Hi! My name is Katie Thompson and I am the Executive Director and Co-founder of Project: More Love. Originally from the DC area, I grew up with a huge passion for music, dance and drama. I have Bachelor's degree in Theatre with a minor in Dance from George Mason University, along with a Master's Certificate in Documentary Filmmaking from The George Washington University. I have also been fortunate to gain several years of vital business experience from some of DC's largest corporations. After getting laid off in 2010, I began to re-evaluate my life and where I was going, and through a series of events decided to let go of the life I knew, and volunteer in Uganda. My life will never be the same!
Since 2010, I have made five trips to Uganda and I've devoted my life to working with and serving the people of Uganda. In the village, I'm most commonly known for my sense of humor, my Ugandan-like passion for dance, and for being friendly. Most people know me as "Nabukenya Kate", and I'm often found laughing and socializing with children and people of all ages. Despite the initial language and cultural differences, I've been able to connect with people on a real and meaningful level. After witnessing poverty, sickness, corruption and despair in Uganda, alongside many NGO's and charities working hard to solve these problems, I realized that something MORE needed to be done. It became apparent that in many cases, when someone was lonely, depressed, traumatized, or hopeless, they would not take their HIV medications even if they were free of charge; they would not work to feed their families even if they were given tools; or they would not go to school to study even if it was paid for. It seemed no amount of donations, food, or medications could create a lasting change, if hope and inspiration were not there. Feeling discouraged myself, I put my love, gratitude, and optimism to the test and remarkable results followed. Witnessing first hand children coming alive, laughing, dancing and rejoicing in gratitude for what little they did have, inspired me and reassured me that I was onto something. I began to see children around me thriving with renewed hope, rather than just existing. It became apparent that lifting a person's spirits is absolutely vital to ensure a long lasting change in their outlook and ultimately their actions for a better future. Two years later, Project: More Love was born.
This Blog is a first hand account of what it was like for me to volunteer and live in Uganda, starting from the very beginning. I will share personal emails, journal entries, photos and stories. I am also happy to share insight and tips for anyone interested in volunteering or traveling to Africa so feel free to leave comments and questions.
In closing, one of my favorite quotes:
“Don’t ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive, and go do it. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.” - Howard Thurman
No comments:
Post a Comment