Jenny, Oh Jenny.......

Jenny is a very special girl to me. I met her over 3 years ago, on my first missions trip to House of Hope. Jenny was about 11 at the time. Her mom was a prostitute, she was VERY mean and abusive to Jenny, and she had TB. Jenny and her mom had just moved in the residential program here. Even though her mom was mean and hurt her many times, we watched Jenny take care of her ill mom, giving her medications, cooking meals for her and taking care of their little home....a big job for an 11 yr. old.

Jennys mom grew rapidly weaker, refused to take her medicine, and took her anger out on her daughter. Jennys mom eventually left the program to be placed in a TB care facility. Leaving Jenny behind. Jenny missed her mom, but was glad for the peace and to be able to focus on school and enjoy the life of a adolescent/teenager. That life soon changed. Jenny "fell in love" at the age of 14, which is normal for here. By the age of 15, it is common for marriage here in the poor areas of the country.

Jenny soon married a young boy, and moved into his parents home. Fortunately, they are christians and Jenny was not pregnant. She did not continue school, but seemed very happy. Her new mother in law often complained..."all Jenny wants to do is play!" and our response was.."isn't that what 14 yr olds do?"

Jenny has been married for almost2 yrs now. She just had a baby girl. Because of her link to life in prostitution,she is in our Tuesday program and is earning money making cards. Last month instead of being paid money, she asked April if she would buy her zinc ( for a roof on her house she and her husband want to build). So you can see Jenny is growing into a smart young woman.

But being smart doesn't save us from heart ache! A couple weeks ago, Jenny came to see us with tears streaming down her face. Her mom had died. Her heart was breaking! Her mom died angry. Jenny never got to hear her mom say "I'm sorry!" Her mom never got to see her beautiful little grandbaby. Jenny never got to tell her mom she forgave her.

Remember Jenny is just 15!

Jenny was the one who had gone to pick out a wooden box to bury her mom in. Jenny was the one that had gone to the paupers graveyard and picked the spot to bury her. Jenny was the one who had to plan the funeral.....and now Jenny is the one left to pick up the pieces.

The day, Jenny came to see us with the tears running down her face, we got to pray with her and share with her that God would help her pick up those pieces. That God would help her raise her daughter in a peaceful home. And that in God she is forgiven.

Jenny left smiling that day, but she left behind 3 ladies with tears, of admiration, running down our faces!

Jenny....oh, for us to be so brave!