Tough Questions
After some difficult weeks, Hilda and Aminsi took joy in delivering much-needed food and clothing to Aminah and her daughters yesterday!
January has been a tough month! I wrote about the loss of our Shamim a couple weeks ago.
On Saturday, 17-year-old Margret lost her baby boy shortly after his birth. With the quick action of our team and the support of our donors, she was able to deliver in a clinic. However, the baby had complications, and there is no neonatal intensive care in rural Uganda. The support and care from our team and the community will help Margret heal physically and emotionally.
Another teen in the community, 14-year-old Phiona, passed away on Monday from severe health complications related to diabetes. Despite all efforts to get her treatment, in the end, it was not enough. She needed blood transfusions and the hospital did not have the O- that she needed.
These losses are heartbreaking and shake us all. We get angry at the lack of health care and resources and makes us question whether we are doing all we can to make a difference.
Back when I was teaching reading strategies to 5th graders, we would look for text signposts that would indicate a turning point for a character. I would share an example from the book “A Long Walk to Water” based on the civil war in Sudan. The main character, Salva, is faced with the loss of his entire family and has to decide to continue his journey as he flees the rebels. He asks himself first: “How can I go on? But then he asks himself, “How can I not go on?”
Our team works so hard each day, checking on children, delivering supplies, and running the vocational center, all while caring for their own families. They see incredible need and are faced with challenging conditions.
But we all answered the tough question, “How can we not go on?” So many are thriving and have been lifted out of poverty. Lives have been changed because of all of you and the donations you have given.
Tough times can renew a commitment. Choosing to stay and do the hard work is being brave. So, we continue to make a difference with you by our side.
I try most often to bring you good news and uplifting stories and I hesitate to give you sad news. However, it's a reality of the work we do.
I know it can be difficult to understand what conditions are like for people a half-world away in a remote Ugandan village. I hope through our pictures, videos, and stories you see and feel the change you are making possible for so many.
And- there is some good news this week! Schools are starting the new term and our kids are going back. Thanks to all of you, we are supporting the education of many orphaned children.
Kuluthum is thrilled to be starting Primary 4! She was beyond excited to get her new uniform and school supplies. Without your help, this would not be possible.
Next week I'll have some more wonderful updates and pics of the kids returning to school!
Now, I'm going to go rip the month of January right off the calendar!
With Gratitude,
Mary
P.S. Thank you for all you do to make a difference!
