Three years ago, when I took over Sseko and was just starting Arise, It was clearly stated in the MOU that we were supposed to leave the warehouse after 3 months of ownership. But I held on—clinging to the dream that one day, I might re-purchase it from the man who had partially bought it.
Then one day, a new vision was planted in my heart. A vision of moving somewhere else.
I was scared. Scared of the unknown. I resisted.
The child in me hoped that maybe money would just fall from heaven—or maybe I’d kick a box and boom, there would be a stack of cash to make everything work without moving.
Why was it so hard to let go?
1. I was comfortable. That warehouse was familiar.
2. I had built it. I was deeply attached—to the memories, the hard work, the little green garden, the trees. After 10 years, I wasn’t ready to walk away.
But eventually, I had to remind myself: no matter how much I loved it, I wasn’t the owner. And one day, the person who had partially paid for would come for what was his.
So I sat with my anxiety, with the fear of letting go. And then I chose to shift my focus—from fear to faith.
What if…
1. In the new space, we could impact even more girls, women and men.
2. This is the place where God is truly calling me to serve!
3. This new land would allow us to do more than we ever could on that half-acre?
4. We’re being called to grow—and this is the path?
As I leaned into those thoughts, the fear began to fade. The vision became clearer. And I decided to take the leap.
Today, that dream is taking shape.
Because you believed. Because you stayed. Because for 14 years, you’ve stood with us.
Here in Uganda, from sunrise to sunset, our crew is working hard—brick by brick, beam by beam—bringing this vision to life.
One of the most powerful full-circle moments is seeing our lady engineer, Charity, leading the construction. A former Cornerstone girl (Class of 2007–2008), Charity once dreamed of joining the Sseko Scholarship Program in 2009. Though she didn’t make it then, I told her:
Now, you’re helping build the very space where the next generation of Gap Year girls will be launched.
What a journey. What a blessing.
Let’s keep building—together. 
Agnes
Magezi Development Initiative 
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