2 Corinthians 5:6-7 says, ‘Walk by faith, not by sight.’ This phrase became a guiding principle for Hannah Krum during her summer in Mbale, Uganda.
‘I can be a very anxious person, and this quote reassures me that the Lord’s got my back,’ Hannah said.
The journey from America to Uganda took two days of flying, filled with a whirlwind of emotions and feelings. The anticipation of what lay ahead mixed with the uncertainty of stepping into the unknown.
“I was really nervous when I got off the plane,” Hannah said. “I was afraid of what I might encounter, afraid of failing in my mission.”
Despite her initial nervousness, Hannah pushed forward, determined to make a difference in the lives of those she would meet. She knew that her purpose there was greater than her fear, and she resolved to embrace the experience fully.
“It’s quiet there; people take their time,” Hannah said, observing and reflecting on her surroundings in Mbale.
“I feel like it was hard for me to adjust because where I’m from, it’s so noisy.” Hannah said.
The contrast between her busy, fast-paced life back home and the serene, slow atmosphere forced her to breathe and adapt. This adjustment gave her much to consider, as she learned to appreciate the beauty of simplicity and the deep sense of community.
The day after her arrival, her first task was to go out and spread the message of faith. “I was afraid I wouldn’t have the right words to say,” Hannah said. “What if this person wasn’t accepting?”
These thoughts weighed heavily on her mind, causing her to doubt herself. But as she began her first conversation, a sense of calm washed over her.
“It was the Holy Spirit, and the words came through me,” Hannah said, her eyes lighting up at the memory. “It was amazing. It’s hard to describe something like that.”
The more she spoke, the more relaxed she felt, and the easier it became to connect with the people around her.
“The people were incredibly welcoming,” Hannah said. “They were genuinely interested in what we had to say.”
As she immersed herself in the culture, Hannah found joy in the simple pleasures, like savoring plantains prepared in various ways for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
“I’ve had plantains before but seeing them prepared in so many ways was a new experience,” Hannah said.
Helping others gave Hannah a deep sense of duty and purpose. “As people, we need to support one another,” Hannah said.
In Mbale, Uganda, the sight of kids smiling from ear to ear and a close-knit community that depended on one another touched her heart. Watching children race up and down, chasing each other with energy and joy, Hannah felt herself melting even further into the warmth of Mbale.
As she looked back on her time in Mbale, Hannah recalled a memory from before she had even stepped into what would become her transformative journey. A hidden unknown had blindfolded her.
“I would always say, ‘Break my heart for what breaks yours,’” Hannah said.
This experience opened her eyes to the reality that so many unreached people are in desperate need of hearing the good news. It deepened her understanding of the importance of her mission and the impact that faith and love can have on the lives of others.