International Women's Day/ Happy 1st Birthday Jonah

These two events are very appropriately connected.

Today, March 8th, baby Jonah Muhindo Gift Junior reached the significant milestone of 1 year. We celebrated with a party last night, his sisters and mom and a few friends. He loved the cake (!) even though he's not so interested in most food. He clapped his hands when we sang to him, and spent the rest of the evening entertained by his new blue soccer ball, or beating a bowl with a spoon and babbling.

But the real celebration is the woman who labored alone in her grief to bring him into this world, and labors on to build a life for her family. So on this day, a moment of tribute to Melen. A friend of one of our former team mates (who remains one of our real partners in provision here!) sent Melen a timely monetary gift, and both of us almost cried when Scott handed it over last night. She is quietly establishing a quality nursery school. Over a hundred students are taught by her current four teachers (3 of whom have certificates in early childhood education, and the fourth completed S6, which makes them all more qualified than the average primary school teacher around here) . . and they need more space. So she had purchased bricks and begun plans, but was out of funds, until this gift. Melen just got back from caring for the late Dr. Jonah's mother who was hospitalized. She manages the finances and supervision of her three oldest girls in boarding schools, and construction of the permanent house Dr. Jonah had planned on his village property. She has numerous family members living with and dependent upon her wisdom and resources. She is an African Proverbs 31 kind of woman, unassuming, uncomplaining, pressing on, with an inner peace and strength that have been tried by fire.

And so many women like her hold this continent together. We celebrate them today.