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Imagine traveling for three straight days of international flights and bumpy bus rides to end up in a small village on the other side of the world. You step off the bus and you’re immediately greeted by song and dance, hugs with open arms, and young children grabbing your hands to raise them in the air. The crowd and drumbeats guide you into the center of the village. Tree branches wave, smiles beam, and you forget how far you’ve traveled to be here in this moment.
That was the welcome we received when our team of six Moxies arrived in Kodema, Uganda.
Last month, we were invited to join our client, H2ALL, on a trip to Uganda, Africa. H2ALL is on a mission to bring clean water to all. Over the last five years, they have built a network in Uganda that is connected to the villages, surveying land, drilling wells, maintaining systems, and teaching communities the importance of hygiene. And we were there to join in that impact firsthand.
That was the welcome we received when our team of six Moxies arrived in Kodema, Uganda.
Last month, we were invited to join our client, H2ALL, on a trip to Uganda, Africa. H2ALL is on a mission to bring clean water to all. Over the last five years, they have built a network in Uganda that is connected to the villages, surveying land, drilling wells, maintaining systems, and teaching communities the importance of hygiene. And we were there to join in that impact firsthand.
More Than Just a Team
Before we even landed, we were already family. The Uganda team had every detail planned to immerse us in the local customs and connect with the community. We saw the impact they had on villages receiving clean water for the first time, and others where they continued to maintain wells and provide education. They brought life and energy through song and dance. We shared meals, hosted a baby shower, played pool, rafted the Nile River, and took home the prize goat after a winning soccer match (he and his new mate will forever be named Moxie and Sozo). H2ALL and their Uganda team showed us what true collaboration looks like: joy in service, pride in progress, and love in every action.Positivity and Gratitude
Never once did we see a hungry child, though most only eat one meal a day. We only saw smiles and thanks for serving them a meal of rice, beans, and cabbage that is typically reserved for special holidays. Never once did we see exhaustion in the women carrying 40-pound jerry cans for miles, though we could feel the weight ourselves. Instead, we saw a lively community of women taking care of their families and gardens, dancing, helping each other, and sharing their stories. When we tried to carry the same water cans, they were along every step of the way trying to help us carry the load. It was a humbling reminder that happiness doesn’t come from abundance. It comes from a loving community.Strong Connection
In all my travels, I have never felt more connected to strangers. Everyone we met was warm, inviting, and a fast friend. Elderly women held our hands as we danced. Young men had a different handshake for everyone, a tighter hold of the arm of their elders, an extra thumb hold, or an added snap for friends. The young women and girls wanted to hold our hands, play with our hair, and take selfies together. The babies, however, weren’t quite so sure about these strange Mzungus.
Dreaming Big
We were fortunate to be invited inside homes in the village of Tobango to better understand the impact of having access to clean water. What we found was that once people are given access to basic needs, they’re able to dream bigger. Children are spending more days in school, with opportunities to move beyond their small villages. They dream of becoming teachers and doctors. There is a light in their eyes that tells you this is just the beginning.
Jambo Means More
While “Jambo” translates loosely to “hello,” it once carried a deeper meaning: to come and settle one’s affairs. It was more than a greeting, it was an opening for connection, for doing meaningful work together.
That spirit defined our time in Uganda. Every “Jambo” was an invitation to share, to serve, and to build something lasting.
And that’s what we do at Moxie Sozo. We connect with clients like H2ALL who greet the world with open arms, who lead with purpose, and who believe in the business of doing good. Because when enthusiasm meets intention, we don’t just say hello to new opportunities, we help create them.
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