Launch! A Note From Kristen

Why this? Why Uganda? Why Wrap Up Africa?
I have always had a fascination with African culture from the time I was young. I have always wanted to go there and be face to face with a lion, giraffe, or elephant. Okay… well maybe not face to face, but perhaps admire these creatures from afar. I’ve always wanted to better understand the people, the culture, and broaden my perspective. The other thing I’ve always wanted to do is help people; give back for the gifts I have received in my life. Give back how? Well… that part I was never really sure of. There are many ways a person can give back each and everyday of their lives, and while I by no means want to belittle or take away from any of those things, it is not enough for me. I needed something more impactful and that touched me to the core. Lucky for me, one day my best friend and her family moved to Uganda, East Africa… not so lucky for her- or was it???
Letha and her family moved from Seattle to Kampala, Uganda last August. While the adjustment has been difficult, I don’t think she would have her life any other way. She has a passion for love and life and living it to the fullest. If you stay tuned into this blog, you will read many passages over time about her life and experiences there. I will let her tell you about them. I will tell you about mine.
I visited Letha this past January/February. The moment I stepped off the plane in Entebbe, Uganda I uttered the words “Feels like home”, and it did. I loved it there. It became a part of me, and I am still there everyday in my heart and mind. During my visit, Letha showed me Kampala life, village life, a spectacular view of the Nile River, and her day to day existence. This day to day consists of going to Mulago Hospital where she works at a cancer institute full of dying men, women, and children. Many of them have died since I was there. Being the smart and innovative woman that Letha is, she formulated a plan along with a business partner that would help eradicate poverty and provide food and treatment for these cancer patients. The result became Wrap Up Africa. Needless to say, witnessing this… and I say “this” in an awe struck dumbfounded voice pertaining to the poverty, the illness, and Letha’s amazing willingness and stamina to help… I became willing and committed myself.
My journey to Uganda answered many questions for me and has also created many more. I am able to learn more closely about African culture and give back to the world in a way that is completely meaningful to me. I am now on a journey with my friend and the native Ugandans to make a change. We will make a difference. Come walk with us. -Kristen


Some powerful quotes that help guide us:

Well behaved women rarely make history.
-Laurel Thatcher Ulrich

Service is the rent we pay for living.
-Marian Wright Edelman

Be the change you want to see in the world.
-Gandhi