I received a call the other day from a longtime sponsor asking me about our recent move and the changes our organization has gone through in the last two years and I thought what a wonderful opportunity for me to share what I love most about Children of Uganda (COU).

Who am I? I am the new Executive Director of Children of Uganda and until just recently - a longtime volunteer with the organization. Nearly 8 years ago - I first became connected with COU.

In an instant - a seed was planted deep in my heart and took root. Little did I know then just how much my life would be impacted through one brief encounter with our dance troupe.

In 2000, I was working at Project Angel Food in Los Angeles. Project Angel Food is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preparing and delivering hot, nutritious meals to men, women and children living with HIV/AIDS and other life-threatening illnesses. The Children of Uganda Tour of Light dance troupe performed at an event honoring Dame Elizabeth Taylor. Project Angel Food was one of the beneficiaries of these remarkable event. These children were exuberant, remarkably talented and gave the best hugs I have ever received. I felt a calling in my heart that I could not quite quantify. Two years later - I made a voyage to Uganda and and I knew I had found my passion. I spent time in the orphan homes supported by COU and saw first-hand the extraordinary work being accomplished in the midst of unfathomable poverty and disease.

Yet I never once encountered sad faces, people feeling sorry for themselves. No, quite the contrary. The children I met were happy, sweet and gracious. When I returned from that extraordinary journey, I knew I wanted to do more. I began sponsoring two children and I also joined our Board of Directors. I served on the board for nearly 6 years - most recently as the Chair of the Development Committee.

When the opportunity to become the new Executive Director presented itself - I never felt more excited and more assured that this was exactly where I was supposed to be and this was exactly what I was supposed to be doing. In fact, when Pat Davies (our beloved Board Chair) phoned me to give me the good news - I immediately emailed all of my friends with one simple sentence: I just got my dream job!

I am honored to help carry the message of hope (along with so many of you) to these extraordinary children and to dedicate myself to our mission of educating and empowering Uganda's most vulnerable population.

Our organization has indeed seen many changes over the last two years. And I am a firm believer (as the old cliche goes) that change is a good thing - as it pushes out of our comfort zones. And we have the opportunity to stretch ourselves and do things in ways we never dreamed possible.

I am excited about our recent move to the East Coast.

We are just outside the Nation's Capitol and the opportunities for partnership with other organizations working in Africa are enormous. Also, the majority of our diverse board reside in or near Washington, DC. In May, we will be launching our new website and having an open house on May 9th featuring the phenomenal artist Ethel Bustamante. If you live in the DC area - please call our offices for more information. We would love to have you join us.

There will be so many exciting opportunities for you to get involved with our upcoming efforts. Whether you live near Washington, DC or not, please call or email me if you are interested in partnering with us in other ways. There has been a great deal of media coverage recently - particularly with "IDOL GIVES BACK" and Oprah's "GIVE BIG" about the art and rewards of giving. We are encouraged daily to give and to be of love and service to our fellows.

And perhaps that is why I am living a dream in this position. This is not work - this is a joyous opportunity to give back - an opportunity to make a true and lasting difference in the lives of children in need.

I read a quote once that (in paraphrase) said the scent of the rose lingers on the hand of the giver long after the flower fades away.

I love that sentiment and I love that I get to experience this feeling every day. I have worked and volunteered in the AIDS community for nearly 20 years. Children of Uganda is remarkable testament to the vision of a few and the power of many who wish to make a difference in the world.

Thank you for your ongoing support.

COU first began 13 years ago and in many respects we are growing up right along side the children we serve.

As the children grow stronger - so do we. The future looks bright for our children and we thank you for lighting the way.

Pamela Brannon
Executive Director