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

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.