Meet Rebecca, and her precious baby girl, Deanna. Over the two weeks I spent in Uganda, an unforgettable friendship between Rebecca and I was formed. From the moment I first stepped out of our fourteen passenger van, which usually was crammed with sixteen people, Rebecca ran right up to me and gave me the biggest hug ever. She had the biggest smile on her face and couldn't stop thanking me just for being there. She was so grateful and so incredibly joyful. I found out later that night, that Rebecca would be my 'chore buddy'. Our job was taking out the trash, which meant dancing all the way to the trash dump and laughing uncontrollably the whole way back. The next week, our chore changed to washing the pots and pans, which ended in us chasing each other outside the maternity home throwing pots full of water at each other. I've never had so much fun doing chores!
Rebecca could put a smile on anyone's face. She was so genuinely happy and joyful. She was so funny and did anything she could to encourage the people around her, whether they were having a bad day or not. Hearing Rebecca's story, I was heartbroken. She has been through so much in her life, more than I could ever imagine enduring; and not only has she survived everything she's been through, she's remained joyful, because she knows that all of her trials are God making her stronger. Her weaknesses are God's strengths, and she surrenders herself to God, giving Him the ability to mold her into exactly what He wants her to be. Not only is she an amazing mother, but she's an amazing Christian and I'm so proud to call her my friend.
I love you, Rebecca.
"Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance." James 1:2-3
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