Yesterday I was editing newsletters from our overseas staff, and became very grateful for the freedom and security that we enjoy in America. I know that not everyone is food secure; there is poverty here too. But reading some of the stories reminded me that we have much for which to be thankful.
Here are just a few from the Ugandan staff:
“When I was young, I tried to convince my parents to take me to school, but my father always dismissed my plea, claiming that I would learn to write letters to boys and become promiscuous. Despite my father’s response, my childhood dream remained to learn to read and write” says Epronansi Owino, age 58. With training from CRWRC’s partners in Uganda, Epronansi has already learned to write her name and is continuing to improve her literacy skills!
Epronansi adds that she and many other women in her village are tired and embarrassed by signing documents with their thumbprint wherever they go, instead of writing their names like other people.
Florence has 5 children; one was abducted by the Lords Resistance Army rebels during the war and now she is remaining with 4. “My Parents were not really poor but they were very negative towards educating girls so I ended up being a baby sitter at home and at relative’s homes but my prayer has always been to know how to read and write.” Flo borrowed Shs. 10,000 (USD 5) from the group and is now involved in baking and selling pan cakes as a business.
Alice Akum is one of the members of this group. She and her family were displaced from their home by war and have lived in internally displaced peoples camps for over 20 years. Alice and her husband have seven children.
I am so thankful to live where women are encouraged to attend school and that we live in relative peace. When I travel to Uganda, it is common to speak with people who are just returning home from living in IDP camps; who have lost children to the LRA; who are making a living by being industrious and scratching for every penny. I have so much respect for what they are able to accomplish. If I were in that situation, I’m not so sure I’d be doing as well.
What's on your mind?