My New Friend

Hadijjah & Abbey 2022.

I recently returned from a life-changing trip to Uganda. One of the highlights of my time in Uganda was visiting the Divine Care Ministries’ schools. I have so many stories from each day, but I will share one that I will never forget. 

We visited Divine Hope Primary School, where we got to spend time with the children, speak to them, play games, tour the campus, and visit classes. While speaking with the headmaster, he explained some of the school and students’ needs. One present need is school uniforms. Each child has 2 uniforms. He pointed out a young girl who was in a navy blue dress who clearly stood out as she did not match her classmates’ plaid uniforms. She was pulled out of class in order for us to see her dress, which was too small as well. Hadijjah had outgrown her uniforms and her family was unable to pay for a new one. I later asked to speak with her one-on-one to learn more about her, her story, and her situation. Going into the conversation, I was prepared to talk to her about shame, as I was certain she was feeling a sense of shame from being called out in front of our group, as well as her peers. I quickly discovered that she was experiencing a different need than I was anticipating. She simply just wanted to fit in, feel accepted, and loved by others. I learned that she comes from a family who is struggling to provide for her and her siblings. She explained that she had been raising money to buy a uniform since school started back, but had been unsuccessful to this point. 

I later asked the headmaster how much a uniform would cost and how I could contribute to getting her a uniform. (One uniform costs 40,000 shillings which is equivalent to about $11.) I was able to speak with the seamstress to confirm that she would be able to sew her a dress in the next few days. After doing so, I was gladly able to give them the funds in order to make this happen for her. 

This sweet girl had opened up to me about her life and shared about her family. I was able to encourage her with the hope of the gospel, explained to her the love Jesus, and spent time praying with her. Hadijjah was longing for a means to get a uniform so that she would then feel like she fit in and was accepted by her peers. It was crazy to me to see some of the struggles that the two of us share even from what seems like two completely different worlds. 

A few weeks later, I received the most exciting message saying Hadijjah was given her new uniform! I was also informed that this act of ministry brought this sweet girl to Christ! She has since been sharing her story and spreading the gospel to other students. She even organized a time of fasting and prayer amongst her classmates. Pastor Peter saw her heart being changed and gifted her with a Bible that she can now use to share with her friends and bring home to share with her family. Because of my obedience to God’s call, this precious girl now has a uniform and is no longer seen as an outcast amongst her peers. 

Hadijjah captivated my heart in a matter of minutes. I felt called to chase her down and pursue her with the same love that our Father pursues us with. Through this story, I learned that when we just listen and obey His commands, these simple acts of love He calls us to can be used by the Lord to further His kingdom. 

I now am able to pray for Hadijjah, my sister in Christ, and her family from across the world! One of the most loving acts we can do for one another is pray. Please join me in praying for Hadijjah, her family, and her fellow students at Divine Hope.

-Abbey L.