “The trip was about perspective and understanding—seeing faces and schools behind the stories,” he shared. “I was blown away by a few things. First, the resilience of the high school girls in Uganda. Most are South Sudanese refugees and have escaped awful circumstances. Second was the hospitality of Uganda and Ugandans.”
Sharon Chipman, an MBB donor, reflected on the trip as both moving and transformative. She described learning firsthand about the immense barriers these young women face: child marriage, cultural devaluation, and severely limited access to education. “Most of the girls MBB works with would otherwise be married off at the age of 12—often as the fourth or fifth wife of a man decades older,” she said.
The group visited refugee settlements in Palabek and Adjumani near the South Sudan border, as well as two secondary schools farther south. “Each time I look at my photos, I revisit the powerful experiences we had—the hopes, dreams, and heartbreak of these incredible young women,” Sharon added. “It haunts me, challenges me, lifts and amazes me.”
“We met nearly a hundred young women who proudly shared the core values they live by as MBB Scholars: personal integrity, academic excellence, and compassionate action. They expressed deep gratitude for their scholarships, knowing that for every 20 recipients, more than 300 girls apply. These young women dream of becoming doctors, nurses, engineers, social workers, and politicians—and many MBB alumnae already are.”
Stella, from South Sudan, graduated last year as a civil engineer and returned to her refugee settlement to help improve local sanitation.
Amy listens to MBB Scholars during a visit to St. Mary Assumptia Girls Secondary School.
Jamie and Patricia visit Jua Carolyn, a recent high school graduate, in Adjumani refugee settlement.
MBB’s Ugandan staff are essential to this transformation. They provide not just academic support, but emotional encouragement, counseling, tutoring, computer classes, and monthly leadership workshops for all Scholars. “I’ve never met more motivated students,” Sharon shared. “They will undoubtedly change our world.”
Amy Gonzales, MBB Board Member and advocate for women’s leadership, described the trip as “life-altering.” She explained, “I went because I was longing to understand how these young women remain resilient. Honestly, I needed an infusion of HOPE—and that’s exactly what I found, in abundance. Nearly every Scholar we met is the first in her family to receive an education, and they’re committed to returning home to make a real difference.”
Jua Carolyn has started a small sewing business while anxiously awaiting news of her university acceptance.
Noella, MBB’s East Africa Director, welcomes Chris, MBB Board Chair, upon arrival.
Supporter Kim Hersom reflected on the impact of MBB’s model. “It amazed me how little is required to make such a significant difference. The schools may be simple, but the results are incredible. The girls were thoughtful, composed, and joyful.” She added, “For MBB’s staff, this is clearly a life mission—not just a job. Their warmth and dedication transform the Scholars’ lives.”
MBB high school Scholars at Sacred Heart Girls Secondary School snap a selfie with Sharon.
High school Scholars strike a pose with Kim & Billy.
Jamie Roddy, donor and Founder & CEO of EdenLA Furniture and Interiors, also joined the group. “These girls have unlimited potential,” she said. “But the harsh realities of where they live often limit their ambitions to survival. MBB gives them hope in a very real way. They’re now envisioning futures where they can give back to their communities.”
High school Scholars Joann & Yom serving looks and laughter!
Jamie returned with a renewed sense of purpose: “I just hope I can live up to their potential by helping bring in more resources for scholarships, so even more girls and their communities can benefit.”
This journey was a powerful reminder of the ripple effect education can have. Behind every MBB scholarship is a girl with extraordinary potential—and behind her is a community of people like you, who believe in her dreams.
Thank you to everyone who made this experience possible—and most of all, thank you to our Scholars, whose resilience and determination continue to inspire us daily.
