Family History

The chronicles of Maggie's family history lay stacked under volumes of other books with titles like "Single Mom's Survival Guide" and "The Psychology of Pain". We haven't even blown the dust off the cover, yet, we are already enrapt with the story line. I have many, many questions that I hope, at some point, will be answered. In Uganda, it is not necessarily common conversation or proper etiquette to bring up ones past family issues. Many things are often not talked about because they stir up pain, shame, guilt, and ignorance. They exist in survival mode. Anything that can help them carry on for one more day. Dwelling on your past doesn't really help your future.

We are a culture that survives on knowledge and preparedness. In this story, we have neither. What we do have is a major theme of compassion and redemption, which, from the Authors point of view, trumps both of the former attributes. Any knowledge we can glean from being a part of this story only enlightens our heart all the more. With that said, let me introduce you to two of Maggie's siblings. Denis Mukasa and Sylvia Nazziwa. Both of these children are sponsored through CHF's Child Sponsorship Program and I have had the honor of photographing them over the past 3 years. I don't know them well, but what I have seen in them is a very real attachment to their youngest sister. They are protective and nurturing, sticking close to each other whenever possible. And to be painfully honest with you, I have no idea how they really feel about Maggie leaving. Yes, they gave whole hearted consent to her adoption, but I can't help but wonder how this will all play out.

Pray that God will go ahead of us and make a way. Pray that God will bring comfort to hurting souls and trust that God is holding all things together in strong, warm hands.

To Uganda with a love big enough for every family member,

Ali