This upcoming Mother’s Day, we’re honored to share one of those unforgettable “ah-ha” moments—where calling, compassion, and connection came together in the most powerful way.
“We Talked. We Cried. We Prayed.”
Her name was Sharon. And I will never forget her.
We were building a playground at a local church tucked inside a refugee camp in Uganda—a place filled with resilient families who had fled unimaginable circumstances. That’s when I saw her.
She was walking down the road with a jug of water balanced perfectly on her head. Before she even said a word, I saw it—her smile radiated something deeper. Jesus was in her.
When I told her she was beautiful and asked her name, we began a conversation that changed me.
Sharon is a mother of two who had fled South Sudan on foot through the bush with her children, escaping the horrors of war three years ago.
After she shared her story, I told her about my daughter. We connected instantly—not just as moms, but as women carrying the weight and wonder of motherhood through vastly different realities.
I told her, “Being a mom is hard. And we can’t do it without God.” She paused, looked at me, and nodded. That moment cracked open something vulnerable and special. We talked. We cried. We prayed together. I reminded her that the daily sacrifices she makes for her children—though often unseen—are fully seen and honored by God.
When we visited her home—a small circular hut, maybe 20 feet wide—she told us how OneMeal had changed her family’s life. Her children now have hope because of KIDStory. And so did she.
And then, on playground dedication day, Sharon and the women in her village stayed up all night cooking a special meal for our entire team. A sacrificial gift from someone who had so little… and yet gave everything. That kind of generosity can only come from a heart transformed by Christ.
That was my payday moment.
Because in Sharon, I saw a kind of bravery and joy that shook me. Despite her circumstances, she had more hope than I did. And if she could find joy in the midst of her trials, then I can find joy in mine. That’s what I carried home. That’s the kind of transformation this work makes possible.
As a mom, I see the mothers in our Hope Zones differently now. We would all do anything for our kids—and I truly believe God knit that strength into our design. Being a mother has given me compassion for women across the globe, and a message to share: You are not alone. God sees you. What you do matters.
To every partner who has ever given to our mission—thank you. You’re not just funding meals or playgrounds. You are impacting mothers like Sharon in the most profound, soul-deep ways. You are helping to bring hope, dignity, and transformation to families around the world.
To every mom reading this:
Be brave with your life. Don’t believe the lie that you’re “just” a mom. Your story has power. Your love and sacrifices—whether seen or unseen—matter and make an impact.
Because together, from mom to mom, we bring hope.
Amanda Martell, Regional Director of Mission Advancement at Kids Around The World, embraces her most cherished role as a mother above all else. She is also a passionate advocate and thankful witness to the incredible work of God throughout the world.