Today we had a great experience of going to visit a local home with a woman from Living Hope (if you haven’t read my earlier post on Living Hope – please do. They’re phenomenal!). The woman I visited was so beautiful – laughing and smiling the entire time. It wasn’t until afterwards I learned A bit of her story.
She had been abducted when she was around 10years old – my own daughter’s age. She was given to a commander in the LRA (Kony’s army) as a wife and had to give birth in the bush to her children. She managed to flee and successfully escape. As one of the other women shared about her own similar story with Cam… she knew if she stayed in the LRC she would likely die. If she went home – she had been threatened to be murdered. Either way she would likely die. She chose the option of dying at home and risked her life and gained her freedom. These women are beyond amazing and strong. Often times they return home and even though they were abducted and forced to do things far beyond their will… they are shunned. Their families and neighbours know that they were a rebel, and perhaps had even killed people.
Again – loving that Living Hope and Watoto is working to help these women work through their trauma, and regain their dignity. The woman I was with shared how she is now able to make a living, and rent her own home of which she is so proud! She shares it with her three children and her younger sister. She manages to pay the rent and afford food. And have a smile on her face the whole time!
Here are some images of her in her home, and showing me around her village.
Isn’t she beautiful??
And her beautiful home! SHe was so proud of it – and she should be!
Her beautiful younger sister who lives with her.
Great neighbours!
She then took me to the school – which is right next door! This is the head teacher (principal)
And this is her son right in the front row of his kindergarten class. Isn’t he the sweetest? This school has over 100 students in only kindergarten. The rest of the students must walk to a primary or secondary school.
We then met her neighbour Kenneth – he use to teach English so he spoke perfect english which was great! He gave me a full lesson on how to make mud bricks which was super interesting! Kenneth told me most Ugandans can make about 600 bricks a day – some people as many as 1,000. Crazy! We were also told yesterday that all boys by age of 16 should know how to make their own hut.
When Kenneth went to get his mold to show us how to make bricks, we stayed back to make sure no one took his solar charger… a great item for a Ugandan!
And then his daughters came home for break – they’re so sweet!
We wandered around the village – here’s a glimpse into her neighbours and village.
In the Bible we’re told a rainbow is a sign of God’s promise… so I thought I’d end this blog post with this double rainbow we saw that evening.
I have had comments from several people that they are familiar with Watoto, their choir and work. I had never heard of them before… just curious if you had, or if you hadn’t your first thoughts on them! To learn more about how you can be involved with Watoto, contact then at canada@watoto.ca or visit www.watotocanada.com
Lots more blog posts coming… tomorrow we are going on a safari at sunrise!
Celebrating life and love,
Krista
thank you for sharing such wonderful experiences!
Amazing!! Your loving and beautiful heart would be so welcomed! xo
beautiful story. such hope
Love it.
Amazing! Love that you are making us all here feel like we are right there too. I can’t think of anyone better to be on this trip then you.