Land of a Lifetime

“Last evening my heart was singing!”

These are the words of Esther referring to the purchase of her own land; a dream I have had for her and her family for the past year.

A few days after I returned back to Uganda, we were sitting together with Ojada in the hospital. She looked at me with a serious face, desperate for any hope I could give her. She was sharing with me her deepest fears. She said, “What will happen to my children in their future?” Esther was diagnosed with HIV in December, and since, only worries for her children. She has NEVER asked me for anything, which is rare for a Ugandan. I told her, “This is the time Esther, we are going to buy land for you. God’s people love you and want to provide for you.”

I could continue to buy her the things she needs at the moment (food, school fees, medical care); however, those things will always be there. In purchasing her land, she can build a life for her family.

Her first husband was killed by rebel soldiers leaving her with two children (now 20 &18 years) and her second husband left her almost 2 years ago now with three children (5 total) and HIV. I also found out that this man has several other wives. Along with those struggles, baby Amelia also has HIV and Ojada has bone cancer (and has not improved). Esther has had no place to call her home. She had been staying in Kapelebyong (the original home of her husband who left her) before the cancer of her son. Since she has been gone treating Ojada in Kampala, her mother-in-law has stolen almost everything she owns (along with things I have given Esther). I knew it was up to me, and the grace of God, to get her out of that place.

It’s been one week since we have bought the land, a place for her and her children to call home. When Ojada is healed, she can begin to plant crops and cantaloupe (I brought her the seeds).

I would like to give a major THANK YOU for all who have been supporting the projects in Kapelebyong, Uganda financially and emotionally. If it weren’t for your hearts, this would have never been possible.

This is a photo of Esther on her new land in Katakwi, Uganda with her son James (20 years), baby Amelia (2 years in Feb.), Ojada (9 years) and Esther’s father (69 years).