Whilst training as a nurse on the wards in hospital, I got to know the tragic circumstances of village life: Many mothers were dying after delivery. In my free time, I used to sew clothes for the children on the ward. This was just a small way of helping them.
One day, I was really shocked when a man from the Massai tribe lost his wife while she was in labour. He did not want to take his son home and insisted that I take him. He said, “He is yours, you go with him and I will buy you a cow in exchange!” At that time, I had nowhere to put this precious child. This was only one of several occasions where something like this happened to me.
In 1996, I joined the “Agape Centre”. In 2005, the same man opened a school for orphans and asked me to be a matron! Again, I found myself facing the question, “Can I manage this?”
The answer was “yes!”. Shortly after, I enjoyed helping to build the school, plant the garden, and most of all being “mum” to the girls. I felt at home and knew that I was in the right place at the right time!
After two years there, I felt like the Lord was opening a new door for me.
Then one day in 2010, Fiona came for a visit to the Agape Centre. This was the beginning of a deep friendship and a “divine appointment”. One day, I felt to share what God had put in my heart concerning orphans. Fiona was obviously moved and said that what I was saying was echoing in her own heart. This was a great encouragement to me. However, since Fiona was busy moving and “spying out the land”, things were a bit on hold for a while.
One day, Fiona had the opportunity to accompany me to Mbeya (my home town) to meet my family and to visit the nearby potters’ village. During this crucial visit, we started sharing more of our heart and vision for the orphaned and abandoned in Tanzania. I was blessed when Fiona told me that God had made it clear to her during our prayer time that she should stay in Tanzania and partner with me. We immediately started praying and looking for land.
Now, almost five years and many miracles later, I still find myself facing the question, “Can I manage this?”. The honest answer is “no”. I cannot manage this. But, by now I know that the Lord can. He is the One who is guiding my life. And I am certain that He will continue to guide me. He will accomplish all that needs to be accomplished. Praise Him!
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.” – Eph. 3: 20