So I made some beautiful baked doughnuts a few weeks ago.
I took pictures of the process. Step-by-step. You know how it works around here.
I dipped them in chocolate, I drizzled them with extra colored sprinkles, then I packed up my bags and headed to Uganda.
I had every intention of blogging about those doughnuts somewhere in between telling you stories about the people I met in Uganda and sleep.
There were a lot of stories to tell. More stories that I had words to describe. There was that afternoon fetching water with Kevin and her family. There was the afternoon in the Katwe slum with Hajarah, her mother, and hundreds of other little children clamouring for attention. Stories of poverty and need, sure… but mostly stories of compassion and hope.
But doughnuts? How do I talk about doughnuts? How dare I talk about doughnuts? Who cares about doughnuts ever again ever?!
I’ve been wrestling. There’s the jet lag, the memories of the beautiful people I met, the mosquito bites, the malaria pills, the suitcase filled with coffee, dirty clothes, and red dirt. There’s a sincere hope I’m holding on to…. and then these doughnuts.
Let me break it down. Consider this a public processing.
Things I Learned In Uganda Big and Small
– Bananas taste REALLY good. Like the bananas we have here in the states, but WAY MORE LIKE BANANAS.
– Traveling with writers may have you convinced you are a writer yourself. I went to Uganda with some of the best people to know.
Emily Freeman from Chatting in the Sky is a thoughtful editor and wonderful storyteller. Jeff Goins seems intimidating until you realize that he’s actually super hilarious aside from being a mega talent. Myquilyn Smith from The Nester will give you the pants off her legs and shoes off her feet if you need them. Her laugh will touch you, and her writing is tenderly heartfelt. Shaun Groves is really good at wanting to know people. Seeing him move through the world for a week is really inspiring. Bri McKoy is the cheerleader that everyone should have. Her heart is a good one.
– The people we encountered in Uganda say phrases like “You are most welcome, visitors!” which is so comforting and tender. No one at my local Whole Foods has ever come close to such a greeting.
– In my experience this week, it’s often the people who have the least that are the most willing to give the most.
– Compassion works through local churches to support and serve children and families in that area. I didn’t realize this about Compassion. By working with local established churches in Uganda, Compassion helps Ugandans help Ugandans. It’s really important work, and the impact these local churches make in their community is really life-changing for a lot of families.
– I was always a little skeptical about the letters I write my sponsor child. Do they rrreeaaaalllyyy get there? YES! They really do. I met the people who hand process each letter and picture between sponsor and child. Compassion takes these relationships seriously. Imagine living in a mud hut in Uganda and getting a letter from someone halfway across the world who loves you and is invested in your life. I mean…. it’s a really big deal.
– God works.
– Mike Varel is an extremely talented and soulful photographer…. and this is how you ride a bike.
– Guilt is not an action word. Compassion is action.
– It’s less about how much you give, and more about what you choose to do with the little you have to give. Someone much wiser than me spoke those words this week. You get to choose the good you put out into the world. That’s a beautiful choice as long as you simply make it.
Shaun left us with a question as we waited at the airport in Entebbe for our long flight home.
“Now that you know what happens in the world, what are you going to do about it?”
The answer? Gosh the answer. Geeeeez the answer. Please tell me this is a rhetorical question. It’s not.
The answer is as small as smiling as at stranger that you pass on the street. The answer is as big as advocating for children in poverty all day everyday, without fail or hesitation. The answer is a daily choice and sometimes a daily struggle.
For me the answer might have something to do with making doughnuts and sharing them with you. It’s those recipes that I share with you that allows me to support children in need through Compassion. They’re just doughnuts, but they’re also so much more.
Thank you for joining me on this journey. It’s been more than I could have expected, and your support has touched my heart. If you thoughtfully considered sponsoring a child through Compassion, then I feel good about my time in Uganda. If you took action and sponsored a child through Compassion last week, if just one of you did that… then my time in Uganda was a roaring success. If you already sponsor a child and you decide today to write them another letter, my heart is just over the moon. Thank you most sincerely for all the ways that you put good into the world.
