This quarterly update from Kalende shares the story of a child named Florence who is being brought into relationship within the community of care workers in Kalende. Her story in particular sits heavy with me. The truth is, the stories of the families served through Hands at Work always sit in the tension between deep sorrow and hopefulness. In this story in particular, the reality of Florence's life is so sad and disturbing, and you can see it in her face and body in the photo. But the beautiful and hopeful part is Charity's response to the pain Florence carries. Charity is a care worker committed to families like Florence's. Our support empowers and equips Charity in her ministry to love and support these families. I can imagine that loving a child like Florence and her family is not an easy love. Yet Charity says:

“I love her more because of [this] and I will continue to bring her closer so that she knows that her family challenges don’t mean that she is not loved.”

Though there is still significant pain in Florence's life, the care workers are bringing much needed stability to enable the process of healing and growth. I'm so grateful for the community of men and women there who intentionally seek out children like Florence and their families, and that we have the privilege to know them and support them. Please pray for Florence, her family, and Charity and the other care workers in Kalende.

You can read the full story in the report below.

Kristal