I Came to Serve But Uganda Gave Me Something Greater

Volunteer Beniah Womble shares his first medical mission experience

March 2026, Luweero, Uganda: Beniah Womble and Ugandan children show off their artwork. [Photo: Jorge Plazas, Filmotropico]

There are moments in life that don’t just pass through you, they rearrange you. This was one of them.

My first medical mission to Uganda was more than a trip; it was a calling realized. It was also my first time setting foot on the African continent, and from the moment I arrived, I felt something settle in me, a deep sense of gratitude, of belonging, of purpose. Uganda is breathtaking. But beyond its beauty, it is the people who stay with you. Warm. Gentle. Open. There is a kindness there that doesn’t ask for anything in return.

What struck me most was not just the need but the resilience behind it. We met individuals who had never seen a doctor in their entire lives. No diagnosis. No prescriptions. No access. And yet, they showed up with patience, kindness, and gratitude. An abundant welcome. To be able to serve them - to offer care, relief, and even a moment of comfort - was both a privilege and a responsibility I don’t take lightly.

And then there were the children.

There is a special kind of joy that lives in children, no matter their circumstances. Through arts and crafts, coloring, music, and dance, we created small pockets of happiness while they waited to be seen. Laughter became its own kind of medicine. Music filled the spaces where worry might have lingered. I found myself not just giving, but receiving pure joy, freely offered.

Service has always been a part of who I am. Long before this mission, I was drawn to helping others, whether working as a physical therapist aide or through the more unexpected path of the music industry. This experience reminded me that our gifts are not confined to a single lane; they are meant to travel, to reach, to meet people where they are. And in Uganda, I was able to use mine in a way that felt deeply aligned with my purpose.

What made this journey even more meaningful was the community around it. Working alongside an incredible team. From American to Haitian to Colombian volunteers, it was a reminder that compassion speaks a universal language. There was ease, collaboration, and genuine care not only for the people we served, but for one another. New friendships were formed, both within our team and with the beautiful souls we met in Uganda.

The culture deserves its own moment of appreciation. The food, rich with authenticity and flavor. The music, alive and infectious. The spirit of the people, unforgettable. Uganda leaves an imprint.

I return home not just with memories, but with a renewed sense of purpose. Grateful for the lives we touched, and equally for how this experience has shaped me. Thankful to Jean and Naiika Alfred, the warm father and daughter duo at Stand Up To Poverty, for the opportunity to serve, to grow, and to witness something so profound.

This will not be my last mission because once you’ve seen what’s possible - when care meets compassion, when service meets humanity - you don’t just want to go back.

You feel called to.