Enos W
Compassion works through local churches to support and serve children and families in that area. I didn’t realize this about Compassion. By working with local established churches in Uganda, “Compassion helps Ugandans help Ugandans.” It’s really important work, and the impact these local churches make in their community is really life-changing for a lot of families…
It is really amazing to read this you have written, noted out of love and experience, you have inspired me. LOVE YOU.
Jeanie
I sure do like you, Joy! So glad to see you partnering with Compassion. We started sponsoring a child about 3 years ago after my nephew spent a summer in Indonesia researching the economic impact of child sponsorship programs. He raved about Compassion! Since then we have added two more kids…all of which have birthdays on May 21 which is the day our twins were born.
Jennifer
Thank you, Joy. Truly inspirational and didn’t even realize how much I was needing it today. Just found a child from India to sponsor through Compassion. Thank you.
Valerie
This is so beautifully said – “it’s often the people who have the least that are the most willing to give the most.”
Robyn
A fabulous post from a great adventure. I know it is hard to put it all into words- like so many other people, I’ve been there. The red dust,warm smiles and big hearts inspired me to write- no where else is like the pearl of Africa. I return on Thursday and I cannot wait.
You are right- doughnuts are not important. They aren’t. No way. But we still like them and like reading about them.
Soon he balance changes again and doughnuts will seem more important again- they aren’t- we need to remember that in the shiny west and glass malls- but that doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy them! Right!? Xx
Marija
your posts from Uganda made me cry into my pie crust, every time! and yes they also got me to click on the link and sponsor a little four year old boy called Amstrong. thank you M
Laura Adams
I almost didn’t read this post. And then I did. Thanks Joy. I’ve got a letter to write to a little girl named Mariela.
Savannah
The people in Uganda do crazy, awesome, wonderful things to your heart. Then again maybe that’s God. I’m so truly glad that you got to experience the love that Ugandans so willingly give. All of your stories made me feel like I was back there again. Thank you for being such a willing servant of the Lord. You rock.
Ashley
thanks for this, Joy.
Ginger
Joy, this touched my heart so much. I am signing up right now to sponsor a child in Uganda through Compassion. I’m so grateful to have read this blog post, because it gave me the final push my heart was looking for. Thank you.
Sweet Nothings
Reading these posts from your trip has been wonderful (and have led to several “blinking rapidly so I’m not that crazy girl crying on the train” moments)
Thank you for showing up, and encouraging others to do the same. It helped me to commit to setting up a monthly donation to Unicef, a charity I have sporadically supported for many years.
genevieve montoya
This feels like a wonderful open heartfelt letter to a friend, thank you for sharing. I have struggled with these thoughts to varying degrees at different times in my life. I would like you to know that your stories and recipes along with beautiful photos have helped me to move closer to myself. I have a story, as we all do, and for sometime these homey comforts, that help me to be a more loving person in the world were not accessible. One of the things your blog has done is help me to remember who I am. Which has been of immense value to me. Partly because I am now able to move back into the world, and begin to share love again. I doubt I am the only one that is reminded of the joy of creating and sharing while enjoying your words. Whatever you decide is true for you, I want you to know I value what you are putting out into the ether
Stacey
You have a beautiful heart and soul, pretty lady. What a moving post. I’m so proud of you, and you certainly are letting your little light shine. Hide it under a bushel? NO! I prayed for you throughout your journey and I’m happy you made it back safely.
lizytishknits
A wonderful post to sum up your trip – very inspiring, even at the very least to remind ourselves to be helpful to others whenever possible. It makes them and you feel good. Thanks for the reminder and all the wonderful, thought provoking posts about your trip.
Brittany Petrovich
thanks for sharing your experiences. I love to see how living out compassion changes you at your core. What a beautiful experience you must have had. Lovely
Margaret
THANK YOU JOY !
I ALREADY SPONSORED 35 CHILDREN AND NOW I AM SPONSORING ANOTHER ONE IN UGANDA. I SPONSOR THIS ADDITIONAL BOY BACAUSE I AM TOUCHED BY THE ARTICLES YOU WROTE. I INHERITED A LITTLE MONEY FROM MY MOTHER, AND I AM SPENDING ALL OF IT FOR COMPASSION CHILDREN. IT IS SUCH A BLESSING TO GIVE.
