If you haven’t already heard, some exciting things have been happening in my life, and I am excited to share them with you now! After a hard year of recovery from a rare knee injury, I have had the opportunity of time to reflect on the passions and dreams that God has given me, and take a few steps forward in this direction. Please know that the primary purpose of this site is to share with you about these exciting things; I covet your friendship and your prayers in this coming year as I embark on this new journey.

My love for Uganda began at the young age of 14. During one of the most challenging times in my life, I became aware of a country whose average age was just as young as I was. I felt instantly connected with this country, and began a dream to share with them the same hope and comfort I had received during this time. From that moment on, Uganda would remain on my heart. Many years have passed since this initial realization, and many opportunities to engage with ministries within Uganda, but I had yet to visit and know this country I cared for so dearly. Until now.

Musana (http://musana.org/) is an organization I have respected and admired for the past three years. I have volunteered with them stateside, and followed the growth of the community from afar. This organization has an incredible model for what relief and development work should look like abroad, and continually amazes me with their focus in turning the Ugandan voiced dreams into a reality. I believe the model they have set up is one that is not only viable, but sustainable, and hopefully replicable. This year, I have been accepted to intern with the organization in Uganda (for three months this fall) to better understand their approach and learn what the Ugandan vision of successful foreign aid might look like. I will also be assisting with ongoing sustainability projects, the implementation of a secondary school and medical facility, and intentionally investing in the community to get to know the needs and dreams of the Ugandan people.

My hope is that this experience will better prepare me to enter into graduate school in the spring studying towards a Master of Nonprofit Management. I would love to take what I learn from this experience and education to help other nonprofits adapt their approach to effectively partner alongside third-world countries in a manner that is beneficial. I believe that this experience will also allow me to bring new ideas and enthusiasm to my current position as I return to work with ACMNP (www.acmnp.com).

While I recognize many will not be able to financially support, please know that my primary concern is to raise up a group of prayer supporters and encouragers. If you are interested in praying for me during this experience, and would like to receive my email newsletter during these months (mid-Sept to mid-Dec), please email me at: albloomquist@gmail.com .

If this feels like a cause you would like to financial invest in, I have listed three ways below in which you can further partner with me in ministry (and support a great organization!). As an intern, I will be raising $5,500 ($2000 for airfare, and $3500 for living expenses and in-country transit). Any additional funds will be given directly towards their new secondary school and medical care center. Musana never ceases to amaze me, and I know you will be blessed by them as well. But don’t just believe me, learn more at www.musana.org.

If you would like to financially partner with me, there are two ways you can give:
                1) Donate through www.musana.org (if you would like a tax deduction)
                                a. Be sure to designate the funds towards "Amy Bloomquist's
                                     internship"
               2) Mail a check to me at 2285 S. Bannock St. Denver, CO 80223

Thank you for your friendship and prayers. I can’t wait to share what this exciting year has in store!

Cheers!
Amy

P.S. If you live in Denver, and would like to attend my Applebee’s Flapjack Fundraiser, it will be August 16th from 7:30am-9:30am at the Glendale Applebees: 410 S. Colorado Blvd., Denver 80246. Tickets are $10 and include unlimited pancakes, sausage, coffee & juice! Let me know if you’d like to buy them in advance! (208-353-3381)