In Ann’s Words

Uganda - January 2025

 

I had never been to Uganda but quickly fell in love with its people. Mission trips have held a special place in my heart since 2013, following Teresa's passing, as they have given me a deeper purpose—to serve, love, and bring hope to vulnerable children worldwide. Each journey has opened my eyes to the beauty of different cultures, the power of human connection, and the incredible impact that compassion can have in the lives of those who need it most.

 

In one of the most profound moments of our visit, we encountered a little boy who was gravely ill. The pain and discomfort could clearly be seen on his face. The severe lack of medicine and proper medical care at the hospital would certainly lead to this child's death. The Mum sat in the bed next to her dying son, crying, knowing her child was very sick I knew I couldn’t just walk away without trying to help her. This was just one of the heartbreaking scenes we would encounter in the coming week.

 

The pain and suffering of the sick children was more than I ever anticipated seeing. The magnitude of the need was overwhelming, a weight so heavy that I found myself at a loss for how we could possibly reach and help so many who were suffering. I had never seen so much despair before on any mission trip I had ever been on. Having seen pictures of the children and knowing their stories did not prepare me for what I witnessed in person.

We visited the pediatric ICU, which was grossly overcrowded, with five babies sharing one bed and two infants sharing one incubator due to the lack of room; the Mums slept outside the hospital in a tent because there was not adequate space inside for them to stay with their child.

The next day, we made a visit to the child-headed household of 7 siblings who were being raised by their eldest sister; several years ago, we had provided them with the land, the house, a kitchen, and a storefront to sell their goods in. 

The joyful spirit of these children left me in awe, for they were so thankful for the little they had. 

The stories were all the same, the twins whose mom died during childbirth and the grandmother now caring for them, the child who was found in a pigsty was now thriving and being adopted, the child with cerebral palsy who could not sit or stand was now being fostered by a loving Mum and Dad could now stand with the dream that someday he would walk, the two children who were reintegrated with their siblings in the house we had built them were now thriving together as a family. 

 

These heartbreaking stories of loss and now hope were all orchestrated by God's grace. 

 

As we ended our week, we returned to St. Joseph/Kitovu Hospital to meet with the director, Father Emanuel, and Sister Sylvia to see how we could bring support to the pediatric ward; as the meeting progressed, I asked Father Emanuel if we could meet with the Bishop to request his blessing on this project.

 

The next evening, we had dinner with Bishop Jjumba of Musaka in his residence. The spirited dinner/meeting was a vibrant mix of heartfelt conversations, shared experiences, and renewed determination to help the children in this pediatric ward. As our meeting concluded, the Bishop gave me his blessing to undertake this project. Throughout the week, we visited children who we support in the many programs that Open Hearts for Orphans sponsors.  

 

It became clear why God had led us to Uganda—our purpose was to be His hands and feet. 

 

In that moment, I understood that we were called not only to offer material help but to serve as instruments of His love and compassion, bringing hope where it was desperately needed. We were there to offer more than just supplies; we were there to show the people of Uganda that they were seen, they were heard, and they are valued.

Celebrating Our Founder and CEO’s Birthday: The Heartbeat of Open Hearts for Orphans

Hey there! Mary Sammons here, 💗  taking over the blog! It's been a while since I have blogged, but what a perfect time to return! 

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Today, we are thrilled to celebrate our amazing Lisa Murphy. She is the very soul of Open Hearts for Orphans—our founder and CEO.

From the inception of this organization, Lisa has been the driving force behind every initiative, every project, and every success story. Her unwavering dedication and deep compassion have built Open Hearts for Orphans from the ground up, transforming what was once a vision into a thriving mission that touches lives around the world. Her boundless energy and tireless work ethic propelled this organization forward, lightening the load for the less fortunate and providing hope where previously there was none.

Every obstacle she encountered, she faced head-on with resilience and an open heart—demonstrating, time and again, her unwavering commitment to our cause. From sleepless nights to endless meetings (and late night texts with me), she embodies what it means to be a leader who truly cares.