Sini?my blue&white kitchen
Your trip to Uganda and these posts, they’re so very important. Joy, you’re so much more than just doughnuts and breakfast scones. I loved to read the Uganda posts, every single one. Thank you for sharing. Thank you for showing up.
Mariah S.
It’s all about perspective… thank you for sharing yours with us. =))
Nikkilooch
I have decided to sponsor a child through compassion because you told me about them! I’ve been wanting to sponsor a child for a while and then forgetting or wasn’t sure if the company I looked at was a farce or not. Thank you for letting me know about compassion. Being a Christian, missions are important to me, and it sounds like compassion is doing excellent mission work.
You are an inspiration! I hope I can travel around the world one day to meet the child I sponsor.
Megan - FireWifey
Love. Again. These posts have been amazing. Thank you for using your sprinkle covered donut filled voice to be Jesus. He loves you. And He loves your courage and boldness.
Cy
I felt the same about my trip to Guatamala with The Hospital de la Familia Foundation. These people are so poor. They have nothing and want to give you everything. Thanks you for sharing your journey Joy, a beautiful reminder of the love this world holds.
Jeff Goins
Guilt is not an action, compassion is. Yes. So, so good. I feel so lucky to have gotten to know you on this trip, Joy. Your heart, too, is a good one. Let’s be friends. And when you’re in Nashville, the donuts are on me, but you’ll have to bring your own pants. ;)
Cari
Hi Joy
I did decide to sponsor a little girl in Indonesia through Compassion after hearing about it on your podcast. I’m totally inspired.:)
joythebaker
i love you most sincerely!
jo
You may feel a sense of smallness when comparing doughnuts to the needs at large in the world. I heard from a fantastic action minded nun that one should never feel guilty for making money, because “no money, no mission” was her thoughts. I agree. Make doughnuts, make money, then go do something with your gifts :)
joythebaker
word!
Tina
It’s never just about doughnuts, Joy my friend.
Please know that when you post about doughnuts, it connects me with strength and love from my past. I remember my Grandmother and her love and essence, I remember myself as a little girl, I remember caring and laughter, sweetness of spirit, profound life-giving Love. Whether consciously or not, whether I actually make the doughnuts or not, it is always about more than doughnuts.
Food is always precious and giving of your attention and care is always precious.
Thanks for the sprinkles and kitty craziness along with deeper spiritual discovery and joy!
tracy
joy you are so inspiring and i have loved hearing all about your journey. thank you for loving, inspiring, and living right!
dcole318
Joy, you are a paragon of the phrase “Be the change you want to see in the world.” Thank you. Oh and, doughnuts rule!
Valerie
Your posts about Uganda were beautiful. Definitely touched my heart, so thank you
Amy
My husband and I decided to sponsor two children, a boy and a girl, after reading yours and Emily’s blogs this week. I was moved to tears multiple times and I am so touched by the way Compassion works in Uganda to make a difference. Thank you, and the whole team, for bringing us these wonderful stories.
Now I want to make those chocolate doughnuts :)
Amy
Your posts, Joy, about doughnuts and everything else for that matter, will be much richer, now that you’ve gained this perspective. Thank you for sharing your time in Uganda with us. If only ALL of us spoiled Americans could make that trip—-!!! The possibilities!
maryea {happy healthy mama}
Well, you inspired me, that’s for sure. Thank you for sharing your experiences.
s. chen
Thank you so much for posting and sharing your stories. What a beautiful opportunity! I, too, feel the dissonance at times of little, seemingly meaningless things against the backdrop of God’s work…but I think we need to remember that God shows up in the little, beautiful things as well–they are indeed so much more. I love what you have shared and I love how Compassion moves and works through local churches. God works!!
Tiffany R
I just wanted to let you know that you touch my life in a big way. I have been thinking about sponsoring a child for a long time, and last week, my husband and I took the plunge. Thanks for giving me the last little push that I needed to do something that my heart has been whispering about for a long time.
