Hammy

One day I was busy working at my desk when Kendell, our Country Director called me downstairs. I reached downstairs to find him and a young woman sitting in the lobby. The young woman’s name was Hammy. Kendell wanted me to spend some time with Hammy and photograph her. Hammy was a child soldier. She was forced to carry a gun and fight during the war, barely a teen-ager. After the war was finished, she attended Samaritan’s Purse THINK home for girls- a nine month long program where ex-combatants can come and be rehabilitated, ecucated, and taught a skill. Hammy learned how to bake. With the skills that she left the THINK home with, she started her own little shop, to raise money to continue her schooling. She has been self-sufficient and has been able to pay all of her school fees with the money she earns from baking!

Hammy had stopped by our office that day to show her report card to Kendell. In that report card were only A’s. Kendell wrapped his arms around her to give her a big bear hug, and to tell her how proud he was of her. She shared that the teachers have allowed her to skip two grades in the past two years because she has done so well. She will be starting the tenth grade this year. Kendell pointed to her forearm, where a tattoe of her fighting batallion is still embedded on her arm. She quickly turned her arm away, shook her head and said, “That is the past.”

There are so many young people in this country that have gone through more than I can imagine. Some have been able to rehabilitate themselves, others are still out causing trouble. To see someone like Hammy encourages me more than anything. She has overcome her past, is moving on and excelling. Thanks for being such a great role-model, Hammy.