Lisa is a catalyst for change, someone who doesn’t just imagine doing great things but actually does them. Her inspiring drive keeps us motivated and moving forward, continually setting higher goals and achieving them. Countless children have received access to better lives because of her dedication—and none of it would be possible without her guidance and ceaseless efforts. She has set a benchmark for selflessness and love. She is the backbone, and I’m so honored to call her my friend.

As we celebrate her birthday, it’s not just another year; it’s another milestone in a life dedicated to bettering the futures of those who need it most. 

Thank you, Lisa Murphy, for being the beacon of hope and the love that fuels Open Hearts for Orphans. We are endlessly grateful for your leadership and your heart. Happy Birthday to a true hero, and may this year bring joy to you as you bring joy to so many others.

With all my love and appreciation,

Mary Sammons

Join the Journey: Transform Lives and Bring Hope to Families in Uganda

UGANDA MISSION - POST #5

Our partners took Ann and Mary to visit Alex and Martha - two children whose family were beneficiaries of our past "Three for Three" housing campaign. 

They are doing so well in the new home, and especially Alex and Martha who were allowed to return home from the orphanage now once they had a safe place to live. Ann said the house is so clean and tidy and their mom takes great pride in her housekeeping. 

They do need a shelter for their pigs, so the pigs don't get stolen. We'll put that on our "to-do" list. The orphanage they were in, closed, and we are thankful that the government has been so willing to move towards family-based care.

They met a beautiful set of twins whose mother was imprisoned. You may recall that we stood in the gap with supplies for a number of "prison babies" there. These twins were blessed to be reunited with their father!

Ann and Mary traveled to another district to meet with our other primary Uganda partner. They visited homes that you helped fund, and they met children whom you help receive an education through our tuition sponsorship. 

They were able to visit the school as well where they took in a wonderful performance.  

They met Samuel, Prince, Caroline, and Cathy!! They also met so many other lovely children we have come to love.

In Ann's words, "It's hard to put into words everything we have experienced this week. But one thing is certain - the presence of the Lord is everywhere. The photos do not do justice to the depth of suffering, nor the profound joy in the midst of it."

Hope lives here.

Journeys of Hope: Transforming Lives and Spreading Joy in Uganda

 

 UGANDA MISSION - POST #4

Ann and Mary started their day by meeting baby Clementine, a recent intake we are providing for. 

She was abandoned and now has the most incredible and loving foster parents who are full of God's love and spirit. This precious baby is healthy now and thriving!

Next, they met William, one of the sweet little boys with special needs who benefited from our Empty the Orphanages campaign! He has been with his foster-to-adopt family for two months now, and is doing amazing. 

William has Cerebral Palsy, and when he arrived he could not move. Now he is standing and sitting! Oh what the power of love and family can do! Their dream is that he will someday walk.

The team visited Esther, who is now placed with her grandmother because her mom is in prison. Grandma had to stop working to take care of Esther, and her home is in poor condition. Our partners will assess those needs and we will make a plan to help them.

They met baby David, whose mom died during childbirth at Christmas time. 

David is now in the care of his Grandma and our team gave her some supplies and a solar lantern. Ann said there is great need there - no latrine and extreme poverty. Our partners will also assess her needs and make a plan to help them.

In Ann's words: "It is so emotionally exhausting. We go from 9 - 7 each day and seeing such EXTREME poverty is so hard. But the people are so joyful for the little they have and they are filled with so much love for the Lord."

Hope Lives Here - thank you for your partnership, friends.

From Heartbreak to Hope: Heartwarming Updates from Ann in Uganda

UGANDA MISSION - POST #3

Well there's nothing like getting "in-person" updates on babies that we've sponsored recently! 

Ann and Mary met the twins - Payton and Paige, and they are doing very well!

They are gaining weight and are reported to be happy babies in the care of their grandparents! 

Ann and Mary also met baby Clement, another recent intake whose mom died during childbirth and was abandoned by his father. Clement's foster mom was inspired to care for him because of his sad story. He is her first foster placement and she loves him dearly.

