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

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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.

From Heartbreak to Hope: Heartwarming Updates from Ann in Uganda

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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."