From A Graduate School “Splurge” To A Life Of Love And Service
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Crystal Ferguson, Children of Uganda’s current Board Chair, is someone who goes after what she wants and will go to great lengths to achieve her goals.
After finishing graduate school, Crystal considered buying herself an expensive gift as a reward for all those long nights and weekends studying. She had her eye on a luxury purse – but then a far grander and more meaningful option presented itself. Crystal decided to take a mission trip to Uganda!
She immersed herself for several weeks in the culture and volunteered with children who would forever change her life and her perspective. She was deeply impacted by the joy of these kids and the gratitude they had for the work she was providing.
The experiences she had on that journey stayed with her long after her visa expired.
Upon returning to the US, Crystal diligently researched organizations working in Uganda – specifically with vulnerable children and their families. She shared how important finding the right organization was to her because her heart was set on uplifting as many children as she could. She then discovered that Children of Uganda was recruiting board members.
Crystal and I spoke in December of 2017 and I will never forget the humility, kindness and grace she possessed. Her primary purpose was to be of maximum love and service in a country she fell deeply in love with after college. Everyone here was utterly delighted when she agreed to join our Board of Directors. She has been a stalwart member – serving as both Board Secretary and now Board Chair. She not only serves on the board – she sponsors a sweet girl named Daniella – who is a perfect fit.
Crystal recently celebrated her 3rd wedding anniversary – a special occassion she is so deeply blessed to be celebrating as COVID-19 nearly cancelled the festivities. And, perhaps even more exciting, Crystal and her wonderful husband Wellington welcomed their beautiful son Myles 6 months ago. The family resides in Tampa, FL and despite being a busy new mom, she stays dedicated to COU.
I asked Crystal what impact Children of Uganda has had on her life and she paused for a moment. She then shared that there are so many gifts she has received being connected to our organization:
The opportunity to serve people, impact the world, make lifelong connections, share her passion with friends and family, as well as see all the behind-the-scenes activity of what it takes to run an international nonprofit.
Crystal’s service has added tremendous value to COU and we absolutely love her. Thank you, Crystal for being one of our most passionate ambassadors – always willing to share your heart and compassion with our beloved kids and families.