Clement is healthy, gaining weight, and a very content baby! Mom desperately needs a water tank to catch rainwater, and we shall cover that need for them! Please reach out if you'd like to contribute to the total cost of $800.

With our incredible partners, Ann and Mary visited the ward of premature babies at Masaka Regional Hospital. It was full of critically ill babies, without the basic meds needed to properly care for them.

They handed out some supplies and donations to mothers in need to help them care for their babies.

This one melted us - do you remember Jeremiah? We provided for his needs in 2022 when he was an infant. Well, look at him now!!!

Ann said he is FULL of personality and a really special soul! He loves playing drums and recites prayers from church. He is starting preschool soon and wished for pencils and tablets, so they took him some! Ann said he is very intuitive and such a sweet child - he was so happy with his gifts.

In Ann's words, "This was a very hard day emotionally. I was crying inside all day - the poverty is very hard to see and there is so much need here. I know why God has led OHFO here."

Ongoing efforts in Uganda ~ Hope Lives Here~

UGANDA MISSION - POST #2

Yesterday, Ann and Mary visited Maria and Olivia and their siblings - do you remember them? 

Oh the joy! Ann said their house is so tidy and neat, and their land is well taken care of. She confirmed that they are the most amazing children, surviving and living and being parents to their siblings, especially when they themselves are children. They take so much pride in their siblings and are very protective. They are so grateful for everything OHFO supporters have done for them in the past several years. They have been cooking on an open flame on the floor and need a working stove, so we'll be meeting that need right away. 

Maria and Olivia would like to go to beauty school so they can learn a trade and have a better income to support their family - we will support them in that dream. 

Little Leo fell in love with Mary! Ann said he is the most adorable and sweet child. 

Ann gave the girls OHFO necklaces, which they love - perfect for those beautiful souls and their open hearts! They also received lanterns.

Ann and Mary then visited another village and met baby Praise, a one-month-old who was removed from mom because she tried to hurt him. 

We are supporting his foster placement, and he is doing well and gaining weight. Joseph, nine years old, joined his foster mom very recently, and she wishes to adopt him! His health is good and he seems to be adjusting very well with his foster family and children in the village. Joseph requested a bike, and we will make that happen!

Ann and Mary visited another village, where they met Emma, whom we provided heart and eye surgery for in 2022. 

She lives with her grandparents and siblings. We are happy to report that Emma's health is good!

In Ann's words, "It was another day filled with hope and a brighter future for these children. It is so beautiful to see so much love in these women's hearts for the children they are fostering."

Hope Lives Here - thank you so much for following the journey!

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Providing Hope and Healing: Our Journey to Uganda

Uganda Mission Post #1:  

Ann and Mary Bartlinski arrived in Uganda and hit the ground running! The heart of these ladies is so beautiful! We are here Lord, use us.

It was a very emotional first day on the ground for Ann and Mary. After attending Mass Sunday morning and listening to a relatable homily about serving others, they proceeded to the hospital with our incredible partners and delivered all of the supplies for the babies - formula, clothing, and two medical grade baby scales. 

Ann said the moms and foster moms were so very grateful for your gifts, blessing them and crying with gratitude. They spent time hugging some of the babies we've stood in the gap for and had lunch with Frank and Lily Grace - a young boy and baby girl you may remember helping, along with their incredible foster moms. Ann took them OHFO necklaces, which they loved. 

She said the people there are so loving, and the foster moms are truly Heaven-sent. Their gratitude is so genuine.

Ann's words to all of us on this side of the world, "They have hope now that you are helping them. Hope can move mountains." There is so much to do there, and many children need assistance.

Ann and Mary have already seen things that shouldn't be - like little "Josiah", a three-year-old who had a surgery on Christmas Eve and now desperately needs prayers for survival and healing. 

Josiah is in critical condition, as you can see, and arrangements are being made to transfer him to a larger hospital that will hopefully be able to provide the life-sustaining medical care he needs. Please pray for his full recovery.

Please pray for his full recovery.

Hope Lives Here, friends. Thank you for wrapping yourselves so tightly around this mission - what an honor to serve the most vulnerable.