Ed M
Thank you for sharing your trip with us. My wife and I sponsor a child in Ethiopia and have often wondered about our letters. With your encouragement a new letter will go out tomorrow.
Laura (Tutti Dolci)
Love, love, love – thank you for sharing your heart and your journey.
jennywilliams49@gmail.com
Hello Joy, I love your blog and have been reading it for a long time. Every recipe I’ve ever made has been delicious. But now you’ve given me something else and I’m so thankful. You gave me the courage to sponsor a child through Compassion International. I just signed up to sponsor a little boy in Uganda. I’m so excited and a little bit nerves but I can’t wait to write him letters and support him. So thank you! You’re an inspiring person.
joythebaker
you amaze me!
Aimee Wimbush-Bourque
Welcome home, friend! I enjoyed every word. We’re excited to receive our information package on the boy we sponsored. :)
Caitlin
Beautiful words about incredible organization. The world’s problems are so big, but God is bigger. A great reminder of how such a small sacrifice on our part can completely change a child’s life. And now it’s time to write my girl a letter :)
Tanya
You will likely get many negative comments about last week but please know the amount of persons inspired by your courageousness to ‘show up’. I used to sponsor through Compassion and stopped because I was unsure… Are the letters REALLY getting there? Your week has made me re-think and go back to sponsoring. Even if you only get one other person to help, its truly worth it. Thanks for showing up in 2014 Joy.
Diana
Such beautiful post! That such a wonderful and once in a lifetime experience you’ve had in Uganda. I’ve always wanted, and still want to volunteer in Africa and this motivates me even more to do what I can to give back.
Allison Katelyn
Very inspiring, I plan to look into sponsoring a child. Thank you for the inspiration.
Allison Katelyn
Very inspiring. I plan on looking into becoming a sponsor – thank you for the inspiration.
Jeannine
I am so humbled by your experience and so grateful that you shared it with us. Your photographs and writings on your trip were incredibly moving. Thank you for sharing!!
Lynda B.P.
so very beautiful. You have a gift for food, but I can tell you really have a gift of the heart. THank you for sharing. I had a friend, so poor financially, so wealthy spiritually and emotionally, in Bolivia when I was an exchange student there many, many (many!!) years ago, and only recently learned he was a recipient of Compassion International aid as it came up in conversation after my family and I visted the headquarters here in Colorado not long ago. THey do wonderful work everywhere. ?
Juliette
I am SO glad you went on this trip and SO glad you gave your time and energy and writing and blog-square-footage to this project and trip! Compassion is SUCH a special organization (huge fan). I was so surprised and excited to see you slated to take part in this trip and it’s been a JOY to read these snippets of your trip. I know there are often just no words, but you did great and I’m so grateful. Thank you.
Dhanya Samuel
You are a real inspiration……
Noelle
I read this with tears streaming down my face. You guys are beautiful people that have left me feeling inspired to make a difference
bakerkat
Joy, your writing has touched my heart so much during your journey. I am glad you took this trip.
We are all made of different parts. One of your parts makes doughnuts (I’m glad to say). You share so much with us. It is a gift.
Jane Terrell
Doughnuts and Little Girls: Joy your beautiful writing has been a little treat I give myself every few days, a respite from stress and busy-ness. I never comment, but always savor. I was away from you for a while attending the birth of my first grandchild, and it turned out the thing my daughter craved the most in this world was…doughnuts. So I came to your page looking for a special recipe, and found the stories of Uganda, the doughnuts and the little girls needing a sponsor. Looking at my 4-day old granddaughter, how could I not follow this path? I’m making my daughter some doughnuts and signing up with Compassion tonight. Thank you thank you for the inspiration. You do more than you know, and it’s not really just about baking.
Sara
Joy-
Even though we are mostly strangers to you, I’m sure all of your readers/fans feel like we “know” you. Thank you for sharing your wonderful, overwhelming and eye-opening experience. I’m proud of you for living out your faith and it inspires me to do the same. Thank you!
emily freeman
You did this so well, Joy. So. So. Well. Love and miss you and your writerly, gracious, hilarious self. xo
joythebaker
i miss you back so much!
