#GivingTuesday - The Difference It Makes

On the eve of Giving Tuesday, we realize the number of emails and requests you get from organizations both large and small.  We are sure that every organization has a story similar to the one you are about to read.  But as you read THIS story, put yourself in the place of the young woman who is benefiting from donations that come, not only on Giving Tuesday, but the whole year through.  See her as she progresses from her first arrival at Promise Springs Rescue Center to her current status as she works out an attachment (internship) to complete her course in large machinery operations.

Meet Lucie:

She arrived at Promise Springs Rescue Center on August 9, 2021 with a 2 month old son Boniface.  Lucy attended high school with the other young mothers at the center, but she struggled.  She struggled in school. However, in her faith and her confidence, she grew.  Before coming to us, Lucie became pregnant and was chased away from her home.  Having no place to go, she went to the baby's father to find shelter, but found herself in a VERY difficult situation.  The baby's father was an alcoholic and Lucie was forced to work hard in the farm with no hope of ever returning to school.  Lucie needed a safe haven.  Even though Lucie struggled in school, she knew an education and a job was the only way to be able to provide for herself, her child, and help her family.

You can literally see the change in Lucie's face.  We see this time after time.  It is an amazing transformation that these girls go through.

They form bonds with other girls who have gone through similar circumstances.  They learn about God and how they are never alone.  They learn that they have worth.  

But for Lucie, there was still an obstacle.  She really didn't do well in school.  She was 19 years old and she didn't pass the national exam that would allow her to be given a high school diploma.  But God had a plan and as we talked with Lucie, knowing that she wouldn't be able to provide for herself and Boniface without some training, she told us her dream.  She wanted to be a big machine operator.  We were stunned and really didn't know where to start.  

Then  God, in His mercy, grace and love, showed us confirmation that we needed to help Lucie pursue this dream.  An pastor/counselor came to the center to speak and in the middle of the talk he said, even if you want to become a big machine operator, if it's your passion, you should pursue that.  I looked at Lucie and she looked at me, tears streaming down both of our faces, as we knew that was God leading us along a road that none of us, in America or Kenya had traveled.  It took several months.  Lucie went to school to get her driver's license which was a requirement.  Then we found a school that was suitable for her to attend.  And Lucie, who struggled in normal school, blossomed in the big machinery school.  She made good grades and when she was questioned about what driving those big machines was like she smiled a huge smile and said, "It's easy!  You just move your hands in a certain way and the machine does what you tell it to!"  

Lucie finished her course and it was time for her to go to her attachment (internship) so she could receive her certificate.  She got an attachment in Nairobi.  That is like moving from Sunset Beach to New York City!  Scary at best.  So the awesome staff we have been blessed with found her a room to rent and traveled with her to get her settled.  

She works in a construction site near the airport.  She is doing well and still learning new things.

Lucie using a jackhammer.

Lucie's story is a wonderful story of how your prayers and your support can make a difference.  We have had conversations with other organizations who say they stop supporting young people when they finish high school.  That is a start but they MUST be able to get a job so we MJST walk the extra mile.  Keep Lucie in your prayers and consider giving this #GivingTuesday to help the other girls waiting for their chance.  Not all of them will become big machine operators but they all have dreams and your support can help those dreams become a reality.  That helps them to break the bonds of poverty and that is a gift that is priceless. 

Lucie and Boniface today.  Jeremiah 29:11 "God has a plan for you.//"

May God Bless You All!