Weathering Life’s Storms
Can you imagine yourself – sheltering from a torrential downpour – not knowing if the roof over your head might collapse at any moment?
Karim, Grace, Bashir and Pamela (siblings abandoned 8 years ago by their parents) all sat huddled in their one-room rental as the rain battered down on their leaky roof. Worn-out pots and bowls were strategically placed to catch the water. Oldest brother, Karim, got up and opened the front door to see the water level rising rapidly. Just then, a precious pair of shoes washed away and within seconds had vanished in the rushing water.
Will you help us uplift families who have lost so much this year with a tax-deductible, holiday gift of $35 or more?
I know all of this firsthand…because I was there. Two fellow Children of Uganda team members also joined me as I visited the family that day.
Grace shared with us, as she mopped up the floor with a sweater, that she hoped the rain would soon pass or they would be sleeping on a wet ground again. Again, did she say? Yes, sadly I learned this was not the first time the siblings had weathered such a storm. Thankfully, the rain did pass after a brutal 45 minutes.
This holiday season, you can invest in vulnerable families like the one described here with a gift of $35 or more. Your contribution of any amount will make an immediate impact.
This special family was first introduced to us in March. Since their parents left, the three youngest siblings have looked to Karim to be the protector and provider of the family.
And despite extraordinary odds, they have survived. Pamela (the youngest) joined our education program and Karim joined our Family Empowerment Program. Eventually, both Grace and Bashir joined our ranks, as well. The entire family has received counseling, emergency food bundles and personal care items. Moreover, Karim was supported to start-up his own soap-making business.
They are tremendously grateful for every little thing – but, what I couldn’t shake was the condition of their home. It’s without electricity, running water and is most assuredly not safe from the elements. Additionally, Pamela is the only sibling with an actual bed.
Are you able to extend your heart to your extended family in Uganda and make a life-changing holiday gift of $35 or more?
Life in Uganda has been dramatically changed since COVID-19 hit last year and our children have suffered the most. Schools have been closed, food and water insecurity continue to surge and the cost of living is deepening the level of poverty.
Through all of these challenges, you have been tremendously generous and kept families like Karim’s holding on. As the holidays approach, so does a new academic year. Schools are expected to reopen in January, 2022 and there is great uncertainty around rising costs. We need your support now and in the coming year more than ever.
Your tax-deductible, year-end gift of $35 or more will help us meet the ever-growing needs of families trying desperately to rebuild their lives.
On a brighter note, I am so happy to share that Christmas will come a little early this year, as we are in the process of securing a new home for Karim, Grace, Bashir and Pamela –complete with bunk beds and warm blankets for all!
Your ongoing love and compassion have also given us the ability to relocate 4 families this year (including a family suffering domestic violence) and provide them safe, secure housing. Will you continue your kindness for a family in Uganda this Christmas and donate a gift to help make their holiday wishes come true?
Thank you for generous support. May you and your beloved family be showered with all the gifts this holiday season has to offer. And, from all of us at Children of Uganda, we wish you a prosperous and joyous New Year.
With deepest gratitude,
PS: Now is the time to make the most generous gift you can give. Year-end donations of $35, $50, $100 or any amount of your choosing are tax-deductible and life-changing. Thank you!
