The Source of the Nile, The Source of Light ✨

alicebates132
May 13
4 min read

Updated: May 14

This past Saturday, thanks to the Ziingo team, I had the opportunity to step away from my volunteering duties in Uganda and visit a place that’s long captured the curiosity of explorers and travellers, the source of the Nile. In my ignorance, I’d never thought about what it would be like. I’ll be honest and say I didn’t even know the source was in Uganda.

After recovering from hitting my head once getting off the boat (I gave myself a mild concussion and I look like I’ve had a minor punch to the face), I was stood on a platform at that calm, unassuming spot where the world’s longest river begins its journey. Despite being still slightly confused, I found myself reflecting not only on the physical origin of something so mighty, but also on the deeper sources that sustain life - hope, resilience, and light.

I’m currently volunteering with charity called Ziingo who work in Eastern Uganda to support women and children in severely deprived communities. Ziingo sponsors children so they can attend school, distributes educational materials to under-resourced areas, and runs programs that empower women to become economically independent. Many of these women are emerging from cycles of domestic abuse or generational poverty. What strikes me most is that despite having so little by the world’s standards, many of the people I meet here carry an unshakable strength - a light.

That light doesn’t come from material things or secure futures. In fact, for many, those things are painfully out of reach. But there is a deeply tangible sense of God’s presence here. People have nothing else to rely on and so Gods blessings are incredibly powerful and seen. Most people who I’ve met have been Christians who are passionate about sharing what God is doing in their lives.

One of the many houses sharing the word of God

The journey to the source of the Nile came with a little unexpected adventure of its own. To reach the entrance, I had to walk under a number of giant webs - and I mean giant - woven between the trees by some truly enormous spiders. To everyone else around me, it was completely normal - just part of the landscape. But I’ll be honest, I nearly turned back! Spiders and I are not friends. But there was no other way down, so I had to laugh nervously, duck my head, say a little prayer, and brave the webbed tunnel, despite wanting to throw up! It turned out to be a pretty fitting picture of this whole journey - full of unexpected obstacles, small personal victories, and learning to keep going even when you're a bit out of your comfort zone.

Later, during our trip, we also had the chance to visit the artwork of one of the Ziingo volunteers - Meddy, who has been our driver throughout the project. I had no idea he was also an incredibly talented artist. He is so humble - he speaks little of his gift, yet his work is extraordinary - all hand-painted. His pieces are full of warmth and character, deeply personal and completely unique. So many paintings you see you can find in the next shop along. But not his. His are one of a kind. I ended up purchasing one that moved me instantly: a painting of a giraffe gently watching over another. It reminded me of the quiet way he has looked out for me throughout the project - always kind, helpful and protective. I was so pleased to support his business and am going to see how I can bring his brand to the UK.

Some of Meddy’s work

Earlier in the week, I visited the local market to buy supplies for one of Ziingo’s upcoming projects. The energy there is electric - stalls overflowing with vibrant fabric, the aroma of fresh produce in the air (I had to hold my nose), and the noise of people bargaining and sharing stories. I chose some brightly patterned material, and right there, a woman with a sewing machine measured me by eye and stitched a beautiful dress in just ten minutes. Ten minutes! It was a moment that captured everything I’ve come to love about this place - creativity, community, and an incredible sense of resourcefulness.

The indoor market

That same spirit of community was present when I attended the burial of the grandmother of one of Ziingo’s local volunteers. There were hundreds of people gathered - friends, neighbours, extended family - all there to offer their condolences and prayers. It was more than a funeral; it was a full day celebration of a life lived with deep faith. This woman had followed Jesus faithfully for decades, and it showed. I couldn’t understand a word of what was said, however, the speeches, the songs, the unity in mourning - it all pointed to something far beyond the grave.

There were so many in attendance that people had to queue just to witness her body being laid to rest. I later learned how deeply important it is here to physically show up for the family - to pay your respects in person, no matter the distance or inconvenience. It’s a vital part of honouring the life that was lived and standing with those left behind. I was also told that some people just turn up for the lunch - but they are few and far between!

Her life had left a legacy of light, and it was moving to witness how far that light had reached.

For me personally, God has been the source of light on this journey - guiding my steps, answering prayers, and often surprising me. In moments when I’ve felt overwhelmed by the scale of need or unsure of my place in it all, I’ve been reminded that He is present, not just for me, but especially for those who lean on him because they have no other safety net. That kind of faith has humbled me deeply.