Hi there! 🙂 My name is Alyssa, and I am oh so thankful for the opportunity to serve with HEAL Ministries in Jinja, Uganda for a year. Here are a few things about me: My favorite animal is a whale, and I have five favorite colors—yellow, green, pink, blue, and purple. Born and raised in a small suburb of Memphis, TN, I recently graduated from Belmont and am living with my mom and dad, two not-so-little little brothers, two cats, and one ever-hungry sourdough starter. I believe that God is our closest friend, that all people are worthy of dignity, and that advocating for social justice is an integral component of living out my faith. Quite an unlikely candidate for this adventure, I am hopeful of soaking in new experiences, caring for others in small ways, and falling flat on my face quite a few times along the way over the course of the next year.

In Jinja, I will be working with HEAL Ministries, an organization that offers wrap-around services to champion family preservation. From sewing, business, and artisan programs to English classes and Bible studies, local women are empowered financially, mentally, spiritually, and physically. The organization also offers children fun activities, nutritious food, and care through childcare and preschool programs. HEAL is dedicated to holistic, faithful service to women and children in Jinja, and I am honored to play a small part in the work being done there.

Thank you for taking some moments from your day to join me on this adventure—I sincerely appreciate your presence. God bless you!