Hello there! As most of you know, I am currently a Graduate Student at Biola University getting my Masters in Speech Language Pathology. I will be graduating in May of 2019. This summer God has opened an opportunity for me to serve children in UGANDA with severe special needs on a short-term mission trip this summer.

Myself and 9 others from my class, along with our professor, will be traveling to Uganda in mid-August to provide speech and language therapy alongside an organization called Hope Speaks. Their mission is to bring hope and raise voices for children with disabilities through speech therapy, advocacy, and education and to see families and communities empowered to defend the rights of children with disabilities. For more information, check out their website at joinhopespeaks.org.

A message from Hope Speaks:

"1 in 7 children in Uganda are living with a disability. Many of them have never received the therapy services that they desperately need to live full, meaningful, and happy lives. We’re on a mission to change that!

Children with disabilities in Uganda are often hidden away from society, abused, and sometimes even killed. Across Africa, as is the case in many developing countries, there is a significant lack of information and education about disabilities.

Our work focuses on providing speech therapy; advocating; educating; and training parents, organizations, and up-and-coming speech therapists working with children with communication challenges. Through these trainings, we equip Ugandans with the knowledge and skills they need to encourage speech and language development for their children.

Our Desire is to see families and communities empowered to defend the rights of children with disabilities."

As I prepare for the trip, I ask for your prayers for safety and for God to work in and through me. I also want to humbly ask you to consider supporting me financially. The cost of the trip is roughly $3,000 (includes airfare, accommodations, meals, transportation, ministry activities, and administrative expenses). Any financial support would be greatly appreciated. However, whether you are able to give financially or not, I would still be grateful for your prayers. Thank you for partnering with me and supporting me as I prepare for this adventure!
May God richly bless you!

Much love,
Megan