Pam
I loved reading your posts on Uganda. They were honest and kind, thank you for taking us on your journey.
Josephine
Thank you for sharing a glimpse of your experiences in Uganda, Joy. Don’t underplay your skill with the written words ;-)
We have been sponsoring a young lady in Bangladesh for a few years now, and I do wonder from time to time how much real help gets to her. Your observations are very reassuring.
Adrienne K
Joy, it has been an eye opener to read about what you saw in Uganda, and so wonderful that you are able to help these children. I am sure you are doing wonderful things to help children in the United States as well…..
bobbi
“Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth…” this is what comes to me when I read about people that have next to nothing and are very happy people…thanks for sharing your story.
Laura Dean
I know about your heart. I have been to Uganda and come back wrecked. Two different times. And somehow, you just managed to put the struggle of the heart into beautiful words. Thank you. I now re-remember, the moments and sights and smells and all the beautiful smiles that made me fall head over heels in love with them. And I commit to sponsoring a Compassion child. Thank you.
Lara
Hi Joy. Thank you so much for taking this trip and sharing it with us. I sponsor a little girl named Diana Georgiana from Romania through World Vision and your posts this past week inspired me to write another letter to her. It is a little thing that doesn’t take much time but it is very easy for me to put off until later. Well, on Friday evening I sat down and wrote to her. Thank you for inspiring me to do so!
Lisa
I don’t know if this will make sense, but here goes… When I was reading your thoughts about wrestling with doughnuts versus the “real world” I remembered a course I took in college, microbiology. It’s all about the organisms all around us, and in learning about just how many “things” are out there, I became nearly paralyzed about the whole idea. All I could see was micro-bugs all around me and I didn’t want to leave the house, but then I didn’t want to stay in the house either and oh my gosh it’s all around and all over me and aaaaaah! Not a great phase. But the more I learned, the more I realized that it was my interactions with the organisms that had allowed me to stay healthy and strong for so long. There’s a glorious moment when you realize the whole balance of the world. We need the balance of awareness and ignorance in order to function. As you go forward from your trip, my prayer for you would be that you find that balance. Your ignorance has been peeled back just a little and everything feels scary and raw and real right now. But that ignorance can now be turned into awareness and that is what allows you to move and live and make a difference. You can never be completely ignorant again, but being aware enough that sharing recipes and stories allows you to do other good things in the world is a great step into finding your balance. This may make no sense.
sundiegoeats
Love these stories. And bananas taste way better in Brazil too.
meredith s.
this. this is why you are my MOST FAVORITE food blogger! You write with soul, you aren’t afraid to be exactly who you are, and you wrap my most favorite things together! (butter, sugar, and Africa–specifically, Uganda) Loved your verbal processing!!
Krista
All my feels! This is so, so wonderful.
Taylor
I absolutely have loved reading your posts about this trip! They’ve been so inspiring, heartfelt, and wonderful. They make me want to go out and do more good in this world and worry less about myself. Thank you so much for everything that you’ve shared and continue to share.
xoxo
Taylor
http://www.welcomehometaylor.com
Melissa @ Treats With a Twist
I’ve loved reading this post and what your learned in Uganda. Its not so hard to find ways to truly help others and make a difference, its good to remember that something as small as being kind and compassionate towards others is the answer. Being compassionate, giving of yourself, and if you’re lucky to be as giving as YOU have been in Uganda, well then the world will slowly become a better place. Thank you
Maria
Thanks for not writing about doughnuts. I loved reading about your journey to Uganda. You made me cry on several occasions. Thank you.
Shelly
I find that it is easy to get bothered on trips that like and then just return to my normal life after a bit. The key is to stay bothered. Let the bother sink in and really ruminate on it. Then do something. Get bothered. Stay bothered. Do something.
Mariko
I’m really glad to hear about your experiences over there! I’m a current Peace Corps volunteer serving my second year in Burkina Faso, and I feel like there’s no going back from this kind of thing. It makes me happy to hear about other people who are putting themselves out there for the same kind of experience.
