Fingerprints All Over My Heart
Day 39
I am not sure if anything will come of this, but I have shared the story of Ate (pronounced Ahh Tay) Beth. She is a beautiful hard working mother of 8 children who was sold into the human slavery market as a child herself. She doesn't remember her family, but the people who "bought" her taught her some skills that have helped her survive along with her own indomitable spirit. She is smart and has a wonderful work ethic herself, but also has a child who is graduating from high school very soon. She is very concerned because she doesn't have enough to pay for her daughter's first year of college. Through our conversation I came to understand how proud she is of her daughter (whose grades are excellent). This girl wants to become a teacher. There is so little chance for some of these people to rise above their level of poverty, even with intelligence and a wonderful work ethic. But for a few who could possibly achieve the credentials then there could be a difference made. The amazing part is this girls first year of college would only cost about $500 dollars. Cheap to us, but a fortune for this woman who charges a measly 6 bucks for an entire weeks laundry. And she washes it out in a bucket all by hand. She works 7 days a week for various people but labor is very cheap here, so between all of her various children and the cost of living she cannot seem to get ahead. I wonder if among my teacher friends, and all my friends and family if we couldn't make a difference and at least help pay for this girl's first year. What do you say folks? 10 dollars? 20? More... ??? I am going to try to scrape something together before I leave, because this woman inspires me so... and I am sure her children are all amazing despite the hard hand that poverty has dealt them. Just a thought... just a thought!