Adventurer's Log - Adventure, Africa, and a Cup of Coffee

Adventurer’s Log: Uganda

My wife came rushing to find me in the church we served at the time.

“Matt! Matt! You’re not going to believe it!”

I had no idea what she could be so excited about.

“Our church is going on a mission trip to Uganda!”

I stared at her, with blank look on my faced. “Oh?”

“Africa!” she exclaimed. “I’ve always wanted to go to Africa since I was a little girl.”

“…Okay. Well, how much will it cost?”

“I don’t even care. God will provide!” And with that, she turned and hurried off to talk with friends about this new, exciting trip that we were apparently going on.

I was unenthusiastic. I had no desire to travel at the time, let alone flying halfway across the world. And the financial commitment? Not exactly appealing. But how could I say no to my wife’s excitement and lifelong dream?

Arrival in Uganda

After 30 grueling hours of travel, we arrived in Uganda. Night had fallen and we stepping off the plane onto the dim tarmac, we made our way through customs and into a dark parking lot, where waiting for us was a ministry associate of our hosing pastor and the bus that would transport our team.

A few more hours of driving brought us to Katosi, where we pulled up to a gated compound called The Hotel. The rooms surrounded a small courtyard, and a dining area sat near the entrance. We crashed hard that night, carefully tucking in our mosquito nets before falling asleep.

Morning came early. We groggily sipped instant coffee—the only option available—and prepared for our first day at Winner’s Children’s Home, an orphanage that housed 700 children.

Leaving The Hotel that morning was overwhelming. As our bus rumbled down the road, children ran alongside us, shouting excitedly with radiant smiles, "Muzungu! Muzungu! Muzungu!"—a term for white foreigners.

Arriving at the orphanage, we were met by a chorus of "You are welcome!" as a sea of children engulfed us. They reached for our hands, touched our hair, and clung to our fingers. I remember looking down and realizing I had multiple children holding onto just two of mine.

We spent the day singing and dancing with them, teaching songs like Hillsong’s "Alive" as groups of kids rotated in by grade. And then, we would do it all over again.

Embracing the Culture

Beyond the structured activities, some of the most impactful moments happened in the in-between times.

One afternoon, we walked through the village with a local church member eager to show us around. He led us past massive termite hills, through fishing areas where locals prepared their catch for the market, and up to the lake-side hills. We even joined a group of kids in rolling an old bike tire down the street—until my friend Tim decided to show off by trying to jump through it while it was moving. He failed spectacularly, much to the delight of the children.

Later, we saw a mother goat struggling in the street. Tim went over to investigate and, to everyone’s surprise, ended up assisting in the birth of a baby goat right there in the village.

At church that Sunday, I experienced culture shock like never before. The music, dancing, and loud, exuberant worship were unlike anything I’d ever seen. It was both intimidating and strangely infectious.

These people had so little, yet their joy was overflowing. Big smiles. Welcoming attitudes. A willingness to take time with us, to teach us their language—"Jicama Yeba Zebway" (God bless you).

Journey to the Source of the Nile

One incredible experiences came when we traveled to the Source of the Nile, where this mighty river begins its journey from Lake Victoria.

Gently coasting across the water, we approached a cluster of rustic huts perched on rocks, connected by small, rickety bridges. This was so unusual. It felt like something out of a storybook. Structures build in the middle of a river at the fork at which two rivers converge into to form the legendary Nile River. Along the river bank, we spotted monkeys swinging through the trees.

Coming Home Different

I remember sitting on the plane; heading back to the states in deep contemplation. Seeing the joy of these people; many who had very little. Experiencing the generosity and hospitality. Seeing hundreds of children desperate for love. I knew I had to come home different but was not sure what that would look like!

Nevertheless, I was determined not to live the same.

The Coffee Connection

Reflecting back on this time, I smile thinking about how we only had instant coffee to keep us going. While we lived were in one of the worlds top coffee producers. But now we get to experience the rick and deep flavors of this beautiful country! Every sip inevitably transporting us back to the memories of that life changing mission trip to Uganda!

This cup isn’t just coffee. It’s a memory. A journey. A reminder that adventure changes us. Try our single origin Uganda coffee below!