Believing in the Power of "One"

“one “ can make a difference and she truly did...

Our dear friend Bunny, who could not join us this trip, sent funds and requested us to do something that would lessen the burdens of everyday life for someone. As we made our way to Kayonza we asked Rebecca, who is responsible for 1,000 students at the New Life Academy, if she would assist us with this mission. Without much thought she directed us to this loving and needy family.

Vestine, a child sponsored through ANLM, took us to her family’s home. She was excited to have us visit with her family. Vestine is a good student and is the only one in her family that has ever had the opportunity to have a sponsored education.

Vestine’s mother, Damarce, was waiting outside for us. Her slight figure was dressed to greet visitors. Her eyes were bright with excitement and she warmly welcomed us inside her home. Her older son brought in a bench for us to sit on and then our conversation started. Damarce wanted to share her story with us, thinking that we were Vestine’s sponsors. She informed us that she was HIV positive but with the government allocation of drugs she is able to maintain her health. Her big challenge was finding enough food to feed her family and herself; the drugs require her to eat regulary, which is not always possible. Her husband died of aides and left her with five children, three boys and two girls. Unfortunate circumstances left her 15 year old daughter with a young baby; who she now is carrying for too. One could look around and see the home was in great need of a roof. A tarp covered most of the roof and other large holes were covered with bricks, banana leaves and wood.

We then shared with her our intent for the visit and that our dear friend Bunny wanted to gift her a new roof to lessen her burden. She held herself very still, hardly daring to breathe; her eyes were wide and brimming with tears and so was ours. She embraced us with great affection and asked us to give her love and prayers to our dearest friend. So thank you our dear friend Bunny; you have made a difference once again.

It was an end to a beautiful day – the day was crisp and sunny; the sky was a soft cerulean blue, intersected with puffy clusters of white clouds – once again, our hearts were swelled with overwhelming love.