I would love to think that my words could give justice to this woman, the life she has lived, or the children’s lives that she has impacted. It cannot. I will only try to give you a glance into what is basically an abyss of self- sacrifice, perseverance, and determination that continues today.
>Anastasia speaking with John as he prepares the metal bars for our veranda glass<
Anastasia Juma born October 11th 1959, in Kisumu Kenya, is the mother of this narrative, and I could cast her as the star, but it would never really capture her entity. After 20 years of service to sisterhood and God, Anastasia left the convent completely altering what she thought was her only rightful place in life. It was the early 1990s, HIV/AIDs prevalence was on the rise in Kenya and with it, its pervasive stigmas. Anastasia decided to take a stand. She shed light where there was only darkness, a darkness that left mostly innocent children cast aside. The sisterhood, like almost everyone else at that time did not show support to those affected by HIV/AIDS. The disease was not well known, understood, or accepted. What little was known led to perceptions that “HIV was only among sinners, those who are not self-disciplined, or prostitutes. But these people had become my best friends”. – Anastasia Juma.
Anastasia could not sit silent in acquiescence of the sisterhood’s perspective, thus she chose to leave. “ I had to request to leave, no one wanted me to leave.” While families were casting aside their own in fear, Anastasia welcomed them into her home with a perspective unseen in western Kenya.
Anastasia started a community based organization (CBO) called OLPS (Our Lady of Perpetual Support) for people living with AIDS and orphans in 1992. Her community of Kisumu currently has an HIV/AIDS rate of 14.3 % while the national average is 5.6%. This organization offers many services including HIV/AIDS testing, health and medical treatment at their on-site clinic, and education to a community of almost 2 million people between Siaya and Kisumu Counties. In addition, OLPS has also provided support to over 3,000 children who have been orphaned by HIV/AIDs through their (OVC) program.
>Anastasia speaking with John as he prepares the metal bars for our veranda glass<
Anastasia Juma born October 11th 1959, in Kisumu Kenya, is the mother of this narrative, and I could cast her as the star, but it would never really capture her entity. After 20 years of service to sisterhood and God, Anastasia left the convent completely altering what she thought was her only rightful place in life. It was the early 1990s, HIV/AIDs prevalence was on the rise in Kenya and with it, its pervasive stigmas. Anastasia decided to take a stand. She shed light where there was only darkness, a darkness that left mostly innocent children cast aside. The sisterhood, like almost everyone else at that time did not show support to those affected by HIV/AIDS. The disease was not well known, understood, or accepted. What little was known led to perceptions that “HIV was only among sinners, those who are not self-disciplined, or prostitutes. But these people had become my best friends”. – Anastasia Juma.
Anastasia could not sit silent in acquiescence of the sisterhood’s perspective, thus she chose to leave. “ I had to request to leave, no one wanted me to leave.” While families were casting aside their own in fear, Anastasia welcomed them into her home with a perspective unseen in western Kenya.
Anastasia started a community based organization (CBO) called OLPS (Our Lady of Perpetual Support) for people living with AIDS and orphans in 1992. Her community of Kisumu currently has an HIV/AIDS rate of 14.3 % while the national average is 5.6%. This organization offers many services including HIV/AIDS testing, health and medical treatment at their on-site clinic, and education to a community of almost 2 million people between Siaya and Kisumu Counties. In addition, OLPS has also provided support to over 3,000 children who have been orphaned by HIV/AIDs through their (OVC) program.
Not only does Anastasia’s organization take care of the community, but to date, she has had more than 100 children come through her private home. Sometimes in need of a meal, a place to stay, love, or acceptance. As the children kept coming and the OVC program grew, the apparent need for a children’s rescue center turned from a dream into concrete plans laying the foundation in 2006. Initially, funds came from fundraising within the community that surfaced the equivalent of 12,000 USD. Subsequent funds came in a similar fashion or from bank loans that Anastasia took to keep the center progressing forward, some of which she is still paying off now. However, money for the center was becoming more and more difficult to attain. While, trials and tribulations not unknown to construction in Kenya attempted to halt progress, the knowledge that there were children in unsafe situations on a daily basis made the concrete foundation continue cornerstone by cornerstone.
An American Non-Profit organization, Mama Hope, became another cornerstone in this mission in 2011 upon discovering a half constructed building with a fully driven woman behind it. Since then they have lit the path toward getting the center opened.
An American Non-Profit organization, Mama Hope, became another cornerstone in this mission in 2011 upon discovering a half constructed building with a fully driven woman behind it. Since then they have lit the path toward getting the center opened.
With Mother’s Day nearing, I can’t think of a more pertinent representation of the struggles of motherhood. Rather than look forlornly at the children of Kisumu, Anastasia chose to open both arms to them. In a country so bound by tribal lines, no ounce of tribe or blood lines were necessary to create the necessary family bonds these kids so desperately need.
Anastasia is generally referred to as mother or sister (in reference to her years as a nun). These are both terms of reverence, which you know if you had the pleasure of calling someone by either of those names. It is reserved for select individuals that you place on high totem poles. I can’t tell you how many children call Anastasia mother. I do know that each time I hear it, it stands out to me, because this woman has not taken on the title of mother automatically as many do, due to the blood lines they share with their children. She takes on the title of mother for the responsibilities she willingly bears for the sake of their futures.
I am sharing this story of Anastasia in hopes that this Mother’s Day you will highlight her story of strength and compassion and support the Mama Hope Organization and my fundraising to complete this rescue center.
To donate in honor of your mother, visit: http://www.stayclassy.org/rescuecenter
> anastasia (middle) talking with two neighbors at the rescue center<
Anastasia is generally referred to as mother or sister (in reference to her years as a nun). These are both terms of reverence, which you know if you had the pleasure of calling someone by either of those names. It is reserved for select individuals that you place on high totem poles. I can’t tell you how many children call Anastasia mother. I do know that each time I hear it, it stands out to me, because this woman has not taken on the title of mother automatically as many do, due to the blood lines they share with their children. She takes on the title of mother for the responsibilities she willingly bears for the sake of their futures.
I am sharing this story of Anastasia in hopes that this Mother’s Day you will highlight her story of strength and compassion and support the Mama Hope Organization and my fundraising to complete this rescue center.
To donate in honor of your mother, visit: http://www.stayclassy.org/rescuecenter
> anastasia (middle) talking with two neighbors at the rescue center<