I honestly find it hard to believe that it has been more than 2 decades since I lost my parents. I soon learned how to be a mother myself as a teenager. In Rwanda, normally parents pick a school for their children, a major, advise them whom to date or hang out with etc. I thought myself all this. However, I refused to be soaked in loneliness. Along the journey, I discovered my passion & life’s purpose: caring for those in need. Poor, orphans, abandoned. It’s no wonder! I have been one of them at some point in my past. I love orphans, all of them. I sometime have silly thoughts: if I was super wealthy, I would build the biggest castle, and host all the orphans of the world; then I would become a mother to each and everyone one of them.

I know what it is like to be the best in your class and not have someone to say they are proud of you. I certainly know what it is like when you are hurting but there is no one to tell you that things will be okay. And I absolutely understand how it is like to marry a man of your dreams and parents are not present to witness their little girl’s best moments. I already have had two graduation ceremonies without my parents and sometimes my siblings far away. But I hope to be a mother and inspiration to many.  Silver and gold I have none; but such as I have I would give: LOVE in the name of God, the great I AM.

I have three younger siblings that I love with all my being.  I cannot imagine a life without them. They tought me what love is. Through them, I learned how to be a mother, a big sister, a best friend, a role model, a better person. Only God knew how much I needed them.  They bring happiness to my soul. I would do anything for them, and this is my promise to the living God and my parents I forever long to see again. They have my word.

It took me a long time to forgive, I still struggle sometime. But one thing that keeps me afloat the hatred is that I need to be forgiven myself. If God had to weigh my mistakes, I would be ashamed myself. So if I do wrong things too, who am I to judge? We all need forgiveness. Hope, forgiveness, and love come from GOD, He Who will judge all the nations and reward the peace makers.

If I was asked what motivates, encourages, pushes me to love, forgive, and above all be a better person, I have just one answer: I have no doubt that my parents are in heaven with God; the bible tells me that “I have to strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord” (Hebrews 12:14 ESV). Therefore, I will do whatever it takes in this life to live peacefully with everyone and be holly, because I live with a sole hope that I’ll see again my Mom and Dad in the new life that knows no sorrow or separation. Yes, for all that’s worth, I’m willing to sacrifice everything to please the GOD who has my parents with Him. Glory be to HIM forever and ever. Amen!