Today we’d like to introduce you to Holly Williamson.
Hi Holly, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
In 2013, I went on a mission trip with my church to Uganda, and the door opened offering me a new chapter in my life. My children had graduated and left home so, while I was not looking for this opportunity, it was the perfect time to have it presented to me. I now work with approx 200 women in Pader, Uganda. Pader is located in Northern Uganda, where for 20 years Joseph Kony and the LRA rampaged Northern Uganda, kidnapping children and forcing them to commit atrocities among their neighbors. 20,000 children were abducted and over 100,000 killed. When I first arrived in Pader, the war had been over about seven years. The region was devastated; the people were isolated, distrusting of one another, living in immense poverty and disease. The women were carrying the load for their families, as many men had been killed or abandoned their families. The Ugandan Pastor we working with begged for help. Honestly, I had no idea how I could help. He wanted me to purchase the crafts some of the women were making, not only the one time but regularly. After many attempts and explanations of why this idea would not work, he explained that he needed to have help as people were dying of starvation every day. My faith was being stretched and after discussions with my husband and many prayers, I agreed to help with no promises if this would or could work long-term. Thus began a journey to develop spiritual and business leaders in Pader, Uganda.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The journey I have been on for the last eight years has been a crazy roller coaster! My faith has guided my steps as we have added to our mission. Gradually over the years, we have gone from bringing women together to make paper beads jewelry and develop their faith to business training, a microloan project, a pig project, a scholarship fund, a malaria fund, an alcohol addiction program, and a Mercy program (caring for families at risk of dying from starvation and disease). Our goal is to bring hope to the community of Pader through healing and empowerment. Our paper bead jewelry making began this journey, learning to work in community, learning to trust each other once again and how to love and care for others have all been the outcomes from stepping out in faith, being available even when it is uncomfortable and difficult and trying to bring hope and healing to one community asking for help. It is difficult enough to run a business in America, in the town you live in, it is only by the grace of God that our work halfway round the world has moved forward in ways I could never have dreamed of. The cultural differences, distance of travel (I am there 3x/year), Covid interruptions, running a 501c3 organization needing to raise funds for our work have been a few of the struggles I have dealt with. But when we all look back from where we started and where we are today, I am grateful and filled with joy about what we have accomplished with our friends and partners in Uganda.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
When people ask me what my background is, I laugh. I’m not a business executive or jewelry designer; I am not a pig or farming expert! I have stepped forward in this portion of my life strictly in faith that God will provide what we need and develop our programs as they are needed. Before having children, I worked in politics in DC and my jobs were centered around my organized skills and working with people. Once having children in my 30’s, I stayed home with my children. I have worked in all kinds of jobs and I think what has helped me is I work really hard. I don’t give up! In a time where everyone is an expert in their field, I have been open to change and relied on my faith and hard work to get done whatever the job requires.
Pricing:
- Through our Bead Project, your readers can purchase our beautiful jewelry from our website: www.thewomenofpaderuganda.org. All our handcrafted items are $20 or less.
- Donations can also made at our website.
Contact Info:
- Email: admin@thewomenofpaderuganda.org
- Website: www.thewomenofpaderuganda.org
- Instagram: @thewomenofpaderuganda
- Facebook: @thewomenofpaderuganda
Image Credits
Professional Photos by Cassidy Rowell Photography
