I didn’t realize, until I met Carrie Wagner to interview her about her book “Village Wisdom:  Immersed in Uganda, Inspired by Job, Changed for Life,” that I have been following Carrie’s international career for nearly two decades. While Carrie was in Uganda, I was a graduate intern in Lugano, Switzerland along with Carrie’s childhood friend, Bonnie. Bonnie received Carrie’s letters and shared stories about her friend in Uganda with Habitat for Humanity International. Nineteen years later, as I sat down to conduct this interview with Carrie, I felt that I was meeting an old friend.

Carrie’s book is exquisite. It is chock full of photos, letters and journal entries from her three years in Uganda. The book also includes vibrant photos from a recent trip back to the village. She and her husband Bob (who served in Uganda with her) traveled back last year with their two young sons, who are just beginning to carve their own paths as global citizens.

As I read about the personal transformation that took place during her three years abroad and the years that followed, the hurdles she and Bob faced in Uganda, the challenges within the community, the cultural learning, the beauty of the people she befriended and the inspiration of her friend and colleague Job, I literally wept.  It was hard not to well up as I told Carrie how much her book and her friend and colleague, Job, inspired me.

Needless to say, it is with heartfelt pleasure that I introduce you to Carrie Wagner – author, photographer, trainer, speaker, educator – as well as mother, wife, daughter, Christian and more!  (Please note that this interview was a very authentic conversation between two very passionate educators – and like great conversations, it was not short! This video interview is part 1 of 3.  Parts 2 and 3 will follow soon!)

You can purchase Carrie’s book here. (A portion of the proceeds go to Job’s village in Uganda.) It is an incredibly honest book. She does not provide a flowery cushion through the tough parts of her experience; they are graphic and very real.  And because of that, her book and journey are that much more meaningful and inspiring.

I am honored that Carrie has agreed to join the Melibee Global speaker series.  Please read more about her workshop here and contact me if you’d like information about how to book her.  And please stay tuned for parts 2 and 3 of Carrie’s interview – they’re coming soon!