Sonrise Baby Home was crafted by the hand of God, and the original inspiration was given by Him. God is using many different people to accomplish His work in Uganda of saving babies and providing them with love and care. We want you to read about a few key people whom God has used in His work and ministry at Sonrise, and more fully understand the miraculous story that God is writing here at Sonrise Baby Home!

Damali Wattier:

Wabale! My name is Damali Wattier and I am 25 years old. I am currently director of Sonrise Baby Home in Jinja, Uganda. I have felt called to care for orphans since the time I was growing up in a children’s home myself. After my mother passed away from HIV/AIDS when I was eight years old, and my uncle passed away in that same year, my siblings and I went to live in a children’s home called, “Good Shepherd’s Fold” (GSF) in Jinja. My siblings, cousins, and I received the best care possible there and were able to thrive and grow. Since that time, I have also dreamed about providing the kind of love and care that I received in my own life to other needy Ugandan children.

I was very fortunate to have sponsors and receive support during my life at GSF. After leaving “Good Shepherd’s Fold Children’s Home,” I went to University and studied Psychology and Social Science. Throughout college, I also volunteered at “Give International”, which is a missions organization here in Jinja. Upon graduation, I received my dream job to care for orphans through working with an organization called “Samaritan’s Purse”. I specifically worked with the “Orphan Care and Equip Project” here in Uganda.

In March 2009, I made the decision to embark on my next dream: to care for orphans full-time. I prayerfully considered this decision, and felt like this is what God was calling me to do! The Lord led me away from Samaritan’s Purse fill-time into one of the most rewarding jobs I could ever imagine.

God led me to a home outside of Jinja, Uganda that was right across the Nile River from Jinja and was available for rent. After much prayer, I decided to rent the house and open Sonrise Baby Home there. I began visiting some babies that I had heard needed care and nourishment. I visited villages, pastors, homes, etc so see heir situations. God laid it on my heart to start with 10 babies and go from there. I clung to the promise that He would provide.

My vision for the babies’ home is to start small but then, Lord-willing grow to care for up to thirty babies. The babies will be with us from as young as one day old, up to 4 years. For now, once the child turns 5, he/she will move to one of the wonderful children’s homes in Jinja. We now have a dream of opening a Sonrise Children’s Home! We are praying that God will open doors for this project and that He will provide the funds needed. Our vision for Sonrise Baby Home Ministries is to eventually expand and add a Children’s Home for the babies to transition into. This is one of our greatest visions and goals! We would love to have the babies transition easily into a Children’s Home that is run by Sonrise Baby Home Ministries. The Children’s Home will be staffed by a “House Mom” who will be there to provide a loving, safe environment. All meals will be eaten together at home and there will be daily devotions and prayer time. During the day, the children will have the opportunity to attend school – all the way through high school – which is a rarity in Uganda! Our first step toward this goal is housing for the children, after which we will hire needed staff, set up daily routines, enroll the children in school, etc. Please join with us in praying for this dream to become a reality!