“Sarah Mae is our longest-running partner and working with her is a wild privilege — it continually reminds us of why we do The Cause! Over the years, Sarah has demonstrated a beautiful commitment to love people well. Sarah’s ministry, Suubi House, serves some of the most underserved people in the world. Sarah operates with a pure heart toward individuals and deep wisdom that helps her understand what they truly need. We are so excited about all that God is doing through Suubi House.”
– Morgan Funke,
CEO/Executive Director
“It’s a funny story, my family has always called me Suubi ever since I was a baby, but of course, it was just my silly nickname,” explained Sarah Mae. “I didn’t think it had any meaning…”
When Sarah arrived in Uganda over 11 years ago she kept hearing her nickname and was told that it means ‘hope’ in Luganda. God used that experience to speak to her — that she should “be, bring, and share hope.”
It was when Sarah met a sweet girl named Vanessa who has cerebral palsy that she felt really called to work with children with special needs and their families.
“That’s who the Suubi, the Hope, was for.”
Suubi House is the Hope House. They work with children in Kampala, Uganda that have special needs and disabilities while coming alongside their families to offer support. “We want every house to be filled with hope.” – Sarah
What all do you do to help train and equip the parents of the children in your care?
We do our best to individualize the care that we give to each family according to their needs. Some families might need to learn a new skill so that they can provide an income, so we will put them through a tailoring or hairdressing course.
Others might not know anything about their child’s diagnosis so we take them to the specialized hospital so they can learn from the doctors/therapists etc. and ask all the questions they have.
I think one of the greatest things we do is provide a community and safe space for these families to connect and they are the greatest teachers to each other! They are the experts and it shows when we all get together and the moms start sharing advice with each other, it’s really beautiful.
What is your relationship like with the parents?
I love the parents. The way they love their children and are willing to do whatever it takes to care for them, despite that the culture can still tell them these children are cursed and unworthy, is incredible. The strength that I’ve seen in many of these moms is out of this world. I am truly honored to call them my friends.
Tell us what a day in the life of Sarah at Suubi House looks like!
It’s really so different every day! Some days I’ll get in the car to drive to see a family for a home visit and just sit with the family to hear how they are doing and other days it’s picking up a child and their parent to go for a doctor’s appointment, or maybe we are getting all the moms together to have a class about starting a small business! I love that no day looks the same!
What is a common misconception about the special needs and disabled community in Uganda?
For a long time, the special needs community was not even seen. When they were seen, they were called cursed or bewitched. I’ve met many children who have neighbors who didn’t even know they existed because the families feared the ridicule and shame they would face if people knew that they had a child with disabilities. But slowly the stigma is being broken down. The community at large is becoming more educated on what special needs and disabilities really are. It is still a problem that our families face but I’m happy to see the changes that are happening. They are a lot of wonderful organizations that are advocating for the inclusion and rights that these people deserve!
If Suubi House was to expand and had no financial limitations, what would that look like?
We would open a center in the middle of where most of our families live, hire full-time staff and start a daycare program!! I have so many dreams for the future of Suubi House.
Tell us about a personal experience with your ministry that has stuck with you?
There have been so many beautiful, hard, joyful moments that it’s difficult to choose one! But one day that will always stay with me is the day I met Vanessa.
I went into what I can only describe as a shack to get some lunch from a lady selling local food. This is when I met Vanessa laying on a piece of cardboard on the floor. I looked at her and saw the most beautiful and bright girl. God had given me the vision of Suubi House before meeting Vanessa but I was looking for clarity of what it was really supposed to be. When I saw Vanessa, I knew what God wanted for Suubi House. I’m so grateful to have met her.
What is your hope for the parents and children that will be helped by the work you’re doing?
My hope is that they would be filled with hope through their physical needs being met, the education they receive, and the community they get to be a part of all in Jesus’ name.
How have you seen yourself change and grow since founding Suubi House?
What a loaded question! I’ve grown and changed so much over the years, as we all do, but I think the greatest growth has been in my faith. There are many times I’ve had to “live by faith and not by sight” doing this ministry. Days where I’m really not sure how we will move forward but only by faith in Him. And that faith keeps growing like a muscle every time it’s exercised!
How can we pray for you?
Prayer for continued faith over fear. Also for financial provision so that we can continue to help the most precious kids and families.
How can someone support Suubi House?
By becoming a monthly supporter! We really need the consistency of monthly support and any amount helps. By sharing about Suubi House with your friends, family, church, or inviting me to share! And of course by praying for us.
How has The Cause helped your ministry?
The Cause has been such a huge blessing to me and Suubi House! The Cause does all the behind-the-scenes work so I can focus on the ground. They are the most amazing support system. The Cause cheers me on when I’ve got exciting things going on and they lift me in prayer. They give wise counsel when I’m going through a difficult season. I’m truly grateful for The Cause.
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