My African Mom

I first met her on main street, while running some errands with a friend. She sat on a stool as we past her. She instantly caught my attention. Her smile was filled with great joy, just as a friend of mine in Boise. In fact, she looked a great deal like this friend and it caught me off guard. She then followed my friend and I a ways down the road, as we chitchatted about this and that. Once she finally stopped us, she showed us the bracelets she sells to send her nine children to school. My friend asked about her children, and her entire body glowed with pride for her children! This is such a rare gem in Uganda. People love their children and want them to succeed, but rarely do you see the pride on their face. But this woman had that pride! Of course, I bought two bracelets. Actually, I rarely buy things from people who come up to me and share their sad story of how they cannot afford something. Yet this was different. We walked our separate ways, not knowing what may come next.

One week later, I saw the same woman along the same street. I greeted her like she was an old friend. When I asked about her nine children (and I made sure to mention the number), she was over the moon ecstatic that I remembered something about her. It was the moment I first heard her beautiful laugh, as she threw her hands in the air and gave me a big hug. I knew I had a friend for life. She told me her name was Caroline, and that her children had started school. She said she knew God would take care of the school fees, and she believed He would provide that day for her and her children. I had to finish my errands, and we once again parted ways.

The nine children

Every time I went to town, I secretly hoped I would run into Caroline again. Yet I never found her, until I stopped looking. A couple weeks ago, I walked out of a restaurant to find Caroline speaking with a missionary I know. Her face grew shocked and excited to see me, and she gave me a huge bear hug! I asked about her family, and she said that God was providing for them. As we continued to talk, she asked me if I ever would like to go and visit her family. When I told her that I would love to, she seemed as though she could not believe her ears! She asked me if I was sure, and I said, “Of course I am sure! I would absolutely love to meet your family.” Instantly plans were being put in order. She asked when I could, and I told her Tuesdays are easiest because they are my free day, but I could make any day work if I had to. She stated, “Oh Tuesday would be wonderful! That would be great. So I will see you next Saturday?” …. Next Saturday it is.....

She was in town a few days later and gave me a call. I met her there, and she shared how her children might be kicked out of school because she cannot afford her school fees. As we spoke, she asked me how old I was, and when she found out I was twenty-two, she just laughed and laughed. Apparently her oldest is in his twenties. On that day, she decided that she was my mom, and she began calling me, “my first born from America.” And I already thought I looked adopted! However, just like my mom, she worries I never eat. Which is silly with both because I have always been blessed with a love for food!

This is Jessie... My little buddy!

We made plans to meet in the morning, and headed out to her village. She lives about forty-five minutes outside of Jinja. As we walk from where the taxi dropped us off up to her home, she showed me where her church is, which her husband is the pastor. She also introduced me to a few church members and friends. Soon we were in complete farmland. She told me what every crop was, and how that particular farmer grew his crop. We came around one corner, when suddenly screams of pure joy come from the other side of the bush. A little boy, no more than eight years old came dashing around the corner, and ran straight into my arms. His name is Jessie, and we became instant buddies. I met all her children, her best friend, and her husband. Only Caroline and her husband speak English, making for a quiet visit, but we still were able to have a wonderful time. Just like any Ugandan, they made sure to feed me well. We shared a wonderful Ugandan lunch together, and bonded even more.

The entire crew

I learned something from Caroline. Not only do we pray for God to provide our every need, but we completely trust that He will provide. There is never a shadow of a doubt in Caroline's mind that God will take care of her family. Sure, she prays for it, but she speaks with such confidence in our God. She knows He will provide her every need, and He continually does it. Why is it that someone who only makes a few dollars a week trusts God like that, but those who have it all doubt God will step up and do what He does best? I put myself out there in the doubting category as well. I grew up in a land where what we need to survive is so readily available, that when it is taken from me, I panic. I wonder where God is, and how my needs will be taken care of. How pathetic can I get? God cares for His children, and He will always do so.

Caroline will always be a wonderful example of trust for me. I thank God that He placed her in my life. I know together we will hold each other up in prayer, and we will be friends for life. She is my African mama, and I doubt that will ever change.