I live in a small village without electricity or running water, but I’ve still been baking (a lot of your recipes!) in a dutch oven on my gas stove, and my friends in village love it. Just so you know that (adapted) versions of your recipes are making it into the hands of people on the other side of the world, many of whom had never even heard of cake or banana bread before. (whaaa?)
Micheline @theminiaturemoose
I’ve been on your website a lot lately. I’m really enjoying your thoughts on your trip to Uganda. I’m a huge advocate for charitable giving and give lots each month to various organizations that I believe in. I have it set up as an automatic draw so each month. It’s as much a part of my life as brushing my teeth and making dinner.
Christina
Your post reminded me of this, one of my favorite, quote: “Once our personal connection to what is wrong becomes clear, then we have to choose: We can go on as before, recognizing our dishonesty and living with it the best we can, or we can begin the effort to change the way we think and live.” — author, scholar, environmentalist and Kentucky farmer Wendell Berry.
Thanks, Mr. Berry. Thanks, Ms. Baker…I mean Wilson :)
Faith
You observed that it seems like those with the least give the most. This is actually true; there is a direct relationship (scientifically studied) between wealth and greed. http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/wired-success/201202/what-price-will-we-pay-greed
Anna Spears
Joy,
I have to confess, I’m a routine lurker. I just hang out on the sidelines, assuming that any comment I leave will be lost in the shuffle. But, that’s so not true, is it?! I realized while following your updates about Uganda that I should emerge from the shadows and holla at you about how wonderful I think your blog really is. I think that you’re uniquely intuitive, sharp, and reading your blog–whether it’s about biscuits or Uganda–is always a pleasure. Your words, pictures, and recipes make my world a little brighter every week, and that’s something to be thankful for.
Also, I made the decision to sponsor a child after reading about your experience with Compassion and how their work has touched your life. Her name is Benedicta and she lives in Ghana, and I can’t wait to learn more about her and send her some letters!
Thank you for your words, passion, and donuts.
Nester
I love you so much. the end. also. DOUGHNUTS!
Abby @ The Frosted Vegan
So beautiful Joy!
Bri
Tears. So many tears. Beautiful, Joy. Your heart is so fully alive and it was a gift to journey with you in Uganda. I am so grateful for you.
Ashley
I have been so ridiculously excited to read each new post about your experiences with Compassion. My husband and I began sponsoring a sweet girl in Guatemala about four years ago, and over the years it’s been unbelievable to learn just how far such a small (to us) amount of money goes. It’s fantastic to be assured, again, of the good work that Compassion does.
katie mazur
Wow… Just, wow. Great read :)
holly waterfall
Joy, your writing is just beautiful. Thank you for letting us into your world to see such beauty!
Sarah
Sweet girl, I promise to start writing our Compassion girl. We’ve supported her for years and pray for her often, but it’s more than that, isn’t it? Thank you for your doughnuts, apple pie, and heart. Your posts always make my heart smile.
Kendra
How fortunate you are to meet your Sponsor Child! I sponsor a boy in Peru through Feed the Hungry. I love to receive letters from him. I am happy that there is good work being done in the world and that you can continue that through donuts. Win-win. Well done.
ebatte
Joy, I loved hearing all about your trip. SO refreshing to hear your heart and get down to the real issues of life – keep these kind of posts coming, whether in Uganda or in California!
Nicole @ The Giving Table
It’s been amazing to follow along your journey, Joy! Your posts about Uganda have been so inspiring. If you’re interested in keeping up the momentum for doing good, we’re hosting a campaign called Feed South Africa next Monday, where food bloggers are donating their posts to support The Lunchbox Fund and are raising money to feed 100 South African schoolchildren a daily meal for one year. We’d love to have you join us! http://www.givingtable.org/the-lunchbox-fund
Megan
Such a wonderful depiction of the heartfelt community of Uganda. My DH is from there and I was blessed to visit in 2010. I too was just as nervous to go there and even though my DH is from a “wealthy” family the amount of poverty strikes you to the core. Where in particular did you go? I found it so interesting that sweets to them is vary foreign and they dont have “special” holiday meals it is special just to get together with your loved ones. I as well sponsor a child and find the letters we recieve heart warming. Glad you were able to experiance that.